The Journey Continues with Eight Rebuilt Modules

Transcription

1 November 2012 Volume 2 Issue 5 The Journey Continues with Eight Rebuilt Modules By Angela Podewils It is about the journey, not the finished layout, says Fred Holzapfel of the G-Whiz Gang on the model railroading hobby. For the G-Whiz Gang, the journey began around 1989 when a group of friends began a layout from several battery and track powered large scale train sets. The group s vision was to create a railroad in the same manner as a typical HO-Scale layout using large scale trains. Their primary goal was to create something train fans of every age could enjoy. The G-Whiz railroad is never complete in the eyes of the club members; there are always new ideas for scenes and modules to add to the layout. This year 2012 Trainfest November 10 th - 11 th the G-Whiz Gang has been rebuilding eight modules. Fred tells Trainfest EXPRESS that the modules create a fresh look to their layout but that we all have to visit the layout to fully experience this new and improved railroad. Updating the railroad makes for a fresh new experience for not only the club but visitors as well. Over time, the Gang has added several scenes for the enjoyment of visitors. When looking closely at the railroad, visitors will observe the subtle animated scenes created by Corky Whitlock, a NMRA Master Model Railroader. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Continued on page 4 What s Inside Hornby America Revives Rivarossi PG 3 Trainfest 2012 Floorplan PG 6 Kids Activity Zone PG 10 Clinics And Demos PG 11 Manufacturers New to Trainfest 2012 PG 12 Luxury Travel On The North Shore PG 14 The Choo Choo Bob Show Cast Members PG 18

2 From the Caboose WOW!!!! Trainfest 2012 is just about a week away and I am still amazed the Green Bay Packers will not be playing a game on Trainfest Sunday for the third consecutive Trainfest. I thought the floor plan was complete until last night when we decided to add another kid s building block area. So the pieces of the floor plan puzzle covering more than four football fields are back up on my computer one more time. We will repost the floor plan on our website and if I have anything to say about it, it will be the final version! Use the floor plan with the exhibitor list to pre-plan your time at Trainfest. Booth numbers are included next to the exhibitor name. A schematic of the floor plan and exhibitor list are also included in the program distributed at the show. So what do we have in store for you at Trainfest 2012? Lots!!! In addition to the over 60 train layouts, the hobby dealers and manufacturers, we have expanded our new Kid s Activity Zone (look for the orange banners hanging above the Zone). Choo Choo Bob and his Holy Smokestacks Revue band (sponsored by Walthers ) will be performing in the Kid s Activity Zone along with an inflatable Thomas the Tank jump house, a Basic TRAINing area to help mom and dad assemble the first train set, story time, a coloring, tattoo and kids craft area, and face painting. Radio Disney returns on Sunday between 12:30 and 2pm for even more fun. When the Trainfest committee decides to do something, we do it up right! Kid s activity favorites like the train races sponsored by the TCA-Midwest Division, two Lego train layouts and now two Kid s Build & Play areas sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the Blau Pewaukee Road are back too. Trainfest Committee Did I say lot s there s even more we have several new layouts joining Trainfest. A big welcome to the Standard gauge Modular Association SGMA hailing from Arkansas, the Ontario and Quebec Railway from Canada, and from closer to home from the Milwaukee metro area -- a new Winter Wonderland LEGO layout. Plus many of the returning exhibitors have new and improved layouts and modules (several are featured in this EXPRESS issue to help inspire you to build and improve your own model railroad.) (I know this is getting a bit long, but there is so much to share. So hang in there ) We have expanded our list of manufacturers participating at the Friday Product Showcase and throughout the weekend. See new products displayed for the first time and let the manufacturers know what new products you want to see in the future. They really do want to hear from you. The Clinic and Demonstration areas have been expanded (list on page 11) to help you solve challenges, get ideas from fellow model builders, and learn special techniques to create and expand your own railroad empire. Please feel free to ask questions and share your experiences with our clinicians, manufacturers, exhibitors, and hobby dealers. And if you need help in assembling that first train set, stop by our Basic TRAINing area (booth 8248) and talk with the experts. When you re at TRAINFEST, please look me up and say Hi. I do appreciate your ideas on how to make Trainfest even better. In the spirit of Model railroading, Clear Signals Always, John John H. Tews, MMR Executive Director Trainfest Trainfest EXPRESS is sent free via as a PDF or can be viewed on the Trainfest website in an interactive, online paging-style format. You can also print out the pages or articles you desire. We continue to look for your input on articles you would like to see in the EXPRESS. Send them to us at john@trainfest.com or editor@trainfest.com. Trainfest Sponsoring Publisher Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA Publisher John H. Tews, MMR john@trainfest.com Contributing Editors Angela Podewils Bonnie Moyer Topczewski Jody Delie Julie Larsen Newsletter Design, Web & Advertising Mercury Communication Partners, LLC Photos Contributed by Choo Choo Bob Show Hornby America Jeremy Topczewski TRAINFEST, Trainfest EXPRESS and the Trainfest LOGO are registered trademarks of the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA. John H. Tews, MMR Executive Director, john@trainfest.com Richard Cecil Asst. to the Director Cedor Aronow Security Scott Porinsky Computer Services 2 Gary Kamin Trainfest Treasurer Ed Padgett Volunteer Coordinator Kurt Wamser Floor Director Linda Sukup Ticket Coordinator Terry Thompson HMA-MRD Advisor Joe Russ Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA Superintendent Mercury Communications Advertising Agency Trainfest is possible due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and board members. If you would like to volunteer for America s largest operating model railroad show, contact us via volunteer@ trainfest.com. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA

