I have been collecting old electric trains for over 50 years, but i have never seen a train collection even close to the size and quality of this collection. By far the most impressive and fabulous collection in the history of toy train collecting, at least in my estimation.
@@FrancesHolguin it honestly very well could be. Many respectable collection s I’ve seen in other videos but to have 1 of them all in standard gauge plus all the paint Sample cars, layouts and the handmade trains is really impressive. Thank you
Many millions. John was a good friend, I planned to make a book on just the most rare, weird and obscure in his collection but didn't get a chance when he was alive. The book may still be a 2025 project.
@@alexprocyk8805 I was being humble with the Million Dollar title lol. Easily millions plural. So unbelievably impressive! And not just the value of it, the sheer fact that he was able to find all those trains and most are in excellent condition is unbelievable alone. Guys that were there told me when people sold their collection they went to John so he had it That’s where they wanted it to go. I hope you do get to make the book. Please let me know about it if you do!
As someone who loves standard gauge, thank you for taking the time to film this, in incredible detail. Visiting the DeSantis collection is on my personal bucket list, and until I’m able to get myself out to Pittsburgh, this (along with TM’s documentary) will be the closest I’ll get to that experience. I sat through this with my jaw dropped and constantly shaking my head in disbelief. I’d been having a rough day but this has lifted my spirit like few things else can. Again, thank you.
John was one of the most outgoing, friendly, loving, knowledgeable, humble, pleasant, good humored, individuals I have ever met. Cheers to Mr. Desantis!!!!
Thankyou Nick for sharing. I got to visit this collection years ago during the annual Christmas tour of the neighborhood. Of course the mansion was the last stop. That collection is phenomenal to see. We got to visit with John and talk about his collection. I'm so glad to see it's still intact. I think John did an article with toy train. If I remember right John acquired a lot of this collection when people were just getting rid of the standard gauge for post war trains.
I looked at this, and I didn't see a collection. I saw a mechanical functioning art gallery. It is absolutely beautiful and priceless. Thanks for sharing the history and knowledge. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for the great video! I watched TM's video on the Desantis collection over and over again, and this is a fresh approach. Never get tired of seeing such an historic collection. It was great to see Carl Pettijohn as well.
@@Bassotronics I say this will all due respect….compared to this museum of a collection your 2 rail trains are junk bud. Including my 3 rail trains. One train here is worth more then your house
@ How can my two rail trains be junk when they are Prototypical and look like the real thing and not like a toy? Where in world of life sized trains are you going to find that type of track with one tie every 10 feet and a rail in the middle?…Nowhere! With all due respect, nice try bud. Still great video by the way. 😉
@@Bassotronics educate yourself on what you’re looking at. You called them junk. These are 100yr old trains that are part of the history of this hobby. You want to call my modern 3 rail trains junk go right ahead that’s a matter of opinion. This however is fact.
@@PghTrainFanatic OK I’m done with arguing, you made a fair assessment. They are historic, can’t argue with that. Funny thing is, when I was a little child and I got a three rail train from my brother, I started crying and wanted the two rail version instead. Lol
Thank you. I hope the collection is maintained and maybe got to National Geographic Society or Smithsonian, maybe even Chicago's Museum of Science Industry. Just fantastic collection and video. Thanks.
I am so glad that this collection has been preserved. I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter Ives Locomotives and when I see them I consider it a very special occasion. I have often said the most I’d ever spend on train would be for one of the classic icons of standard gauge. Amazing collection and glad they are keeping it preserved.
Well like George said in the video that I’m into modern trains, going to see all these amazing and vintage trains really opened my eyes to what this all got started from and I truly appreciate it more now.
@ I left O gauge last year and have since moved down to HO and N. But even though I’m in that realm. I will always appreciate standard gauge and admire it when I see it.
The time and effort to put this museum quality collection together far surpass the cost. Its really a piece of train history we can appreciate. Hope to share it again sometime in the future and really show more pieces in detail!
