anyone know what happened to big boy's layout?
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Sad to see no one knows anything about this amazing layout. I know it was large complex but I hope they were able to find a good home for it.
He had several folks that were helping him with the layout over the years, but I don't know that any of them are on OGR now.
That was a wondrous undertaking, but I always wondered whether it was so ambitious that it could not have a happy ending. But for many of us, the pleasure is in the ambition.
He lived in the greater Twin Cities area, and I believe he was active in the local model railroad club. If you have contacts in St. Paul or Minneapolis and their train museums, might be worth asking them if they know what happened to the model railroad (and his family).
Elliot Feinberg, aka Big_Boy_4005, was involved with the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum, but I’m sure anyone there would only be able to offer limited information. Here’s their website:
This is an estate that essentially went to his son and wife. My guess is that it is still in place, given the task of clearing it out. At one point, Elliot said his son had no interest in the layout but I seem to recall that his interest changed at some point.
I had the privilege of visiting Elliot's layout in 2019. He graciously opened his house to a stranger that he only knew through the internet and a couple of phone calls.
It was a technological masterpiece - multiple decks winding through his basement. He was just starting to add scenery; IIRC a couple of scenes were completed. Unfortunately, his physical challenges were catching up with him - he could barely get down to the basement - and it brought the progress to a standstill. A brilliant, innovative, and passionate guy - I can only imagine what he could have accomplished if given a few more years of good health.
That was some undertaking between the size and electronics of the layout but Elliot was moving right along at a nice pace. Sad ending. Hopefully his family did continue with it.
I was one of many who enjoyed big boy's posts. He was an amazing guy. At one time, Elliot had built and managed a massive layout at the Super Mall of America.
Below is a link to those that want to learn more about his massive home layout, the thread is below.
My dream/nightmare layout... July Update 7/31/19 Big Boy month! | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
@DL Brunette posted:I was one of many who enjoyed big boy's posts. He was an amazing guy. At one time, Elliot had built and managed a massive layout at the Super Mall of America.
Below is a link to those that want to learn more about his massive home layout, the thread is below.
My dream/nightmare layout... July Update 7/31/19 Big Boy month! | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
The shopping center is just called the Mall of America. Elliot’s Entertrainment business didn’t last very long after the mall opened in August 1992, but it fit an emphasis by mall managers to create an atmosphere that included activity stores, not just retail spaces, at the time.
Jim R.
I have been seeing the add on the back of ctt magazine saying entertrainment was closing on January 25th 2025. All trains and stuff were being sold off. Was that a different place?
@E-UNIT-79 posted:Jim R.
I have been seeing the add on the back of ctt magazine saying entertrainment was closing on January 25th 2025. All trains and stuff were being sold off. Was that a different place?
Yes, totally different place. One was at the Mall of America. The one closing now is outside Cincinnati
Thank you Allen.
