An Interview with Howard Zane and Tommy Gilbert

An interview with Howard Zane and Tommy Gilbert of Tommy Gilbert's Hobby Shop in Gettysburg PA. Howard explains how Tommy was instrumental in helping him build his layout from its earliest beginnings till present day.

[@larryhurd8111]

I started watching these videos last night with Howard Zane. Very impressed with the layout and the quality of the video shoot. I need to get the book and the dvd with some Christmas money. I have spent some time on line researching all the offerings and I’m hooked on these videos now. Great Job Al and thank you for sharing this information with legend modeler Howard Zane. Awesome!

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

No problem just let me know when you want the book and dvd. As a Christmas temptation there is fee shipping on the DVD thru dec 31. Thanks again

[@nfordf450]

I’m in Fairfield pa. I bounce between Tommy’s and mainline hobby a lot. I was just in Tommy’s a few weeks back. Best thing for the younger generation of modelers is to go to Tommy’s when you have time and sit down in one of the chairs next to the register and listen to us old heads when we are there. Wiring might look like a mess but it’s not that hard. We can teach you a lot. And if you catch us on a good day. We will help.

[@CassidysWorkshop]

Thanks, Al. I'm loving all your interviews and coverage of Howard and his layout. It's been a few years since I was there. Keep them coming.

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

Thanks Greg!

[@officialpennsyjoe]

I model PRR and there are only steam switchers and a few big steam locomotives that are still made in brass. The G5, B6, A5, Q1, S1, N1, and D16 are the last of the pennsy steam that have not been hybrid by Broadway or made in diecast/plastic. In terms of diesels, the BP20, Baldwin center cab diesel, and a number of others off the top of my head, have only been made in brass and would be worthy plastic models to be made, because of their uniqueness and how cool they are. A likely candidate would be Bowser since they make primarily Pennsy. Now my number one issue with brass models is what these gentleman have discussed in this video, "they are a hobby within the hobby", and some of these brass models require a lot of work to be modernized, or are so rare that they are too expensive to obtain. Personally I have preferred working on Broadway engines by hardwiring them with better electronics. Brass... I tend to shy away with because of no spare parts available unless I get parts from another engine that I would take a part. Most of the companies now that I think you guys are missing another point on why they do not make more older steam engines for all the railroads, is because they are hard focussing on the 60's up to today market of modellers. Especially the modern market for kids of my generation. Personally, I do not like the modern railroads for business operation reasons. I find it rather frustrating that me and other modern modellers of the steam era are generally ignored for the most part by these companies of today. Like the interviewer said: "how many big boys do we really need to be produced?" Yes, they are popular, but man are they over saturated every year. I would like to see different models at least. All in all, that eas my 2 cents from this interview. This was all well done, and I would like to hear more from the Zenith of HO modelling. His layout definitely inspired me to make an industrial city like layout similar to his one day for my PRR empire.

[@kenamosjr.bo_51]

So cool to see the relationship between Howard and Tommy. Its really nice Howard made a plaque for all those involved in his layout. Been going to Tommy Gilberts hobby shop since mid 70's. He has huge detail department and every once in a while he even has a layout that's been removed for sale. Huge selection of engines too.

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

Thanks for watching Ken

[@mikegruschow3845]

I visit Tommy everytime (1-2 times a year) I'm in Gettysburg. Great guy!!

[@mikediehl1468]

Wow! Where is Howard Zane's model train layout? Is it near Gettysburg Pennsylvania? Is it open for visiting?

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

The layout is not open at this time for visiting but we have a 2hr DVD with dozens of brass locomotives running thru the layout which is the next best thing to an open house. Contact me at [e-mail] for info