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Why This Hobby?

Why this hobby? I am asked about that several times a year. I can remember as a child the Lionel train under the Christmas tree and the electrical smell of the wheels and track, which was caused by the train breaking contact with the rail and the accumulation on the rail of dirt/oil. It was a sweet smell that was forever planted in my brain as good, like the smell of the freshly cut Christmas tree or the clothes as they come out of the dryer.

Sharing the train with my older brother was strained at times but we managed not to do each other too much harm.

It is mostly a winter hobby, for those of us who have a small layout. It is one that brings joy to most everyone who sees a working model railroad. It is just fun.

Railroads Depicted on Coins and Currency (Numismatics*)

CANADA has twice put trains on the reverse of Commemorative Silver Dollars through 1992.

The Trans-Canada Railway commemorative 1981 silver Dollar celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Vancouver and the arrival of the first Trans-Canada train in Vancouver. Canadian Pacific Engine No. 371 was that train.

No. U.S. coin has been minted, up to 1992, showing a train, but there have been several with wagons, boats, horses, and even a whale ridden by Neptune.

Trains are popular on our paper currency, considering the few changes made to the designs. These scenes are called "Vignettes".

Federal Reserve Notes of 1914, $10.00 and $20.00 bills ran for four (4) years. National Bank Notes of 1902, $50.00 bills, seem to have been printed in three issues but the trains ran from 1902 through 1908 on them.

Early State banks had a variety of rail scenes for example the 1860 Allegany County Bank had an Ore car on the front of the $5.00 bill.

The American Bank Note Company has used rail-scene engravings for one hundred years, which are used on stock and bond certificates. These are some of the finest works of art and are sought after by collectors.

*The study of coins.

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Cecil Vaughn

The Hell West & Crooked Model Railroad was originally designed and constructed by the late Cecil Vaughn of Akron, Ohio. Though all of the original equipment was sold off after his death, I was able to obtain one hopper car painted and lettered by Mr. Vaughn, which is shown below. 

As one of the original founders of the National Model Railroad Association Mr. Vaughn was instrumental in introducing this interesting hobby to many.

Anyone with information about The Great Northern Railway yards or sidings at Boulder and/or Basin, Montana please click here to send me an e-mail. Thank you.

This heavy-duty railroad wrecking crane is a 120-ton Brownhoist Crane. Cranes such as this, were used in the early 1900's to lift locomotives and other railroad cars that had derailed or wrecked.

They also served in the construction of heavy bridges and in the laying of track.

This model is by the Tichy Train Group. Constructed several years ago, along with its companion flatcar (not shown), these are excellent examples for the experienced modeler.  

Background music is Copyright © 1996, 1997 by Michael D. Walthius. All Rights Reserved.

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