These pages show my Lionel model train layout and some of the locomotives that I have to run on it.
In mid-summer, 2015, I came across a large box in my basement with a couple of locomotives and cars from the Lionel model train I had when I was a kid in the 1950's. The locomotives still worked. So I decided to create a new layout. In the process I upgraded to Lionel's new Legacy control system that allows remote control. I also purchased more modern locomotives that work with the Legacy control system. The locomotives shown in the picture below are new "Legacy" versions. But I still have and can run my old locomotives in conventional mode.
Most of the train components, track, scenery, and products to make the scenery were purchased at Toy Trains and Collectibles in Manassas, Virginia. They're a great train store with very helpful and knowledgeable owners and staff.
The theme of the layout is a logging theme because the area where I grew up near Cadillac, Michigan, has an extensive logging history. In addition, both of my grandfathers were lumberjacks; I have pictures of both in logging camps. The other reason the layout has a logging theme is because I discovered that Lionel made a Shay steam locomotive and I had to buy one because Ephraim Shay invented it less than two miles from where I grew up. Of course, his invention predated my presence in the area by around 70 years.
Note the transformer with the orange tops on the power handles. I bought it when I was a kid. After
Dan at Toy Trains and Collectables replaced a badly dry-rotted power cord, it worked great. The picture
below shows the finished layout. Below the picture you will find links to videos of the layout and trains
running on it. After the videos you will find links to pictures that show the work-in-progress and details
of some of the finished regions.
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The links below are to movies of the layout and trains running on the layout. They were taken with the camera either on the train as it moved around the layout or of the train moving around the layout. |
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This is a video of my Shay Locomotive on the layout. Elapsed time: 1 minute and 38 seconds. |
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This is a movie of my Ann Arbor Railroad diesel locomotive on the layout. Elapsed time: 53 seconds. |
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This is a movie of my Union Pacific conventional steam locomotive on the layout. Elapsed time: 1 minute. |
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This is a movie of my West Side Lumber Company Shay steam locomotive, my Ann Arbor diesel locomotive
and my Union Pacific conventional steam locomotive pulling trains on the layout. Elapsed time: 1 minute and 23 seconds. |
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This movie shows the model train layout from the train's perspective using a GoPro camera that is being
pushed ahead of the locomotive. Elapsed time: 3 minutes and 21 seconds. |
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This movie shows the model train layout from the train's perspective using a GoPro camera that has been
mounted on a gondola car and pulled behind my Ann Arbor Railroad diesel locomotive. Elapsed time: 1 minute and
43 seconds. |
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This movie shows the model train layout from several perspectives using a GoPro camera. Elapsed time: 23 seconds. |
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The remaining links below are to snapshots of the layout, various stages of its construction and fabrication, and some of the locomotives and trains that I have in the set. |
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I took several pictures at intermediate stages during the building of the layout.
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I took pictures of scenery, buildings, individual trains, and various features on the layout.
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