What is Your 'Centerpiece'?

The Elizabeth Book Shop might not be prototypical. It is not weathered, does not represent a real structure of any kind. It is not vintage (yet) and it would not fetch big $$$ at a Stout Auction. But there was a time before my layout was built when I had nothing but a few pieces of track on the floor and would sit with my daughter talking about what a model train world might look like. She thought for a while and then disappeared only to return with the this custom creation: "The Elizabeth Book Shop".

"Here Daddy, I made you a building so you can start your layout."

There is nothing more precious in my collection.

-Chris RBP

@Chris1985

Yes Chris that is what it is all about!  Thank you for sharing this important message.

By the way you have many focal points on that beautiful layout.

Wood

My mantelpiece  center piece is a photo of my dad's last loco, Southern mikado #4526, that he fired in 1944. (I acquired it from Southern museum, so won't photo and post due to copyright questions). He was about to become an engineer when WWII intervened.  Model centerpieces would include bashed steam dummy, steam coach, incomplete McKeen car ( in progress), and a number of scratched and bashed grain elevator models, and a scratched  Great Western (think #90), sugar beet plant.

Like the OP, my mantlepiece has dueling scale Hudsons.  I was on two different dealer's waiting lists and ended up buying both of them.  This was in my bachelor days when I was nuttier than I am now, I hope...

Nice posts !

I’m crazy about my GS2

@Tuscan Jim posted:

I absolutely love that tug, and often find myself looking out for a Pennsy version. And it's almost impossible to ignore the charm of the term "removable river"!

Jim, the Pennsy version is also very attractive and even has a little more detail than the NY Central version. The Pennsy has more lights. I also have the Pennsy and will post  a photo and/or video of it.

@Chris1985 posted:

The Elizabeth Book Shop might not be prototypical. It is not weathered, does not represent a real structure of any kind. It is not vintage (yet) and it would not fetch big $$$ at a Stout Auction. But there was a time before my layout was built when I had nothing but a few pieces of track on the floor and would sit with my daughter talking about what a model train world might look like. She thought for a while and then disappeared only to return with the this custom creation: "The Elizabeth Book Shop".

"Here Daddy, I made you a building so you can start your layout."

There is nothing more precious in my collection.

-Chris RBP

Doesn't get much better than that, does it?

George

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Jim, the Pennsy version is also very attractive and even has a little more detail than the NY Central version. The Pennsy has more lights. I also have the Pennsy and will post  a photo and/or video of it.

Lionel Pennsy Tugboat

Short video of Lionel Pennsy Tugboat with sounds and lights on, hear seagulls:

A receipt for a new engine. That my spouse never saw.

N&W's TE-1.

RON

Well seeing that my layout is an island type that takes up the whole basement. It is my centerpiece.

@Bob Paris posted:

... my mantlepiece has dueling scale Hudsons ...

Bob,

You've raised the bar.

I now have to add a second Hudson, this time a Williams Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series, BS-02 to my new mantel (when it's finished):

By the way I think I'll stop here.  My centerpiece ends at two Hudsons.

On the other hand, I may have to redesign my proposed mantel to be longer than I originally planned ...

Mike

Two scratch built bridges for the outdoor shelf layout above the patio outside the workshop. First is an open deck girder made of soldered steel. Second consists of two wood truss bridges and an under truss open bridge.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Short video of Lionel Pennsy Tugboat with sounds and lights on, hear seagulls:

Great, thanks Arnold!   First time I've ever heard one.

Jim

Well, it is in the center, more or less . . .

Cheers,

- Mike

My D&RGW L-105

@Chris1985 posted:

custom creation: "The Elizabeth Book Shop".

"Here Daddy, I made you a building so you can start your layout."

There is nothing more precious in my collection.

-Chris RBP

🤗❤️

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Bob,

You've raised the bar.

I now have to add a second Hudson, this time a Williams Crown Edition, Masterpiece Series, BS-02 to my new mantel (when it's finished):

I had one of those Crown Samhongsa build J3s from William's. They are spectacular! I had it converted to 2 rail, I sold it long ago after I bought a Smithsonian set but what beautiful piece.

@Chris1985 posted:

The Elizabeth Book Shop might not be prototypical. It is not weathered, does not represent a real structure of any kind. It is not vintage (yet) and it would not fetch big $$$ at a Stout Auction. But there was a time before my layout was built when I had nothing but a few pieces of track on the floor and would sit with my daughter talking about what a model train world might look like. She thought for a while and then disappeared only to return with this custom creation: "The Elizabeth Book Shop".

"Here Daddy, I made you a building so you can start your layout."

There is nothing more precious in my collection.

-Chris RBP

__  Comment. Of. The. Year. ___

And there were 11 months left. 

My centerpiece would be this wall section.  I change out the shelf with different engines and cars.

This is a closer up picture, someday I'll paint the little wooden train that's part of the shelf.