The all-new Toy Train Review is just that – TM Books and Video is reintroducing the popular video magazine from the 1990’s in up to the moment high resolution video format. The proceedings tilt towards the toy train side of the hobby, each layout for the most part being an autobiographical slice of life for its respective owner. As with most magazines, a smorgasbord of topics is offered.
The layout of Joe Gurdak is an elaborate hi-rail affair with lots of small details in the form of wee people, vehicles, and the bits of reality with an emphasis on the ‘Standard Railroad of the World’. Rocco and Nick Marciano assembled an extensive Lionel postwar collection and layout that proved to be a cure for sibling rivalry. The key feature of the layout is its underpinning is varnished wood rather than the usual ‘green’ so as to mimic the track being set up on a floor. The brothers go with all original postwar whenever possible. One can literally raze the roof with Bill Reynolds, who constructed a hi-rail layout with many personal touches, accessories, special lighting, and a new attic built to suit.
In the ‘nuts and bolts’ department, we visit TW TrainWorx with Roger Farkash who illustrates his techniques for making mountain scenery by “Mountain Magic” and a demonstration is included off Lionel’s LCS (Layout Control System) using an iPad as the interactive interface. Comic relief is provided by numerous cleverly crafted video sight gags using Lionel’s space and military trains.
Two bonus topics of particular interest from the very first 1991 TTR are the move of Madison hardware to Detroit and the visit to the Lionel Archives circa 1991. I had not seen either and both were as engaging as the new topics. Some coverage of the 2-rail side of the hobby would be a welcome addition to future issues.
Lots of fun for the 3-rail O gauger with an inclination towards the more whimsical side of the hobby.
Bob
