TRAINFEST EXPRESS AUGUST2010

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Highlights this issue

A DECADE LONG Forging New Trails in Design & Effects.

A UNIQUE TRIUMPH Gypsy Trolley Line shines. POPULATION 400 & GROWING STRONG! Badgerland S-Gaugers Hi-Rail Layout.

KIDS TRAIN PHOTOGRAPHY Bio by James Zorn.

Allen Pollock, Fun & Games II, and Gary Kamin, Wm. K. Walthers, Co-Chairs of the Awards Committee of the Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) Model Railroad Industry Division (MRID) Council, presented 2010 recipients of the Hall

of Fame, Bobbye Hall and Service awards with their recognition plaques at the division’s membership meeting during the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) 75th Annual Convention in Milwaukee, WI on July 18, 2010.

Four of the honorees are long-time Trainfest supporters and

the fifth is Trainfest’s own Executive Director, John H. Tews, who received the Bobbye Hall Award.

HALL OF FAME Phil Walthers – Wm. K. Walthers Jim Conway Con-Cor

BOBBYE HALL John H. Tews SERVICE

Bud Reece

Bachmann Trains MRID Council President, 2008-10 John Engstrom (Athearn) MRID Council 2007-10

(Honorees continued on Page 6)

VOLUME 1,

ISSUE 3

Allen Pollock (L), Jim Conway (R) Phil Walthers

Bud Reece (L), Fred Hill (M) & Frank Ritota(R)

John H. Tews (L), Gary Kamin (R)

John Engstron (L), Fred Hill (R)

The late Bobbye Hall, famed model

railroading pioneer

Page 2 Trainfest® EXPRESS August 2010 ======================================================================================

Page 3 Trainfest® EXPRESS August 2010 =======================================================================================

Table of Contents

Trainfest EXPRESS August 2010, Volume 1, Issue 3

Features

Trainfest

EXPRESS

SPONSORING PUBLISHER Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE)

Division Inc., NMRA

PUBLISHER

John H. Tews, MMR [email protected]

EDITOR

Ruth Johnson [email protected]

715-340-4525

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ruth Johnson

[email protected] 715-340-4525

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Bob Gallegos

ADVERTISING Ruth Johnson

[email protected] 715-340-4525

SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT

Mercury Communication Partners, LLC.

WEB DESIGN

Mercury Communication Partners, LLC.

Columns

Page 5 What is

Trainfest? A Delight for the Senses!

Page 1&6 HMA-MRID Honorees Trainfest Exhibitors and Executive

Director Honored.

Page 9-12 Unique Triumph Gypsy Trolley Line Shines!

Page 13-15 A Decade Long! Forging New Trails in Design & Effects.

Page 16-19 Population 400 Badgerland S-Gaugers Hi-Rail Layout

Page 4 From the

Caboose Comments from John H. Tews, MMR, Trainfest Executive Director.

Page 4 Crossings A Bird’s Eye View from Ruth Johnson,

Editor, Trainfest EXPRESS.

Trainfest Committee

Trainfest is possible due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and board members. If you would like to volunteer for America’s largest operating model railroad show, contact us via email: [email protected]. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc., NMRA

Richard Cecil Asst. to the Director

Cedor Aronow Security Scott Porinsky Computer Services

Robert Sherman Treasurer

Ed Padgett Volunteer Coordinator Kurt Wamser Floor Director

Linda Sukup WISE Superintendent

Gary Kamin HMA-MRD Advisor Mercury Communications Advertising Agency

John H. Tews, MMR, Executive Director, E-mail: [email protected]

Page 21-22 Kids Train

Photography Bio by James Zorn.

Page 20 John Kosma

Card Stock

Model Free for Readers!

mailto:[email protected]





http://www.mercuryww.com/



Crossings A Bird’s Eye View By Ruth Johnson, Editor, Trainfest EXPRESS

From the

Caboose Comments from

John H. Tews MMR, Trainfest® Executive Director

Adrenalin. That is what I feel as the month’s advance

and the calendar edges closer to Trainfest!

This will be my first year attending Trainfest and as

I get to know several of our exhibitors, whether they

are hobbyists, clinicians, manufacturers, retailers,

publishers or my favorite, attendees and enthusiasts, I find my excitement hard to contain.

