What’s Inside

www.trainfest.com

November 2012Volume 2 • Issue 5

Hornby America Revives Rivarossi

PG 3

Trainfest 2012 Floorplan

PG 6

Kids Activity ZonePG 10

Clinics And DemosPG 11

Manufacturers New to Trainfest 2012

PG 12

Luxury Travel On The North Shore

PG 14

The Choo Choo Bob Show Cast Members

PG 18

TrainfestNovember

2012

10th - 11th

“It is about the journey, not the finished layout,” says Fred Holzapfel of the G-Whiz Gang on the model railroading hobby.

For the G-Whiz Gang, the journey began around 1989 when a group of friends began a layout from several battery and track powered large scale train sets. The group’s vision was to create a railroad in the same manner as a typical HO-Scale layout using large scale trains. Their primary goal was to create something train fans of every age could enjoy.

The G-Whiz railroad is never complete in the eyes of the club members; there are always new ideas for scenes and modules to add to the layout. This year

the G-Whiz Gang has been rebuilding eight modules. Fred tells Trainfest EXPRESS that the modules create a fresh look to their layout – but that we all have to visit the layout to fully experience this new and improved railroad.

Updating the railroad makes for a fresh new experience for not only the club but visitors as well.

Over time, the Gang has added several scenes for the enjoyment of visitors. When looking closely at the railroad, visitors will observe the subtle animated scenes created by Corky Whitlock, a NMRA Master Model Railroader.

The Journey Continues with Eight Rebuilt ModulesBy Angela Podewils

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Continued on page 4

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Sponsoring PublisherWisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA PublisherJohn H. Tews, MMRjohn@trainfest.com

Contributing EditorsAngela PodewilsBonnie Moyer TopczewskiJody Delie Julie Larsen Newsletter Design, Web & AdvertisingMercury Communication Partners, LLC262-782-4637www.mercuryww.com

Photos Contributed byChoo Choo Bob ShowHornby AmericaJeremy Topczewski

TRAINFEST, Trainfest EXPRESS and the Trainfest LOGO are registered trademarks of the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA.

www.trainfest.com

Trainfest

John H. Tews, MMR Executive Director, E-mail: john@trainfest.com

Richard Cecil Asst. to the Director

Cedor Aronow Security

Scott Porinsky Computer Services

Gary Kamin Trainfest Treasurer

Ed Padgett Volunteer Coordinator

Kurt Wamser Floor Director

Linda Sukup Ticket Coordinator

Terry Thompson HMA-MRD Advisor

Joe Russ Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA Superintendent

Mercury Communications Advertising Agency

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: volunteer@trainfest.com. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA

Trainfest Committee

WOW!!!! Trainfest 2012 is just about a week away and I am still amazed the Green Bay Packers will not be playing a game on Trainfest Sunday – for the third consecutive Trainfest.

I thought the floor plan was complete until last night when we decided to add another kid’s building block area. So the pieces of the floor plan puzzle covering more than four football fields are back up on my computer one more time. We will repost the floor plan on our website – www.trainfest.com – and if I have anything to say about it, it will be the final version!

Use the floor plan with the exhibitor list to pre-plan your time at Trainfest. Booth numbers are included next to the exhibitor name. A schematic of the floor plan and exhibitor list are also included in the program distributed at the show.

So what do we have in store for you at Trainfest 2012? Lots!!! In addition to the over 60 train layouts, the hobby dealers and manufacturers, we have expanded our new Kid’s Activity Zone (look for the orange banners hanging above the Zone).

Choo Choo Bob and his Holy Smokestacks Revue band (sponsored by Walthers®) will be performing in the Kid’s Activity Zone along with an inflatable Thomas the Tank® jump house, a Basic TRAINing area to help mom and dad assemble the first train set, story time, a coloring, tattoo and kids craft area, and face painting. Radio Disney® returns on Sunday between 12:30 and 2pm for even more fun. When the Trainfest committee decides to do something, we do it up right!

Kid’s activity favorites like the train races sponsored by the TCA-Midwest Division, two Lego train layouts and now two Kid’s Build & Play areas sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the Blau Pewaukee Road are back too.

Did I say “lot’s” … there’s even more … we have several new layouts joining Trainfest. A big welcome to the Standard gauge Modular Association – SGMA hailing from Arkansas, the Ontario and Quebec Railway from Canada, and from closer to home from the Milwaukee metro area -- a new Winter Wonderland LEGO® layout. Plus many of the returning exhibitors have new and improved layouts and modules (several are featured in this EXPRESS issue to help inspire you to build and improve your own model railroad.)

