THe First Display You Viewed

Traindiesel posted:

Since I had trains before I was born, the first display I probably saw was the Christmas layout in our basement that my Dad and Grandfather built.  After that I saw my cousin's layout in his basement.

The first commercial layout I ever remember seeing in the 1960's was the layout in Philadelphia's Wanamaker's Department Store downtown.  It's the layout that now resides at Nicholas Smith's store.

Very cool Brian. We have long time Philly friends up for the weekend and at dinner last night we were talking about the day back when Gimbels, Lits and Wanamakers were at 8th & Market. And how Hy Lit, Joe Niagara and Jerry Blavat were the voices of rock & roll in Philly. The first 2 are dead, but Jerry is still at it.

The first layout I remember was built by a guy by the name of Jimmy Curcio (sp?) in West Philly, near 52nd Street. My father had a record store (remember records?) at 52nd & Chestnut and I think Jimmy did carpentry, etc. for him. Anyway, my recollection is that's the first layout I saw.

Gerry

At the Sibleys department store in Rochester NY, I remember the Lionel displays were the first thing you saw after leaving the animated Christmas tunnel that the store created every Holiday season.  As a pre-schooler in the early 50’s the experience was magical!  The other layout that “sealed the deal” for a life time of Lionel trains was the PAL Lionel 4 Season layout complex at the Edgerton Park Recreational building. It was also constructed in the early to mid 50’s.  That one still exists, although no longer all postwar lionel, it’s a mix of modern equipment run on Gargraves track. 4 separate layouts, one for each season, that were all interconnected. 

my first one was a hobby shop in West Lafayette IN that was for sale for $500 in 1983, almost as much as a semesters tuition at VET school so had to pass. Made up for it though as I collect, restore and recreate these now!

Lou N posted:

VistaDomeScott posted:

Charles Wood, Warren, Ohio.  Two massive tinplate layouts and walls filled with pre-war.  I only wish I had pictures of that.  I remember the sounds in those rooms.

With luck I will see Charlie at the end of next week; I'll ask him if he has any pix.

Lou N

I did check with Charlie and he did take photos of his layouts.  He has to look for them, however.

Lou N

Not Lionel, but, even better! The N&W company layout!

The train display show window layout at Fredrick & Nelson downtown Seattle ... in the 1950's ....