Another interesting fact concerning the Gilbert Hall of Science were the folks who maintained the trains on the layouts there: the Savoy Merchandise Company on West 23rd St. They also bought and restored AF locos from the Hall of Science and sold them at a discount. There was an AF expert mechanic named Ernie from whom I personally purchased motor brushes and other needed parts when I did my own maintenance. My dad and uncle purchased several of my engines there, as they were rebuilt as new and looked and operated well.
I discovered Savoy Merchandise Company walking down 23rd St on my way to Madison Hardware in the very early 1970's. They had a Gilbert American Flyer sign in an upper window that caught my eye. No old stock. But I did buy some current production Lionel MPC there from time to time.