(I know this is getting a bit long, but there is so much to share. So hang in there…)

We have expanded our list of manufacturers participating at the Friday Product Showcase and throughout the weekend. See new products displayed for the first time and let the manufacturers know what new products you want to see in the future. They really do want to hear from you.

The Clinic and Demonstration areas have been expanded (list on page 11) to help you solve challenges, get ideas from fellow model builders, and learn special techniques to create and expand your own railroad empire. Please feel free to ask questions and share your experiences with our clinicians, manufacturers, exhibitors, and hobby dealers. And if you need help in assembling that first train set, stop by our Basic TRAINing area (booth 8248) and talk with the experts.

When you’re at TRAINFEST, please look me up and say “Hi”. I do appreciate your ideas on how to make Trainfest even better.

In the spirit of Model railroading,

Clear Signals Always,

JohnJohn H. Tews, MMR Executive Director – Trainfest

Trainfest EXPRESS is sent free via email as a PDF or can be viewed on the Trainfest website in an interactive, online paging-style format. You can also print out the pages or articles you desire.

We continue to look for your input on articles you would like to see in the EXPRESS. Send them to us at john@trainfest.com or editor@trainfest.com.

From the Caboose

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This year, Trainfest welcomes a dozen new manufacturers to its line-up of 50+ exhibiting manufacturers. Hornby America, with its highly anticipated Rivarossi product line reintroduction, is one of these manufacturers.

Hornby America is the U.S. Division of Hornby, the well-known United Kingdom hobby manufacturer. Hornby UK began U.S. operations in late 1999 after purchasing Scalextric USA. The company’s initial focus was on slot cars.

Within five years, Hornby America was into model railroading and introduced live steam kits and servicing. In late 2004 Hornby purchased the Lima Model Railroading product group, which included the Rivarossi brand of products.

History of RivarossiAlessandro Rossi founded Rivarossi in 1945. It was a time when there were no other producers of model trains in Italy. Using a small inheritance as seed money, Rossi bought a section of a factory and began manufacturing trains.

Initially Rivarossi concentrated on producing the ‘OO’ gauge (three rail trains) for children. Despite being marketed as toys, Rossi’s personal passion for true model trains was evident in the detail of the trains and the ratio to

scale speeds. It wasn’t long before Rivarossi moved to a two rail track system and production of HO gauge trains for American markets began.

In the 1950’s, Rossi began to experiment with Bakelite plastic and discovered the product allowed for much more detailing than was possible with metal. He perfected the process and Rivarossi became the first model train manufacturer to use Bakelite.

Rivarossi products are also well known to the public as they were imported under the AHM and IHC brand names during the 1960’s and 70’s.

Around 1998, model train manufacturers Lima, Jouef and Arnold were in bankruptcy and the tooling was sold to Rivarossi. In the early 2000’s, Rivarossi found itself in financial stress and in late 2004, Hornby purchased the Lima Model Railroading product group, which included Rivarossi, Lima, Jouef, and Arnold assets.

Through Hornby and its commitment to the model railroading hobby, Rivarossi, the famous Italian brand synonymous worldwide with offering the finest quality railway modeling products, is back in the forefront of the hobby.

Introducing at Trainfest 2012 … Hornby America Revives an Improved Rivarossi Locomotive Line

HORNBY AMERICA REVIVES Continued on page 21

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DID YOU KNOW?

The only railway to go to the top of a volcano was built on Mount Vesuvius in Italy, in 1880.

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

One fan favorite is the scene of a fisherman sitting on a bridge and if one watches closely, every once in a while his pole bends as the line is pulled as if he has caught a fish. For others, it’s a cat wagging its tail in anticipation of catching a rat. Still another favorite for many is the scene featuring a logging operation complete with logging cars and a “Wannigan”, paying tribute to the logging history of the St. Croix River. (What is a Wannigan? See note below.)

The G-Whiz Gang began bringing their railroad “on the road” to shows in 1991. Since the layout is geared for young visitors, Trainfest was a natural fit. With its wide variety of visitors, club members have come to love this long weekend in Milwaukee to meet new hobbyists and catch up with old friends. Fred especially enjoys how the Trainfest show introduces children to the hobby.

Model railroading has become a lifelong journey for G-Whiz Gang members. Together members have worked to build their layout, while also having some fun. While members Lowell Woods, Jim Perske and Keith Koch have passed away, their memory lives on through the traditions of the Club, and their contributions to the Club and its railroad.

As Fred says, “the journey through these years has brought a few bumps and memories they will never forget. Yet the most important part of the journey is the lifelong friendships and shared love of model railroading.”

