One train set did have a long line of coal cars, and I mean long as in it's passing, it seemed to take up the entire half of the side of the display. This set, while not very diverse was probably more typical of today's trains, but more boring. The favorite layout for us was the one from the local Waupaca area club. Unlike at least one other set up, it was at a level where children could see it and the presentation was charming showing our area including right here in Amherst. We used to have a siding here and a station but now we are a pass through, a rapid pass through where the trains don't even sound their arrival..
Nostalgia was the major theme for sure. I suspect that the average age of the participants is well into the 50s if not a bit greater, so there were some memories of the romantic era of rail. Personally, I would have like more steam representation, maybe including a few that spewed out fake smoke polluting the area to give the real feel of the day. Personally, I would have at least burned a small piece of coal to set the tone, may be some diesel as well.
I still remember the steam engines and like every kid who ever saw one, they are impregnated in our minds. Industrial monsters, loved by all---maybe not grandma whose laundry probably got covered with coal dust.
Still they were metal monsters of great intrigue. But my favorite small setting was a almost hidden behind a cliff, maybe out of sight for a reason, but still my favorite. There close to the track, I noticed a split windowed VW bus. Couldn't miss it really. We had a VW bus--and still do. Most interestingly, along with the deluxe bus there were four naked hippy chicks preparing to jump in the river. I do love nostalgia.
Turned out a old hippy friend of ours was the artist who put the scene together. Figures. Three cheers to Dennis.
No comments:
Post a Comment