Howard Zane's Piermont Division

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 03:20:32 PM

I though it would be nice to share with ya'll all the photos I have of Howard Zane's HO scale Piermont Division Railroad. I first met Howard some 14 years ago. My wife is from Baltimore and Howard lives in Columbia Md. I purchased Allen Keller's VHS tape of Howard and the PD way back when!

Since Columbia is only about 40 minutes from Baltimore, I called Howard and ask if I could come visit his layout. He said yes and we have been good friends ever since. It was Thanksgivings weekend of 2002, actually the Friday after Thanksgiving.

I got to Howard's home around 10AM Friday morning. I was very nervous, after all Zane is one of the Railroad Gods! He opened the door, extended his hand and welcomed me into his home. Let me tell you and if anyone has been to his house they can back me up here. Just inside the front door on both sides and in the hall are no less than 8, yes eight, floor to ceiling display cases full of brass models both painted and unpainted.

I stepped inside the door and at that time, I was wishing I had my jaw wired shut as I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut so as to not drool on my shirt! And, I hadn't even seen the layout at that point.

Yes, I am going to show pictures but I need to tell this story first.

Howard then took me to his layout, turned the lights on, slapped me on the left shoulder and said, "Tom, I have to do some editing on my train book so if you need anything or have a question, I'll be upstairs". I watched as he turned and went up the stairs. When he was out of sight, I turned and just froze where I stood. My feetes (sic) didn't move for about ten minutes. I finally caught my breath and started to move around.

You can view Howard's DVDs, VHS tapes and books here! Be sure and get one of each, you definitely won't be unhappy with the purchase.

http://zanestrains.com/orderform.htm

Here are some of the first pictures I took. They may appear to be the same but they are from a slightly different angle or up close.

Continued in a few.

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 03:29:13 PM

Continuing -

My Babe, Pam and Howard Christmas week of 2010.

Me and Sandy that same day!

Continued in a few.

bparrish · April 27, 2014, 03:41:38 PM

Great photos.

Thanx Tom

see Ya
Bob

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 03:45:02 PM

I'll back track here and finish the story of my first visit to Howard's Piermont Division. When visiting his layout time doesn't stand still but passes very quickly. I was well into taking my 200+ pictures when Howard came down to see if I was still alive.

He asked me how I made my living and I told him I was the Special Operations Commander with the Orlando Police Department assigned to the Orlando International Airport. With that said, I told Howard there would be no way in He-- I'd ever let a stranger into my home and then in the layout room with no supervision. Being in law enforcement at that time I didn't trust many people but Howard opened his home and layout to a stranger, me! He simply responded, "Tom, I have had only one brass loco taken from the layout behind my back! And I also know who the #&*$@!% is that took it.

My guess is that Howard has about 200+ brass locomotives on the layout and I won't bet that he doesn't know where each and everyone was on the layout when I was there.

Continued in a few.

Erieman · April 27, 2014, 03:45:26 PM

"Chomping at the Bit" Tom,
Love your description of your visit to Howard Zane. you hit the nail on the head. My neighbor and I were at the 2006 NMRA national convention in Philadelphia and had signed up for layout tours. Howard was on the list. It was a very rainy day and took forever to get from Philadelphia to the Delaware area. howards layout was third on the list, but due to flooding, the second layout was cancelled. As you stated, just entering his house was an experience. As others went down the stairs, all you would hear were "OMG" or something to that effect. While not being there on a one on one, I can assure you that it was a real pleasure to see his layout and it has been the topic of conversation many, many times. Howard had incorporated a lot of wonderful ideas that My neighbor and I have used. Thanks for your pictures. more please.

Frank / Erieman

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 03:46:02 PM

Quote from: bparrish on April 27, 2014, 03:41:38 PM
Great photos.

Thanx Tom

see Ya
Bob

Bob,

You are very welcome. More to follow!

Tom

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 03:53:52 PM

Frank,

Yes, when you first visit his layout you literally gasp for air, followed by OMG and so on! I still don't know why Howard and I hit it off that first meeting.

He is very gracious and has offered to let Pam and I stay at his home on several occasions. I would have taken him up on the offer if we weren't staying with the family in Baltimore.

"Chomping at the bit" Tom

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 04:12:21 PM

I forgot to mention I have Howard's permission to post these photos. Howard once told me that he was humbled that anyone would want to take photos of his layout. He said it was also the cheapest form of advertising.

Howard finally finished his book and I bought five of them to give as gifts that Christmas. If you haven't had the chance to read his first one, do yourself a favor and find one. Its a hardbound book with 450 color photos, tips and techniques.

His second book, shown below is a wild adventure in Howard's childhood, military schools, college and professional adventures. I laughed my AS off while reading the second book!

More photos in a few minutes.

ACL1504 · April 27, 2014, 04:18:22 PM

Howard Zane layout photos.

Howard Zane's Piermont Division

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