This is not the first time the G-Whiz Gang has been featured in Trainfest EXPRESS. In the Summer 2011 issue we shared one special tradition the club has maintained through the years, their “Junior Engineer” certificate. It bears repeating here.

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see THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Continued from cover

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What is a Wannigan?A Wannigan could be described as a house boat, but they were really more like floating shacks. They were built 25 to 30 ft. in length and designed low to the water for stability on quick running rivers.

In the days when the St. Croix was a logging route, Wannigans were used by lumbermen. The "shanty-boat" had sleeping accommodations for the loggers during those long logging drives.

One Trainfest day, Fred was manning the railroad when a young father walked up with his 3-year-old son. He simply said to Fred, “I’d like to teach my son how to run the trains,” and in the very next breath the young father pulls from his pocket his own Junior Engineer certificate and hands it to Fred.

The young father had obtained his certificate nearly ten years earlier, and was now returning, as a certified “engineer” to teach his son how to operate the train. Fred recalls their faces just beamed. This was truly a special experience for all and not one Fred will soon forget. Seeing one generation so excited about passing down the hobby to the next is really heartwarming.

The G-Whiz Gang has been giving out Junior Engineer Certificates since 1991. Fred estimates that the G-Whiz Gang gives out anywhere from 200-500 certificates at a show. “It was the idea of one of our founders, Jim Perske. I’m sure he smiles down on us with every certificate we fill out,” says Fred. This Club tradition has traveled across the country from Denver to Sioux St. Marie, from Winnipeg, Rochester, Minneapolis and St. Paul to La Crosse. And of course, Milwaukee, the home of Trainfest.

The Gang has no intentions of stopping any time soon and will have Junior Engineer Certificates at Trainfest 2012.

Editor’s Note: Check out page 19 for other great railroad layouts which are “fan favorites” for kids.

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Your Guide to Trainfest 2012

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Trainfest 2012 Floorplan

Manufacturers8307 Accu-Lites, Inc8124 Accurail8119 Athearn8301 Atlas Model Railroad Co.8301 Atlas O w/ Atlas8212 AYA Enterprises8219 Bachmann Trains5230 Badger Air Brush w/ Tool Man8116 Big City Hobbies8127 Bluford Shops LLC8008 Bowser Manufacturing8227 Broadway Limited Imports8304 Caboose Industries8228 Carstens Publication8205 Daylight Sales 8208 Digitrax, Inc8313 ESU LLC8321 ETS - Electric Trains Systems8001 Evan Designs8202 ExactRail, LLC8311 Fox Valley Models8002 G C Laser Innovations8210 Golden Spike Artisans Group8137 Heritage Art Editions, Inc.8330 Hobby Manufacturers Association8100 Hornby America - ( Rivarossi USA ) 8129 Hunterline8132 InterMountain Railway Co.8302 Iwata-Medea, Inc.8121 Kadee Quality Products Co.8325 Kalmbach - HMA8101 Kato USA, Inc.8030 Lionel Collectors Club of America8033 Lionel Operating Train Society8025 LIONEL, L.L.C.8138 Marklin, Inc.8201 Micro-Trains Line Co.8314 Model Railroad Benchwork8005 Model Rectifier Corporation8314 Model Train Travel8335 MTH Electric Trains, Inc.8034 Neff Video Productions8112 NJ International8113 Phoenix Unlimited Ltd.8110 Piko-America, LLC

8115 Renewal by Anderson8115 Richmond Controls8128 Ring Engineering, Inc.8232 Ross Custom Switches8238 RR in a Box8235 Scenic Express8324 Sinbad Glue8109 Soundtraxx / Blackstone Models8327 Sparkling Star Models8312 Spring Mills Depot8306 Stoddart's LTD Company8102 Stout Auctions8105 Sundance Marketing8328 Testors Corp8126 Trains Hoover8126 Traintek, LLC8104 True Line Trains8006 True Scene Modeling8130 Wheels of Time8041 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.8319 Woodland Scenics8332 World of Model Trains & Industry8106 Yard Goat Images

Display in the Manufacturers Area8342 HMA Display8501 Milwaukee Light Engineering Society8325 World's Greatest Hobby

Displays in General Exhibit Area1120 Trainfest Show Office2316 Bunce Historic Displays6301 Carlson Layout and Timesaver6222 Great Circus Trains6121 Green Bay and Western Historical Society1308 Kiekhofer Display4307 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee1224 Mid Continent Railway Museum4214 Midwest Division TCA - Train Races1230 Milwaukee Road Archives6102 NMRA Booth w/ WI Southeastern Division1308 North American Prototype Modelers2101 SS Badger Display2106 SS Edmund Fitzgerald1218 Steiner Layout & Demonstrations6102 WI Southeastern Division - NMRA Booth

