Abandoned Model Train Collector's House with Everything Left Behind!!

[@edspencer7121]

My heart goes out to the old man. Lived his dreams and passion. I hope he had family that cared about him. When I was in Cub Scouts in the early 70s my Denmother's husband was a lover of model trains. His track system covered over half of their houses basement. He created mountain side scenes with tunnels, small towns and villages, pasture scenes, trusseled bridges over rivers . It was beautiful. As a boy of 6 or 7 years old the man's hobby set my heart afire. And who else remembers the old Casey Jones show with Round House Rodeny? Your channel came across my suggestions feed. I like how respectful you are going about tour. Subbed and 👍👍

[@StaticSpaces]

Sounds like a pretty cool setup. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the comment!!

[@colemannagy2947]

Sad story no matter what it was. Seven years ago I became seriously ill even to the point of being in hospice and somehow miraculously survived but upon returning home finding my home had been gone through by “friends” No one ever came forward after my return home to give back my personal items. Before going in to hospice I do remember one person asking if he could have a picture I have hanging in my living room and another asked me for my PIN to my ATM card while I laid in my almost death bed. When my best friend died three years ago her family told me to look through her things and to take what I liked. Brought me to tears feeling like I was looting and plundering and I couldn’t do it. It’s about respect. Thank you for this video. This man was once known and loved by somebody I’m sure

[@StaticSpaces]

That's too bad but I'm glad you recovered! Either way though, those people weren't your friends to begin with if they would do something like that! Thanks for the comment!!

[@72barracuda70]

I’ve seen the very same thing with my brother , he lost his wife of 45 yrs and his kids and grandkids just stopped coming over never to be heard from again until they found out he was about to die ! They we’re fighting over his things and trying to get into his bank accounts ! Then he made a 360’ and none of them have been heard or seen again ! So sad ! Some people just SUCK!

[@CryptidWalks]

People suck, they really do.

[@wyliestivers2634]

@@72barracuda70 I hope he has a will to ensure that they get absolutely nothing. Either that or leave them one penny each.

[@Piecenotwar]

When my Grandma passed away my cousins went around to her house and took anything and everything of value, handbags and purses all gone etc, when she was alive non of them went around to see her even though they all lived literally 5 minutes away away, we would travel 40 minutes each way each week to visit her. Luckily the only thing we wanted to keep was old photos from my Grandparents, my grandad in ww2 and a pic of my grandmas first boyfriend who was killed as a pilot in ww2, there were hundreds of photos and they luckily hadn’t touched any of them.

[@sandiego9168]

Have to say who ever removed the trains didn't know much there worth twice the money with the boxes. Must of been a show to see the trains moving on those crazy tracks 👣☺️

[@StaticSpaces]

I save pretty much all my boxes and people often question why. I can only imagine what it was like to see those trains in action!

[@TWTexasA1]

I would have collected all those boxes by themselves and taken them…you never know the boxes alone could be worth something…✌🏼✌🏼

[@ForzaCountry87]

@@TWTexasA1 as a Lionel O gauge model train hobbyist the boxes could sell from $10-70 depending on the condition and what train they were for!

[@Jeff-uj8xi]

I'd like to have in my pocket now what that guy paid for all of that stuff. Have you priced that stuff lately? He couldn't have been poor. Probably an old retired guy with a nice income.

[@Jeff-uj8xi]

@@ForzaCountry87 That's correct. I have all of the boxes for my model collection.

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

That Man's pasion for the Lionel Train was epic. I assumed the people that ravaged that property after their passing, didn't care about the VALUE (just the quick cash) but all those boxes make the train worth so much more. That track is fairly New, still worth a bit money if salvaged properly.

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, thieves generally aren't the most intelligent people. Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@spaceflight1019]

They are only looking to steal what they can quickly sell for drug money. Trains may be collectible but only to a very small number of people, and once they can't get anyone to buy them they'll likely end up in the landfill. If they did the research and learned that the boxes are very important they'll just give up rather than go back for them.

[@bsalightning69]

I have 240 feet of track on my layout that hangs above my work shop. I know from experience that you need power feed every 10 to 12 feet to counter voltage drop from long runs... Just keeping that amount of track clean would take time. Bet he had a track cleaning car or two!

[@Evan-st5df]

I noticed a few stretches of S scale track as well. Must have had some American Flyer.

[@bencunningham6298]

Yup, a few purple boxes in their, they missed out haha. Some of that track appears to be Atlas or Gargraves too.

[@Amtk-712]

If only the amazing layout could be relocated. It is one of the most unique layouts I have ever seen.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, it certainly was interesting to see. Thanks so much for the comment!!

[@Amtk-712]

@@StaticSpaces yeah, if only it could be moved, tanks for responding!