3 DID YOU KNOW? The only railway to go to the top of a volcano was built on Mount Vesuvius in Italy, in Introducing at Trainfest 2012 Hornby America Revives an Improved Rivarossi Locomotive Line This year, Trainfest welcomes a dozen new manufacturers to its line-up of 50+ exhibiting manufacturers. Hornby America, with its highly anticipated Rivarossi product line reintroduction, is one of these manufacturers. Hornby America is the U.S. Division of Hornby, the wellknown United Kingdom hobby manufacturer. Hornby UK began U.S. operations in late 1999 after purchasing Scalextric USA. The company s initial focus was on slot cars. Within five years, Hornby America was into model railroading and introduced live steam kits and servicing. In late 2004 Hornby purchased the Lima Model Railroading product group, which included the Rivarossi brand of products. History of Rivarossi Alessandro Rossi founded Rivarossi in It was a time when there were no other producers of model trains in Italy. Using a small inheritance as seed money, Rossi bought a section of a factory and began manufacturing trains. Initially Rivarossi concentrated on producing the OO gauge (three rail trains) for children. Despite being marketed as toys, Rossi s personal passion for true model trains was evident in the detail of the trains and the ratio to scale speeds. It wasn t long before Rivarossi moved to a two rail track system and production of HO gauge trains for American markets began. In the 1950 s, Rossi began to experiment with Bakelite plastic and discovered the product allowed for much more detailing than was possible with metal. He perfected the process and Rivarossi became the first model train manufacturer to use Bakelite. Rivarossi products are also well known to the public as they were imported under the AHM and IHC brand names during the 1960 s and 70 s. Around 1998, model train manufacturers Lima, Jouef and Arnold were in bankruptcy and the tooling was sold to Rivarossi. In the early 2000 s, Rivarossi found itself in financial stress and in late 2004, Hornby purchased the Lima Model Railroading product group, which included Rivarossi, Lima, Jouef, and Arnold assets. Through Hornby and its commitment to the model railroading hobby, Rivarossi, the famous Italian brand synonymous worldwide with offering the finest quality railway modeling products, is back in the forefront of the hobby. HORNBY AMERICA REVIVES Continued on page 21 3

4 see THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Continued from cover One fan favorite is the scene of a fisherman sitting on a bridge and if one watches closely, every once in a while his pole bends as the line is pulled as if he has caught a fish. For others, it s a cat wagging its tail in anticipation of catching a rat. Still another favorite for many is the scene featuring a logging operation complete with logging cars and a Wannigan, paying tribute to the logging history of the St. Croix River. (What is a Wannigan? See note below.) The G-Whiz Gang began bringing their railroad on the road to shows in Since the layout is geared for young visitors, Trainfest was a natural fit. With its wide variety of visitors, club members have come to love this long weekend in Milwaukee to meet new hobbyists and catch up with old friends. Fred especially enjoys how the Trainfest show introduces children to the hobby. Model railroading has become a lifelong journey for G-Whiz Gang members. Together members have worked to build their layout, while also having some fun. While members Lowell Woods, Jim Perske and Keith Koch have passed away, their memory lives on through the traditions of the Club, and their contributions to the Club and its railroad. As Fred says, the journey through these years has brought a few bumps and memories they will never forget. Yet the most important part of the journey is the lifelong friendships and shared love of model railroading. This is not the first time the G-Whiz Gang has been featured in Trainfest EXPRESS. In the Summer 2011 issue we shared one special tradition the club has maintained through the years, their Junior Engineer certificate. It bears repeating here. 4

