A
little bit about this layout
The Museumdorf
Garden Railroad was designed and is operated by Jim & Marilyn Fox in Mt. Laurel.
As the focal point for the garden railroad, Jim has built 1:24 scale models of
buildings that can be found in an outdoor museum in Germany.
All engines
and rolling stock are prototypes of those used in Germany or Austria. The idea
became a reality about ten years ago when a friend brought Jim a newspaper clipping
of a garden railroad and assured him that "he could build one too."
Jim
completed the downtown area that Marilyn wanted with unique shops and much detail.
Jim scratch built all the buildings. A shoe store displayed shoes for sale. Since
no g-scale shoes could be found, the Fox's found small ladies at a flea market
and took the shoes (feet and all) for their window display. Ed DeSipio received
the footless ladies for his Thomas Displays. Marilyn made a tray of pretzels for
the pretzel store and a large one for the door that went missing. (technique picked
up from Marie Tomasello) We suspect a squirrel carried it off. The stone work
was put on with liquid nails. Jim made meats for the meat market from pink erasers,
carving shapes of chops and steaks. The roof on the bakery was done from an idea
picked up at Fred Neal's workshop. Sub-roof materials were from old political
signs confiscated after the election.
The
Fox's have worked out a code for the neighbor kids. He puts out a yellow train
sign when the trains are running and the little ones show up for a treat.
Jim has a great brochure that he hands out to introduce people to his railroad.
If you would like a copy, give Jim an e-mail or call and he'll see that you get
one.
PHOTOS
Web Site, 