When you think about our tagline, America's Largest

Operating Model Railroad Show, you realize that

an event of this magnitude requires a well-organized

force to pull it off successfully, not just one year,

but thirty-nine years in a row.

What is even more amazing is the army of workers,

who accomplish this task, are primarily volunteers,

committed to achieve for their love of model railroading.

Few industries are so driven by members who feel so

passionate about every aspect of their field. The hours

that layout artists devote to their creations are

incredible and yet they love every moment of their

labors.

There are hundreds of stories I want to write about all

of you and your efforts. I may look into cloning myself.

Please continue to contact me with your feedback

or if you would like to gain recognition by contributing

your articles, photos or ideas.

Warm wishes,

Ruth

TRAINFEST EXPRESS has gone international!

Over 188 new readers have signed up for automatic

monthly internet delivery and/or notification of our

free, online and interactive Trainfest Express.

These new subscribers come not only from each

of our nation’s 50 states, but also from the United

Kingdom, both Old and New South Wales, Australia,

the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sweden, Israel,

New Zealand and all the provinces of Canada.

We now reach almost 7,000 hobbyists, families and

enthusiasts around the world! WOW!

Trainfest 2010 planning is underway with several

new and expanded layouts, new hobby dealers and

an expanded clinic/demonstration area.

Watch for more information in this regular column,

From the Caboose, as I release updates in upcoming

issues of Trainfest EXPRESS.

You can enjoy Trainfest EXPRESS at your leisure

since we archive all newsletters for future reference

and availability, at this Trainfest website link:

http://trainfest.com/TrainfestExpressNewsletter.html

Trainfest EXPRESS is sent free via email as a PDF

or on the Trainfest website in an interactive, online

paging-style format. You can also print out the

pages or articles as you desire.

We continue to look for your input on articles you

would like to see in the Express. Send them to us

at [email protected] or [email protected].

In the spirit

of Model Railroading

with clear signals always,

John

http://trainfest.com/TrainfestExpressNewsletter.html




An enriching family experience,

Trainfest is America's largest operating model railroad show, 39 years strong! Every November, tens of thousands

of visitors of all generations and lifestyles from North America and other regions of the world fill the Wisconsin Exposition

Center, just to connect with the sights and sounds of everything railroad, scaled down to a miniature size.

Over fifty clubs, historic organizations, groups and railroad modelers showcase truly exquisite and fully operational layouts and displays superbly represent the uniqueness of model railroading.

New and vintage trains loop continuously around a myriad of settings and fabulous scenes from train depots to entire cities

in intricate detail complete with people, animals, vehicles, equipment, buildings, landscaping, retail shops and more!

120 manufacturer and hobby dealer exhibitors display unique products and services, technology and equipment and consult with visitors on the perfect items and newest releases. Model railroad historical societies are

featured along with 20-25 clinicians and demonstrators plus several manufacturers share their knowledge in Trainfest clinics.

Join us at Trainfest 2010 for a wonderfully interactive opportunity to explore this

legendary world. Tour the award-winning layouts, take photos, watch demonstrations, hear the sounds of steam whistles, the clickety-clack of wheels on rails and see the excitement of children of all ages.

What is

Trainfest? A Delight for the Senses!

November 13-14, 2010

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am-5:30 pm Wisconsin Exposition Center State Fair Park

8200 W Greenfield Ave West Allis, WI 53214 Admission and Further Details: www.trainfest.com/TicketsShowDetails.html

Madison Hobby Stop 6622 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 608-829-3820 Engine House Services LLC 2737 N. Packerland Drive, 2H

Green Bay, WI 54303 920-490-4839

South Side Trains 2633 South Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-482-1566

Greenfield News and Hobbies 6815 West Layton Ave Greenfield, WI 53220 414-281-1800

Jetco Hiawatha Hobbies 2026 West Silvernail Road Waukesha, WI 53072 262-544-4131 Walthers (Terminal Hobbies)

5619 West Florist Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218 414-461-1050

Sommerfeld’s Trains 12620 West Hampton Ave Butler, WI 53007

262-783-7797

ADVANCE TICKETS

ON SALE NOW!

LINDA SUKUP

Advance Ticket Coordinator

WISE Division Superintendent

Advance tickets are now available at the seven hobby shops below, located throughout Milwaukee, Green Bay and Madison. Tickets are $10.00, which is a savings of $2.00.

