On Wednesday we had a LONG 7 hour drive from Union, IL to Altoona, IA where we were registered to camp while visiting the Lionel train layout at Trainland U.S.A in Colfax, IA. The campground was huge, and was a part of the Adventure Land complex in Altoona. The complex included a horse race track, casino, and an amusement park. No, we didn't partake of any of those amusements!
On Thursday we drove about 15 miles to Colfax, IA and were totally amazed by the layouts in Trainland! In 1964 Red Atwood became interested in collecting Lional O gauge trains. As the years passed, the trains began to accumulate. He began to dream of building one of the world's largest displays. In 1981 he built a new home to accommodate this project. Five years later his dream was fulfilled. The exhibit represents three eras of time: frontier, steam and diesel. The display area is the size of two average style homes. All scenery is hand painted and all is glass enclosed. There are about 60 operating Lionel accessories. Some interesting statistics:
1. Over 2600 square feet of display area
2. 4000 feet of track
3. 25,000 feet of wire
4. 2 1/2 tons of plaster
5. 8 speaker stereo system with railroad sounds
6. 200 buildings
7. 600 lights
8. Numerous push buttons that operate animated displays
After spending 3 hours enjoying a tour of the USA via the layout and happily pushing all the buttons to operate the display, we went out to the full size train car and visited for 1/2 hour with Red Atwood. There is also a 150 year old CNW depot from Calamus, IA on the site, and a red caboose that can be used for children's parties!
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