Randy;

John had perhaps the finest layout built at that time. It was lost when the house in Carmel, California I believe, burned down. I have many pictures of it.

I could see my son and daughter a few years ago running a computerized model train layout. They would have take great care to crash them all at a specified point and time. :)

Perhaps I should mention I like Canadian Pacific, so there will be less chance that Michel will move us to the chatter - chatter portion of the world!

Tom



>I remember reading an article on Frank Ellison that mentioned the common notion that he had the layout all through his house was not actually correct. People thought that because it was on the first floor of his house, except they forget that in New Orleans the first floor is more a less a 'basement' to guard against flooding, and the real house starts on the second floor. But I odn't think he was married anyway. Neither was John Allen - an interesting story about him mentions not being able to walk across his dining room floor because in the basement there was a support pillar in the way of the trains so he removed it, weakening the floor above. Later fixed, supposedly.
> I wonder where this place is in PA with the trains doing the serving? I know of a place not too far from here that has a continuously running LGB trolley - been going so long that the track has grooves worn in it where the wheels slip when it reverses.
> Computers, DEFINITELY. Why? Because I enjoy prototypical operation and I won't always have a group of friends around to run with me. I can't run 3-4 trains all by myself, not actually OPERATE them, so the computer will handle mainline through trains while I run the locals or vice-versa. Command control is an absolute must. Much more fun and versatile and way less wiring.
> Likewise, Doug. Just ask.
>
>>Doug;
>>
>>There was a famous fellow train modeler named Frank Ellison, who had his train go through his entire house! I do not think he was married! Another interesting layout is somewhere in Pennsylvania. What is interesting is that it is a restaurant and has no waiters or waitresses. A train pulls up at your table and presents you with a menu and another train serves you. I wonder if they are still in business? Can you see a wreck? Soup and who knows what in all directions!
>>
>>I find that model railroading is very relaxing. There are many facets to the hobby. Some people just like to build, others like scenery, and still others like prototypical operation. My brother in law from Germany liked using computers to run his Marklin trains. I will not allow a computer near my train!
>>
>>I am as bad as the United States when it comes to train operation. I do it “the old fashion way”! What is funny is that IBM computerized the West German Railroad in 1954. We still cannot keep a train on the track if it goes over 50 mph, and our country invented most of the technology used by all the worlds high-speed trains! It is all a matter of politics, money and priorities! :)
>>
>>Let me know when you have any questions on model trains and take Craigs advice and visit your local store. It is a great place to spend money! :)
>>
>>Tom
>>