And we've decided to offer those "frequently asked questions" here on our website. Maybe you'll find the answer to your question...and, if not, you can ask it here as well!
| Question Categories | |
|---|---|
| Choo Choo Barn History | About The Layout |
| About The Animations | How Can I Do That? |
| General Model Railroading Questions | Thomas The Tank Engine |
| Books & Videos | Other |
Choo Choo Barn History
"How did the Choo Choo Barn get started?"
A complete history of the founding of the Barn is available on the main Choo Choo Barn Page, but the quick version involves George Groff returning from World War II, and purchasing a $12.50 Lionel train set. And the rest, as they say, is history...
About The Choo Choo Barn Layout
"What kind of trains do you run?"
The majority of trains that run on the display are "O Gauge" trains, but we also have some HO Gauge and one N Gauge train as well. We run Lionel, Mike's Train House (MTH) and K-Line. We use Gargraves track.
"Are there still parts of the current display that go back to the beginning?"
Yes, there actually are quite a few original pieces and animations still on the display today. They include
- The ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters.
- Dutch Haven
- The Willows
- The 2-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven)
- The Amish barn raising house (the barn was replaced around 1986, but the house is actually the combination of two houses that were on our display in the basement of our home, prior to the Choo Choo Barn).
- The covered bridge
- lots of cars and trucks
About The Choo Choo Barn Animations
"How do the animations work?"
Most animations work using the same principle of how a piston in a car's engine works. A motor turns an arm on which a rod is loosely fastened. As the arm turns around, it pulls and pushes the rod back and forth. The Amishmen sawing use this principle, as do bulldozers, rollers, graders, and the like.
"How does the fire scene work?"
The fire scene, which was completely redesigned and upgraded in 2000, uses a very complex series of animations and timers to achieve the effects you see. Eight motors, five timer boards, a number of limit switches, gears, chain, sprockets, lots of brass and aluminum strip stock and hundreds of hours of design work and fabrication goes into a project such as this.
How Can I Do That?
"How can I build water falls and streams without leakage?"
We use fiberglass boat resin over plaster. Multiple layers of resin are applied using the manufacturer's recommended method. We also use fiberglass matting as recommended to hold the resin for thicker applications.
Ponds and lakes can be made using an epoxy patching material called PC7, found in hardware stores. This, too, is applied over plaster and then painted with an oil base paint for the desired effect.
General Model Railroading Questions
"I would like to get some cornfields in O Gauge for my layout. Where can I buy them?"
Great question! I have been looking for quite a few years for the proper material to make standing corn. I have looked in craft and hobby shops for a good "dried" material. I've also looked at artificial (plastic) plants that I can cut and sculpt. We do have a cornfield on the display that was made using plastic plants and cut, but I am still looking for something more realistic.
Thomas The Tank Engine
"I'd like to get some Thomas sheets for my son's bed. Do you have them?"
They are finally here! After many years of waiting, Dan River has come out with a full line of sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and room decorations. Check our Thomas's Trackside Station website for a complete listing!
Books & Videos
"Can you recommend a good book about the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad?"
The only book we have dealing specifically with the history of the PRR is "The Pennsylvania Railroad: It's Place In History 1846-1996". This softcover book is a brief history and research guide, and sells for $14.95.
"My children love trains...what would be a good video for them?"
We highly recommend "Big Trains, Little Trains", a 27 minute video that sells for $12.95. Other good videos for kids include "Trains, Trains, Trains" (30 min.-$14.95) and "Awesome Trains" (30 min.-$8.95)
Other Questions
"Is there a better day of the week to visit the Choo Choo Barn?"
We have found that Monday and Friday are the least crowded days of the week, so if your schedule allows, you might consider visiting those days.
"Can I bring my camera and take pictures of the display at the Choo Choo Barn?"
Yes, please! You are more than welcome to bring your cameras (photo and video), and take all the pictures you wish. Be sure to get extra prints, and share them with all your friends as well!
"Why is the Choo Choo Barn display closed from January through April?"
We close for 3 months every year in order to completely clean the display, repair any broken parts, and add new features. Many people don't know, but we add several new features, animations, or complete scenes each year. One year, we added seven new scenes to the display! Part of the fun of returning year after year is finding the new features on the display!
C'mon...there's something you have been wondering ever since you visited our display (or you've been wondering about something, and you've never even been here!). Here's your chance to ask! We'll select some of the questions received here to add to the list above on a regular basis, and we'll give you credit for having asked the question! So fire away...our "resident experts" are ready to answer your question
The Choo Choo Barn
Route 741 East, Box 130
Strasburg, PA 17579
(717) 687-7911
Fax: (717) 687-6529
Email: info@choochoobarn.com
Copyright ©2005, Choo Choo Barn, Inc. All rights reserved.
Your comments are always welcome!