Friday Product Showcase tickets are available for $40.00. This ticket allows you private entry into Trainfest on Friday, normally reserved for dealers who visit the manufacturers that attend Trainfest every year. It is a great chance to meet the professionals in your hobby world. Ticket is also good for Saturday and Sunday entry.

The following hobby shops are selling these advance and special tickets:

Photo by Scott Porinsky

http://www.trainfest.com/

http://www.trainfest.com/

http://www.trainfest.com/TicketsShowDetails.html


HONORING A

GREAT WOMAN The Bobbye Hall Award was created in honor of former hobby icon Bobbye Hall who rose to prominence in the

hobby industry and National Model Railroad Association during her 55-year career

with Hall's Hobby House and Hallmark Models, Inc. In 1966, Mrs. Hall was inducted

into the Model Railroad Industry association's Hall of Fame along with industry moguls Hal Carstens, A.C. Kalmbach, Bruce Walthers, Irvin R. Athearn and William K. Walthers.

She also received the NMRA's Pioneers of Model Railroading award the same year.

She was the first woman elected to Hobby Industry Association's

board of directors in 1953. She served three years and then continued to serve hobby industry associations in numerous capacities until closing her business at age 92 in 2001.

The 2010 Bobbye Hall Award for distinguished service to the

model railroad industry was presented to John H. Tews, MMR, Executive Director, Trainfest, America's largest operating model railroad show, 39 years strong. Officially, John Tews has been the man behind Trainfest for nearly 20 years,

helping elevate Trainfest to a leading “must-see” event highlighting the best in model railroading. Detailed craftsmanship in layouts, top-tier vendor products, and variety of products from hobby shops set Trainfest apart from swap meets and model railroad shows across the country. A volunteer himself, he enthusiastically rallies the volunteer workforce that keeps

Trainfest running smoothly. He designs the entire floor plan for layouts and carves

out ample space for clinics, demonstrations and manufacturer’s showcase. Under John’s direction over the past 19 years, Trainfest has steadily grown in attendance with over 22,000 model railroad hobbyists, enthusiasts and families and attending each year.

John has also served as president of the East Troy Railroad Museum and is the museum’s Emeritus Director. He received the NMRA Certificate of Achievement award as an Association Official and Association Volunteer as well as the Master Model Railroader award in 2002. John is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the WISE Division of NMRA and has served as WISE Division Superintendent for four years in the early 1990’s.

John attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Valparaiso University for Civil Engineering. He worked several years as a civil engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in Butler, WI as well as Construction Project Manager for Wisconsin Electric Power Company from which he retired in 2006. “John has worked extremely hard to make Trainfest a premier show in the model railroad industry and we thank him for his service and cooperation with the HMA

MRID,” stated Gary Kamin, co-chair of the Awards Committee.

Linda Sukup, WISE Division Superintendent

with John H. Tews and Bobbye Hall award.




Serendipity. Occasionally, life

serves up those moments when the planets appear to be perfectly aligned and circumstances deliver

the perfect outcome.

That is what occurred July 11-18, 2010, when the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) held its 75th Anniversary Annual Convention in Milwaukee, WI, to honor the city where NMRA was founded by legendary model railroad

giants like Al Kalmbach and William Walthers. As luck would have it, Milwaukee-based Gypsy Trolley Line HO Scale

exhibit and a regular Trainfest favorite exhibitor and award winner,

reinforced the Milwaukee connection by winning the NMRA Convention’s Best of Show-Module award. The NMRA award also helps build recognition for card stock modeling,

John Kosma’s favorite medium for buildings and backdrops.

THE CARD STOCK PROCESS John Kosma, an avid photographer

and bicyclist, starts his creative journey biking through Milwaukee’s

winding alleys and ambling side streets in search of weathered and dilapidated structures, commercial sites and older homes.

He photographs his finds from many different angles so he has the views he needs to construct a 3-D structure. Then the real magic begins. John uses Photoshop, a graphic software

program, to masterfully manipulate and weather the images.

He separates the photo into individual components and electronically places them on a sheet. He then prints it in full color on card stock, assembling

the final piece and finishing it with extra embellishments that help further its 3D effect.

(A Unique Triumph continued on Page 10)

Gypsy Trolley Line Shines!