Trainfest 2012 Exhibitors

Trainfest 2012 Exhibitors Historical Groups6101 Chicago & North Western Historical Society6120 East Troy Railroad Museum, Inc6201 Great Northern Railway Historical Society2307 Milwaukee Road Historical Association2117 Motorcycle & Model Railroad Museum1224 Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society2312 Soo Line Historical Society5312 TMER&L Historical

Layouts in the Manufacturers Area 8413 Badgerland S Gaugers8348 Badgerland S Gaugers American Flyer8400 Blank’s Ahnapee & Western RR8013 G Whiz Gang8447 Independent Hi-Railers - Midwest Division8437 Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers RR Club8038 Lionel Modular Layout8427 Milwaukee Operators Organization8141 WI Southeastern Divison Youth Layout8407 Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club8241 Wisconsin Bits & Pieces Railroad

Layouts in General Exhibit Area6216 Acela Express NE Corridor1101 Arlington Heights Society of Model Engineers1224 Bedell Layout1310 Blau Pewaukee Road (Lego)2204 Bluff City Modular Engineers4313 Capitol City N’gineers6301 Carlson Layout and Timesaver6227 Cedar Creek Central Railroad Club6208 Ciofani Winter LEGO2212 Colorado Narrow Gauge - Zeren7228 Cream City Traction Group7120 ETE - Milwaukee Chapter1312 Fond du Lac Society of Model Railroad Hobbyists7125 Glacial Garden Railway6201 Great Northern Railway Historical Society7102 Kenosha Garden Railway Society6204 Kosma Gypsy Trolley Line6315 Lake County Society of Modular Engineers4308 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee1322 Madison HO Track1101 Madison ‘O’ Scale7328 MANTRAK _Bloomington Normal7320 MANTRAK_Chippewa Valley7322 MANTRAK_Dayton7316 MANTRAK_Far North Rail7314 MANTRAK_Great River Valley7326 MANTRAK_Hertitage - IL7317 MANTRAK_M & M7312 MANTRAK_Milwaukee7327 MANTRAK_Northwest Illinois7315 MANTRAK_Thunder Bay1117 Metro Milwaukee Z Scale7223 Metro Model Railroad Club Ltd.4203 Midwest Division - TCA7202 Midwest Rails1215 Milw Electric Ry & Transit Historical Society3128 Milwaukee Electric Traction Club2214 Milwaukee 'N' SouthEastern7128 Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee7216 ModUTrak3212 North Shore and Western Modular Club7112 NorthEastern Wisconsin Exhibition Railroading3116 Northwest Traction Group4102 Northwest Trainmasters2210 Ontario and Quebec Railway5323 Rapant's Rusty Rails Railroad5216 Rusty Rails Layout3325 S. E. Wisconsin - Lionel Railroad Club1109 SDRT Railroad 4114 Sheboygan Society of Model RR Engineers

2321 Southeastern WI HiRailers4124 Standard Gauge Module Assn SGMA7310 T-Trak - Bloomington-Normal1121 Waukegan Modular Model Railroad Club7302 Waukesha County Gandy Dancers 2120 Whiz Kidz4321 Wisconsin Garden Railroad Society7117 Wisconsin Standard Gauge Operators

Hobby Dealers & Vendors5110 3000 toys - also b2b Replicas5315 3D Picture Store5110 b2b Replicas - see 3000 Toys2230 Choo Choo Bob's Trains5117 Classic Trains & Ferraris6111 Clear View Trains5112 Daleiden's - Art of Motion3308 Dickinson Kansas Depot5120 Don’s Cars and Trains5226 Enginehouse Services, LLC6308 Friesch, Railroad and Marine Artist3204 Greenfield News & Hobby Center Inc.5101 Greenway Products3314 Heimburger House Publishing Co.6127 Jelsma Graphics5318 John's Trains3101 Kalmbach Publishing6113 Ladysmith Rail Display4309 Lionel Railroad Club - Milwaukee6126 Lochmann’s Train Group5126 Lombard Hobbies2310 Luecke Books - Como Shops5308 Madison Hobby Stop6212 Miniature World3222 N Less Trains5320 Norm’s Train World2315 Railroad Relics2121 Railwear by Rebel Rails

2118 Rattin Railroad Antiques2308 Richard Smyth - Advanced Illustrations & Design5210 Sommerfeld’s Trains3318 South Side Trains5202 Spring Creek Model Trains5307 Star Hobby - D Veiga2219 Steves Hobbies5102 Tag Trains2105 Teskeys Trains5230 The Tool Man4230 TJ Howell Circus Train5115 TM Books and Video6105 Wisconsin - Illinois Trains