[@georgiameier4990]

Grow room maybe made by someone after the house was abandoned because it just feels like some widower lived here long after his wife passed away. Loved the old wallpaper and linoleum flooring in the upstairs bedroom. There was something so satisfying pushing those buttons to turn on lights like using a rotary dial on a phone.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, the old wallpaper and linoleum in this house was great! I have never had the pleasure of using push button light switches but have now found them in a few different abandoned homes. Thank you so much for the comment!!

[@kmfsinny8436]

I can't imagine the patience it took to build that track! Sad to see all of the empty train boxes. I'm sure they have been taken, although I think they are worth more with the box. Love that you are finding places other explorers haven't been - keeps your channel fresh. Thanks for the tour James!

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, i can't believe the amount of work that went into that model train setup, it's unbelievable! I visit most of the popular places too but i try not to post them when every other explorer is doing the same. Thanks for the support KMF!!

[@pateder2163]

you need to understand how much good you do with these videos. I'm 50 and when I see these videos I'm transformed into a child again you don't get it cause your just a kid but you are dusting off our memories..thanks

[@StaticSpaces]

Well thank you but i am not much younger than you, i just have a young looking face. Appreciate the comment!!

[@gentillydanny]

This man must have been Ward Kimball's unacknowledged brother. The poor man was obviously obsessed; 90% of his utility bill was to run the trains and grow his doobage. Imagine him sitting, watching the trains go round and round and round, smoking his "boom-a-latchie", and thinking his odd loco - motivational thoughts. A very inventive man. The bathroom sink with the wrench handle just floored me. I guess the household duties overwhelmed him and he let them slide a bit too long. That aluminum foil thing attached to the bed is a makeshift reading light. If you look under you'll likely see a bulb. At least he didn't burn the house down. Thank you for this trip to the twilight zone. Well done.

[@StaticSpaces]

Definitely seems as though he probably enjoyed his life, which is good. Ya, the house may not be pretty but he managed to make things work for him. Thanks for commenting!!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

What you are looking at @22:27 is called a "Helix". It's basically a spiral of train tracks that allow the train to go from the lower level to the higher levels. They do this because the train can't pull cars up steep, long slopes. The steepest slope a train (Real or model) can go up is about a 5% incline. That's where the helix comes in for that type of job because you are basically taking miles of 5% incline and wrapping them around a circle to reduce the floor space of that traverse. Looking at all that track, if you straightened out that helix, it would probably stretch out 20-40 miles in a straight line. I wonder if "Back in the glory days" of that house if the Helix in the basement brought the trains into the dining room through the walls and such.

[@StaticSpaces]

I think it's possible he had the trains going up the helix onto the upper floor but i didn't see any signs of it at the time

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

It’s a lifetime hobby. For most people, including myself, the love began after seeing my new Lionel train set running around the Christmas tree. Once you get hooked it never goes away

[@StaticSpaces]

I can believe it! Thanks for the comment!!

[@danshobbies13]

Some old man use to sit down there playing with his trains watching TV. I can picture that. Fire up the wood stove, watch tv, and play with trains. That’s the life.

[@StaticSpaces]

For sure, we can all only be so lucky! Thanks for the comment!!

[@Pam-cr3bp]

I enjoyed this video ❤ this person enjoyed his trains!! Don’t want to upset anyone but I want to save the piano!!!! Thanks for playing it!! It still has great sounds!!❤ be safe!! Pam❤️❤️

[@StaticSpaces]

They sure did, that set up was extraordinary! Thanks very much for your comment!!

[@Pam-cr3bp]

@@StaticSpaces you are very welcome ❤️

[@toycarcollector]

You might consider calling the local train club and letting them know that there is a boat load of track and it is probably in good condition. Each 9" straight or each curve sells for $1 in ok condition up to $4 in really nice condition.

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@joshtyson4398]

First time seeing one of your videos - really enjoyed it! I really appreciated the thoroughness, care, and respect you showed as you went through the house. Great work - I look forward to watching more!

[@StaticSpaces]

Great, thank you and glad you enjoyed it!!

[@rustylaroux7433]

you sure can find the neatest places, i really love your channel , thanks Mara

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you are enjoying the videos Mara and thank you so much for the comment!! PS, if i forget your name in the future because it's not in the comment and i call you "Rusty", don't take it personally, i rarely can remember people's names!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

The elevated O Gauge train tracks is common for hobby stores and such. It's a set-up that allows you to run the train through the house without the train interfering with people or furniture. But yes...usually people build a layout in the basement. Surprised you didn't find any big train layout there.

[@leifhietala8074]

I would say it was an extremely strong bet that the house was taken over by squatters for a while. The janked-together light on the bed with the closely-fitted reflector, that's to keep the light from casting on the window. And the other room with the reflectors, those were most likely put first in the windows to keep the light from getting out, and then to maximize output of a thrown-together pot growing project. As cluttered as this place is, it was a LOT neater when its legitimate resident was around. Trains are orderly, regimented - the boxes and parts and supplies were all well arranged, probably even sorted by a category system. The chaos you see is the result of an uncaring intruder.