5 One Trainfest day, Fred was manning the railroad when a young father walked up with his 3-year-old son. He simply said to Fred, I d like to teach my son how to run the trains, and in the very next breath the young father pulls from his pocket his own Junior Engineer certificate and hands it to Fred. The young father had obtained his certificate nearly ten years earlier, and was now returning, as a certified engineer to teach his son how to operate the train. Fred recalls their faces just beamed. This was truly a special experience for all and not one Fred will soon forget. Seeing one generation so excited about passing down the hobby to the next is really heartwarming. The G-Whiz Gang has been giving out Junior Engineer Certificates since Fred estimates that the G-Whiz Gang gives out anywhere from certificates at a show. It was the idea of one of our founders, Jim Perske. I m sure he smiles down on us with every certificate we fill out, says Fred. This Club tradition has traveled across the country from Denver to Sioux St. Marie, from Winnipeg, Rochester, Minneapolis and St. Paul to La Crosse. And of course, Milwaukee, the home of Trainfest. What is a Wannigan? A Wannigan could be described as a house boat, but they were really more like floating shacks. They were built 25 to 30 ft. in length and designed low to the water for stability on quick running rivers. In the days when the St. Croix was a logging route, Wannigans were used by lumbermen. The "shanty-boat" had sleeping accommodations for the loggers during those long logging drives. The Gang has no intentions of stopping any time soon and will have Junior Engineer Certificates at Trainfest Editor s Note: Check out page 19 for other great railroad layouts which are fan favorites for kids. 5

6 Your Guide to Trainfest

7 Trainfest 2012 Floorplan 7

8 Trainfest 2012 Exhibitors Manufacturers 8307 Accu-Lites, Inc 8124 Accurail 8119 Athearn 8301 Atlas Model Railroad Co Atlas O w/ Atlas 8212 AYA Enterprises 8219 Bachmann Trains 5230 Badger Air Brush w/ Tool Man 8116 Big City Hobbies 8127 Bluford Shops LLC 8008 Bowser Manufacturing 8227 Broadway Limited Imports 8304 Caboose Industries 8228 Carstens Publication 8205 Daylight Sales 8208 Digitrax, Inc 8313 ESU LLC 8321 ETS - Electric Trains Systems 8001 Evan Designs 8202 ExactRail, LLC 8311 Fox Valley Models 8002 G C Laser Innovations 8210 Golden Spike Artisans Group 8137 Heritage Art Editions, Inc Hobby Manufacturers Association 8100 Hornby America - ( Rivarossi USA ) 8129 Hunterline 8132 InterMountain Railway Co Iwata-Medea, Inc Kadee Quality Products Co Kalmbach - HMA 8101 Kato USA, Inc Lionel Collectors Club of America 8033 Lionel Operating Train Society 8025 LIONEL, L.L.C Marklin, Inc Micro-Trains Line Co Model Railroad Benchwork 8005 Model Rectifier Corporation 8314 Model Train Travel 8335 MTH Electric Trains, Inc Neff Video Productions 8112 NJ International 8113 Phoenix Unlimited Ltd Piko-America, LLC 8115 Renewal by Anderson 8115 Richmond Controls 8128 Ring Engineering, Inc Ross Custom Switches 8238 RR in a Box 8235 Scenic Express 8324 Sinbad Glue 8109 Soundtraxx / Blackstone Models 8327 Sparkling Star Models 8312 Spring Mills Depot 8306 Stoddart's LTD Company 8102 Stout Auctions 8105 Sundance Marketing 8328 Testors Corp 8126 Trains Hoover 8126 Traintek, LLC 8104 True Line Trains 8006 True Scene Modeling 8130 Wheels of Time 8041 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc Woodland Scenics 8332 World of Model Trains & Industry 8106 Yard Goat Images Display in the Manufacturers Area 8342 HMA Display 8501 Milwaukee Light Engineering Society 8325 World's Greatest Hobby Displays in General Exhibit Area 1120 Trainfest Show Office 2316 Bunce Historic Displays 6301 Carlson Layout and Timesaver 6222 Great Circus Trains 6121 Green Bay and Western Historical Society 1308 Kiekhofer Display 4307 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee 1224 Mid Continent Railway Museum 4214 Midwest Division TCA - Train Races 1230 Milwaukee Road Archives 6102 NMRA Booth w/ WI Southeastern Division 1308 North American Prototype Modelers 2101 SS Badger Display 2106 SS Edmund Fitzgerald 1218 Steiner Layout & Demonstrations 6102 WI Southeastern Division - NMRA Booth