Pictured here: Winning exhibitors, Christine and John Kosma. According to John, “Without Christine’s support, there would be no Gypsy Trolley Line.”


(A Unique Triumph continued from Page 9)

John often shares his card stock models with long-time friends, Thom and David Miecznikowski, brothers who own Clever Models, LLC., www.clevermodels.net, and who have been designing and marketing card stock kits for six years. John has given Trainfest EXPRESS permission to reproduce

one of his scaled model drawings on Page 21 of this issue for our readers to copy for their own personal use. To find additional free and retail card stock models, visit this site: http://www.cardfaq.org/faq

EVER-CHANGING

Never one to let grass grow under his feet, John is adding new sections to his layout.

His next module will be based in the 1939-40 Milwaukee era with a theatre, White Tower Restaurant, drugstore, an alleyway behind homes and the businesses anchoring main streets out front.

The theatre ticket office will even display replica theatre posters. John is careful to photograph places or buildings when he sees them, “There was this little abandoned garage, which I wanted to shoot but I didn’t have time to do so. When I

came back, it was demolished.”

“History is fleeting and times keeps on moving so you have to capture it when you can,” John states. “Here today, gone tomorrow.”


http://www.clevermodels.net/

http://www.cardfaq.org/faq



STATS

Currently, Gypsy Trolley Line consists of five modules: (1) 3-foot, (2) 8-foot and (2) 6-foot sections for a total of 31 feet. John can only display 19 feet of the full display in his own home, some of which is positioned above his wonderfully organized and meticulously clean work

area and some in his basement den (pictured below).

DISTINCTIVE PRESENCE 2010 will be the seventh year that John has exhibited his display at Trainfest. It is one of only four trolley-line exhibits at the show, which makes it unique in itself.

The manner in which John translates his masterfully executed

photography into beautifully rendered card-stock structures and buildings helps raise his exhibit unto a league of its own. Both Christine and John like interacting with the crowds at the various shows they attend throughout the year. The only thing they wish they could do differently would be to find more time to view other exhibitors’ layouts. John sighs and

says, “With just the two of us, it is hard to leave the booth to see any other exhibits.” In closing, John talks about why he loves model railroading world, “It provides me with an opportunity to exercise my

imagination, preserve a part of Milwaukee’s heritage and

keep my artistic side fulfilled. Plus, what a great excuse to ride my bike and stay in shape!”




It’s hard to imagine that the realistic buildings and structures on Gypsy Trolley Line are card stock. The detail is quite phenomenal and you must see it yourself to fully appreciate the uniqueness. Visit the Gypsy Trolley Line at Trainfest.


A DECADE LONG Forging New Trails in Design, Sound & Special Effects.

ON THE HORIZON A Message from Bob Grubba “Broadway Limited has always been a leader in new technology. This will

not change. We have a new patent on a product we

call Rolling Thunder, which will debut in our 2011 catalog. Rolling Thunder is the answer to the

challenge to reproduce the ground shaking sounds of a real locomotive through a 1-inch speaker. Previous attempts to engineer large speaker systems under the layout

have produced less than perfect effects. Model railroaders not only want the correct sound for the model; they also

expect it to be synchronized with the movement of the train. Rolling Thunder accomplishes this by

transmitting the bass portion of the locomotive sounds to a sub-woofer under the layout. Correct sounds then originate from the train while perfectly synchronizing with the side rods, smoke and with sounds

coming from the model’s speaker. Since low frequencies are less directional,

the overall effect is an illusion of a small model’s sounds nearly matching those of a real train.

Once again, Broadway Limited Imports jumps to the forefront of manufacturing innovation with a whole new level of realism just as we did in 2002 with our first model, the NYC J1e Hudson with sound.”

Broadway Limited Imports was founded in the

year 2000, by Anton Wenzel, former owner of Oriental Limited Brass; Robert Zimet, former president of QSI and Bob Grubba, who previously served as Director

of Engineering for Lionel Trains. The trio formed the company with the sole intention of becoming the

first manufacturer to offer factory installed sound and DCC decoders in HO Scale models.

In 2002, Broadway Limited Imports released its first model, the NYC J1e Hudson with sound, which won Model Railroader magazine's 2002 Product of the Year.

