The TM Toy Train Revues are a consistently eclectic mischmasch of unusual fun stuff from the world of toy and model trains. Toy Train Revue 3 is no exception. This issue starts off with Tom and Joe paying a return visit to Terry Johnson, whose layout has changed dramatically since 1991. The hi-rail layout is a creative kit-bash on a grand scale based upon predominately MTH trains operated with DCS, but yet chock-a-block with Lionel operating accessories including a No. 175 Rocket launcher. The experience is enhanced with sound and lighting effects to simulate the passing of day to night and changes in weather. I have had the personal pleasure of visiting Terry’s layout a number of years ago and this segment does a faithful job of portraying both Terry’s layout and how it is a reflection of his sense of humor.
In a twist and turn, our friends visit the ongoing restoration of the Eden Springs 106-year old amusement park in southeastern Michigan, whose central feature is a 15-inch gauge scale railroad with live-steam and diesel profile trains. If Toy Train Revue is a video magazine, this continuing reconstruction of a beloved outdoor model railroad is, arguably, the cover story. The restoration was inspired by a series of articles that appeared in the TCA Quarterly by Andy Jugle. A truly handsome restoration of a Cagne live-steam engine finished in Prussian blue is shown pulling trains full of eager passengers who thought they would never see Eden Springs rise again. Additional restorations of live steam engines and two trestles are underway or are planned.
There are two Gilbert-related segments. The short but significant era from 1939 to 1942 of prewar New Haven American Flyer 3/16” scale trains for O gauge track is covered in a first for a commercial toy train video. Significant, because this extensive line of trains was the immediate precursor to the S gauge line sold after the War. Many seldom seen trains and accessories are shown in operation, including a Gilbert No. 554 Northern pulling 520 series Tuscan die-cast Pullman heavyweights and an original Track Gang. A transition from mid-century Flyer to the Modern Era is managed by visiting Tom Robinson’s hi-rail S gauge pike which currently is a mix of traditional Gilbert accessories with trains from Lionel Flyer, American Models, and S-Helper Service.
In a chapter entitled, “Night Hawks”, Greg Annett’s 3-rail O gauge hi-rail layout captures a gritty urban feel inspired the artist Edward Hopper and the 3-rail O gauge modeling work of Norm Charbonneau. The operating infrastructure is based upon the MTH DSC system and with MTH Railking Track (for which Greg harbors second thoughts). A combination of kit bashing, scratch building, and attention detail were exercised to model well-worn industrial and urban high rise views. Greg runs trains that either fit the scenery or modern prototypes that he likes to like. And, he voices some commonly held concerns about the QC of some of the current product.
Bob Olson’s 2-rail scale traction layout is portrayed in the segment, “Take the O Train”. Bob’s pike is homage to prewar Brooklyn, NY with scratch-built trolleys, structures, elevated platform station, and fall season scenery. This model pike evokes a transit line that connects eastern Pennsylvania to an urban Brooklyn during the era of the (Trolley) Dodgers. The very detailed and accurate street level Brill trolleys operate using a working catenary in an interurban arrangement. A lovely job.
As always for the TTR series, entertaining clips of the original TTR from 1991 are included at the end; including Bruce Lorence’s old (now non-existent) American Flyer S gauge layout which featured its infamous mainline over a fireplace and through a laundry room.
Bob B.
