Great Lionel Layouts, Parts 1 & 2
Great Lionel Layouts, Parts 1First stop is the layout and collection of Fritz Von Tagen. His collection features just about every known variation of the Lionel Hudson (and one that isn't known) plus a number of prototypes. The train action features rare Hudsons (including three passenger sets at one time!), the UP M10,000, Williams Southern Pacific steamer, Lionel Halloween Set, a Standard Gauge GG-1 set and many more.Merle Levitt's multi-gauge, multi-level layout features the California Zephyr, State Set, Blue Comet, Rail Chief, SP F-3 Set, plus other favorites from the '80s and 90s. Merle also has a fine collection of toys and Buddy L trucks.Also included are highlights from the Tom Snyder - Tom McComas CBS-TV Christmas Special, including more on that one-of-a-kind C&O; Huson TM presented to TS.Great Lionel Layouts, Part 2Stars of the show are the multi-gauge layout of Chris Rohlfing and Seth Giem's scale-detailed o gauge layout located in the train barn in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Chris operates five loops of O gauge surrounded by one Standard Gauge, See Lionel Legends like the Blue Comet and State Set plus modern era standouts like the blue and orange Lionel Lines set, GS-2, Conrail SD-60 plus many more.Highlights of the Train Barn layout include a 160-foot suspension bridge and over 200 scale structures, many scratch-built by Seth, a master model-maker. Train action includes the UP M10,000, 773 Hudson, C&O; SD-40 and other classics from all eras.Also included is the heartwarming story of Glen Pinta. In 1991, Glen was diagnosed with colon cancer. Today he has a clean bill of health and he credits the building of this layout for helping him to beat cancer.