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FAQ'S
» 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 farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House and lots of cars and trucks.
» 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. There are many more complicated animations on the display that use chain drives, industrial slide rails, gears, pulleys, micro switches, relays and timers.
» 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 build water falls and streams without leakage?
We use an epoxy called PCT, which can be found in hardware stores, over plaster. Ponds and lakes can be made using the same epoxy and then painted with Floquil paints for the desired effect.
» 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.
» 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.
» 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 March?
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! Keep an eye on our winter renovations by visiting our 'Backstage' page!
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