News/Updates 

       

Press Release: Kids Can Get Creative at Model Train Clinic Saturday, Dec. 3 as Part of Walter P. Chrysler Museum's Holiday Exhibition

The Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club will host a model train clinic on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. Participants can stop by at any time between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is part of the Museum's seventh annual Cars, Trees & Traditions holiday exhibition, presented by Ally and the Metro Detroit Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram and FIAT Superstores.

Club members will work with young train lovers to make a variety of lifelike trees in HO scale from everyday materials that they can take home or place in the club's layout at the Museum. The model train hobbyists will also provide tips and literature to moms and dads about easy, inexpensive ways to start a model train tradition at home.

Clinic admission is $2 per person ages 5 and up with regular Museum admission. Advance registration is available online at www.wpchryslermuseum.org.

Every holiday weekend through Dec. 18 the Stoney Creek club is running a trio of trains on a 14' x 28' track in the Museum's Boss Chrysler's Garage from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays and 2 – 4 p.m. Sundays. Visitors can enjoy an up-close view of an array of miniature locomotives and box cars chugging through a variety of intricate urban and rural landscapes. Among the 11 different settings is a Chrysler-inspired vintage auto show. A camera mounted to the front of one engine provides a view from within the tiny towns and countryside, as well as glimpses of the audience, on a monitor adjacent to the track.

Children can also create two to three holiday crafts from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is hosting Cars, Trees & Traditions through Dec. 30. The exhibition spotlights eight decades of holiday season celebrations through 23 decorated trees paired with Chrysler vehicles throughout the Museum.

An array of Lionel O and O27 gauge model trains spanning several decades, from the private collection Wayne and Sue Simonson of Ray, Mich., is featured among the displays. Several of the box cars, produced by Weaver Ultra Line Cars, highlight current and past Chrysler brands including Dodge, Mopar®, DeSoto and Plymouth. Others spotlight such iconic Detroit institutions as Vernor's and Stroh's. The display also highlights an assortment of Plasticville buildings and structures dating back to the 1950s.

General Museum admission, which includes Cars, Trees & Traditions, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $4 for juniors (6 – 12). Children 5 years old and younger are free. Admission is $4 per person for groups of 15 or more with advance registration.

The holiday exhibit will be open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum is closed every Monday, as well as Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 24 and 25.

For more about the Walter P. Chrysler Museum and Cars, Trees & Traditions – visit www.wpchryslermuseum.org.

Congratulations to Team Office Depot/Mobil 1

Tony Stewart: 3-time points champion
Tony Stewart: 3-time points champion


Bustin' Makes me Feel Good

With my affinity for the Human Alliance figures, this was one of the most personally anticipated sets Reprolabels has come out with. The wait was well worth it, though, as it - along with a little paint - vastly improves the look of HA Roadbuster.

Crumbs, DM!

I've wanted to try out paper modeling for a while now, but was having difficulty finding a good "starter" kit. I knew I'd have to start simple, but wanted something that was actually in my preferred genre and scale so I'd have more motivation to finish it. I finally came across a good candidate at Armada Model Designs Ltd, and gave it a shot. Don't let people who say, "that's not modeling" or "paper models are basically a poor man's model kit" fool you - after 200+ finished models (including some with fairly intensive bodywork), I still found there to be a fair learning curve here. It was a good chance to try something new, and I look forward to trying another some day.

Press Release: Second National "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" Supports Shopping Local and Community Fun on November 12

Remember the magical feeling of shopping in your neighborhood toy store as a child -- strolling down the aisles, staring at the exciting options, finally selecting the toy that promised days filled with adventure?

This nostalgia is exactly what American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) stores in neighborhoods across the nation will celebrate with the second annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 12, 2011.

"This event is such a special opportunity for families to enjoy their local toy stores," said Kathleen McHugh, ASTRA's President. "Neighborhood Toy Store Day highlights the importance of independent toy stores not only to children and their families -- but to their local areas as well. It's a wonderful way to launch the holiday shopping season with some community-minded fun."

Local talent will entertain the crowds at many participating stores, including costumed characters and a visit from the Mayor at Wonder Works in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and a dance troupe at Village Toy Shop in Hilo, Hawaii. Oyen Tsendsuren, owner of Toys of O in San Francisco, California, will have product giveaways, and Sally Lesser, owner of Henry Bear's Park in Arlington, Massachusetts will give discounts to customers who bring in their own reusable shopping bags.

"When you shop at an independent toy store, you are entering a world of play possibilities," explains McHugh. "Neighborhood Toy Store Day is about celebrating the role the local store plays in the community. They care about their customers and take the time to help them select just the right toy to help their children grow and learn through play."

Participating stores are also enjoying the opportunity to share their charitable efforts. Donna Cole, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Salida, Colorado, found a way to focus on giving back this holiday season. "We are creating a 'Giving Tree' with cards that will contain specific toys customers can purchase for local needy children who will receive a special Christmas surprise visit from Santa and his elves."

Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Georgia, is sponsoring a food drive and asking customers to bring three non-perishable food items to the event to receive a five dollar gift certificate to use on purchases.

Shopping at neighborhood and independent retailers not only increases consumer choice, it also preserves jobs and local character. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more -- in contrast with only $43 dollars when consumers spend their money at a national chain.

McHugh urges shoppers to think of their local stores first, "By shopping locally, consumers will find wonderful toys while supporting vibrant communities."

Contact your local toy store or visit NeighborhoodToyStoreDay.com to find out more about the event in your area.