Dec 2002 - Lionel Collectors Club of America

Train Layouts of the StarsFrom TM Books and Video comes a new series devotedto train layouts owned and operated by celebrities. The firstvideo in this series shows the layout of Frank Sinatra. Thislayout was sold in 1995, alongwith the rest of the SinatraRancho Mirage, Californiacompound, to Canadianbusinessman Jim Pattison. Hehas preserved the layout welland granted Tom McComasexclusive rights to film thelayout in July of 2002. You’llsee not only the layout, butsome of the collection whichadorns the walls as well. Thelayout was designed to bereminiscent of Lionel’s 1949showroom layout. Now, on thisvideo you can see the layout inaction. All three Lionel eras arerepresented. The building that houses the layout is also quiteunique, having been modeled after a train station. You’ll see itall on this video.Part 2 of the series is avideo featuring the layout thatJohn Kitterman built for TomSnyder. Although John built thelayout, his task includedimplementing Tom’s idea of theperfect layout. This is a uniquelayout in that it is a scaledetailed, multi-level Standardgauge layout. The layout evenincludes two loops of Lionel’sprewar racecars. John’s work issuperb and he seems to havegiven Tom Snyder exactly whathe wanted. His appreciation ofJohn’s work was obvious. Thetape includes interviews with both John and Tom.Part 3 of the series is the layout of Mandy Patinkin, whoyou might remember from the recent TV series, Chicago Hope.It was during that season that his interest in Lionel trainsbecame apparent. The trains made an appearance in severalepisodes. I have not viewed this tape, but it promises to be aninteresting one and will be available by the time you read this.Mandy’s layout is a large, scale-detailed layout featuring afreight yard, two mountains, an exquisite animated carnival,operating ski lift, scale structures, and parallel mainlines withsweeping curves. Mandy operates a mix of the best Postwarand Modern Era Lionel trains, all controlled electronically.Each of these videos is available for $14.95 plus shipping andhandling. They are also available on DVD for $19.95 plus s&h.If you haven’t made your way to DVD, you’re in for adelight when you do. DVD’s allow instant access to differentparts of the video, without rewinding or fast forwarding andthe picture quality is quitesuperior to VHS video tape. I’mglad to see that TM is offeringvideos in this new format. TM’sI love Toy Trains series is alsoavailable on DVD. Each DVDincludes three editions and iscurrently on sale for $19.95each. The entire 12 video set ofI Love Toy Trains is availableon 4 DVDs. I viewed parts 4,5, and 6 which are on one DVD.The picture quality is great andthis particular DVD in addition to all the toy trains featuresfootage of two of my favorite real locos - the Norfolk andWestern 611 and the Southern Pacific Daylight steam loco. Ihope that TM will be putting more of the classics on DVD.The TM videos can be purchased online at www.tmbooksvideo.comor call at 1-800-892-2822.New from KalmbachA new book by Peter H. Riddle is, Track Planning Ideasfor Toy Trains. Here’s a thorough discussion of topics and infoon what you need to know as you design your dream layout. Ihave long been a fan of Peter Riddle’s writing style. His24The Lion Roars December, 2002