I've never been because I heard it was in "poor repair". Also, I'm only 1 hour from the Choo-Choo Barn in Strasburg (which is a hour south of Roadside America). I guess I've been to the Choo-Choo Barn over a dozen times since 1980. However, Strasburg has 3 other train attractions to make the trip worthwhile.
Even in "poor repair", I think folks interested in the evolution of model railroading would enjoy seeing it at least once.
I would have no interest in seeing a recreation with modern materials. The original materials are part of what there is to see
C W Burfle posted:The original materials are part of what there is to see
Good point.
Are the employees looking to purchase the complete site of 26 acres of land with the building and display layout? Or is the $750,000 just for the building and display layout?
if they have to purchase the complete site with display layout are there any opportunities to sell the land afterwards and possibly make a profit which would go towards relocating the display layout?
I'm not sure exactly what the 750k includes, but I can say with almost certainty, it does not include all 23 Acres. If they're hoping for 23 Acres of commercial property for that amount plus the layout, they are dreaming. I'm thinking it's the trains and the layout. Which to me seems kind of high. While there's a lot of sentimental value in the layout, a lot of it is just plaster and common real rocks according to the video I've seen. I don't know though what kind of train stock and electronic equipment is involved in that layout.
I had hoped to see it on our York trip as it may not be there next time. I do understand that it's neglected but would have liked to see it anyway.
Jim
I always thought that the value of a business is based on the income/profit it generates each year and there is some form of formula that can determine this.
The value of the contents must also be included as well. The rolling stock and other tangible items will be easy but the layout itself probably has little value.
C W Burfle posted:I would have no interest in seeing a recreation with modern materials. The original materials are part of what there is to see
Couldn't agree more with CW on this one...
I recall seeing an article in an old hobby magazine...Model Railroader, Toy Trains, etc.??...on how Mr. Gieringer made his trees. It was really educational....for me. And, I suppose you could say there are many more techniques/materials available now which might yield greater realism, but seeing RsA as a kid in the early '50's, those trees were simply AWESOME.
It's always an inspiration to see what can be made of the simplest, convenient materials. Model Railroader magazine had an article series about 60 years ago called "Dollar Model".....structures, rolling stock, etc., that could be made with literally $1 worth, or less, of common materials. In fact, I believe Kalmbach later put those into one of their compilations. I tried my hand with several of those in my HO days. Crude?....sure. Fun?.....always!!
Recreating the old, original with new materials, techniques, computer simulations, etc. in this hobby...with very few exceptions...is as boring to this old phart as is Hollywood's attempt at re-making classic movies. What a crock!
But, of course, that's just MHO...
KD
The sad truth is that sitting on twenty some prime acres they're sitting on a gold mine. Just like farmers who sell of their land to developers of tract homes, land to be developed is valuable. The I78 corridor seems to be the place for locating big box anything. At least for now, until the bottom drops out of the distribution market or the area becomes so congested (already there) that the cost of development is driven up and it peaks.
Hopefully the display can be salvaged but it's surely gonna be a big undertaking. And yep, its appeal is it's age and charm.
From what I read, the whole works is 2 and 1/4 million. The 750,000 was to purchase the layout and relocate it. As far as it being in disrepair, it was, but the last time I was in a year ago, repairs were made and all the trains were running once again. Places plaster was broken were also repaired. All the animation buttons were working except two. I can't see why 750,000 couldn't provide for a subdivision of two acres, which would more than cover the building and it's parking lot, then just leave it where it is. If location was a problem for it, I wouldn't call the acreage prime property. I believe the only thing that caused it to loose it's popularity, was the retraction of advertising.
I used asbestos on my first layout for hills and mountains. Very easy to work with. My layout was in a basement where the heating pipes and hot water tanks were also covered with asbestos. I still have the books that recommended its use.
If $750,000 is to buy the layout and then move it to another location, what is the residual value of the layout and everything that is associated with it worth?
The cost of another building is the other factor and is there a known cost for this? The removal and rebuilding is the third cost but I guess this will be a lot smaller in relation to the other two costs.
Kerrigan posted:So .... we provide the money via whatever GoFundMe so these guys can end up the owners of Roadside America .... yeah ... right. Let me throw some sacks of money at them ... lol! Do I get a "thank you" card in exchange? Or maybe a Roadside America boxcar ... at least something??
If you read the kick starter site, you will see that there are considerations for people who donate depending on how much is given.
Roadside America on CBS Sunday Morning
Sunday June 3rd
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/r...-slice-of-americana/
Steve