Wonderful video! Thank you for posting. It was very helpful learning about the evolution of the Lionel line. I am 81 years old and have my grandfather’s collection that I am selling because I have no one to hand it down to. Foremost is his Lionel 256, 710, 710, 712 in excellent condition. I also have a large collection of figures and animals from the period that I understand were imported from Germany.
I think the most impressive thing about this collection is the inner urbans and trolleys in amazing condition. The Mr. Rogers t v show should have visited . Thanks to youtube.
When I first saw the video it ran through my mind that this is an epic auctioN waiting to happen. So relieved that the son will keep it together. I’ve put together a modest collection of vintage trains that my only son has no interest in. It’s sad for me to think that one day he’ll sell it off without a thought
Yes very nice its remaining as is. I understand about your son, Maybe just let him know theres a couple pieces very meaningful to you and you'd like your legacy to be preserved for future generations. It doesn't need to be an entire collection. sometimes its just too much for people
I had conversation with my daughter about a similar topic, I asked what she would do with them all in the future and she laughed and said probably sell them LOL. So I said well you know which ones mean allot to me just maybe keep those ones in particular and she agreed. 🙂
wow nick its amazing you was able to visit and hold a piece of history like that thank you so much for sharing this merry christmas and i hope you lilly and your wife are all doing well 👍🎄
The was a old train store in Westminister, Colorado was called "Mizell Trains wall of trains." It had shelves of trains just like this. Do you remember this train store Mizell Trains?
I'm getting anxiety just looking at all of that. Lord knows if I walked in there my shirt would get caught on the nearest shelf and everything would come down lmfao-
An absolutely staggering collection. I''ve heard of the John DeSantis collection but have never seen any pictures of it, much less videos. At least none that come to mind. I know that John is no longer with us and I'd assumed the collection might have been sold off, I couldn't be happier to see my assumption was wrong! It's fantastic it's still intact. Which is going to lead me to ask some questions: 1) Who's got responsibility for the collection now? 2) Did John arrange an endowment to keep the collection together? 3) I'm guessing viewings of the collection are by invitation only? (No, I'm not fishing for one!) Thanks so much for bringing us along, you must have felt like you'd walked into Ali Baba's cave! And express our thanks to those who permitted you to video the collection! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours Nick!
Hi Wayne, thanks so much for your comments! I was truly blown away. I knew that the collection was impressive before I got there, but seeing it in person was just on another level. Very thankfulful for the invite from the TCA presidents and permission to share on video. The collection is now in the hands of John‘s son. He is keeping the collection exactly his father left it, there will be no new additions, and nothing will be sold out of it.
its the Nostalgia, bright colors and sounds. Its not a gauge of time period i thought much about before, I've come to appreciate it allot more after doing this video and learning more.
Many years, knowing the right people. I was told allot of collections that were sold or estates went to him first because collectors wanted their pieces to be part of his goal to have one of everything
I saw this collection on TV's "I Love Toy Trains" on RFD in a two-part episode. Absolutely amazing. From these videos, I learned that Lionel made a coal tender for the famed 400E but it was never mass produced. I wish MTH, when they were doing the Lionel Corporation series, would have produced some 400E's with this coal tender as an option instead of the Vanderbuilt oil tender, that would have been so incredible. Thank you all for this video! Have a very Merry Christmas!!🎄🎄
Thank You so much for showing us this awesome tour. It is so obvious to me personally how the quality and craftsmanship of Lionel was so much better back in the day compared to current times. In the past the trains were a work of art made from metal. They will definitely out live the products of today. So Cool!👍❤️🙏🔥💪🇺🇸
My wife is willing to work for another 5 years if needed. Are we in good shape? Will we be okay if I begin withdrawing from Social Security when I'm 41 and my wife is 40? Should we hire a financial planner to help us navigate this?
These are crucial questions for a financial planner. I met mine at a NYSE summit, and with her help, my wife and I reallocated our $1.7M portfolio between a traditional IRA and a brokerage account. She's been making investments with our approval and has helped us recover twice our losses. We're holding steady and carefully navigating more markets
The high prices of model railroading doesn't justify the rewards of getting into this hobby. Steer wide and clear of these people encouraging you to get involved in this money trap.