Kids Activity Zone8248 Basic TRAINing8051 Choo Choo Bob Band8256 Choo Choo Bob Train Play tables8249 Coloring8249 Kid's Crafts8051 Story Time8154 Thomas the Tank Jump House8249 Trainfest Tatoos8141 Wisconsin Southeastern Youth Layout (WISE Guys and Gals)8247 World's Greatest Hobby Layout

Other Kids Activities at Trainfest1310 Blau Pewaukee Road (Lego)6208 Ciofani Winter LEGO layout4220 AIA Kidz Build and Play Area - Lego's5323 Rapant's Rusty Rails Railroad1308 Pewaukee Road (Lego) Play Area8238 RR in a Box - building a layout at the show3325 S. E. Wisconsin - Lionel Railroad Club4230 TJ Howell Circus Train (extra fare)8141 Wisconsin Southeastern Youth Layout4214 Midwest Division TCA - Train Races

TF KIDS AREA POSTER-FNL.indd 1 10/15/12 5:01 PM

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Niagara Frontier Region’s Craftsman Corner Clinics & Demos Booth 1203 Presents:Kitbashing piggy back cars from the 1950's - Al Crisp, MMRScratchbuilding a backwoods water tower - Rick Hatton Sratchbuilding a large coaling tower from

St Thomas ON - Eric Roth Kitbashing an N scale depressed center flat car - Ron Colpitts Working on a Labelle O scale passenger car - Brian Earl Simple trees - Peter HockingWorking on various rolling stock in HO - Andy Orr Constructing simple trees - David R SmithCreating your own rock molds - Clark Kooning, MMR DCC locomotive speed matching - Martin Aldborough Working on a large South River model works Kit - Neville MeadesScratchbuilt HO cattle pens - Roger Davidson Stone water mill in OO gauge - John Robertson Constructing resin Automobile kits - John Spring Detail work on interiors and painting small animals - Laura Spring Working on a large bridge - Dylan Harris Better Than Scratch lumber mill kits - Bob Douglas Upgrading ready to run freight cars - Bill Dewar

Mirror table Demonstrations by Niagara Frontier Region (also at Booth 1203)Mounting Tortoise switch machines in odd spots using

model aircraft hardware - Al Crisp, MMR The process of constructing his backwoods water tower -Rick HattonMaking simple trees - Peter Hocking and David SmithCreating your own rock molds - Clark Kooning, MMRBuilding resin automobile kits - John SpringUpgrading ready to run rolling stock - Bill DewarDCC locomotive speed matching - Martin Aldborough

Clinic Area 1 Booth 1218Gutzmer & Timm DemosMid Continent Railway MuseumNAPM North America Prototype ModelersSteiner Layout & Demonstrations

Clinic Area 2 Booth 1224Bedell Display & DemoJansen Clinic & DemoJohn Dornfeld DemoRio Grande Modeling & Historical SocietyMike Carlson Demonstration

Clinic Area 3 Booth 1230John Drechsler DemoKarkoski Craftsman Kit BuildingKiekhofer DisplayMilwaukee Road ArchivesNefstead Demo

Manufacturer Area DemonstrationsAirbrushing -

Iwata-Medea, Inc,. Booth 8302

Structural bridge kits, weathering technique -

Hunterline, Booth 8129

Scenery techniques & detailing for Styrofoam structures -

Woodland Scenics, Booth 8319

Constructing a complete layout in a box over the weekend

for giveaway on Sunday -

RR in a Box, Booth 8238

Scenery Techniques -

True Scene Modeling, Booth 8006

Trainfest 2012 Clinics and Demos

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Manufacturers New to Trainfest 2012

A several new manufacturers will join over 50 returning industry leading manufacturers at Trainfest 2012.

The Manufacturer Area at Trainfest promises to be “the best of both worlds” – returning favorites along with a dash of new friends.

1. Electric Train Systems (ETS)

2. Hornby America

3. Model Railroad Benchwork

4. RR in a Box

5. Clearview Trains

6. True Scene Modeling

7. Model Train Travel

8. Yard Goat Images

9. Stout Auctions

1. Electric Train Systems (ETS) Czech Republic: http://www.ets-trains.com/Model railroading is truly a global hobby. This year Electric Train Systems (ETS) from the Czech Republic will be at Trainfest. Established in 1991, ETS prides itself in manufacturing all-metal tin plate trains in O – Scale. Founder, Gustav Taus started ETS to combine the classic feel of all-metal toy trains with the functions and features of modern technology.