9 Trainfest 2012 Exhibitors Historical Groups 6101 Chicago & North Western Historical Society 6120 East Troy Railroad Museum, Inc 6201 Great Northern Railway Historical Society 2307 Milwaukee Road Historical Association 2117 Motorcycle & Model Railroad Museum 1224 Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society 2312 Soo Line Historical Society 5312 TMER&L Historical Layouts in the Manufacturers Area 8413 Badgerland S Gaugers 8348 Badgerland S Gaugers American Flyer 8400 Blank s Ahnapee & Western RR 8013 G Whiz Gang 8447 Independent Hi-Railers - Midwest Division 8437 Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers RR Club 8038 Lionel Modular Layout 8427 Milwaukee Operators Organization 8141 WI Southeastern Divison Youth Layout 8407 Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club 8241 Wisconsin Bits & Pieces Railroad Layouts in General Exhibit Area 6216 Acela Express NE Corridor 1101 Arlington Heights Society of Model Engineers 1224 Bedell Layout 1310 Blau Pewaukee Road (Lego) 2204 Bluff City Modular Engineers 4313 Capitol City N gineers 6301 Carlson Layout and Timesaver 6227 Cedar Creek Central Railroad Club 6208 Ciofani Winter LEGO 2212 Colorado Narrow Gauge - Zeren 7228 Cream City Traction Group 7120 ETE - Milwaukee Chapter 1312 Fond du Lac Society of Model Railroad Hobbyists 7125 Glacial Garden Railway 6201 Great Northern Railway Historical Society 7102 Kenosha Garden Railway Society 6204 Kosma Gypsy Trolley Line 6315 Lake County Society of Modular Engineers 4308 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee 1322 Madison HO Track 1101 Madison O Scale 7328 MANTRAK _Bloomington Normal 7320 MANTRAK_Chippewa Valley 7322 MANTRAK_Dayton 7316 MANTRAK_Far North Rail 7314 MANTRAK_Great River Valley 7326 MANTRAK_Hertitage - IL 7317 MANTRAK_M & M 7312 MANTRAK_Milwaukee 7327 MANTRAK_Northwest Illinois 7315 MANTRAK_Thunder Bay 1117 Metro Milwaukee Z Scale 7223 Metro Model Railroad Club Ltd Midwest Division - TCA 7202 Midwest Rails 1215 Milw Electric Ry & Transit Historical Society 3128 Milwaukee Electric Traction Club 2214 Milwaukee 'N' SouthEastern 7128 Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee 7216 ModUTrak 3212 North Shore and Western Modular Club 7112 NorthEastern Wisconsin Exhibition Railroading 3116 Northwest Traction Group 4102 Northwest Trainmasters 2210 Ontario and Quebec Railway 5323 Rapant's Rusty Rails Railroad 5216 Rusty Rails Layout 3325 S. E. Wisconsin - Lionel Railroad Club 1109 SDRT Railroad 4114 Sheboygan Society of Model RR Engineers 2321 Southeastern WI HiRailers 4124 Standard Gauge Module Assn SGMA 7310 T-Trak - Bloomington-Normal 1121 Waukegan Modular Model Railroad Club 7302 Waukesha County Gandy Dancers 2120 Whiz Kidz 4321 Wisconsin Garden Railroad Society 7117 Wisconsin Standard Gauge Operators Hobby Dealers & Vendors toys - also b2b Replicas D Picture Store 5110 b2b Replicas - see 3000 Toys 2230 Choo Choo Bob's Trains 5117 Classic Trains & Ferraris 6111 Clear View Trains 5112 Daleiden's - Art of Motion 3308 Dickinson Kansas Depot 5120 Don s Cars and Trains 5226 Enginehouse Services, LLC 6308 Friesch, Railroad and Marine Artist 3204 Greenfield News & Hobby Center Inc Greenway Products 3314 Heimburger House Publishing Co Jelsma Graphics 5318 John's Trains 3101 Kalmbach Publishing 6113 Ladysmith Rail Display 4309 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee 6126 Lochmann s Train Group 5126 Lombard Hobbies 2310 Luecke Books - Como Shops 5308 Madison Hobby Stop 6212 Miniature World 3222 N Less Trains 5320 Norm s Train World 2315 Railroad Relics 2121 Railwear by Rebel Rails 2118 Rattin Railroad Antiques 2308 Richard Smyth - Advanced Illustrations & Design 5210 Sommerfeld s Trains 3318 South Side Trains 5202 Spring Creek Model Trains 5307 Star Hobby - D Veiga 2219 Steves Hobbies 5102 Tag Trains 2105 Teskeys Trains 5230 The Tool Man 4230 TJ Howell Circus Train 5115 TM Books and Video 6105 Wisconsin - Illinois Trains Kids Activity Zone 8248 Basic TRAINing 8051 Choo Choo Bob Band 8256 Choo Choo Bob Train Play tables 8249 Coloring 8249 Kid's Crafts 8051 Story Time 8154 Thomas the Tank Jump House 8249 Trainfest Tatoos 8141 Wisconsin Southeastern Youth Layout (WISE Guys and Gals) 8247 World's Greatest Hobby Layout Other Kids Activities at Trainfest 1310 Blau Pewaukee Road (Lego) 6208 Ciofani Winter LEGO layout 4220 AIA Kidz Build and Play Area - Lego's 5323 Rapant's Rusty Rails Railroad 1308 Pewaukee Road (Lego) Play Area 8238 RR in a Box - building a layout at the show 3325 S. E. Wisconsin - Lionel Railroad Club 4230 TJ Howell Circus Train (extra fare) 8141 Wisconsin Southeastern Youth Layout 4214 Midwest Division TCA - Train Races

