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Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Train

Los Altos History Museum

November 2, 2006-January 7, 2007

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The Los Altos History Museum invites the community into the miniature world of model trains. A celebration of toy trains, the exhibit features the collection of local businessman Dick Blanding, and will have associated programs for children and adults. By age 12, Dick had a modest collection of Lionel trains, which were stored away in a chest when he left for the University of Colorado in 1955 to study aerospace engineering. In 1973, when his son Eric was two, “the chest” that had been stored away arrived in Los Altos, and the rest is family history. Eric and Dick enjoyed going to the homes of collectors who were selling their surplus trains, and their own little railroad began to grow. The very first home they visited belonged to Scotty Craik, Sheriff of San Mateo County, who had a real train station, chock full of toy trains, in his back yard. After Dick built a fancy layout in his own workshop with 12 switches and an elevated loop of track, son Eric declared his independence and asked for the space under that table. He “borrowed” enough track and trains and accessories to build his own little empire, without his Dad’s help. Model railroading is a hobby that has been around for over 115 years and involves both whimsy and realism. Today, it also reflects the desire by the manufacturers to make every part more realistic, allowing trains to run flawlessly and to use current technology such as light-emitting diodes, computer chips, and tiny audio components. Dick feels that his romantic side just won out over his engineering side, as far as the toy trains versus the scale model trains. He says that he appreciates both aspects of the hobby, but gets a real sense of satisfaction from the completion of a small layout or a scene with trains. He also is delighted to see the excitement in the eyes of children when they come to enjoy a “toy train” scene. Dick is currently a member of the Train Collector’s Association (TCA), Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS), both national clubs, and the local Lionel Golden Gate Railroad Club, which operates the large layout for events at the Cow Palace, Santa Clara Convention Center, and many other similar venues in the greater Bay Area. In his spare time, Dick and his wife Linda travel, ski, garden and enjoy their dream home here in old Los Altos. This exhibition will delight the young and old alike!

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• Member Reviews
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• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: Free

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  November 2, 2006-January 7, 2007

  Times:
  Reception 11/9:5:30pm-7pm
  
  Museum Hours:
  Thurs-Sun: 12pm-4pm

• Venue Info

  Los Altos History Museum

  51 South San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 94022

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Train
    "family friendly"
    Review posted by: Susan B. from Los Altos, CA, Dec 05, 2006
    

    Everything is kid-height and kid-friendly. Our 4 boys were able to get within inches of the trains, watching them zoom by. The Museum volunteers were friendly and even shared some trivia with our... Expand

    Everything is kid-height and kid-friendly. Our 4 boys were able to get within inches of the trains, watching them zoom by. The Museum volunteers were friendly and even shared some trivia with our oldest son--it was a nice, free, family event Collapse

  • Event Name: Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Train
    "great for winter"
    Review posted by: James from Los Alots, CA, Nov 24, 2006
    

    we were enchanted by the trains and animated buildings. there is a Route 66 layout that is magical.

    we were enchanted by the trains and animated buildings. there is a Route 66 layout that is magical.

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