ETS Trains are created to reflect a faithful reproduction of their prototypical counterparts. Through the use of lithography and metal castings, they are able to create fine details, many of which are fully operational!

3. Model Railroad Benchwork – Elgin, Il: http://modelrailroadbenchwork.com/homeModel Railroad Benchwork offers quality customizable benchwork for model railroads. Constructed with quality, stability and flexibility in mind, the benchwork is built with “cabinet grade” plywood. We believe that benchwork should be affordable, easy to use, and adaptable to any modeler's needs.

4. RR in a Box – Philadelphia, PA: http://www.rrinabox.com The RR in a Box system aims to eliminate the apprehension of first time modelers in building a layout. Plans are offered in several scales (O to Z) with many variations to grow and create your own layout.

2. Hornby America – Fife, WA: http://hornbyamerica.com/Hornby America is the North American distributor of Hornby slot cars, model railroads, plastic model kits, die-cast collectibles, paints and accessories. Established in 1999, Hornby America continues the tradition begun by Hornby in the United Kingdom as a premier manufacturer and household name in the hobby.

In 2004, Hornby acquired the Rivarossi line of HO scale model trains. Hornby America is the exclusive distributor of Rivarossi in the U.S.

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5. ClearView Trains – Lake Geneva, WI: https://clearviewtrains.com/ClearView Trains offers crystal clear suspended railroad bed systems. With an unobstructed view, the trains will appear to be floating on air while running around the room. The systems are built with ½ inch crystal clear poly carbon acrylic with all front edges cut at a 45 degree angle, and installation instructions and customizable options.

6. True Scene Modeling: www.truescene.comTrue Scene is bringing their innovative scenery modeling product to Trainfest. Unlike any other plaster product, using Fusion Fiber is like adding a layer of top soil to your layout, and a great foundation in creating realistic scenery.

7. Model Train Travel: http://www.modeltraintravel.com Explore the model railroads of Europe through the Model Train Travel 13 day tour through Germany. Visit the “Miniature Wonder Land" in Hamburg, the Nuremberg Toy Museum layout and much more.

8. Yard Goat Images: www.yardgoatimages.comYard Goat Images produces quality railroad DVDs. Their videos feature restored historical steam locomotives and rolling stock. Beyond the typical trains featured in railroad videos, Yard Goat images searches out rare or long forgotten trains, preserving them for years to come. Much like the hard working “yard goat” of a rail yard, Yard Goat Images films and produces these DVDs as their contribution to documenting the history of the rail industry.

9. Stout Auctions: http://stoutauctions.com/Premier U.S. auction house specializing in scale and toy trains, Stout Auctions is the destination for Lionel toy trains, American Flyer, Marx, Ives, and more. Most sales are held in Williamsport, Indiana or West Middlesex, Pennsylvania.

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Southbound North Shore train number 802 accelerates out of the sheds of Milwaukee’s Downtown Terminal to begin her 88-mile run down to the Chicago metro area during a pleasant early spring day in 1957. The Electroliner will make twelve quick stops before entering North Chicago, then another 11 stops through the Loop district before terminating at Roosevelt Road Station, approximately two hours following her departure.

The Electroliner, although promoted as “a fast way to travel” between Milwaukee and Chicago, could not readily use her 80-plus mph speed with so many stops on her schedule. However once in the outlying, sparsely populated tangent rails, she reached speeds of up to 90 mph. With 24 scheduled stops within an 88-mile route, her average speed computed to forty four miles per hour, still a very good time as each stop averaged only about 2 minutes.

LUXURY TRAVEL ON THE NORTH SHORE

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The Electroliner was delivered to the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad Co. in January 1941. It was hailed as ‘luxury travel at its finest’, the train of tomorrow. Built by the St. Louis Car Company, the design was patterned after Burlington’s famous Zephyr. The 144m-seat, air conditioned, four unit consists became a serious contender in the busy Milwaukee-Chicago passenger market.

The first unit to arrive on the property was Train 801-802. It was delivered to Racine, Wisconsin bypassing the shorter route through Chicago. Wisconsin had no sales tax so the savings were quite huge. The second unit was delivered via the same route, 9 days later. Although the four-car articulated train operated as a single unit, it carried two

numbers. The cars were designated as A, B, C & A1 sections. The power sections, A & A1 were numbered 801 & 802, B was a tavern-lounge and C section was a coach. A1 and A cars, besides being the power on both ends of the train, were divided into smoking and non-smoking compartments by a vestibule. The units in the second delivery were identical to the first shipment only they were numbered 803 & 804.