[@StaticSpaces]

I have no doubt that you are right about those observations and i completely agree. Thanks for the comment!!

[@edwardhunt4296]

It would be worth while to find out if you could salvage this the layout and boxes magazines posters plus many other things would fetch a nice payday.

[@NemesisEnforcer4937]

I would love to have those tracks. It must have been awesome to see trains running on the helix in the basement.

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@kskollections2142]

Great explore as always. My favorite part is always your still photography! You have an amazing eye to just see the beauty there!

[@StaticSpaces]

Thank you, especially glad you are enjoying the still photography!!

[@HugsBach]

Looks like one of my Dad's Model Railroad friends house. Our basement, has a unfinished model railroad layout in O Guage. Dad never got a chance to finish, let alone run his trains on it. Started in 1951 and ended in 2005. Unlike this house, Dad's has the overhead wiring to run interurban and trolley/pentagraph style model trains. Age 81, it was difficult to go under his layout and began to cut into the layout to make a rising bridge like entry. Suffering a severe heart attack, dying 2 weeks later.

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh, that's too bad. Thanks for commenting!!

[@troybear11]

Sorry about your dad. I'm glad you keep his memories alive.

[@ohioken1]

Your narrations have such a calming effect. Next time I get all stressed out, I am going to tune into one of your uploads and just close my eyes and relax!

[@StaticSpaces]

Wow, thanks for the compliment!!

[@francoamerican4632]

I'm envisioning a guy who inherited this house from his grandmother and turned it into a model train aficionados heaven. Because he spends every last penny on things train related he has to grow his own pot and improvises on home repairs, i.e. the wrench that's jammed into the faucet for use as a makeshift handle; the large fan mounted in a custom hole in the kitchen door; and what appears to be a custom light fixture bracket in the kitchen that's made out of old hockey sticks. He also used hockey sticks as supports for the ceiling mounted train track assembly in the living room. He was so enthusiastic about building the display shelves for his trains he forgot to remove the mirror that's hanging on the wall and built the shelving over it.

[@StaticSpaces]

Hard to piece everything together in some of these homes but you could be right. Thanks for the comment!!

[@dieselbronco9247]

I can't believe you walked right past the door with the giant hole and a fan mounted in it! That was the most makeshift thing in the whole house. The last owner definitely spent more time and money on model trains than on home maintenance and repair. Great video, this is my first time watching your channel.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, sometimes i miss things and i think you are the second one to mention that. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the comment!!

[@redbaron0949]

Yeah , you could say he got every cent of use out of his available resources, it gave the video a kinda strange appeal ,as if one had stepped through some dimensional wall so to speak, and entered another , simpler time. That stuff could have been there for thirty years. Strange isn't it?

[@lb5712petelemonade]

I've never seen a train layout like that !!! Liked your video, I used to explore old abandoned houses, hence my interest in this.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, pretty unique setup for sure! Glad you found the video then and thanks for the comment!!

[@KimmyLove6932]

When I was a kid I loved these trains. There is a mall that our local model train club had a display at. I was always mesmerized watching it everytime i go to see it. This an expensive hobby. Some of that stuff in there could be worth a bit. Dang. Great Explore JH. Big Hugs 😊😊

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, i would imagine one can spend an almost endless amount of money on these model trains. Glad you enjoyed this one Kimmy and thanks for the support!!

[@christiandpaul2022]

I would have loved to see those train operating. Great set up.

[@StaticSpaces]

Can imagine it was quite the sight to see. Thanks very much for the comment!!

[@karenmilligan5597]

This one was a weird one. Whoever lived there seems to like trains and their calendars. I think I saw 4 or 5 calendars. Thanks for the explore James.✌🏻

[@StaticSpaces]

There were definitely a lot of calendars in there! Thanks for the comment Karen!!

[@catmommy23]

This is one of my favorites houses Wich I seen explores by various other explorers .All you guys are my favorite.i love you all very much

[@StaticSpaces]

Hmm, i only know of one other person that has posted a video from here but maybe there are others i don't know about. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment Colleen!!

[@catmommy23]

Awww your welcome.What other video do you know of?Maybe I've yet to see if?Have you ever explored grandma's house or the sexy retreat?those are other favorites as well please be safe

[@StaticSpaces]

Don't know if i have ever done grandma's house before, would have to see what it looks like. Î have filmed sexy retreat but it was one of my earlier videos, so the sound quality is terrible but i will release it one day. Terry Wilson is the only other person i know that has posted a video. He has posted two different ones

[@catmommy23]

Oh ok, gotcha.i have seen both of Terry's videos.☺️

[@willforeverpubg4235]

same here.James just got on my list of other Explorers I like to watch his and their channel.

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

Hi James. Interesting explore but also quite a weird place. Loved the still shots as well, especially with all the train tracks

[@StaticSpaces]

It really was a strange place and i couldn't believe the extent of the track set up. Thanks for the comment Stephanie!!

