1949 Lionel Showroom Layout Re-creation
Progress has been slow, but steady. This is not a full time occupation,
but a labor of love. It is more important that everything is authentic rather than
compromised for the sake of getting it done quickly. A tremendous amount of research has
been done to ensure that the finished product is as close to the original layout as
possible. This includes collecting photos and films of the layout, talking to people that
have seen the original showroom and, most importantly, the incessant pestering of the
original builders, who always seem to tolerate my questions on seemingly insignificant
minutia, but at the same time seem to share the excitement that I have for this project.
The room to house the project measures 44 by 24 feet. There are no
supporting structures in the center, so there will be more than enough room for the 16 by
32 foot layout to fit in the center unobstructed. The building is heated and air
conditioned, well insulated and well lighted. As you enter the room, you will be in the
same position as you would have been in the original Showroom, the front left corner, by
the Swifty Meat Packing Co.
Dad putting up the ceiling.
Well, the framework for the layout has finally begun. We built half the
table in a few hours. And we are finally realizing exactly how large this layout actually
will be. This portion of the table is the rear of the layout, the mountain area. It seems
to much easier to start in the back and work toward the entrance and the more complicated
framework.
Framing out the rear half of the table.
Finishing and sheathing the surface.
The GG1 Line that climbs and descends.
Waterfall in the North East corner.
Coal and Lumber Siding on West side.
364 Lumber Loader on West side.
Sidings on North West side.
Passenger Terminal
Upper Level
Turntable
JOSEPH L. MANIA TOY TRAIN REPRODUCTIONS
AND RESTORATIONS
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