Toccata for Toy Trains, extra cool film from 1957

[vsmith]

Toccata for Toy Trains, extra cool film from 1957

This is just too wonderfull not to share
http://youtu.be/oorg2q0D8hs

This was made by Modernist couple extraordinare of Ray and Charles Eames and is a fabulous piece of film making. Some neat Gauge 1 pieces in here.

This was made in the late 1950's, I shudder to think how valuable this collection would be today. :-

 

[bigjack]

Excellent, enjoyed that

 

[maxi-model]

Wonderful. Such ingenuity and creativity. Did it ever get an Oscar nomination or award for a short ?
Thanks for posting. Now who's brave enough to try a modern G scale take on that.
Max.

 

[Dtsteam]

Great film, Vic, Thanks for posting. It captures something elusive about toy trains, whether its the colour or do I imagine a faint smell of oil ?

 

[ge_rik]

Captivating. Loved the section where the camera passed through the entire train - clever stuff!! Why don't they make films like that any more?

Rik

 

[trammayo]

Indeed, truly wonderful! Childhood dreams and desires brought to life. Thoroughly enjoyed - thanks for posting this wonderful "animation".

 

[KeithT]

What a gem of a film. Everything worked.
Loved the single wheeler and it's driver wearing a stetson!!
Thanks for posting.

 

[Gizzy]

Fantastic!

Thanks for posting Vic....

 

[stevedenver]

thanks
i love tin plate and toy trains of that era
i thought it was so creative
and
an amazing amount of detail to watch -really the belief that an entire world of busy traveling toys and commerce was occurring as we watched
there are many things n the background that are wonderful
i particularly thought the prologue really captures the real essence of the love of toy/model trains
but especially the former,

i actually found this far more engrossing than the video about the Fn3 layout encompassing 3000 sq ft which is so beautifully done-but compartively, to me at least, a bit mundane (of course the eames' movie was so well composed)

vic i hope you post that link on some of the US sites-where rivet counters, foamers and pompous modelers seem to abound
i have often thought of LGB/POLA as the modern day counter part/sucessor to the grand tin plate "system" makers in some regards,

Certainly originally, LGB's line up of stock was of a similar era in the product line
As well as the similar details and completeness of offerings, buildings and the like-a caricature sometimes but still conveying everything you need to understand youre imitating the real stuff-

a momentary suspension of disbelief, i believe is the phrase

 

[vsmith]

Steve, I did post this on the Model Railroader magazine forum, so far three (3) replies, positive replies but for the size of that zoo... sometimes I have to wonder ...