I have been collecting old electric trains for over 50 years, but i have never seen a train collection even close to the size and quality of this collection. By far the most impressive and fabulous collection in the history of toy train collecting, at least in my estimation.
@@FrancesHolguin it honestly very well could be. Many respectable collection s I’ve seen in other videos but to have 1 of them all in standard gauge plus all the paint Sample cars, layouts and the handmade trains is really impressive. Thank you
I don't know if this is a collection or a National Historic Landmark. Impressive. No words to describe it
Seriously! You’re right! Thank you Mr Baseball legend!
@@PghTrainFanaticEven being Ozzie Smith with those wizzard hands I will ever dare to do what you've done grabbing that JLC desk's engine 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
❤❤
Many millions. John was a good friend, I planned to make a book on just the most rare, weird and obscure in his collection but didn't get a chance when he was alive. The book may still be a 2025 project.
@@alexprocyk8805 I was being humble with the Million Dollar title lol. Easily millions plural. So unbelievably impressive! And not just the value of it, the sheer fact that he was able to find all those trains and most are in excellent condition is unbelievable alone. Guys that were there told me when people sold their collection they went to John so he had it That’s where they wanted it to go. I hope you do get to make the book. Please let me know about it if you do!
Wow Nick, what an experience you had! That place is Amazing! That's not a collection.. its a unique Museum! Thanks for sharing!
As someone who loves standard gauge, thank you for taking the time to film this, in incredible detail. Visiting the DeSantis collection is on my personal bucket list, and until I’m able to get myself out to Pittsburgh, this (along with TM’s documentary) will be the closest I’ll get to that experience. I sat through this with my jaw dropped and constantly shaking my head in disbelief. I’d been having a rough day but this has lifted my spirit like few things else can. Again, thank you.
John was one of the most outgoing, friendly, loving, knowledgeable, humble, pleasant, good humored, individuals I have ever met. Cheers to Mr. Desantis!!!!
@@tinplater I wish I had got to meet him thanks for your very nice comment!
Thankyou Nick for sharing. I got to visit this collection years ago during the annual Christmas tour of the neighborhood. Of course the mansion was the last stop. That collection is phenomenal to see. We got to visit with John and talk about his collection. I'm so glad to see it's still intact. I think John did an article with toy train. If I remember right John acquired a lot of this collection when people were just getting rid of the standard gauge for post war trains.
I looked at this, and I didn't see a collection. I saw a mechanical functioning art gallery. It is absolutely beautiful and priceless. Thanks for sharing the history and knowledge. Merry Christmas.
Beautiful collection...
Greeeeaaat....
The best!
Thank you very much for show!
GOD bless you
🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏
777
@@martinbaravalli8261 very much appreciated and happy you enjoyed it so much! Nick-
wonderful and incredible collection!!!!happy new year from France!!🤩👍
Not only is this the BEST video on you tube but the most educational period
I tried, needed help from other with much more knowledge of tin plate trains. glad you enjoyed it! -Nick
There are no words that can describe this collection!
I can think of a few. Greed, obscene wealth, selfishness.
The collection should be sold off and the money given to help the poor.
Absolutely outstanding collections👍
Thanks for watching!
So SO Beautiful !!! Glad to see these Beautiful Pieces Being so well taken care of !!! Thank You❤
@@mikelata9678 glad to share and happy to hear how much you enjoyed it! So impressive in person. Overwhelming lol
Thank you for the great video! I watched TM's video on the Desantis collection over and over again, and this is a fresh approach. Never get tired of seeing such an historic collection. It was great to see Carl Pettijohn as well.
Trains very beautiful. ❤
An incredible collection with equally amazing layouts. Thanks Nick for sharing this collection with us!
Thanks Jon! I was in amazement!
This is a absolutely Magnificent collection I have ever seen.
That’s a great historical collection he has there!