The two Electroliners made five trips a day between Milwaukee and Chicago, or about 450 miles of revenue service. During the heavy passenger World War II years, each Liner would make a sixth trip, a Sunday night run, departing the Chicago and Milwaukee Terminals at 10:30pm.

Following WWII, thanks to the increasing popularity of the automobile, the nation’s railroad passenger traffic went into steady decline. The busy Milwaukee-Chicago corridor also felt the squeeze. It would be a decline in which there would be no easy fix or any solution. The North Shore was losing up to 46,000 riders a month.

In 1958, the Susquehanna, now the corporate name of the North Shore, petitioned the ICC to discontinue all services. The end came on January 21, 1963, almost 22 years to the day that the first Electroliner was delivered to the company.

DID YOU KNOW?

The longest straight stretch of railway is in Australia. The part without any curves is 478km (301 miles) long and would take more than five hours to drive.

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

A sneak peek at Larry Fisher's original painting.

ZOO Spooktacular 2012

Trainfest was a treat stop sponsor at the 2012 Milwaukee County Zoo Spooktacular Family Event, October 26th & 27th. We had a great spot in the Big Cat Building next to a very active Cheetah. It was a great time connecting local families with Trainfest!

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Engineer EmilyEngineer Emily is a great friend to the whole gang in Bob-ville. She's super knowledgeable about trains, and likes to spend her time volunteering at the Bobville Train Museum.

Choo Choo BobChoo Choo Bob loves to spend time with his friends, hang out at the clubhouse, sing songs and play with his trains. In fact, Choo Choo Bob loves trains more than anyone else in the whole, wide world!

Conductor DaveConductor Dave's job is to make sure that the trains always run on time. He loves playing checkers and keeping an eye on his best friend, Charlie Rat.

Richard W. KornbeltRich is Bob's best friend, and the hardest working man in Bobville. Rich is a tireless worker, moving from career to career, always putting his best foot forward and giving it his best shot.

The Choo Choo Bob Show Cast Members:A follow up from the Ocober 2012 introduction of the Choo Choo Bob Show.

Charlie RatChecker player extraordinaire, Charlie Rat is Conductor Dave's best friend and co-worker. But sometimes it seems like Charlie Rat's most important job is to drive Conductor Davie-poo crazy!

Engineer PaulNobody knows more about trains than Engineer Paul. He loves going on adventures with Choo Choo Bob, visiting fun and exciting train locations all over the world!

Ticket Agent Cee CeeCee Cee works with Dave and Charlie, and that's a pretty hard job working with those two wacky guys! Cee Cee is always happy to share her knowledge of trains, especially with Choo Choo Bob.

Hands-on Train Fun for KidsWith more than 60 operating model railroads, cool trains will be everywhere! However, as much as kids like to look at trains, they like playing with trains even more. So, for some hands-on train experience, check out these railroads with your kids at the show. • The Lionel Operating Train Society will be bringing a 6’x8’ Thomas the Train® railroad kids can operate.

• At the G Whiz Gang railroad, kids can become train engineers in the making. They can take a turn running a train to earn a Junior Engineer Certificate!

• Young engineers can also operate the trains at the Southeastern Wisconsin Lionel Group’s classic Lionel Railroad.

• And, courtesy of Choo Choo Bob, there will be fun wooden train tables in the Kids Activity Zone for play.

• Keep your eye on Trainfest.com for what’s in store for the 2012 show… and to learn even more about Trainfest and the hobby of Model Railroading!

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Military & ScoutsFree Admission for Military and Scouts

All military that present military ID, uniformed scout masters/troops, or uniformed boy/girl scouts*, receive free admission at the door. *Boy and girls scouts need to be accompanied by an adult with paid admission

Get the most out of the Model Railroading HobbyJoin the NMRA. Become a member of theWisconsin Southeastern Division.

Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc.

www.trainfest.com

What is the NMRA? The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) was established in 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to bring model railroaders together to foster fellowship and provide resources to hobbyists. The NMRA is a worldwide

Chattanooga, Tennessee. The organization is divided into geographic regions to best provide local support and camaraderie to model railroaders. Visit www.nmra.org.

What is Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc.? The Wisconsin Southeastern Division (WI-SE Division) is made up of NMRA members living in the seven Southeastern Wisconsin counties of: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.

With an educational mission to promote the model railroading hobby, the Wisconsin Southeastern Division creates opportunities for modelers who are “new and not-so-new” to the hobby to share new ideas and information. The Division sponsors free model railroading meets.

The Division also sponsors a group for young modelers and train enthusiasts to get started in the hobby. Visit www.wisedivision.org.

