Friday, March 4, 2016

A Builder of Cities






This stunning model railroad layout has been constructed by my friend and former work colleague Michael.  He left the paper about 9 months after I did, and this has been his project during retirement.  It is absolutely astounding to see in person!  The incredible detail is beyond imagining. When showing me details of individual buildings, Michael would refer to neon signs on specific buildings that he knew of in Brooklyn and Queens, and that he reproduced in his new city.  And the cool thing is that he can change the lighting so that it goes from day to night.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is amazing! Are the buildings made of wood? The neon signs, lighting, cars - this is crazy. Are the buildings in the background painted on a mural or more buildings? So colorful.
Joan

ken schwarz said...

I am quite sure this is the most detailed and elaborate train layout I have ever seen. Your friend, Michael must be an electrical wizard to have incorporated so much lighting detail in the various illuminated buildings, etc. I am particularly impressed with the realism as shown by grass and weeds growing between the concrete slabs in front of the Starlight Diner - very cool! A couple questions come to mind:

1) What concessions did Michael have to make to his wife for taking up so much floor space in the house for his trains?
2) How does he prevent dust from accumulating on this very large layout?

Anonymous said...

WOW! So impressive! I love the neon lights, the antique cars, the buildings. Could the diner be any cooler?! Does he show off this amazing train display to guests? I visited the CT River Museum Holiday Train Show several years ago. It was so much fun...bsk

Anonymous said...

Wow. This is cool. It would be nice to see this in a museum. Trace

Ken Spencer said...

Primo: The train layout is located in a smallish room in the basement of their ranch house. The rest of the basement is finished off and they both have plenty of nice working space with desks and storage. Not sure what the small room was, but when the door is closed, the layout is hidden. I think the fact that the door can be closed may solve a lot of the dust problem, but I am not sure. and I think that the buildings in the far distance are painted, rather than being three dimensional. And the diner is VERY cool!

Anonymous said...

Michael's train layout is the most incredible I've ever seen. The detail is amazing. The lighting really sets it off. It must have taken great patience to wire the "city" with options for day and night. Thanks for sharing such a special, delightful work of art!