Tunnel Vision: Man Builds Million Dollar Model Railway
A train enthusiast has devoted 30 years of his life to his model railroad, which could be worth more than $3m. Howard Zane, 77 spends most of his time in the basement of his home in Columbia, Maryland working on his 3,000 square foot masterpiece that he made from scratch. His fascination began at the age of three when his father gave him a train set. What did you think of Howard’s obsession with model trains? Please let us know in the comment section below and remember to share the video and sign up for our free newsletter!
July 18, 2019 @ 5:52 pm
Loved seeing this layout… Have been a train enthusiast for several decades now, and it’s a hobby that never wanes…
December 10, 2017 @ 9:34 pm
Is there a time when he allow visitors?? Would so love to see it!!!
December 13, 2016 @ 9:40 am
Fantastic layout! Like most in the hobby, attention to detail is what makes it so enthralling to everyone. While a member of the Pasadena Model Railroad Club in Alhambra, California at the original location, I was a member of the scenery crew that built the club layout. It wasn’t nearly as large as the one in this video, but was for the most part as well detailed, to the point that twice it was used in Hollywood movies, including my own Santa Fe passenger trains, with steam and diesel power, as I always took special care to add detail and lighting to accurately replicate the real thing.
My days in the hobby came to an end when I was divorced in 1980, and I had to sell everything from my extensive collection of brass steam locos (128 of them), 44 fully detailed diesel locos, 216 fully detailed passenger cars (96 metal streamline and 120 custom built fully detailed heavyweights), 682 various detailed freight cars, and over 112 still unbuilt wood and metal kits. Most all of those saw service on the club layout from time to time, especially during open houses that brought enthusiasts from all over the world!
I still to this day find myself thinking about getting back into it, and often can’t resist checking out the listings on eBay.
March 17, 2016 @ 2:50 am
I certainly admire Mr. Zane’s keen attention to details on his fabulous train set and surrounding buildings. How fascinating it would be to actually see it in person!
March 14, 2016 @ 6:13 am
Made me think of my uncle, long diseased, and his love of trains. How l wish he’d seen this.
March 13, 2016 @ 3:41 am
Well, looks like I have to do some catching up to do, mine is 65m² and its still under improvements every day.
congratulations, a job well done.
John
March 12, 2016 @ 12:29 pm
Amazing passion he has for creativity. The train set is realistic in every small detail. I hope that he is not too obsessed with building trains. Wife need to be happy always and that is important he spend good quality time each day with her. never be too busy where you can not spend time with your love one.
March 12, 2016 @ 10:17 am
What a marvelous train set. Congratulations,Mr. Zane! I wish I had something like that!