Harry Heike's Large Version GCT Base Shipped

"Can you get one lighted...?"

Absolutely.

Just when you thought that Harry Heike's Grand Central Base could not get any better, well just take a look at these photos with the new Light Package added. Here you go.

Shipping update. Harry shipped the first GCT Base unit this past week. Others are going out next week. If you are interested, it looks like Harry has improved the window for you to receive yours.

That really looks nice.  First class all the way.

Art

I've been looking for the station...and would like to order the base. I can't find Harry's company on the banner or via internet search. How do you order?

I had the large version of the station but it was damaged and sent it back. In reality, it was too large for my layout. The small version will look awesome.

Paul, Harry's e-mail address is as follows:

harrys_trains@Comcast.net

This should work. Can't wait to get my larger version. It will be very dramatic on the layout. At under $ 1,000.00 and with this kind of quality, it is truly a "steal of a deal".

The lighting is a great compliment to a beautiful piece.

Thanks, Brian.

I sent an e-mail to Harry. I got mixed up and sent one to Dave Hikel (from his OGR banner) earlier, but I believe they are not connected.

The large terminal and base really needs a massive layout = giant city to look right without dwarfing other structures/areas. It should look awesome on your layout. 

The small terminal and base should nestle in nicely between my SuperStreets at one end of the layout.

 "small terminal and base should nestle in nicely between my SuperStreets at one end of the layout."

Paul, that's why I suggested to Harry that he concentrate first on the smaller version of the GCT. There are a lot of them out there that need his piece to dress it up. This is one example that the bridesmaid steals the show.

Looks fantastic 

It is my understanding that there has been a question raised by a Forum member(s) if I have a business relationship with Harry Heike. The answer is emphatically NO. 

Harry has been a good friend for a very long time. He was the individual that did all of the beautiful work on our Rail Runner passenger set and we are both very grateful that he was willing to take on this project. We also have other beautiful products that he has produced on our layout.

I called Harry this past December to see if he would be willing to do a GCT Base for me. He readily agreed to do it. I mentioned to him at that time that it was my belief there was a good market for a base for the smaller version of the GCT as well. He liked that idea very much.

So my involvement has been to STRICTLY HELP A FRIEND. I have never asked for one penny from Harry nor will I do so in the future, no matter how many GCT bases Harry sells (and I hope it is a lot of them). My gain is simply to see a real nice guy in our hobby do well. That's it.

In a way, it is kind of insulting to think that anyone believes that helping someone must be tied to some form of compensation. Perhaps those individuals who incorrectly believe I must have some vested interest with Harry should personally see how nice it is to just help a friend and expect nothing in return. It might just make their day.

I trust that this puts an end to this totally wrong assumption.

Harry has made a nice product, great modeling.

Brian,

Count me in as someone who has been happy that you have been pushing this and keeping the forum updated with it.  Without the posts on this over the past 6 months or so, I know I would have NEVER been aware of this.  I have never been to Harry's site before, never met him, and so I would've never known about this great addition to the GCT without it. 

Long-term forum users know what certain users are passionate about and like to talk about often.  I never mistake that for hawking someone's products or promoting anything.  I just take it as a keen interest and wanting to share it with the larger O gauge community.

Thanks towdog for your comments. They are spot on. I have a passion for all things passenger trains and it is a pleasure for me to help promote something like Harry's wonderful new GCT Base that creates additional interest in this part of our O-Gauge hobby.

DWGTrain requested on another Thread related to Harry's GCT bases, if a photo of the larger version is available. Because of the number of orders, Harry started work on the smaller version first. He is now concentrating on the larger version to fill orders (including mine). As soon as it is ready, and it won't be very long, I will be happy to post photos of my unit.

Stay tuned, I think you will really like it. 

Passenger train collector

Are there two sizes of Lionel Grand central stations?

If so what are the dimensional differences? Roughly.

