About those Demos

Without a doubt, the stars of our showcase have been our demos of the Pennsylvania 0-8-8-0 Locomotives.  Due to the intricacy of this new item, there are actually two demos on the road.  One is a dummy unit to demonstrate design, the other is a souped up USRA 2-6-6-2 Nickel Plate Road, which is showcasing the new technologies in use.  As noted elsewhere, this train is notable for its new effects of a smoke whistle, realistic blowdown from the engine and a bell synchronized to sound.

Each of these trains is literally one of a kind and built from hand.  So this presented an interesting challenge for us – how do we get these unique items from our offices in New York to the 13 Product Showcases across the country?

We were concerned by the cost and tumult of using FedEx.  Similar concerns existed in trusting the baggage handlers on airplanes...so we decided to hire a driver for our engines. 

A friend of Lionel's, Kristine, volunteered for the job and set out on a journey.  As you can see from the map above, it's been an intense trip.  Jason drove the car on the first two legs, getting it out to Cleveland and then Indianapolis.  After that, Kristine took over and drove the engines from Indianapolis through to Dallas, traveling over 2200 miles with the trains in about 8 days.  Along the way seeing a good deal of our country.

Dallas to Newark was too long of a trip to drive, so we purchased a couple of heavy duty suitcases and had Bob Kerekes trek them back on a plane.  After yesterday's show in Newark, Kristine is getting ready to get back on the road (after a much needed day off!) and will stop in the offices with the trains this afternoon before heading back to Boston. 

The trains (and Kristine!) have been on quite a voyage, and we'll keep you updated on their exploits.