The suspense is killing me ... has anyone been reading my new book, "101 Classic Toy Trains: The Best of the Postwar Era," and discovering what I think are the top 101 trains, accessories, sets, and more from all different O and S gauge manufacturers between 1945 and 1969? If so, what do you think? Do you like the book? Do you think I'm crazy? Let's get a discussion going!!! Roger Carp at CTT
And I'd be willing to bet that if someone bought a copy at the CTT booth at York, Roger just might put his John henry on it for them!
Bob Keller
Roger, you have outdone yourself! I was wondering how how you were going to determine your selections and all I can say is --genius. We each have our favorites but to rank the best 101 Classic Toy Trains is a job only someone with your historical knowledge, keen insight, and research experience could do so masterfully. Thank you for a totally enjoyable read.
By the way, my 497 Coal Loader was my favorite accessory especially since I saved up the $12.95 to buy it at my local hobby shop. I didn't know it had a famous designer connected with its development. Nevertheless, I would have to rank it just a tad higher for it's play value alone.
Dennis Brennan
Thanks for taking the time to reply to this thread, Dennis. I hope more people will do so. Maybe they haven't seen the book yet. If any of you have seen my new book or are interested in what I think are the 101 greatest postwar trains, why not let us know?
Call me CRAZY, but it seems to me that this would be a great idea for any gift-giving events on the horizon. Or am I nuts?
I just ordered this book a few minutes ago. I am looking forward to reading it when it comes in. I learn quite a bit by reading Roger's articles in CTT, so I am sure I will find this book very informative and interesting.
Karl
I received my copy in the mail Saturday morning and I just finished reading it. This book quickly became one of my favorites. Several projects I had planned for this weekend were put on hold so I could continue reading. This is one of those books where I tell myself that I will only read one more page and then do something else....like going to bed at night. A dozen pages later I am still reading.
Roger, you are one of the few people who can rank these trains in an objective way. After reading your methods, I doubt anyone would be able to challenge your listing. As interesting as the rankings were, I found the information about each item to be the most valuable part of the book. After reading the book, even I felt like an expert on postwar toy trains(kind of like the Holiday Inn Express commercials from a few years ago. If asked if I was a toy train expert, I can reply: "No, but I did read Roger Carp's book last night").
By the way Roger, one thing I find very impressive about your writing is that you are able to arrive at your own conclusions as opposed to just repeating what others say. A perfect example is your view of the Lady Lionel outfit. I think all too often people read or hear one person's opinion and assume it is fact. Rather than think for themselves, many folks just continue to repeat what they have heard and accept it as a true statement. I have probably done this as well. This is a lesson we can take beyond the world of toy trains. Many times I have heard friends say that a certain brand of car, tool,etc., is the greatest and another brand is junk simply because someone else declared it as fact.
I have to be honest though. I did skip to the back of the book when I first looked at it. I needed to see how it ended! This is indeed a great book. I think anyone interested in toy trains would be more than happy to have a copy.
Hi Roger,
I have heard nothing but good things about your book and the selections you made. I'm sure you had a difficult time leaving out many of those that ranked #102 and beyond.
One of my first stops at York will be the CTT booth to purchase my copy.
Looking forward to seeing you again next week,
Jim Policastro
I bought mine at the local LHS. I am about halfway through it. I generally agree with the ranking. I have been very interested to read your rational for each choice and ranking you made. I found myself reading about the things I either already had or that I wanted. All of your books are good, I thought this one was exceptional.
George
I am looking forward to picking up the book, I'll have to look for it at my LHS. It sounds like a good read. Congratulations Roger.
Paul
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