I first went to Lionel Service in Canfield Ohio two years ago for school. Having liked the state of Ohio very much we (Dotty and Carl Chancey) deceided to go back to visit with good friend Mike Reagan for his Service Department Open House. We arrived Thursday and spent the day at the facility with Mike and his great staff. The day ended by Mike taking us to supper. We were lucky to have Bill Parisi offered to take us to some train stores the next day. We first went to Mercer Junction in Mercer Pennsylvania and met the owner Dave Minarik (AKA King Mouse) who showed us his great store and layout. While there we met up with forum member Larry Brown from Portland, Oregon. We got the royal treatment from Dave and while there, Allan Miller the OGR Editor-In- Chief, walked through the front door. This day was definitely headed up hill very quickly.
Bill Parisi at Mercer Junction trying to decide what he needs.
Mercer Junction Train Shoppe. A real first class operation.
The next stop after a great lunch was the Underground RailRoad Shoppe to meet with the owner Lou Palumbo. Lou has a great shop with a fantastic old school operating layout. Lou ran the trains and talked about the hobby with us and he was a great guy with a wealth of knowledge.
A few shots of the layout with Lou at the controls.
Left to right-Lou Palumbo, Dotty Perry (Ralphs Mom), Myself, Carl Chancey and in front, Larry Brown from Oregon.
The next day was show time at Lionel. Mike had a store set up inside with thousands (yes thousands) of locomotives and rolling stock for sale at way below York prices. Guys/Gals this is the place to do your shopping. I had a ball visiting with friends and many forum members. It was great to see Marty E, Lou Caponi, Allan Miller, Ed Boyle, Louis Niederlander, Brian Tusin and many other members and friends.
Here is where it all takes place.
Mike and several members of the Maine 3 Railers. These guys have done a lot to keep the hobby going well in the state of Maine. They drove 950 miles to spend the day with Mike Reagan and his staff. People who will do that drive are tops in my book.
All the rolling stock on the left shelf was priced at $8.00 each and the rack on the right all had die cast trucks at $10.00 each. I will not talk any other prices, as they might make people cry that were not present to score the great deals.
Just a few pictures of stock for sale. The fellow in the above picture in the Lionel shirt is Brian Tusin. Brian is one of the top techs that fix your trains when you send them to Canfield.
I wanted a picture with my old friend Lou Caponi. I purchased my first trains from Lou back in 1980 at York. Lou and I are also Hot Rod buddies. We have a lot in common and he is a fantastic friend and family man. Years ago when I wanted to add catenary to my layout and could not get Marklin wire, Lou got it for me.
Another photo I will always keep. Both Mike Reagan and Brian Tusin are great guys.
The end of the open house was followed by Mike taking everyone who worked the open house out to eat. A great few days in Ohio and Pennsylvania was had and enjoyed very much. This event is going to be added into my train year. Thank you Mike Reagan and all his great staff for a great time.
Thanks for posting a good time Marty.
