Thanks guys!
Dave, some of the appliances are pushing it a bit when it comes to their actual age, but they matched pretty closely with photos we had as far as the style goes. Some things looked the same or pretty similar for a few decades.
Frank, we do indeed have a few more trains in our display. Our original intent was to focus mainly on the trains since most people like seeing things like that. The appliance shop style was an added bonus once we saw that photo and decided to go that route. That said, I began collecting a couple of sets for the window over the summer when we first began discussing the project and ended up obtaining an example of every O gauge locomotive Lionel had to offer in 1921 (a couple didn't make the display this year because they need cosmetic restoration work) plus an Ives set for some character. Ultimately I found room for nearly everything I had and it really filled out the display with a nice cross section of Lionel's offerings including their cheapest cataloged set as well as the most expensive they had to offer in O gauge. I have a few more freight and passenger cars to obtain to fill out the collection, but I've got the bulk of it.
David, thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the display. I was there for awhile at the beginning of the event Friday to see it off on its first night. Although I was excited enough when the display came to life after we assembled it early in the week after months of planning, it was even more special getting to see the visitors enjoying it. They were the final piece to the puzzle since I know such displays drew the same attention 100 years ago also. Thanks for the great video too!