[@denisesmith2745]

Oh, my gosh James. What a find! Lionel trains were top of the line. Worth so much money. Huge in the fifties and sixties Something happened to this person to leave it behind like this. I’m guessing the house always looked like this.. even when he lived there. Just a vibe I have. Thank you, James!! Love from the Ft Worth Smith twins

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, the house probably did look like that for a long time, it's just the way some people are. I am guessing he died of old age, just judging by the how old a lot of the items were in the home. Thanks for the comment!!

[@deepsleep7822]

Not all Lionel trains are worth a lot of money. A big misconception. Lionel made expensive items and inexpensive items. Some had collector value others did not.

[@bitrexgm]

@@StaticSpaces 😥Unfortunate psychiatric condition that affects the elderly, sometimes: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogenes_syndrome

[@spaceflight1019]

All of the hoarders I've ever known always left pathways through their rubble. Thieves (and probably raccoons and other animals) aren't fussy. Thieves look for things they can easily and quickly sell; animals look for food.

[@willybeezy2775]

Your channel was suggested to me by a good friend. So much to watch. I'm excited. Liked and subscribed. Stay safe and Keep up the amazing work.

[@StaticSpaces]

That's great to hear, i hope you enjoy going through all the old and future videos!! Thanks a lot!

[@trainnerd3029]

I would’ve loved to have seen Trains running on those tracks

[@StaticSpaces]

Certainly would be an interesting sight to see. Thanks for the comment!!

[@irtbmtind89]

Some of that three-rail Lionel track is very old, and the oldest model train boxes I could see seem to come from 60s or early 70s. In general this is a very old fashioned way of building a layout, sometimes called the "spaghetti bowl", where you just try to jam as much track into your space as possible. Usually people building layouts at this size try to at least partially emulate real railroad construction and operation methods. TBH this seems like evidence of hoarding behavior, because that layout seems impractically elaborate and actually operating and especially troubleshooting it would be a nightmare.

[@StaticSpaces]

Spaghetti bowl sounds about right. That was my first thought when seeing the setup, how on earth dis he maintain it. Thanks for the comment!!

[@sort187]

In-line track cleaners would be my guess... and there was probably a notebook detailing the operations and wiring somewhere in there at one time.

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

It's a helix...a giant spiral intended to bring the train up a level or two. Since trains can only rise 5% at the most up a slope, you need a lot of room to bring a train up even to it's 4" body height. Since it would take miles for the train to travel in a straight line and your house doesn't have miles inside it, a spiral with curved track cuts the running room down tremendously. - Helixes exist in the real train world too. Look into The Spiral Tunnels which is outside of Hope in British Columbia.

[@_knotgood_1371]

TY for all your hard work and content contributions.. just appreciating

[@StaticSpaces]

No problem and thanks for letting me know you are enjoying them!!

[@owen4248]

Wow this is incredible a ton of work with all that track to bad the boxes were left the trains with boxes are worth a ton I enjoyed this much .

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, can't believe the amount of work that went into it. Thanks for the comment!!

[@willforeverpubg4235]

James this is one of kind Explore..One that we haven't seem before.

[@StaticSpaces]

It's a pretty unique location for sure. Thanks for the comment!!

[@TheDodgefan2004]

very nice video,, i bet that was an amazing to see to all the trains running,, thank you James

[@StaticSpaces]

Can only imagine what it would be like with all the trains running, noisy i would imagine! 😂 Thanks for the comment!!

[@janicesauk3528]

Hi James I enjoyed the video my husband may he Rip would have really loved it he was a train lover. Love from Michigan Jan.

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed this one and sorry for your loss. Thank you for the comment!!

[@samanthacastle4192]

That was different but neat train tracks. Another good one 👍

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks for the comment Samantha!!

[@squigglytiger4796]

Loved the video, it's a shame to see a wonderful house just abandoned and rotting away. I wonder what the story is behind this house and who owns it.

[@StaticSpaces]

I wasn't able to find out much of anything about the home, only it's current owner and that he is not the one who created that track setup. Thanks for the comment!!

[@brucehooks7508]

Lionel is a huge name in model trains. The prewar era trains are worth a lot of money. My Dad has a set and some of them he got from his father. Trains are cool toys, but can be very time consuming.

[@StaticSpaces]

I can imagine the hobby requires a lot of dedication! Thanks for the comment!!

[@jaymck8154]

Ahh Canada. Where Timmy's cups are collectors items, and hockey sticks are used in construction! I don't ever want to live anywhere else! Also, a yet another model train nut, what all of the tracks stacked along the wall could have been. The whole system on the ceiling may have dropped down to connect with each one if wanted. Not sure though. Could have just been display. Shame it ended up that way. Cool vid though! Also, I had the exact same TV at a younger age. Thanks for the new grey hair!

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, i get the feeling the track upstairs was for display purposes but maybe the circular track near the ceiling actually ran. Thanks for the comment!!

