I had the opportunity to meet Marty & Dotty recently and visit with them (twice in 2 weeks!). While I was there they made a point to show me the house and tell me all about it. What a fantastic gift!
John
I am a relative newcomer to the OGR forum but an O-gauge modeler since I was a youngster. In the short time that I have been following the forum, I have seen Marty's comments and assistance to others what seems like hundreds of times. And his mentions of the model catenary on his layout, which he has been building for 35 years, and the technical knowledge which he shares with others on the forum, have led me to admire and respect him - and I have never met him. Best wishes Marty. Enjoy the "house."
MELGAR
I was at Alex's house for the unveiling, it was pretty special. Marty was speechless, that's somewhat hard to do. 
MELGAR posted:I am a relative newcomer to the OGR forum but an O-gauge modeler since I was a youngster. In the short time that I have been following the forum, I have seen Marty's comments and assistance to others what seems like hundreds of times. And his mentions of the model catenary on his layout, which he has been building for 35 years, and the technical knowledge which he shares with others on the forum, have led me to admire and respect him - and I have never met him. Best wishes Marty. Enjoy the "house."
MELGAR
Once you meet him, you will know you were right all along!
Nobody could have done it better than what Alex did. I constantly have people visit and everyone loves the house. Yes John, I was speechless because it was something Alex wanted to do. No B-Day ore occasion. I am very thankful to have Alex as a friend.
gunrunnerjohn posted:I was at Alex's house for the unveiling, it was pretty special. Marty was speechless, that's somewhat hard to do.
Yes, I too liked Marty's reaction. Completely genuine.
I'll say, it was an amazing piece of work by Alex, I was pretty floored when I first saw it as well!
Wow, what beautiful work. I'm really impressed with the detail and the layout in the basement is a special touch.
Alex, you are way past good at your craft. 
I went back today and watched this video again. I am a You Tube Junkie, and this video is well done and a lot of model train fun.
Check it out: Gary
First time I saw this.
Really great job on the model! And, that video was a lot of fun to watch!
Alex and I were in contact for many months as he planned this project and I supplied info and pictures. I'm glad he got it done in time for his open house and the presentation could be shared with our friends. Yup, Marty was definitely surprised and more than pleased.
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This is the first time I saw it too, it's beautiful!
This was a great day with many great forum friends, never forget the smile Marty had in his face.
Thanks, Alex
Home is where the heart is. And Marty's heart has always been with all of us O gaugers. Congrats to both Marty and Alex.
Alex, That beautiful model says as much about you as it does about your modeling abilities - all of which are topnotch. Your thoughtfulness and kindness towards your friend shines through every inch of that structure. You have everybody's respect and admiration for your skills and for your sense of how to treat a friend. BravO!
FrankM
Alex
You know next year everybody coming expects either a house or a box made of 2000 toothpicks smuggled from the emperor of Japan
Question, is there a photo of the layout that's inside that house?
These are the pictures I sent Alex, the ones that he downsized to put into the model. These area all facing the back of the house, as if you're looking through the front basement windows, from left to right:
These are pictures of the other side of the room - facing the front of the house. The sitting area to the left of the stairs. The model of 30th Street Station on the upper level is also an Alex Malliae creation. The highly detailed Dunkin Donuts to the left is custom made by a modeler friend of Captain John (Xenides) in Rhode Island. The "Dotty's Store" to the left and "Marty's Train Depot" to the right are Ameri -Towne buildings that can be purchased as kits through OGR.
The area to the right of the stairs -facing the front of the house. Yes, that is Mike Reagan's old Train America Studios sign in the corner. Mike gave it to Marty and it's signed by the TAS guys: Mike, Phil Hull, Mike Pennline, and Brian Tusin.
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Moonson posted:Alex, That beautiful model says as much about you as it does about your modeling abilities - all of which are topnotch. Your thoughtfulness and kindness towards your friend shines through every inch of that structure. You have everybody's respect and admiration for your skills and for your sense of how to treat a friend. BravO!
FrankM
Hi Frank
I thank you so much for your beautiful words !!!!!
Thanks, Alex
bluelinec4 posted:Alex
You know next year everybody coming expects either a house or a box made of 2000 toothpicks smuggled from the emperor of Japan
It's a bowling bag ball, I'm mean a bowling ball bag !! Lol
Alex