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11 Trainfest 2012 Clinics and Demos Niagara Frontier Region s Craftsman Corner Clinics & Demos Booth 1203 Presents: Kitbashing piggy back cars from the 1950's - Al Crisp, MMR Scratchbuilding a backwoods water tower - Rick Hatton Sratchbuilding a large coaling tower from St Thomas ON - Eric Roth Kitbashing an N scale depressed center flat car - Ron Colpitts Working on a Labelle O scale passenger car - Brian Earl Simple trees - Peter Hocking Working on various rolling stock in HO - Andy Orr Constructing simple trees - David R Smith Creating your own rock molds - Clark Kooning, MMR DCC locomotive speed matching - Martin Aldborough Working on a large South River model works Kit - Neville Meades Scratchbuilt HO cattle pens - Roger Davidson Stone water mill in OO gauge - John Robertson Constructing resin Automobile kits - John Spring Detail work on interiors and painting small animals - Laura Spring Working on a large bridge - Dylan Harris Better Than Scratch lumber mill kits - Bob Douglas Upgrading ready to run freight cars - Bill Dewar Mirror table Demonstrations by Niagara Frontier Region (also at Booth 1203) Mounting Tortoise switch machines in odd spots using model aircraft hardware - Al Crisp, MMR The process of constructing his backwoods water tower - Rick Hatton Making simple trees - Peter Hocking and David Smith Creating your own rock molds - Clark Kooning, MMR Building resin automobile kits - John Spring Upgrading ready to run rolling stock - Bill Dewar DCC locomotive speed matching - Martin Aldborough Clinic Area 2 Booth 1224 Bedell Display & Demo Jansen Clinic & Demo John Dornfeld Demo Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society Mike Carlson Demonstration Clinic Area 3 Booth 1230 John Drechsler Demo Karkoski Craftsman Kit Building Kiekhofer Display Milwaukee Road Archives Nefstead Demo Manufacturer Area Demonstrations Airbrushing - Iwata-Medea, Inc,. Booth 8302 Structural bridge kits, weathering technique - Hunterline, Booth 8129 Scenery techniques & detailing for Styrofoam structures - Woodland Scenics, Booth 8319 Constructing a complete layout in a box over the weekend for giveaway on Sunday - RR in a Box, Booth 8238 Scenery Techniques - True Scene Modeling, Booth 8006 Clinic Area 1 Booth 1218 Gutzmer & Timm Demos Mid Continent Railway Museum NAPM North America Prototype Modelers Steiner Layout & Demonstrations 11