[@johnruggiero8638]

It looks to me like he was a retired signal maintainer judging by some of the artifacts I saw. Im a retired maintainer so I know. Anything with the Lionel name on it booklets even empty boxes are worn money on E-Bay. Very creative layout in basement, he did the best he could with limited space and money. I hope he is working on a layout in the after life, a man after my own heart. Go back and save what you can.

[@StaticSpaces]

What is a signal maintainer? I don't really know anything about trains, so that's why I ask. Thanks for commenting!!

[@johnruggiero8638]

@@StaticSpaces I was a signal maintainer on the railroad for 38 years. We repair and maintains, signals switches, RR crossings. I also have a large N-scale train layout.

[@johnruggiero8638]

My dad used to take me to the Lionel train show in NYC every year, it took up a whole floor of a big building. I was heartbroken when in the mid sixties the doors were locked, the trains still inside, Lionel went bankrupt, like the real railroads, people moved on. Thank god for the Japanese they started making quality model trains unlike the toys that were being sold in US. When I die my daughter could sell all my equipment on E-bay for many thousands of dollars if she took the time but it will probably end up in the trash, its very sad, one mans treasure.

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh cool thanks for the insight!

[@zigman8550]

All the model train stuff added with all the hockey sticks is baffling!

[@StaticSpaces]

Agreed! Thanks for the comment!!

[@malindahenke5724]

I saw this house when probably one of the first explorers went in. The trains were still there. Sadly with the empty boxes they were probably stolen and they had no idea their worth with the box. 😔

[@StaticSpaces]

I only know of one other explorer that has posted this one and the trains weren't there for his visit either. Do you happen to remember who the explorer was? Thanks for the comment!!

[@leoross5777]

lets hope the owner cursed the items so that will only bring the thieves bad luck

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

Geez how long can battery in smoke detector last, especially giving off low battery beeps. One would almost think smoke detector was nuclear powered.

[@StaticSpaces]

Don't know but could have had a lithium battery too. Not sure how long they beep to indicate low power though

[@RetroCaptain]

@@CONCERTMANchicago 5 years. From snapped in until they begin beeping. They beep for around a year not much more but possibly less.

[@octoberkitten949]

This place is so unique and beautiful

[@StaticSpaces]

Sure is. Thanks for the comment!!

[@octoberkitten949]

You're welcome 😊

[@sharonmiller6251]

Interesting. Especially the fan built in the top of one of the kitchen doors.

[@StaticSpaces]

Certainly was a unique place and the owner definitely liked building things. Thanks for the comment!!

[@RodneyGuitarsplat]

Thank You for the tour , that was quite something to see

[@StaticSpaces]

No problem at all! Thanks for commenting!!

[@sophicutler1492]

Enjoyed the video for sure and thanks for showing the model railroad!!

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, the model railroad setup was the main feature of this home but some of the old decor was great too. Thanks for the comment!!

[@jeffreeves2456]

All those tracks make up a multilevel layout. That’s all O scale three rail and while being cheaply built, there is a lot of it!!

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya a lot of time and effort went into that setup. Thanks for the comment!!

[@denisehibbs9576]

Wow ! Fascinating train set up !

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment!!

[@sandiego9168]

Bizarre the things left behind.weird how they held things together the make shift shutters gave me the creeps in all interesting. Thanks for the look 👣🌞

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya the makeshift shutters were a little odd but i think the owner just liked working with his hands. And maybe other than model trains, didn't like spending money. Thanks for the comment!!

[@applecounty]

The occasional 'beep' sounds like the battery making contact in the smoke alarm.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, low battery i think, i usually take the battery out when possible so it isn't beeping every 30 secs in the videos. 😆 Thanks for the comment!!

[@davevan8864]

Saw a few boxes with trains in them still......not many but 3 for sure. The basement layout would be neat to document.

[@StaticSpaces]

You could be right but all the ones i looked at were empty. Thanks for the comment!!

[@thomashynes4042]

That railroad helix in the basement took a lot of time thought and effort that is not an easy task.

[@StaticSpaces]

I don't doubt it, he was obviously passionate about his hobby! Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@ciaranburke3243]

Very cool, model railway layout and a grow room my kind of place 😁👍

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha, glad you enjoyed this one and thanks for the comment!!

[@ForzaCountry87]

Lionel is still top of the line in O gauge model railroading, and you can tell the age of them easily from the the age approval on them the original pre war era says for ages 8 and up then the MPC/TMCC era says ages 10 and up then more modern from some were around 96 and up says from ages 14 and up

[@StaticSpaces]

Very interesting, i had no idea. Thanks for the comment!!

[@lilyrose3145]

Thanks for sharing .👍👍👍💯

[@StaticSpaces]

No problem! Thanks for the comment!!

[@JohnC-ur5ut]

Hey man that train layout is VERY SAD. That person was forced to jam all of their stuff into an extremely tiny space but they made it work.

