Toy train operating and collecting

Hi everyone,

I've just posted a brand-new "Focus on Classics" Web Exclusive for subscribers to "Classic Toy Trains." I spent many years doing research, gathering photos, and interviewing people--all to put together a comprehensive look at one of the greatest toy train stores/hobby shops of the postwar era--the Eric Fuchs store in Boston. This store dealt with customers from throughout New England and really around the world--it advertised heavily in "Model Builder" and "Model Railroader" magazines.

If you ever visited Eric Fuchs--or just like to read about long-lost toy train stores to remember a golden age in our hobby--you will enjoy this exclusive article.

Thanks go to the readers who have already read the story and posted such kind and complimentary remarks. I am glad to read them and see how many of you remember this legendary store.

Interestingly, my friend and fellow postwar enthusiast Mike Spanier has launched a thread on another magazine's forum in which he reminisces about the wonderful toy train stores from the past and present. Looks as though this article of mine has struck a chord with so many hobbyists--that is always my goal in writing.

If you have a favorite toy train store or hobby shop from the past--or present--please let us know. And if some long-time stores are still in business and can provide vintage photos and memories from veteran employees, I may be able to write additional stories. So please let me know what you can find.

Thanks everyone,

Roger Carp Senior Editor Classic Toy Trains

Roger,

Are you planning any more sequels to your 'All-Star Electric Trains' and 'More All-Star Electric Trains'?  They are still my favorite reads.

Earl

Hi Earl,

Thanks for your email and the nice words about "All-Star Electric Trains." Right now, we don't have any plans to do a third issue of that special publication, dedicated to the great O and S gauge trains and accessories from the postwar decades.

For those of you who haven't seen these two special magazines, the first issue is available as a PDF and print copies of the second one are still available.


You can order either the PDF or the print copy by contacting our Customer Sales & Service Department--toll-free--at 1-800-533-6644.

The exclusive articles available on our Web site--including this new one about Eric Fuchs--can stand as the latest version of "All-Star Electric Trains." They are intended to bring back the same memories of postwar trains--and some from the prewar era--and to provide valuable information to collectors and operators about the great toy trains of the past.

So if you liked "All-Star Electric Trains," you will find more of that "good stuff" on our Web site, just by clicking on "Classics."

Thanks for your comments Earl and keep enjoying CTT.

Roger