According to Bob, “The Hudson also won the 2002 HO Scale model of the

year. However, my favorite award was the Product of the Year award for our first product.” “I invested a large portion of my family's savings in the company and it was nice to see our product

validated by the award.” Their second model, the Norfolk

& Western Class A, won the HO Scale 2003 Locomotive of the Year. In 2005, Anton Wenzel and Robert

Zimet retired and Bob purchased their shares of Broadway Limited Imports.

(A Decade Long continued on Page 14)

Pictured above:

Right: Bob Grubba, President

Left: Ken Silvestri, Sales Director


TURN TO THE SOURCE

Broadway Limited Imports’ customers

visit their website daily for updates,

news and other information, www.broadway-limited.com. They also have an email newsletter that informs customers of new products, new arrivals and more.

A printed catalog is available by calling Broadway Limited, (386) 673-8900, which many larger hobby stores carry as well. If there is not a local hobby store

in your area, there are a number of good stores listed on the back of the Broadway Limited Imports’ catalog, which accept online, email or phone orders.

(A Decade Long continued from Page 13)

A BENCHMARK ERA

2010 marks Broadway Limited Imports’ 10th anniversary as a premier manufacturer of world class model railroading locomotives and rolling stock. The company takes great pride and enjoyment in providing fine, collector

grade equipment for discerning modelers and operators who have an eye for true beauty. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Operating in a small industry like model railroading does present some obstacles, which Bob explains, “General consumer products are made by the millions. Model trains are made by the thousands. As a result,

molds and tooling, which range between $100-$300,000/model, are a very significant portion of the product costs.”

“We are constantly trying to find new ways to manufacture products that do not require as much new tooling,” Bob continues. “Our Hybrid line is current state of the art. We can offer models with detail on levels similar to $1,500

brass models, yet sell them for prices closer to those of plastic or die-cast models.” PRODUCT UNIQUENESS Since Broad Limited Imports’ products are so revolutionary, the company strongly encourages customers to read the product manuals before and after

purchase, just to get a taste of the kinds of things it can do. According to Bob, it is amazing how often they demonstrate products and hear

customers say "Wow! I didn't know my model would do that!" Bob relates, “This is especially true of the Paragon 2 models. A customer can have a model for years and still find new features like the quillable

whistle, adjustable rod knock, open steam cock, engineer radio effects and on and on.” “These features are not readily apparent unless the user knows about them and activates them.”

(A Decade Long continued on Page 15)

http://www.broadway-limited.com/


NEW DIGS

In May 2009, Broadway Limited Imports moved into brand new headquarters, which includes a visitor center with full-sized operating layout and gift shop. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and see us! 9 East Tower Circle Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 673-8900 http://www.broadway-limited.com

CUSTOMERS DESERVE THE BEST! Broadway Limited Imports maintains a staff

of some of the best engineers in the hobby. We spend an inordinate amount of time

researching and revising drawings to make sure that every pipe, step and rivet are as close as possible to the real train, and we can tell when we get it right because the product always sells out. We are constantly trying new approaches

and incorporating new technology. Features like our Autopilot, which is included in all Paragon 2-equipped models, are critical

to the future of our company. It is what sets us apart from the crowd and defines our uniqueness.

(A Decade Long continued from Page 14)

MODEL RAILROAD WORLD BENEFITS

“More so than many industries, model railroading is sort of like a family,” claims Bob. “There are customers I have known for years. I see them at train shows like Trainfest. I've met their children. They are extremely passionate about their hobby. It is nice to have customers who care so deeply about the products we make.”

Originally a mechanical engineer, Bob compares that occupation to model railroading, “My involvement in model railroading has been a blast. I could be working in a plant making concrete pipe of something. This is way more fun.”

THE FUTURE OF THE HOBBY

A trend setter for 15 years, Bob speaks about his industry, “For at least 25 years, people have been saying there are no new people entering the hobby and it will die out.” “In all that time, the median age of the hobby has remained constant

in every poll I have seen. This tells me there is a steady stream of new hobbyists, but they enter in their 30's and 40's when they have the income to buy our products and the time and space to use them. Most children don't get $300 models.” Bob continues, “Over time there has been a steady progression toward more detail, more realism, more accuracy and more electronic features.