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, but can you imagine how big of a house you would need to use all that track on the same layer! 😆 Thanks for the comment!!

[@543210mono]

Maybe he was a Hockey Player and took the train everywhere he went ♥

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya i think you may be right about him being a hockey player, that would explain all the sticks! 😆 Thanks for the comment!!

[@jdubs78]

How do you know you are in Canada without saying it? Tim Hortons and Hockey Sticks! I’m not talking smack as I love both! Seriously though, it’s sad to see all these items like that. I’m hoping that my model railroad collection fares better when I pass away. Thankfully both of my kids love the hobby. As for all the items left behind, I personally would love to find someone that is family to save the model items left behind because they were obviously loved and they deserve to be saved. I hope something like that ends up happening. Great video!

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha true. Although Tim Hortons has lost favour with a lot of people over the years, the quality has gone downhill and I hardly ever go there. It's good that your kids take an interest in model railroading, I am guessing this man's family did not. Thank you very much for your comment and glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@ckswat77zz51]

Strange alright SS! He must have been extremely short to put up all those tracks in the basement . That place looked like it was deserted in the 50’s. I can picture the kids in the neighborhood back in the day talking about the strange guy that lives there. All he does after work is build more & more track for his trains. I really would love to hear this background story. I assume only a bachelor would get away with using the majority of the house for this😳. Thanks James

[@StaticSpaces]

It sure would take commitment to create such an elaborate setup. I suspect he was a bachelor as well or maybe widowed or divorced. Thanks for the comment CK!!

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

Most of those boxes were from the 2010's, so most of the stuff was fairly new. When the person left, I'm assuming they died, the engines and cars probably got sold off, they would've been the only things that were worth anything out of all the train stuff. Magazines that said "Trains" on them we're also from the 2010's.

[@StaticSpaces]

You are the first person to mention that some of the boxes were that new...interesting! Thanks for the comment!!

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

@@StaticSpaces yeah no problem man! All that train stuff was O gauge and I have a little bit of it, so I've seen stuff before.

[@shakedydogshake]

Interesting channel, just found it. That was probrably a cute little cozy house, long time ago. I bet the last owner fell very sick, had no family to take care of the house, and sadly never was able to return home. Oh well, very interesting video. Cheers, Steve in Minneapolis

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, i think you could be right about why it was abandoned. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!!

[@jeannettegrose7097]

That place blows my mind. My question or should I say questions are, were there any trains left in those boxes, and what happened to the trains?

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, was a pretty spectacular location. There were no trains in the boxes and i have no idea where they went but hopefully it was either family or the owner that took them. Thanks for the comment!!

[@vincemajestyk9497]

I think that oven is an old brand that was part of the 'Hamilton-Beach' company. I think they still sell cooking appliances in Australia. Makes you wonder how they got the bed and all that furniture upstairs around that tight bend in the staircase. Symphonic was a cheap discount brand sold at places like Kmart and discount electronics stores. Their HQ was in Montreal. Weird thing about how the guy had the trains run at the top of the ceiling is you couldn't even see them if they ran or for display.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, it would have been a pain getting furniture up those stairs! Maybe he just liked the sound of the train running? Thanks for the comment!!

[@RetroCaptain]

@@StaticSpaces yes the sound was probably magic enough for him

[@TWTexasA1]

Ya I would have to have gathered up all those hockey sticks…my goodness there must have been a dozen of them…..👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RK-fx4sv]

I would love to have seen this guys collection

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@excaliburwarlocks5508]

That must have been a sight when he had all those trains running very elaborate imagination

[@StaticSpaces]

I completely agree, so much dedication involved with that set up. Thanks for the comment!!

[@dantekazanjian8677]

I would have loved to see you look inside those train boxes

[@StaticSpaces]

Unfortunately, they were all empty. I would imagine he kept some trains on the display upstairs and likely the rest on the helix in the basement. He probably just kept the boxes in case he ever decided to sell the trains. Thanks for the comment!!

[@janbrittenson210]

There's also an amateur radio VHF antenna outside the house. The owner was likely a ham. Of course, all that gear would have been looted by now.

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh interesting, i think it's possible a few things were stolen from there. Thanks for the comment!!

[@breakfastclub3909]

lol. Lionel must be a train brand. Shows how much kids actually get involved with the world. Lionel still makes tons of trains today.

