Miniature Train History

Gypsy Express The Organization

DVD Rider statistics Behind the scenes What makes GX unique Future of Gypsy Express Volunteer Opportunities

Toy Trains Model Trains

Miniature Trains
Standard Trains

Toys and Models

Miniature Trains

Scale Gauge

Gypsy Express
Miniature Railroad

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks 1928: Paul Sturtevant started tool-making shop in Glen Ellyn, IL

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks 1928: Paul Sturtevant built 7 in. gauge train in backyard

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks 1928: Paul Sturtevant built 7 in. gauge train in backyard Carried 20-25 kids at one time

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks
1928: Paul Sturtevant built 7 in. gauge train in backyard Carried 20-25 kids at one time 1932: Sears noticed popularity, rented it for Chicago store

Miniature Train History

1885 to 1932
1885: Miniature trains began appearing at amusement parks 1928: Paul Sturtevant built 7 in. gauge train in backyard Carried 20-25 kids at one time 1932: Sears noticed popularity, rented it for Chicago store

1932: Sturtevant created Miniature Train & Railroad Co.

Miniature Train History

1932 to early 1940s
MT&RC electric Store Trains based on early streamliners:
Burlingtons 1934 Zepher and Rock Islands 1935 Rocket

Miniature Train History

1932 to early 1940s
MT&RC gas-powered, 12 inch gauge, Addison/G-12 train
Based on GM EMD E-series Rocket passenger locomotive

Miniature Train History

1945 to 1963
1945: Design of G-16 train began G = Gasoline 16 = 16 inch rail gauge

Copied from 1946 General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Diesel F2 locomotive

Miniature Train History

1945 to 1963
1946: On June 1st the first G-16 (#501) came off assembly line Powered by slightly modified 22 HP Wisconsin VF-4 gasoline engine
Scale was 1/5th including spacing of rivets and number of leaves used in suspension springs

Miniature Train History

1945 to 1963 1948: MTC moved to a new plant in Rensselaer, IN 1956: MTC sold to Herschell Co. 1963: Last G-16 produced under MTC name

History of Gypsy Express

June 12, 1954: Unit #732 came off production line
Sold to Kinston, NC Jaycees for $12,000 Acquired by Bartleys in 1958 and moved to Staunton (Gypsy Hill Park) Operated by the Bartleys for 34 years Sold to City of Staunton in 1992

Operated by City of Staunton until 1998

Gypsy Express Organization

1998

Train and facilities declared unsafe

Gypsy Express Organization

1998-2000 Train locked in barn 2000 Gypsy Express Inc. established as a non-profit all volunteer Agreement with City allowed the train to remain in the park

- Rebuilt and upgraded

- Volunteer operated and maintained Aug 5, 2001 Gypsy Express resumed operation

Who Rides?
Train

operates Saturdays, Sundays & holidays May through October

Special runs during the week free for schools, assisted living facilities & special needs groups from all over region

Over 20,000 riders each summer

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Track

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Train

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Facilities

Behind the scenes The Volunteers

Preceding week
- Weekly

train maintenance - Purchase gas - Schedule volunteers for work shifts - Assign station manager

Operating day
- Station

opened - Walk the track - Gas the engine - Trial run

What makes Gypsy Express unique?

Appeared in a major motion picture Evan Almighty

Has its own song Riding that Gypsy Express by Oakley Pearson Easy Access Car Managed, operated and maintained by dedicated volunteers Has dead-man switch Uses conductors Roof and padded seats

Ongoing Needs

Support of local businesses New volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities
Engineers and conductors Ticket sales Scheduling (call other volunteers) Skilled mechanics

Next Session
Observe train operation Tour of Gypsy Express facilities Experience the feel of driving the Gypsy Express

Assembled and Produced by Gypsy Express Volunteers:

Bob Roger--Chairman, Gypsy Express, Inc. Ken Case Phil DePauk Phil Dixon Braxton Nagle
Special thanks to Aspect Media, Inc. May 2010