Lewis Buchspics set up the layout below at about 3 feet off the ground so that kids could easily view it. Since most layouts were at least 4, if not 5, feet off the ground, kids flocked to this one, attracted as well by the copious flashing lights, sound effects, fake smoke and motorized set pieces.

Liked the bunting.

The dinosaur-shaped building is modeled after an actual Sinclair Oil Corporation gas station from the 1960s.

Janna scored 15 pieces of ephemera — almost all ads for toy trains from the 1920s through the 1960s — for just $5.00. She collects railroad and toy train ads besides toy trains, so she was ecstatic to find such big, beautiful pieces. When we move into our new place, we’re going to transfer these to acid-free backing, scan them and hang a few around the house. Janna and I appreciated the wonderful illustrations; furthermore, I appreciated the blatant sexism and heteronormativity at work.

Janna’s favorite ad, a full-color centerfold! I like the style of the artwork, the name of which escapes me at the moment, wherein there are no lines, just forms produced by juxtaposed shapes of different colors.

Janna was ogling the following tinplate pieces, so I figured that some photos would make her happy. ^_^ I’ll have to ask her details on the make, model and years of this stuff.

Well, this one is obviously rolling stock by Ives from between 1918 and 1922.

Repainted prewar Lionel Pullman cars. Those suckers are heavy!

All-original Lionel rolling stock.

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