[@StaticSpaces]

What can I say, i prefer to do things that get me out of the house

[@peytonweb]

Insane find!! Just...wow.🤯🤯🤯

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

This video is excellent James 😃

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks Fawn!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

You are welcome James 😊

[@CrazyBear65]

What's pixelated there? What's up with that? That was definitely somebody's grow room upstairs. All the empty boxes, somebody stole everything of value and left the junk behind. The fan in the door is a unique touch. Somebody left that place in a hurry. All that cool "makeshift" (Read: ingenious and inventive inexpensive solutions...) stuff. That's not that old of a TV, looks consistent with 2007. That's only 15 years ago. Somebody was likely squatting in there. Them cellar stairs are sketchy as fuck. I wouldn't have trusted them. That was a helix in the cellar. I'm gonna guess it was Grampa's house, Grampa died, grandson moved in, sold all the trains, had a grow room upstairs and a game room downstairs. Maybe he was a fuckup like Ricky from Trailer Park Boys, and he got busted and went to jail, and people squatted there afterwards. Maybe not. Where's this house at? Don't just say Canada, I mean like _where at?_ I can see other houses by it, so it's not out in the bumfuck woods somewhere, it looks like it's in a neighborhood. I've come across abandoned houses in the woods before while hunting. Sometimes somebody dies and they ain't got no family, or their family doesn't care about the place, so it just goes to shit. I could show you a 52 Chevy panel truck, and a 59 Willys, and lots of other poor old vehicles in the woods, if they're still there, in the woods there, in an undisclosed location way up in the cut, off the beaten path, where the fur bearing critters roam, and the Sasquatch folks. Sorry, can't say where, somewhere in the US of A.

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@bsalightning69]

Soo much track left...lotsa money worth. Had more in his train stuff than what the house was worth...

[@StaticSpaces]

IDK, the property value of that one is probably a lot higher than you think. Thanks for the comment!!

[@rocketsnhotrods9022]

Dude sure did love MTH and Lionel O scale trains the boxes everywhere

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@sgfx]

My guess is that a person who loves trains live here (somewhat obvious) and then died without anyone left to take care of the home. The trains seam to center around Lionel. This would tend to indicate an older person, as new enthusiast tend to be collectors of newer train types like HO or S scale. The house now abandoned, then it fell to the homeless squatters for a time. I kept hearing a fire alarm chirp, so I would think it had not been a long-time scene someone lived in the house. 2 or 3 years. Of course, this is all guess work. I'm sure whoever lived here would be disheartened to see it now.

[@StaticSpaces]

You are on the write "track" with your guesswork but i think it's been more than 2-3 years judging by the calendar but i could be wrong. Thanks for the comment!!

[@tubatits]

@@StaticSpaces right

[@redbaron0949]

Enjoyed your video, sad remnant of a past life. The house was so tiny, he must have had a very low income or was very conservative. Often when older persons die or are placed in a home, relatives simply look through what's left take a few things and what is left is left. I wonder if he was alone, I did not see any women's items. So sad thinking of him living alone, becoming old with only his trains for company. For some reason this video touched me with a sad message of our own mortality. Your calm voice and clean language also adds to it's appeal. Thanks for a great work, I will follow you in your future endeavors.

[@StaticSpaces]

I get the feeling he was living alone too, i don't remember seeing any signs of anyone else living there. The good thing about that though is you get to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Thanks for commenting!!

[@edwardhunt4296]

I would love to get an inventory of the boxes just to estimate the value of his collection. Plus he probably had trains he had when he was a boy. I have 4 complete sets from the 40s and 50s but no boxes. To the one thought this layout would be hard to keep running. Nope my newest toys dated to 1962 . The analog technology is pretty much bulletproof. Everything still runs like it did 60yrs ago. I still have a small can of singer sewing machine my dad gave me in 1965 a few drops keeps locos and cars rolling fine.

[@benzacct1]

I believe it’s called a Helix. Circles stacked to allow trains to climb to a level that would continue to another flat run. Switchbacks are another way to gain or lower height for more straight track. This one took a Lot 😵‍💫of work! Looks like more than one layer of track. What a sad home. 😢

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh yes, i would imagine he worked really hard on this project, hopefully he was happy the way it turned out! Thanks for the comment!!

[@SweetpeaandLilly]

This makes me want to watch The Station Agent movie. 🚂

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@eragonwjfn]

It would be so cool to restore the house. Even though there probably is a lot of work to get the roof dry and change out what is damaged.

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes a lot of work to be done for sure. I don't think the roof has any holes in it though, so the buildings bones are probably pretty solid. Thanks for the comment!!

[@Yyyyyy5]

Some of those rail king boxes are fairly new.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, wouldn't surprise me too much, there was apparently a magazine there from as recently as 2018. Thanks for the comment!!

[@carolali8851]

If you don't have the floor space the ceiling's and the basement are the way to go. The basement tracks are enormous!

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya for sure but you'd need a mansion to set up that amount of track on a table! Thanks for the comment!!

[@francoamerican4632]

There doesn't appear to be any space for dioramas (little buildings and landscape items) although it's possible that the person who took the trains also made off with the dioramas, if there were any.

[@StaticSpaces]

That's what surprised me about this setup too, no buildings or landscaping

[@imjabroni1]

He probably built the basement track growing up. When his mother passed and he ended up with the house, he could take his hobby upstairs.