I expect this to continue, but perhaps the controls have become too

complex. As a result, our company will continue to strive to make our products more user-friendly.”

http://www.broadway-limited.com/


Model railroad layouts are

for kids --whether they are only a few years old or senior citizens. That is why the Badgerland S-Gaugers

Hi-Rail modules focus on a “toy train” look rather than exact S Scale. The layout’s purpose is to educate the public about S Gauge and other facets and techniques of model railroading, while providing entertainment value.

COMPONENTS The layout consists of ten modules and is 8’ wide by 16’ long. The 34” height is perfect viewing even for small children.

Primary elements include American Flyer track, AF rubber roadbed and switches, 43rd scale vehicles, MTH and Plasticville® buildings.

COMMANDING ATTENTION Ronald’s Badgers S-Gaugers Hi-Rail Layout has been featured on television and in four magazines and has earned several certificates.

However, his favorite honor was the Chairman’s Award at the 34th Annual Trainfest in 2005.

Ronald also received a module award previously at Trainfest.

Many conventions and tours have requested Ronald to allow his home layout to be open for tours or personal viewing. Otherwise, his traveling layout goes to six shows a year.

Ronald loves interacting with the public which is why he shows his work so often. He describes himself as a “people person” and spends

several hours daily tweaking his layout so it always stays fresh.

Like many other hobbyists, Ronald still has his original train set. “It brings back many great childhood memories,” says Ronald. According to Ronald, the biggest draw

of his layout is the 400+ “little people.”

POPULATION 400 & GROWING STRONG! Badgerland S-Gaugers Hi-Rail Layout By Ronald G. Schlicht

Populated by 400 little people, the focus revolves around color, comedy and action accessories along with

American Flyer Hi-Rail trains. Nine American Flyer accessories populate the layout of which many are operational. SCENERY ROCKS!

The key word is vignettes and they are plentiful. Let’s start with the

unloading box car followed by an Oil Drum Loader and Log Loader. After loading the logs, a kit-bashed engine pulls a gondola and log unloading car

down a siding to where the logs are dumped. A sawmill then loads planks into a gondola. Next is an operating Gabe the Lamplighter, AF Sam the semaphore man and whistling station.

(Population 400 continued on Page 17)

http://www.sommerfelds.com/

http://www.sommerfelds.com/


DETAILS COUNT

Hi-Rail also features an AF Oil Supply Depot, refurbished

Bradford Diner and modified AF tower. A.C. Gilbert accessories are alive and well represented. On the opposite side of the layout, there is an operating playground, AF Highway Flasher and Bell Danger, with lights that flash alternately continuously.

Since the layout’s vignettes span many eras including the ever popular 50’s with period cars, Rock & Roll music figures and Plasticville® Frosty bar, it attracts what can be termed “cross-generational” crowds.

CHANGE IS CONSTANT Many of the figures have been incorporated into custom animated scenes. This is a continuing process and more animations are added each year. A camera train is in operation during all events with a monitor mounted at a viewing level for small children.

According to Ronald, “I’m not sure who enjoys this feature; more the children or the grandparents.” Ronald worked as a Product Designer at the Allen-Bradley Co. for 35 years, which along with his love of art, helped

prepare him for the model railroad world. “On my home layout,” explains Ronald, “I am always creating new small

dioramas or scenarios. There are 3,334 figures on that layout!”



Celebrity Lineup

(4) SUPER HEROES

Batman & Robin

Superman

Spiderman

Professor Xavier (X-Men)

FAMOUS ROCK/POP STARS

Elvis Presley Michael Jackson

FEMALE MOVIE STAR

Ann Margret (She dated Elvis)

DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs)

NATURALIST & WILDLIFE

Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter)

OTHER FAMOUS FIGURES Fonzie (Happy Days) Ronald McDonald

(Population 400 continued from Page 17)

RONALD’S FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS

1. Plasticville® Frosty Bar with roller-skating waitresses and 50’s music.

2. All Classic automobiles. All cars have drivers.

3. Custom crafted figures particularly celebrities.

4. Fire scene hose. 5. Fishing hole/swimming pond. Water

made from shower door material. 6. Junk yard with welder and handmade

junked appliances. 7. Animated figures, especially the

construction crew. 8. Lady with flat tire being fixed by a tow

truck driver, complete with road flares. 9. Hobo village with campfire and detailed

shanties. 10. All operating accessories. 11. Bus stop with newspaper dispensers. 12. Small farm. Animations in planning stages.