12 Manufacturers New to Trainfest 2012 A several new manufacturers will join over 50 returning industry leading manufacturers at Trainfest The Manufacturer Area at Trainfest promises to be the best of both worlds returning favorites along with a dash of new friends. 1. Electric Train Systems (ETS) 2. Hornby America 3. Model Railroad Benchwork 4. RR in a Box 5. Clearview Trains 6. True Scene Modeling 7. Model Train Travel 8. Yard Goat Images 9. Stout Auctions 1. Electric Train Systems (ETS) Czech Republic: Model railroading is truly a global hobby. This year Electric Train Systems (ETS) from the Czech Republic will be at Trainfest. Established in 1991, ETS prides itself in manufacturing all-metal tin plate trains in O Scale. Founder, Gustav Taus started ETS to combine the classic feel of all-metal toy trains with the functions and features of modern technology. ETS Trains are created to reflect a faithful reproduction of their prototypical counterparts. Through the use of lithography and metal castings, they are able to create fine details, many of which are fully operational! 2. Hornby America Fife, WA: Hornby America is the North American distributor of Hornby slot cars, model railroads, plastic model kits, die-cast collectibles, paints and accessories. Established in 1999, Hornby America continues the tradition begun by Hornby in the United Kingdom as a premier manufacturer and household name in the hobby. In 2004, Hornby acquired the Rivarossi line of HO scale model trains. Hornby America is the exclusive distributor of Rivarossi in the U.S. 3. Model Railroad Benchwork Elgin, Il: Model Railroad Benchwork offers quality customizable benchwork for model railroads. Constructed with quality, stability and flexibility in mind, the benchwork is built with cabinet grade plywood. We believe that benchwork should be affordable, easy to use, and adaptable to any modeler's needs. 4. RR in a Box Philadelphia, PA: The RR in a Box system aims to eliminate the apprehension of first time modelers in building a layout. Plans are offered in several scales (O to Z) with many variations to grow and create your own layout. 12

13 5. ClearView Trains Lake Geneva, WI: ClearView Trains offers crystal clear suspended railroad bed systems. With an unobstructed view, the trains will appear to be floating on air while running around the room. The systems are built with ½ inch crystal clear poly carbon acrylic with all front edges cut at a 45 degree angle, and installation instructions and customizable options. 6. True Scene Modeling: True Scene is bringing their innovative scenery modeling product to Trainfest. Unlike any other plaster product, using Fusion Fiber is like adding a layer of top soil to your layout, and a great foundation in creating realistic scenery. 7. Model Train Travel: Explore the model railroads of Europe through the Model Train Travel 13 day tour through Germany. Visit the Miniature Wonder Land" in Hamburg, the Nuremberg Toy Museum layout and much more. 8. Yard Goat Images: Yard Goat Images produces quality railroad DVDs. Their videos feature restored historical steam locomotives and rolling stock. Beyond the typical trains featured in railroad videos, Yard Goat images searches out rare or long forgotten trains, preserving them for years to come. Much like the hard working yard goat of a rail yard, Yard Goat Images films and produces these DVDs as their contribution to documenting the history of the rail industry. 9. Stout Auctions: Premier U.S. auction house specializing in scale and toy trains, Stout Auctions is the destination for Lionel toy trains, American Flyer, Marx, Ives, and more. Most sales are held in Williamsport, Indiana or West Middlesex, Pennsylvania. 13

14 LUXURY TRAVEL ON THE NORTH SHORE Southbound North Shore train number 802 accelerates out of the sheds of Milwaukee s Downtown Terminal to begin her 88-mile run down to the Chicago metro area during a pleasant early spring day in The Electroliner will make twelve quick stops before entering North Chicago, then another 11 stops through the Loop district before terminating at Roosevelt Road Station, approximately two hours following her departure. The Electroliner, although promoted as a fast way to travel between Milwaukee and Chicago, could not readily use her 80-plus mph speed with so many stops on her schedule. However once in the outlying, sparsely populated tangent rails, she reached speeds of up to 90 mph. With 24 scheduled stops within an 88-mile route, her average speed computed to forty four miles per hour, still a very good time as each stop averaged only about 2 minutes. 14

