We are having the Lone Star Region NMRA convention in San Antonio this week. Today I left the convention long enough to visit Pat Halpin's Lionel (three rail) layout. I had heard of this layout before, but I had no idea what I was about to see. This layout is located upstairs in a warehouse Pat owns. I have several pictures including the collectible items and a lot of Pat's railroadiana. I have to show my own layout tonight, so I will just post these four pictures to get started. I think you will see why I was just amazed. I'm not so conversant in Lionel, so please do ask questions or clarify as necessary. All units have sound and smoke. More later this week.
What vintage is his equipment? Is it all 1970 and later? Or is there any Post-War (1945-1969) era? Boxcab E50
There is another layout, not as large. Pat Halpin specifically pointed out items from the late 1930s and 1940s. I remember the Hell's Gate Bridge from late 1930s. He also had four truss bridges, each two feet long, each different. They were early 1940s, IIRC. All his early items are structures and scenery. The lighting was very bad there, but I did get a few pictures. I do think most of this layout pictured is 1970s or later.
I just saw scenes from this layout used as cut and transition shots on the "I Love Toy Trains" show on RFD today. I recognize some of the scenes and trains from the show.
I eventually began to photograph the shelves that went all the way around this room specifically designed for this layout.
Hope You Enjoyed the Lionel Photos These are the final pictures. The last one is of a locomotive bell. It is really beautiful. Noe of the memorabilia are reproductions. Pat has a story that goes with each one.
