In an age of instant entertainment and shortening attention
spans… in a time when busy-ness consumes
people’s lives, it is gratifying to see that model and toy trains racing around
a track still hold the power to bring wonder, excitement, and smiles to those
who take the time to share them, view them, talk about, and remember them.
Such was the case at the recent 23rd edition of
the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo held at Park Place. The sights, lights, sounds,
and smells from dozens of toy trains filled the rooms, nooks, and crannies in
Peter Herdic’s ornate 1860s railroad hotel during Victorian Christmas weekend.
We trust the more than 1850 visitors to the Expo enjoyed the experience!
We’re especially grateful for the generosity of the two-dozen
plus exhibitors who brought in their trains and layouts to share with the
community: Max
Ameigh; Mark & Doris Anderman; Dan, Lucy & John Bower; Pat Breen; John
Clees Jr.; Paul Derr; Dick Dill; Ken DiRocco; Tyler Fenderson; Tony Ferraro;
Brett Hinkal; Ronald & Barbara Hinkal; Paul Karichner; Larry Keller; Ralph Keller;
Bill, Bill Jr. & John Lantz; Noah Keith McKenzie, Rhonda McKenzie & Deb
Myers; Frank Ulman; Tony Visco; Ed Watson; Lloyd Wurster. What a gift!
This family event would not be possible without the super
support of our hosts at Park Place: Pat Russell, Tony Visco & Fran Visco
from Anthony H. Visco, Jr. Architects; Allen Ertel & William Brown of Park
Place, LLC; Rick Miller.
A “trainload of thanks” to our many dedicated volunteers: Laura
Breen; Eiderson Dean; Michael DiRocco; Romey DiRocco; Gordie Emick; Larry
Fisher; Keith Hammack; Dave Hinkal; Rob Hinkal; Linda Huffman; Kay Huffman; John
Hunsinger; Terry & James Jones; Peggy Keller; John Nevill, Jr.; Dennis
Oberholtzer; Marty Payne; John & Marian Stuempfle; Julian Whipple.
We’re thankful to our corporate donors and advertising
sponsors whose contributions were invaluable: Beltone; Burger King/AML
Development Corp.; English’s Model Railroad Supply; Fairfield Toyota-Scion; Impact
Advertising; Bruce & Martha Miller; Rick Mirabito; Paulhamus Litho; Penn
College’s Pat Breen, Brian Hopple, Pat Kimble, Barry Loner, Don Luke, Jeff
Rotoli & Tom Wilson; Preservation Williamsport’s Victorian Christmas; Van
Campen Motors; Webb Weekly; Woodlands Bank. An additional shout-out to all the
local businesses and train shows that put up posters in their windows or flyers
on their counters.
We appreciate the newspaper coverage by the Sun-Gazette:
Julie Reppert, Mark Nance, Rashelle Carey, and John Leeser.
Our father liked to say that the Toy Train Expo is “a
celebration of the magic and nostalgia of toy trains.” We hope that “magic”
continues for many years to come!
Eric Huffman, Montoursville
Bruce Huffman, Williamsport
Toy Train Expo Organizers
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