[@MickJ666]

Great video, that smoke alarm low battery warning beep made me wonder how long ago that battery was fitted as mine needs changing every couple of years or so. Maybe a safety conscious squatter?

[@StaticSpaces]

Could be, i mean i figured it had been abandoned since 2007 because of the calendar but you are right, usually a couple years for a 9 volt battery is typical. Thanks for the comment!!

[@MickJ666]

@@StaticSpaces Thinking about it though,I set my alarm off at least once a week whilst cooking things 🤣 so without use at all they could last triple time 😁 I'll have a watch through your older videos ASAP as I've enjoyed the few I've seen so far👍🏻

[@StaticSpaces]

Great, glad to hear you are enjoying them!!

[@kristastumbaugh2688]

Really like your video's

[@StaticSpaces]

Awe thank you, that means a lot to me. And thank you very much for commenting!!

[@chrisblair7118]

Thanks for the video

[@StaticSpaces]

No problem! Thanks for the comment!!

[@izzynutz2000]

I understand some people have a raging addiction to Lionel trains trust me I'm one of them but my trains would never end up like that and you're right somebody must have just come in and scooped up everything they could get as far as trains and Rolling Stock and then left the boxes the boxes are worth money as well that's a damn shame

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

Hi James 👋Wow this place kinda does look like a hoarders house 😳Weird wallpaper too 😁Thank you for your up loading this video James 👍 I really enjoyed these one 😊Great find as well 😎This place seen better days 🫠

[@StaticSpaces]

This one certainly had a lot of character. Thanks for the support Fawn!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

You are welcome James 😊 And I support you 100 present 👍 I love your channel too ❤️

[@bernardc2553]

Wow SADLY yet SICK would have loved meeting this man & sharing his passion for trains DO die alone as I feel he did breaks 1s heart

[@StaticSpaces]

He was probably a very interesting character. Thanks for the comment!!

[@tuckerbrown9334]

Hi James, first time viewer, and already loving it. Curious why you blurred out certain parts in the kitchen.

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you are enjoying the videos and thanks for the comment!!

[@francoamerican4632]

Probably blurred so as not to show local addresses on the calendars that could provide clues as to the location of this place. Or to hide X rated images that are frowned upon by YT censors.

[@Lit_Hot_takes]

20:00 The really tight space in the pantry amongst all the mess was a tight angled corner it was terrifying to see this creepy hidden basement door with a very strange ominous padding on the wooden door looking into darkness i claustrophobic feeling came over me as i was waiting down there i am sure a ghost of a old man i saw out from the corner of my eye. The scene is like it is from a indie Horror game.

[@StaticSpaces]

I would guess that the padding may have been to reduce the noise from the train set when in operation downstairs, either that or maybe insulation to keep the cold from creeping upstairs. Thanks a lot for your comment!!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

Greetings from Monster Hobbies. So YT recommended this video to me. Anyway, K-line and Lionel is O gauge trains, which are 1/48th scale and uses the tri-rail system. Shame that those catalogs are all over that floor. - If the trains are still in those boxes, you should pick them up. From the wall paper, oven and Christmas decorations, I'd say 1950's - 1970's for the decor. Push button light switches would be 1920's - 1930's.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, the push button light switches are why I thought the house dates back to the early 1900s. Also the boxes were all empty. Thanks for the comment!!

[@AsdfAsdf-uo1rj]

You mention not being able to tell when it was abandoned and say you saw a 2007 calendar. Based on a few glimpses of the various train magazines lying around and trying to match them with ones in my collection, I can say with confidence that whoever lived there was receiving mail in at least 2014.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, it's really strange because usually the calendars are a good indicator of when a place was abandoned but some of those magazines i am finding out now are far more modern. Thanks for the comment!!

[@Piecenotwar]

Those tiles are falling off because there’s no waterproofing underneath and the walls would just be damp.

[@StaticSpaces]

I think they lacked or had improper grouting done, that's what usually keeps tile work waterproof. Either way, it strange to see. Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@Wooley689]

My guess is a kid had lived there and his trainset up was in the basement, when his parents passed, he was left the home so moved some of the trainset upstairs when he was older.

[@StaticSpaces]

It's entirely possible. Thanks for the comment!!

[@mariagasperazzo8245]

Por fora e muito linda ❣️ amei ❤️ o piano 🎹 mas casa 🏠 esta muito bagunçada mas parabéns pelo seu trabalho 👏

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks for the comment Maria!!

[@breakfastclub3909]

I see a home that a man and his wife lived in and she passed away years ago. He was lonely and had a passion for trains . He eventually got to where he could no longer live in the home and probably went to a nursing home until he passed away.

[@StaticSpaces]

Sounds like a likely scenario to me. Thanks for the comment!!

[@cdevidal]

The smoke alarm chirp at 7:34 tells me it was abandoned within the last two-three years

[@StaticSpaces]

Could be longer if they used a lithium battery, i was just judging the date by the leftover calendar. Thanks for the comment!!