15 The Electroliner was delivered to the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad Co. in January It was hailed as luxury travel at its finest, the train of tomorrow. Built by the St. Louis Car Company, the design was patterned after Burlington s famous Zephyr. The 144m-seat, air conditioned, four unit consists became a serious contender in the busy Milwaukee-Chicago passenger market. The first unit to arrive on the property was Train It was delivered to Racine, Wisconsin bypassing the shorter route through Chicago. Wisconsin had no sales tax so the savings were quite huge. The second unit was delivered via the same route, 9 days later. Although the four-car articulated train operated as a single unit, it carried two numbers. The cars were designated as A, B, C & A1 sections. The power sections, A & A1 were numbered 801 & 802, B was a tavern-lounge and C section was a coach. A1 and A cars, besides being the power on both ends of the train, were divided into smoking and non-smoking compartments by a vestibule. The units in the second delivery were identical to the first shipment only they were numbered 803 & 804. The two Electroliners made five trips a day between Milwaukee and Chicago, or about 450 miles of revenue service. During the heavy passenger World War II years, each Liner would make a sixth trip, a Sunday night run, departing the Chicago and Milwaukee Terminals at 10:30pm. Following WWII, thanks to the increasing popularity of the automobile, the nation s railroad passenger traffic went into steady decline. The busy Milwaukee-Chicago corridor also felt the squeeze. It would be a decline in which there would be no easy fix or any solution. The North Shore was losing up to 46,000 riders a month. In 1958, the Susquehanna, now the corporate name of the North Shore, petitioned the ICC to discontinue all services. The end came on January 21, 1963, almost 22 years to the day that the first Electroliner was delivered to the company. A sneak peek at Larry Fisher's original painting. DID YOU KNOW? The longest straight stretch of railway is in Australia. The part without any curves is 478km (301 miles) long and would take more than five hours to drive. 15

16 ZOO Spooktacular 2012 Trainfest was a treat stop sponsor at the 2012 Milwaukee County Zoo Spooktacular Family Event, October 26th & 27th. We had a great spot in the Big Cat Building next to a very active Cheetah. It was a great time connecting local families with Trainfest!

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18 The Choo Choo Bob Show Cast Members: A follow up from the Ocober 2012 introduction of the Choo Choo Bob Show. Choo Choo Bob Choo Choo Bob loves to spend time with his friends, hang out at the clubhouse, sing songs and play with his trains. In fact, Choo Choo Bob loves trains more than anyone else in the whole, wide world! Richard W. Kornbelt Rich is Bob's best friend, and the hardest working man in Bobville. Rich is a tireless worker, moving from career to career, always putting his best foot forward and giving it his best shot. Engineer Emily Engineer Emily is a great friend to the whole gang in Bobville. She's super knowledgeable about trains, and likes to spend her time volunteering at the Bobville Train Museum. 18 Conductor Dave Conductor Dave's job is to make sure that the trains always run on time. He loves playing checkers and keeping an eye on his best friend, Charlie Rat.

19 Hands-on Train Fun for Kids With more than 60 operating model railroads, cool trains will be everywhere! However, as much as kids like to look at trains, they like playing with trains even more. So, for some hands-on train experience, check out these railroads with your kids at the show. Charlie Rat Checker player extraordinaire, Charlie Rat is Conductor Dave's best friend and co-worker. But sometimes it seems like Charlie Rat's most important job is to drive Conductor Davie-poo crazy! The Lionel Operating Train Society will be bringing a 6 x8 Thomas the Train railroad kids can operate. At the G Whiz Gang railroad, kids can become train engineers in the making. They can take a turn running a train to earn a Junior Engineer Certificate! Young engineers can also operate the trains at the Southeastern Wisconsin Lionel Group s classic Lionel Railroad. And, courtesy of Choo Choo Bob, there will be fun wooden train tables in the Kids Activity Zone for play. Keep your eye on Trainfest.com for what s in store for the 2012 show and to learn even more about Trainfest and the hobby of Model Railroading! Ticket Agent Cee Cee Cee Cee works with Dave and Charlie, and that's a pretty hard job working with those two wacky guys! Cee Cee is always happy to share her knowledge of trains, especially with Choo Choo Bob. Engineer Paul Nobody knows more about trains than Engineer Paul. He loves going on adventures with Choo Choo Bob, visiting fun and exciting train locations all over the world! Military & Scouts Free Admission for Military and Scouts All military that present military ID, uniformed scout masters/troops, or uniformed boy/girl scouts*, receive free admission at the door. *Boy and girls scouts need to be accompanied by an adult with paid admission 19

