Terry wrote:

> Hey does any member know about the garden railway next to the German
> pavilion at epcot? was there two weeks ago and was the first time i
> had seen it. did they do it themselves or was it done by a group?

The garden railway in Germany was the result of the happy coincidence of
a German firm -- LGB, one of the leading manufacturers of garden railway
equipment -- being one of the sponsors of the pavilion and a landscaper
who was a model train enthusiast.

With LGB providing the equipment and support from the Horticultural
Dept. this cast member designed, constructed, and maintained the railway
for a number of years.

This cast member is no longer working in this area. (I honestly don't
know if he transferred to another area, left the company, or just lost
organizational support). LGB has also dropped as a sponsor, though they
may still be offering help with equipment.

As a result of the above, the garden railway is not often in top
condition. Frequently one or more trains are stopped or derailed, and
guests "help" by tossing coins on the track or grabbing them through the
fence.

Garden railways are a large and growing hobby in the US and elsewhere,
and as a fan of the art form, I'm happy to see it exhibited in World
Showcase. I could be happier if circumstances permitted someone with
model railroad experience to have a leading role in design and
maintenance again.

Recently, there was a multi-month rehab of the railway, with track
replaced and a new loop added, so it's encouraging to see that this
project continues to have Company support.

Additional information on request.

Bruce