Lionel's Layout at LCCA 42nd Annual Convention in Norfolk VA
Lionel brought their impressive operating toy train layout and display to The Lionel Collectors Club of America's (LCCA) 42nd Annual Convention in Norfolk VA this past July. Click on
this video link and listen to Lionel's Tom Nuzzo explain some of the layout features and their design philosophy.
This layout was designed and built by TW Design of Dallas, TX to demonstrate Lionel's current product line as well as different levels of modeling techniques. This layout features a highly detailed, realistic mountain scenery for the more sophisticated and skilled modeler. Other sections feature more of a flat cityscape scene with elevated loops of train tracks. Lionel is running current O-gauge product as well as two loops of Lionel's American Flyer S-Gage trains and Super Streets Lionel product on this layout. Several buttons are located around the perimeter of this layout which operate Lionel's current operating accessories. Youngsters of all ages are encouraged to interact with this layout.
Lionel's layout attracted a crowd of people all week long during the convention. Hundreds of Norfolk local boy scouts, girl scouts and Boys Club of America members and their families enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds of Lionel trains running on this layout. Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and Cameron Age 5 of the Make-A-Wish Foundation were the honorary Engineer and Conductor during the opening ceremony of the Lionel layout and display. Lionel and the LCCA with its Junior Membership program are committed to introducing the magic of Lionel trains to entire new generation of toy train enthusiasts. Lionel's layout is designed and intended to be interactive and inviting to young visitors. Lionel's Tom Nuzzo often invites youngsters to take control of the Lionel Legacy Command control unit and run their high-end Legacy train engines on this layout. The kids catch on very quickly and are in total control of operating the numerous features of their Legacy engines.
The reason I like Lionel Toy trains today, as an adult, is because I played with Lionel Trains as a child. I believe it is important for the LCCA to introduce and encourage young families to get involved in the hobby. By encouraging kids to play with Lionel trains on this massive layout, we hope they will grow up and become the hobbyist of the future. Thank you to Tom Nuzzo and Lionel for bringing this impressive layout to our LCCA convention and introducing the magic of Lionel trains to hundreds of LCCA conventioneers and visitors of our convention.
Stay tuned to this website
www.lionelcollectors.org for future LCCA Family and Junior Member oriented Special Events. The LCCA is hosting Special Events in various cities all around the country. We hope you can participate and attend these events.
Al Kolis
Immediate Past President and Special Events Manager