20 Get the most out of the Model Railroading Hobby Join the NMRA. Become a member of the Wisconsin Southeastern Division. What is the NMRA? The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) was established in 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to bring model railroaders together to foster fellowship and provide resources to hobbyists. The NMRA is a worldwide Chattanooga, Tennessee. The organization is divided into geographic regions to best provide local support and camaraderie to model railroaders. Visit What is Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc.? The Wisconsin Southeastern Division (WI-SE Division) is made up of NMRA members living in the seven Southeastern Wisconsin counties of: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. With an educational mission to promote the model railroading hobby, the Wisconsin Southeastern Division creates opportunities for modelers who are new and notso-new to the hobby to share new ideas and information. The Division sponsors free model railroading meets. Sponsors & Friends Trainfest would like to thank the following sponsors and friends for their support and donations to Trainfest 2012: Associations Sponsors The Division also sponsors a group for young modelers and train enthusiasts to get started in the hobby. Visit What is Trainfest? One way the Division pursues its mission is through its annual event, Trainfest. Hobbyists, hobby dealers, manufacturers and rail fans of all ages come together at Trainfest for two days to celebrate everything trains. Trainfest is the hub for bringing together new and experienced modelers to share ideas and pass on the passion for modeling to the next generation. What could be more fun? Become a Member. It s Easy! To join, speak with a Division member or visit our website at If you do not live in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit to contact your local NMRA Division. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc. 20

21 HORNBY AMERICA REVIVES Continued from page 3 Hornby America and Rivarossi While the European outline has many possibilities and variety, Hornby America has chosen to have the Rivarossi line follow the American product outline. The reason was simple the American outline provides the best possible quality and that value is in keeping with the reputation of the Rivarossi line. Trainfest visitors will be among the first to see the fruits of this decision. Hornby America will be introducing several new locomotives at Trainfest! Final production samples of the following locomotives will be at the Hornby America booth #8100 at Trainfest Virginian Railway "Blue Ridge" Class Steam Locomotive Virginian Railway Big Boy Steam Locomotive (previous production run) Allegheny Steam Locomotive (previous production run) Heisler Steam Locomotive Hornby/ Rivarossi has updated the technology used to power them. Many of the locomotives will be DCC ready or with DCC Sound. The small 3 pole motors of previous Rivarossi trains have been replaced with larger modern 5 pole can motors w/flywheels allowing for realistic and dependable operation. Hornby America is driven to bring the Rivarossi brand back to its glory, but with operational improvements to make it even better. Model Railroad Brand Manager Arvids Breikss is especially enjoying the excitement around the reintroduction of the Heisler logging locomotives. The locomotives will be available as 2- or 3-truck with several roads and numbers. At Hornby America, they look to create niche products that no one else is fulfilling. According to Arvids, By taking the time to produce quality products, US hobbyists will appreciate and support the effort. Hornby America at Trainfest With tangible excitement, Arvids is anxious to share the excitement about Rivarossi at Hornby America s first Trainfest. On display will be Hornby America s currently available products as well as the touted production samples of new releases. (Rivarossi history source: TCA Western 21

22 Saturday & Sunday Nov , :00am to 5:30pm WI Expo Center at State Fair Park 8200 W Greenfi eld Ave. Milwaukee (West Allis), WI ADMISSION COUPONS ONLINE* DEMOS AND HOW-TO CLINICS LEARN TIPS AND TECHNIQUES MEET 100 MANUFACTURERS & HOBBY DEALERS SEE 10 HISTORICAL SOCIETIES ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND MUCH MORE (*KIDS 4-12 FREE W/ COUPON, 3 & UNDER ALWAYS FREE) Visit Trainfest.com for Online Coupons and Details Sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division of the National Model Railroad Association