ArtTrain Exhibit In Alaska for the 1st Time

[AKKevinT]

This past week the I found out about a train that I didn't even know existed It is called the ArtTrain and it visited the Alaska Railroad station in Fairbanks Alaska for the past week. This is the first time the ArtTrain has been in Alaska and it is making stops in Fairbanks, Nenana, and Anchorage. (It may be scheduled for a few other stops along the rails between Fairbanks and Anchorage.)

This train was shipped to Alaska on marine rail barges then put on the rails in Anchorage. I am sure it was quite an effort to make this happen.

I guess the train has been around for about 40 years and changes the exhibits every 2 to 3 years. How many of the forum readers have had the opportunity to visit this rolling art display? Have there been any ArtTrain railcars produced by Lionel, K-Line, or MTH?













I hope you all enjoy seeing this unique train.

Kevin T.

[chuck]

Most recent visit in my area (Plymouth, MI) was a few years ago and the exhibit was on the artwork related to NASA "The Artistry of Space".  A number of paintings and sculptures in various media re space events.  All of the work was spectacular.  Most unusual piece was a 3D rendering of the Martian surface on a dress.  The images were gathered from the Mars Rovers.

Re Models of the Art Train, Lionel has produced a series of commemorative box cars in support of the efforts.  I don't know of any model of the train itself.

http://www.artrainusa.org/lionel-collectors-club.asp

[dwiemer]

Kevin,

     Yes, they do have Art Train rolling stock.  I have seen a tanker, caboose, and several others.  I am not sure who the manufacturer is.  I did visit the train last year and the theme was on American Indian art.  In the last car, they had a gift shop and did have some of the O gauge pieces for sale.  I believe the prices were very high.  Also, in CTT a few issues back, they did have the tank car for sale.

Dennis

[AKKevinT]

Thanks for the link Chuck. I checked out the website and it is pretty cool and informative.

Dennis you are right the cars are advertised on the ArTrain website and they are spendie but they are nice looking items!

I would have really liked to toured the train when they did the NASA exhibit. I am sure it was really well done.

Thanks for the extra information guys!

Kevin T.

[Andrew Falconer]

I walked through the Native Views edition of ArTrain during a return visit to Ann Arbor.

Since the 1980's ArTrain and LIONEL have worked together to produce a series of O Gauge Freight Cars. Some have been more limited in production than others.

I bought several of these LIONEL produced freight cars.

Recently there was a sale on the Cabooses, so I bought 2 of the Southern Pacific ArTrain Cabooses.

If you have the money, buy one or more of the cars you like to support ArTrain.

TRAINS Magazine had an article about ArTrain USA two or three months ago.

Andrew

[Andrew Falconer]

There is a CN Waterferry Service that most likely transported ArTrain USA from Seattle to Anchorage.

Andrew

[Andrew Falconer]

Lionel has made models in the past that closely resemble the equipment ArTrain USA is currently operating.

It is surprising that somebody at Lionel has not made just one scale replica of the ArTrain to put on display in the Ann Arbor, Michigan headquarters.

Andrew

[AKKevinT]

If Lionel or Williams decided to make a limited edition set maybe they would/could donate a portion of the proceeds to support the ArTrain effort. The railcars I saw here in Fairbanks are pretty darn unique and would make a nice looking set.

(Is there a specific engine asigned to the ArTrain when it is in the lower 48?)

Since the the ArTrain visits so many places it seems like it would look good being pulled by anyone's favorite motive power. Although I missed the departure, I am sure the ArTrain looked right at home being hooked up to the ARR SD-70 Macs as it left the station here in Fairbanks.

Kevin T.

[Andrew Falconer]

Locomotives used are the best of what the railroad has available at the time.

Andrew