What is Trainfest®? One way the Division pursues its mission is through its annual event, Trainfest. Hobbyists, hobby dealers, manufacturers and rail fans of all ages come together at Trainfest for two days to celebrate everything trains. Trainfest is the hub for bringing together new and experienced modelers to share ideas and pass on the passion for modeling to the next generation. What could be more fun?

Become a Member. It’s Easy! To join, speak with a Division member or visit our website at www.wisedivision.org. If you do not live in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit www.nmra.org to contact your local NMRA Division.

Get the most out of the Model Railroading HobbyJoin the NMRA. Become a member of theWisconsin Southeastern Division.

Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc.

www.trainfest.com

What is the NMRA? The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) was established in 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to bring model railroaders together to foster fellowship and provide resources to hobbyists. The NMRA is a worldwide

Chattanooga, Tennessee. The organization is divided into geographic regions to best provide local support and camaraderie to model railroaders. Visit www.nmra.org.

What is Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc.? The Wisconsin Southeastern Division (WI-SE Division) is made up of NMRA members living in the seven Southeastern Wisconsin counties of: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.

With an educational mission to promote the model railroading hobby, the Wisconsin Southeastern Division creates opportunities for modelers who are “new and not-so-new” to the hobby to share new ideas and information. The Division sponsors free model railroading meets.

The Division also sponsors a group for young modelers and train enthusiasts to get started in the hobby. Visit www.wisedivision.org.

What is Trainfest®? One way the Division pursues its mission is through its annual event, Trainfest. Hobbyists, hobby dealers, manufacturers and rail fans of all ages come together at Trainfest for two days to celebrate everything trains. Trainfest is the hub for bringing together new and experienced modelers to share ideas and pass on the passion for modeling to the next generation. What could be more fun?

Become a Member. It’s Easy! To join, speak with a Division member or visit our website at www.wisedivision.org. If you do not live in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit www.nmra.org to contact your local NMRA Division.

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Trainfest ®

Sponsors & FriendsTrainfest would like to thank the following sponsors and friends for their support and donations to Trainfest 2012:

Associations

Sponsors

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Hornby America and RivarossiWhile the European outline has many possibilities and variety, Hornby America has chosen to have the Rivarossi line follow the American product outline. The reason was simple … the American outline provides the best possible quality — and that value is in keeping with the reputation of the Rivarossi line.

Trainfest visitors will be among the first to see the fruits of this decision. Hornby America will be introducing several new locomotives at Trainfest! Final production samples of the following locomotives will be at the Hornby America booth #8100 at Trainfest 2012.

• Virginian Railway "Blue Ridge" Class Steam Locomotive

• Virginian Railway

• Big Boy Steam Locomotive (previous production run)

• Allegheny Steam Locomotive (previous production run)

• Heisler Steam Locomotive

Hornby/ Rivarossi has updated the technology used to power them. Many of the locomotives will be DCC ready or with DCC Sound. The small 3 pole motors of previous Rivarossi trains have been replaced with larger modern

5 pole can motors w/flywheels allowing for realistic and dependable operation.

Hornby America is driven to bring the Rivarossi brand back to its glory, but with operational improvements to make it even better.

Model Railroad Brand Manager Arvids Breikss is especially enjoying the excitement around the reintroduction of the Heisler logging locomotives. The locomotives will be available as 2- or 3-truck with several roads and numbers.

At Hornby America, they look to create niche products that no one else is fulfilling. According to Arvids, “By taking the time to produce quality products, US hobbyists will appreciate and support the effort.”

Hornby America at TrainfestWith tangible excitement, Arvids is anxious to share the excitement about Rivarossi at Hornby America’s first Trainfest. On display will be Hornby America’s currently available products as well as the touted production samples of new releases.

(Rivarossi history source: TCA Western www.tcawestern.org)

HORNBY AMERICA REVIVESContinued from page 3

Saturday & SundayNov. 10 - 11, 20129:00am to 5:30pm

• DEMOS AND “HOW-TO” CLINICS • LEARN TIPS AND TECHNIQUES • MEET 100 MANUFACTURERS & HOBBY DEALERS • SEE 10 HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

• ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND MUCH MORE (*KIDS 4-12 FREE W/ COUPON, 3 & UNDER ALWAYS FREE)

Visit Trainfest.com for Online Coupons and Details

WI Expo Centerat State Fair Park8200 W Greenfi eld Ave.Milwaukee (West Allis), WIMilwaukee (West Allis), WI

• MEET 100 MANUFACTURERS & HOBBY DEALERS

COUPONSCOUPONSONLINE*COUPONSADMISSION

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division of the National Model Railroad Association