The battle rages on between those model railroaders that are perfectionists when creating every aspect of their model railroad and its climate-controlled environment and those satisfied with something less perfect but fully satisfying. The battle started early in the scale movement and was not confined to actual craftsmanship and size of a model railroad empire but also to the differences of scale (O, HO, N, TT, Z). Thankfully, the hobby has enough space for both groups. Many have specific parameters that once filled, stop active building and continue with modest additions with both locomotives, equipment and scenery. One turn-off for the latter sector was the prolonged development and expense of the former, or simply speaking, some hobbyists sacrificed exacting specifications and lengthy construction times for a complete operating system that could be enjoyed in short duration. Thousands of model railroaders have dealt with that but now, we want to reflect on one individual that was extremely successful with a less-perfect but speedier finished product that offered enjoyment for countless individuals for over 40 years.
The story has been told many times: A father buys a train set for his son and after a while the son loses interest but the father is “bitten by the bug”. That played out in the 1930s in Cleveland, Ohio when Fred Zellner purchased a Lionel tinplate set for his son. Other equipment was added to the set but his son moved on and developed other interests. Fred pressed on with model railroading and eventually acquired an interest in early HO. By 1939, the tinplate was out and his HO empire boasted six steam locomotives, including one scratch-built NYC streamlined Hudson. The display was further enhanced by the advertising art from various railroads that once sent such material free of charge as “Public Relations”. World War II priorities placed further development on hold.
In 1952, Fred moved into a larger house that had an open basement that just begged for a new model railroad. His goal was to have “finished” railroad on an aggressive timetable. A tile floor was installed, knotty pine paneling walled off the laundry room, workshop and powder room and then construction commenced. By 1955 Fred had a mostly complete railroad system that measured approximately 25 feet by 15 feet. Fred’s wife Mary made a skirt for the benchwork that featured a repeating pattern of the most popular railroad logos. The base scenery was hard-shell plaster, painted in dull finishes, enhanced with both purchased and homemade surface texture. Most of the structures were cardboard and balsa kits from the noted manufacturers of the day but what they lacked in detail, most displayed more accurate muted tones rather than those bold colors of plastic kits released after 1958. Some sections of track were installed in haste and evidence of wood screws prevailed but mostly True Scale track and switch motors were used throughout. Wiring was top-notch and the model board that controlled the railroad rivaled the latest prototype creations manufactured by General Railway Signal. The system was designed to “run trains” with switching of cars a distant second.
Short cuts aside, Fred was a competent modeler and won several prizes at local NMRA shows for his scratch-built Union Station, local Cathedral with live organ sounds, Power Plant with a fully detailed interior, a house on fire and later, an NYC bay-window caboose. The HO railroad did not have a name, but the locomotives and rolling stock reflected the railroads Fred favored, NYC and PRR, with others added (C&O, B&O, NKP, W&LE, N&W) to pay tribute to railroad men that were close friends or that heard of the impressive display and called for a special viewing. The exceptionally creative Erie Railroad Photographer John F. Long was in that mix. Long was so impressed that he made sure his beloved Erie was well represented and donated many of his enlarged prints and other railroad hardware. The display similarly inspired Steve A. Wrabel of the Chesapeake & Ohio and Willis Mc Caleb of the Nickel Plate Road and soon images both of those railroads and related artifacts appeared.
The lesson learned 72 years ago in Cleveland is still valid today. Fred used his railroad to bond with friends, share the trains his with family, salute railroaders he knew and inspire all that called on him. Compromises in construction aside, the shorter timeframe for construction provided much more enjoyment in Fred’s midlife – and beyond – the completeness of the display provided long-lasting fulfillment for many. Whereas other layouts in that era remained in bare benchwork state, with boxes of flex-track beneath on a saw dust covered floor, Fred’s display was always “visitor ready”. Fred passed away in 1992 and after his funeral, family and friends wanted to see the trains run once more. The master switch was thrown lights in the village shone brightly followed by a loud pop and the system went dead. The creator had passed but mission was successfully accomplished!
No matter what development style or timetable you embrace, the goal remains the same: Fun With Trains. That message is our goal at MTS backed by aggressive action to make the widest selection of model railroad locomotives, rolling stock and related products available, packed and delivered professionally and as fast as possible.
Frank Wrabel
modeltrainstuff.com