Archive News Story
Sept 27 - Dallas TX - Third Annual TW TrainWorx Layout Festival (recap)
September 27, 2014, was an interesting and fun-filled train day at the TrainWorx studio when LCCA Director Roger Farkash opened his doors to the train loving public. More than forty LCCA members were present throughout the day!
The big attraction was the large BNSF display which is usually only seen at BNSF functions and the Berkshire Hathaway stockholders event. This beautiful Lionel layout, which typically is not shown publicly, definitely was the hit of the show. But there were also twelve other layouts and props with operating trains on display, including six in various stages of construction and an operating LEGO layout that the kids of all ages were amazed at. A LEGO passenger train whizzed around the LEGO green table top highlighted with a LEGO fire station, construction crane and crew and a downtown street with even a police car to control traffic. And speaking of police, BNSF sent a RR Security team to represent Operation Lifesaver and to remind everyone not to trespass on railroad property because it can be very dangerous and even deadly.
This was the largest crowd at the event ever, with train enthusiasts from as far North as Minnesota, East to Virginia, South to Florida and as far west as California, who came and enjoyed Roger and Dorcie’s hospitality and friendship. There were some vendors present, like LCCA member David Gahagen from Colorado and Dennis Brennen from Missouri, each making their second and third trip to this now yearly exTRAINaganza.
Also making some jazzy rhythms was a quintet that provided musical interludes throughout the day. Now, talk about sounds, how do train sounds, crew talk, clicking wheels on the track and jazz all rolled into one listening experience sound to you? Well, it just enhanced the total atmosphere and made the experience a sheer delight.
There was a great assortment of Train Prizes at the raffle tables, Super Train Dame Festival discounts in the TrainWorx Store, Excellent Mama Fayes Bar B Q, Fusion Oriental at the Chopsticks food truck and great refreshments from the Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Dessert Truck as well!
Those of you who missed this third, in what has become a yearly event, missed a great time and the best one yet. Be sure to get in touch with Dorcie to get on her mailing list for next year’s event announcements!
LCCA was represented by Bob and Dinah Carter. It is believed that this year Bob will be known as “Boston Bob”. Previously he was “Cowboy Bob”in Dallas followed by Captain Bob, Choo Choo Bob, and Indy Bob in Norfolk, Chattanooga and Indianapolis, respectively, but since the 45th LCCA annual Convention will be in the Boston area, July 20-25, 2015, he was given the name of “Boston Bob”. Since the 45th convention is mentioned, let me invite all of you to come to Danvers, MA, and the Doubletree, Boston North Shore, for an excellent time of history, fun and food. The hotel property where we will be staying has a CoCo Key Water Park attached so there will be plenty to keep the kiddos happy after a day of touring and sightseeing. So, don’t let July 2015 go by without attending the LCCA 45th Convention in Danvers, MA. and the Train Day at the TrainWorx studio in Dallas, TX. You will be sorry!
Bob Carter
Convention Manager
Lionel Collectors Club of America