Toy Train Review 2, the second issue of TM’s recreated video magazine, places emphasis on modern hi-rail operations and individualized layout construction techniques and styles. Robert Suarez honors his train collecting Dad with an impressive command control hi-rail layout. Robert hired Roger Farkash of TW TrainWorx to build a pike that incorporates many modern-style Lionel toy train operating accessories, including many of the carnival rides. Ross track was used in the layout’s construction and features reverse loops for operational interest through mountain scenery inspired by the Colorado Rockies. In a later chapter, Roger Farkash presents a ‘clinic’ on making grass in detailed scenery.
‘Precision’ is the watch word for the 2-Rail O-Scale pike built by Bill Leider. Detailed weathered scenery and scratch-built structures based upon real buildings grace this beautiful pike. Gorgeous hand-built engines and rolling stock can be viewed running on superb track work resulting in extremely smooth operation of model trains. For realism, this chapter is the most convincing by far of the video.
Bill Taylor got his start with Lionel space and military trains as a kid. Currently he has a layout on which both 3-rail hi-rail O gauge and modern S gauge trains are operated conventionally … two layouts in one. MTH trains and operating accessories dominate the action. Lionel American Flyer and SHS S gauge trains are used to achieve forced perspective in the scenery. An impressive central scenic feature is a 9 foot long timber trestle bridge. Gargraves track was used throughout and mountains were built by traditional paper and plaster on screen wire.
A baggage car can also be a club’s car. The Lone Star Hi-Railers in Grapevine, TX have built a hi-rail toy train layout for public display in a baggage car. The layout is 65 feet long by 9 feet wide on the ends. Super Streets were used for cityscapes. The scenery reflects the west Texas landscape. Joe Luciani’s hi-rail layout also draws its inspiration from the Southwest. Accordingly, the scenery is arid spare. Joe features the operation of long Class A freight trains that one finds operating in that area. Mountains were constructed using sculpted insulation board techniques and the trackage is Atlas configured into a folded dog bone. The trains are predominately MTH for which Joe has a bit of a love-hate relationship as the technology has evolved from Proto-1 to PS2 and PS3.
John Palm discusses Century turnouts by Hirth Hobbies in Chicago offered as an alternative to Lionel switches from 1954 - 56. The Hirth Century turnouts incorporated swivel rails (not unlike American Flyer switches) had a much cleaner appearance than the Lionels, but were less durable.
Speaking of Chicago … a personal favorite is the historic bonus material from Toy Train Review from 1991 that includes footage from that year’s Chicago TCA convention … a video scrap book with the Count Basie Orchestra playing “Chicago” in the background. Toy train layouts, train fans of all types and stripes, and operating Erector set constructions wiz by in a kaleidoscopic fashion in what is the most entertaining bit of this second issue. Track making at the former Lionel Michigan factory and specialty detail repainting of Lionel F3’s by Richard Sharrey are (re)shown. All providing wonderful glimpses at what the hobby looked like over twenty years ago.
Enjoy.
Bob Bubeck