(Population 400 continued from Page 18) WRAPPING UP Ronald uses uncomplicated techniques and simple scenery materials so as not

to intimidate the viewing public, “I want them to leave my layout saying, I can do that!” “It’s all about having fun, taking pride in what you have created and having

others share and enjoy your efforts.”


John Kosma

Card Stock Model Free for Trainfest EXPRESS Readers!

Owner and creator of the award-winning Gypsy Trolley Line model railroad layout that features his own handcrafted card stock buildings and structures, is providing our readers with a free model (below) to try on their own. Simply size the model

to the scale you desire, print on card stock, cut out, ensemble and embellish. Voila! You are one step closer to creating your own card stock layout. More of John’s work can be seen in the photo at left and on pages 9-12 of this issue.


Editor’s Note: 2010 marks the first time that James Zorn will be exhibiting Kids Train Photography at Trainfest. Normally, James does not publish the photos he takes at shows since they involve individual clients’ children. However, the photos shown here illustrate the full range of his photography skills.

James Zorn’s world… I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1972 with a B.A. in Design and a major in photography. I spent the first part of my career working for big catalog production studios in the hay

days of retailers like Sears, Wards, J.C. Penny and many other mail order retailers. I bought into an existing studio in the suburbs, which I ran for 20 years until digital came along. In 1972, there were maybe 1000 photo studios in Chicago. By 2000, digital photography and computers had reduced that number to less than 100, putting many of the talented support

businesses that service the photo industry out of work.

Luckily, I transitioned by selling my business to a major printing firm that wanted to add digital photography to the services they offered. They hired me as a studio manager and taught me everything I would need to know about digital photography, retouching, printing and the

growing web businesses. Eventually I was hired as a staff photographer by the largest printing firm in the world. My son was the real influence for my interest in trains and later trains shows. We live not too far from Union Illinois’ Train Museum and my son and I would spend Sunday morning watching the steam engine heating up and riding all the running trains. We also enjoy the Elgin

Electric Train Museum, our city of residence. At one time Chicago had 13 electric train lines. One of those lines,

the Aurora/Elgin Electric ran right through town to Chicago and back. Only one line still exists, the South Shore Electric line servicing the southeast part of Chicago.

I had trains as a kid as did my brother. We were into HO scale, due to the lack of space and readily available stock. I always wanted to have Lionel trains, but they were too expensive and too big for our little house.

(Kids Train continued on Page 22)

http://www.kidstrainphotography.com

Bio by James Zorn

http://www.kidstrainphotography.com/


(Kids Train continued from Page 21)

What I enjoyed the most about trains was the miniature buildings and the detail required in the layouts. This is very similar to some aspects of my photography work. I got into the train show business by accident. My son was working for a train show company here in Chicago. The company thought

taking unique photos of small children who come to the train show with relatives, would be a great way to mark the event. We found a kid-sized Thomas the Tank Engine for a perfect prop and I painted an appropriate 9’ x 15’ backdrop, packed my studio lights, laptop and digital camera and traveled to my first show in Indianapolis, not knowing what to expect. I was a big hit with people standing in line

even after the show closed each day. I added a website where customers can download the photo of their child to print at home or send to other family members. There is no charge for this download. No one else does that for any price. I give each child I photograph, a real railroad hat along with a red,

railroad style bandanna, wooden train whistle and a sucker. I have built many repeat customers over the years. People even bring last year’s photo to show me. The kids at this age are just great, happy, excited about Thomas the Tank Engine and trains in general. My motto is, “If it isn’t fun, don’t do it.”

My work is very specialized and I have developed a natural style with lighting as a key, enhancing component. I learned lighting using big “hot” lights but gradually, flash (strobe) lighting has taken over how most work is done today. I have a sign at my booth that says, “Crabby children are expected but

we ask that you bring them back later.” Parents are often embarrassed when their child refuses to cooperate. I tell them there just too many things going on, too many people. Walk them around, get them something to eat and come back, which does work. I enjoy children. My own children are now grown and I am not yet a grandparent but a great uncle several times. I love my work and am happy I discovered

train shows.

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TRAINFEST EXPRESS AUGUST2010