The Choo Choo Barn – Strasburg, PA

The Choo Choo Barn – Strasburg, PA

P6
Tom writes in…

Dear Make,

Your email of September 26 was right on! Thanks for reminding me of my responsibility to pass on my knowledge to the next generation. I’ve been a “Maker” all my life, evidenced in what I do for a living. I own the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, PA, a 1,700 square foot, animated train display that has been completely scratch-built. I make all the animated figures and vehicles and all the buildings. You can check out our web site at www.choochoobarn.com. Make sure you visit the Blog and the Backstage section. This is where I attempt to show what I do when making new things for the display. It’s very easy to have 75-100 hours in a scratch-built building or animation. I spent well over 100 hours making a new 1/4″ scale Ferris wheel from brass rod and styrene. I even made a master of the seats and cast them out of a low-melting point lead based metal.

I love your magazine! There are lots of things I want to venture into and make, if I could ever find the time! I’m 58 and as busy as I ever was. Maybe when I retire…

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