My copy came yesterday, and I've given it a fairly thorough look. It is of particular interest to me because I was there in person to see the "famous '49" display, starting in 1951, up through the introduction of the super O layout.
The photographs are interesting but it really is the text that elevates the book's value. So much to absorb, so much that I never knew until now. For example, it is obvious that despite Kalmbach's editorial prejudice towards realism the "Panorama" layout was a failure in the eyes of the public, a fact driven home by Lionel's sudden and complete stop to all showroom publicity at the time, which was very unusual.
The super O layout was a rude shock to me and all my train buddies. As I recall the layout was great, the trains gorgeous, the accessories splendid, but the track not so much, and many of the other kids and parents who were there when we were seemed to feel the same way. It's interesting to note that presently super O has become kind of a "cult" item, but back then there seemed to be a strong dislike for it on the part of many Lionel fans.
Bottom line, an excellent publication, well worth having for anyone interested in O Gauge Toy Trains even casually.
Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
WOOHOO!!!! GOT MINE TODAY!!!! Like others before me, I haven't read much yet! But the pictures are impressive enough that if I didn't own a copy I'd definately buy it! Thank You Roger!!!!
Now comes the FUN part! Reading and learning from the articles and exploring the photos in depth!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
WHERE'S MINE?! I WANT MINE!!!!!
Hi Don,
Yes, we will have a good supply of "Lionel's Showroom Layouts" and the latest Lionel pocket price guide at the CTT booth in the Orange Hall--plus our latest button. So we look forward to seeing many CTT readers next week at the York train show.
Thanks,
Roger
I received my copy of Lionel Showroom Layouts today and it is simply great. It's a true collection of history.
Chuck
Will you have a supply of your book (and the new price guide) at York?
Don U. TCA 73-5735
Hi Becky,
Thanks for the nice words about my book on Lionel display layouts. I'm glad you are enjoying that book and have learned so much from it. I hope "Lionel's Showroom Layouts" will reach you very soon and that you will like it. Lots of work went into it, but the results have been very satisfying--and always a treat to hear that readers are liking it.
We appreciate your support of CTT and the books I've done! Roger
Still waiting!!! Well if you're like me and haven't received your copy yet, you could do what I did to help relieve the anticipation and download these articles on display layouts:
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/cttpdf033.html
I've also read through Roger's excellent "Lionel Display Layouts You Can Build" a few dozen times since I placed my order a couple of months ago!
My personal favorites are the prewar scenic railways and I've been collecting info on those for years. Every time one shows up on Ebay I snag the photos so one day I'll be able to build my own version using those original scenery techniques. Anyhoo, back to waiting!
Becky, you will absolutely love it! A few days ago Mike Spanier on the Super O yahoo group announced he had received his copy. Since then my spidey sense has been tingling waiting for mine. Yesterday was a tough day at school, trying to study for a major exam I have tomorrow while fighting back a fever and trying to find out why the right side of my jaw was swollen. When I got home, there it was on my desk. Once I opened it and starting thumbing through the pages, I forgot everything.
Roger Carp; Great kudos to you and the crew for this. Most of these layouts were built and taken down before I was borne. The only layout I may have had a chance to see was the Super O layout. Until a few months ago when CTT published an article showing some recently found pictures, I did not know Lionel had a T Rail showroom layout, and until this magazine, I had no idea Lionel started with a standard gauge layout. Thank you for this historical record.This is something I will be happy to pass on to my grandkids.
I'm glad you like my Johnny Cash avatar. I have some album covers from Boxcar Willie I thought to use but John is simply the man. I can truly say that a love and respect for the man and his music is the only thing that my mom, my dad and I can fully agree on.
Roger,
I did not know that Lionel had various layouts through the years, until I read about some of the past Lionel showroom layouts, in a past CTT article.
Your publication of "Lionel's Showroom Layouts" will be a must have collectors item and will be among model and toy train valuables.
Definitely, a must have!
Ralph
Hi Ralph,
Yes, I think you're going to enjoy and learn from "Lionel's Showroom Layouts." And what will delight you even more is that it is not a compilation of old articles. Everything is brand new--all new essays that I have written especially for this publication. And tons of amazing pictures and track plans. So enjoy it and let me know what you think. Thanks, Roger
Thank you for compiling LIonel's 'Showroom Layouts' into one publication.
I can't wait to get my order and be able to have a beautiful collection of Lionel History, which you made possible.
Sincerely,
Hi "Balidas" and thanks for the thoughtful message. I hope you'll enjoy what I've written as much as the pictures--well, maybe that isn't possible because the pictures are so incredible! By the way, thanks for sharing the cover of that great Johnny Cash album used as your avatar. Have a great day, Roger
Woohoo! That means I'll be getting mine in a day or two too! I've been waiting, and waiting, and waiting...
Just got my issue today. Tremendous publication. I've been through it three times already but have yet to read the articles, merely gazing at all the incredible pictures. This is a definite must have.
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