I am new to this, but have enjoyed model trains for the last half century+. When I was about 3 or 4, my Dad gave me a train layout which I still have. I was always told it came from a local store that sold Lionel trains. Didn't know much else until this past weekend when I ran across articles on the internet regarding dealer displays, found this forum, signed up, and read the post by fredswaim about his fathers layout. Saw his pictures, and this is my layout! I have ordered the two back issues of CCT that were referenced, and now have a desire to clean up/ restore/ get running again my layout. It has been stored for 40+/- years, but it is complete as I received it in the early 50's including the cars on the roadway, mountain, buildings, etc. The train is a Santa Fe ABA with four silver passenger cars, I would appreciate any information. leads, etc. anyone may have that will help me. Will take photos as soon as I can get it out so we can photograph it. Thank you. Steelman
If you have a geniune Lionel factory made display layout, its probably of much more interest and value than the train. There are thousands of Santa Fe passenger trains out there. Not that many dealer layouts left. Of course the layout and trains are yours to do with as you please. That said, you may wish to consult with an expert before doing any cleaning or restoration. Sometimes the advise that appears in some of the toy train magazines or on the interest isn't so good.
CW, is right, not every bit of advise is good for the situation at hand.
There was an article in CTT several years back on a fellow with a D63 and there are some pics of one in the CTT book Lionel Display layouts you can build.
You have to be very careful with the mountains for example. The roadway on the D63 and cars should worked on carefully.
I guess the key for the layout would be to maintain the originality as much as possible, eg. rewire with same type and color wire, make connections the same way etc.
In the mean time SHOW US SOME PICTURES!!!!! Thats one cool layout!
Very nice! I plan to start restoration on ours this summer as space is freeing up. It's a year later than I'd hoped but my goal is to get it restored and operational by it's 50th birthday. Maybe CTT would be willing to do an article on it (again) for this occassion?
That old CTT article is very good as it shows how everything wires up. That was a mystery to me. You still have the mountain? That is the only piece that we don't have anymore. I'd love to get some good pictures of yours so I can rebuild it true to the original rather than with modern methods. Let's help each other out on these.
Nice to see another one out there. They are very rare. Where do you live?
Fred
Thank all of you for replies. I live in Virginia. Oguage in W. Lafayette, Ind.: I went to Purdue in the late 60's. Coming back for a 40th reunion in 3 months.
Great advice given already. Regarding price, take some quality photos and look up on eBay as well as auction places like Stout Auctions to see what such layouts in similar condition have sold for. It may serve you well to get it insured in case any problems arise before you get it back to running trains. I know of one place in NJ that does professional layouts and could probably restore what you have, but you would be best served having someone closer to you that can do it, or at least give you advice on the best way to proceed. Either way, please do post photos and I would suggest you document everything for a few reasons. First, you could have it published in Classic Toy Trains for an article, secondly, it may be of interest for some publisher to use along with other old layout restorations in a book. Lastly, it would be great to have the photos along with the layout for showing visitors what went into your layout-before and after.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
I would like to read Fredswaim's post about his display layout; what is path to it?
Thank you for responding. I will be happy to share and help you out however I can. My layout has the mountain that the train goes in and out of as well as the auto freeway with cars that go into it from the buildings. The buildings hide the ZW transformer. There is a crossing gate with a man that comes out, oil derrick, station and platform. The train stops in front of the station and then goes again. The top of the mountain is green, tan, and reddish on the sides but white on top. We always thought the paint had come off, but after looking at other displays on the net, maybe it had snow on top. The buildings are plywood, painted, with paper windows glued on the sides. A lionel spire goes on top reminescent of the empire state bldg.. The layout is 5 x 9, but we had no legs. All wiring was underneath, and is still ok. The cars are plastic, run by a long belt inside the roadway, have a small ac motor at the building end powering them. The cars made a lot of noise. I didn't get to play with it for weeks after receiving it, my father and next door neighbor were using it. We would run it for hours. It is still in my parents basement, but stood up on edge to save space, with the buildings removed. They have been after me for years to remove it to my house (across the street). We have the room, and hope to do so in the next month or so. I will post pictures here when we get it out( is this the best place?). You mention these are rare and prized. What should it be insured for, and how do I convince my insurance agent a 58 year old toy is valuable? It had been ignored over the years with jobs, kids etc. as well as us acquiring a couple of Doepke 7.5" guage yardbird/super yardbirds, and several 16" guage amusement park trains (Tampa metal products Tom Thumb trains). Steelman
The only thing we are missing is the mountain. I suspect that when the layout was taken apart in 1979 when my grandparents moved that the mountain was destroyed then. I'd like to rebuild it with the appropriate materials. We also still have the painted backdrop. I am planning a full restoration of ours over the next year to year and a half. I want to do it slow and properly. The glued paper windows on the buildings are in bad shape and need some help so I'll take my time with those.
Here is my thread from last year.
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/141233/1572137.aspx#1572137
All I can say is FANTASTIC ! I can remember watching and dreaming ... standing in front of one of those layouts in a store window in the freezing cold as a child .... or elbow to elbow with others inside the store . I know you guys realize what a treasure you have .... but believe me it's even more than that .... all I could say when I read this post was "WOW " !
Good afternoon all,
This is a fascinating thread about not one, but two display layouts. Both of you please keep us posted on events and do not hesitate to seek advice from here as well the CTT staffers. Discovering what you have after keeping it all those years is one of those moments that makes life worth living.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Neat hearing about another D-63. Any pictures would be great to see. I am a Purdue grad mysel (PUSVM '85). Have been an avid Lionel collector since my sister bought me an 8E and two cars in 86. Now do pre and psot war with interest in Lionel service and dealer stuff. Would love to see pics of roadway, and any detail information and or photos--I am just S of W.Lafayette in Lebanon IN---If you have time give me a hollar and stop by--always enjoy talking and sharing trains-Rick Lyons
I've got one that is waiting to be restored. Hopefully that will start this year.
Fred,
Doing a little research on the D-63. Does the roadway have the base of the one building attached to it?? Trying to make sense of how everything is laid out, waiting with anticipation for your start on it or at least more pictures--wish you were closer--would love to see in person..Rick
Yes the freeway base on the right side is a building. The motor is inside of it. Our freeway is still hanging by rafters in the garage. I can look up and see it. I'll try to take a picture of it from underneath within the next couple of days.
Any photos taken over the last few months? Thanks, Rick
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