New ownership for the Choo Choo Barn
Gary Russell of Stevens, Pa. purchased the Choo Choo Barn’s model train layout along with the adjoining Strasburg Train Shop in late April. Russell plans to increase the shop’s online presence, and expand the selection of large-scale trains in the shop. He also plans to upgrade the electronics on the layout.
“I want to modernize the electronics currently used for the animations. Many of the motors are becoming obsolete which makes repair increasingly difficult. I’d love to see the fire scene run on a Raspberry Pi and maybe add fireworks to the nighttime scene. The possibilities here are vast and I’m honored to continue this legacy. Preserving this layout for the next generation is a task that I take very seriously,” said Russell.
The Choo Choo Barn has been at its current location in Strasburg, Pa. since 1961. The model train layout is open to the public. Learn more at choochoobarn.com