For anyone else who would like a detailed face panel for the rear wall of the small Lionel terminal, contact Harry asap. The large Lionel terminal has completed walls on all four sides, but the small version only has three. Harry told me if there's enough interest he'll make one.

The lighted Structure is fantastic...

Ron, there is a huge difference in the size. Not comparable. The larger size was issued at 250 units, that's it. If you have one you know how big it really is. There are many more smaller versions out there now.

How soon can you post a picture of the large one....

Hey, that's a neat additon to the GCT, but I can't find any reference to it on his website....

http://www.harryhieke.com/

Is anyone working on making Penn Station from the railroad that was "Standard of the World"?

http://explorepahistory.com/st...1-9-10&chapter=2

I received a photo this morning of the first base installed on a layout. Hopefully it will get posted to the Forum soon. It is just beautiful on a really nice layout. What a difference the base makes to the this Terminal.

I understand Harry will also make replacement windows for the Lionel GCT...

It really needs some good windows...

Harry called me Thursday evening and told me this would be an option. He said after looking at the factory installed windows, they could be significantly improved at a minimal cost. This applies to the larger version as well.

More on this soon.

Had a nice Chat with Harry last evening. He is making the final additions to the base for the larger version of the GCT. Should be outstanding when complete.

For those who will be our guests on July 11th, you should be able to see this installed on our layout. If it does what the base has done for the smaller version of the GCT, it should greatly improve it's appearance. We are both looking forward to it's arrival on track 1. 

Please post pictures of the Layout....

As soon as I get it installed, I will post photos DWGTRAIN. I have some major modifications to the layout in order to make this work. When I built this part of the layout in 2006, I extended the station area over the lower level of the layout to accommodate a tinplate Terrace and 116 Station. When the larger version of the GCT arrived, I was lucky that it fit in the same space. Harry's GCT base is huge, so I am now adding on to my base to make it a perfect fit.

I just spoke to Harry and our base is shipping tomorrow. It is finished and ready to go. Exciting times on the layout.

Harry has the assembly line working.

Looks GREAT!!!  Thanks for spearheading this new project/product.

WOW, very nice

jim r

Exciting!

I just found this thread.  Is it too late to order a lighted one?  

Brian, Harry continues to receive orders regularly for both version of the GCT Base. And yes, most folks are ordering the light kit with it (that includes me and there are a lot on mine).

If you want one, I will pass your request on to Harry. Looking at the photo above with Harry's assembly line, you won't be alone.

I spent the day today fabricating an extension that will surround my existing base that holds the GCT. The current base is located on the lower level of the layout, so when Harry's new Base Unit arrives, from the "City" street level it will be just the GCT and Harry's Base.

I am now waiting the arrival of stone walls (to match what I am already using) from Scenic Express, hopefully on Monday. The stone walls will be affixed to my base extension and it will be ready to be installed on the layout. Then there is the much anticipated arrival of the larger version of Harry Heike's GCT base Unit. This should take a wonderful model of the GCT to a new level.

The Harry Heike base unit has lots of details and quality and he is using the very best materials available including the best in doors and windows. And lights, this baby is going to have a generous amount of them. I told Harry, don't hold back when it comes to the amount of lights you install.

As soon as Harry's base unit arrives, we should be ready to install it. I will post photos when finished.

Yes.  Yes, you will. 

Forrest, I envy you. You are the very first to have this wonderful new Harry Heike GCT base installed on your layout. You did a superb job in the installation and where you placed it.

Ours will be the first of the large version, but you are still # 1.

Also many thanks to Chris Lord who was kind enough to let Harry use his GCT to make sure the size is 100% correct.

Yeah, I must admit I am greatly pleased. Harry did a great job. The resulting combo is nearly perfect. 

The large version is going to be spectacular. I expect to see a video of the cab-forward Daylight arriving. 

"I expect to see a video of the cab-forward Daylight arriving."

I would love to do it, but the Cab Forward is assigned to the lower level of the layout. Little problem also on the upper level with just 0-42 curves as well. But it will be running close by. I hope that counts.

Can't wait to see photos....