I don’t like 3 rail track systems but still an awesome collection nonetheless. 👍🏼
@@Bassotronics I say this will all due respect….compared to this museum of a collection your 2 rail trains are junk bud. Including my 3 rail trains. One train here is worth more then your house
@
How can my two rail trains be junk when they are Prototypical and look like the real thing and not like a toy? Where in world of life sized trains are you going to find that type of track with one tie every 10 feet and a rail in the middle?…Nowhere!
With all due respect, nice try bud.
Still great video by the way. 😉
@@Bassotronics educate yourself on what you’re looking at. You called them junk. These are 100yr old trains that are part of the history of this hobby. You want to call my modern 3 rail trains junk go right ahead that’s a matter of opinion. This however is fact.
@@PghTrainFanatic
OK I’m done with arguing, you made a fair assessment.
They are historic, can’t argue with that.
Funny thing is, when I was a little child and I got a three rail train from my brother, I started crying and wanted the two rail version instead. Lol
@ it truly wasn’t an argument. It’s the honest truth. Happy new year
That’s unreal collection 🚂🔥🔥🔥🎯🎯🎯🎯
Watching this right now. Amazing collection
Cant imagine the Insurance on that house! Holy choo choo Batman!
Thank you for sharing this.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
John was such a nice guy. His collection was like nothing I have ever seen before.
I wish I got to meet him, his son was very kind as well. The collection really blew me away!
Thank you. I hope the collection is maintained and maybe got to National Geographic Society or Smithsonian, maybe even Chicago's Museum of Science Industry. Just fantastic collection and video. Thanks.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE, WOW. Thank You for this AMAZING video.
I'm happy you enjoyed it! thanks so much, Nick-
In the 80s I visited LaRue Shemps collection
Wonderful
Excellent video Nick. Happy New Year
That is some amazing pieces of history!! So nice to see. I couldn’t imagine how great that was to see in person!!
It had my head spinning to be honest. So much to take in. I need to go back again some day to really absorb it all lol.
I am so glad that this collection has been preserved. I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter Ives Locomotives and when I see them I consider it a very special occasion. I have often said the most I’d ever spend on train would be for one of the classic icons of standard gauge. Amazing collection and glad they are keeping it preserved.
Well like George said in the video that I’m into modern trains, going to see all these amazing and vintage trains really opened my eyes to what this all got started from and I truly appreciate it more now.
@ I left O gauge last year and have since moved down to HO and N. But even though I’m in that realm. I will always appreciate standard gauge and admire it when I see it.
Time, effort and of course, the money for the collection. A hobby we can only envy.
The time and effort to put this museum quality collection together far surpass the cost. Its really a piece of train history we can appreciate. Hope to share it again sometime in the future and really show more pieces in detail!
The toy train collection is amazing! 👍👍👍👍👍👍 Merry Christmas, Nick! As always, Alan.
Thanks Alan! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Wonderful video! Thank you for posting. It was very helpful learning about the evolution of the Lionel line. I am 81 years old and have my grandfather’s collection that I am selling because I have no one to hand it down to. Foremost is his Lionel 256, 710, 710, 712 in excellent condition. I also have a large collection of figures and animals from the period that I understand were imported from Germany.
Sounds like you have quite the collection there to find a new home. best wishes and health to you! Nick-
@@PghTrainFanatic Thank you, Nick.
Thank you for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing collection. Merry Christmas Nick.
Thanks Al, Merry Christmas to you too!
Truly amazing collection 😮
meery christmas keep up the great vlog thanks lee
Merry Christmas! Glad you’re enjoying the videos!
I would love to see that first produced locomotive run. Quite the collection .
This whole place is fantastic
I think the most impressive thing about this collection is the inner urbans and trolleys in amazing condition. The Mr. Rogers t v show should have visited . Thanks to youtube.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Nick. Beautiful
Merry Christmas to you too! Hope you have a great holiday!
This is so amazing
Good that is still together, passed on to johns son. He knows what it is.
I like/respect how the man runs his trains instead of displaying them.
"He"no longer runs them, as John has died. Duplicates are operated on the layouts. John built the only 100% complete collection of the big 3 makers..
crazy ! thanks :)
Oh my gosh! I would really like to see the scale Hudson proto type.
Now when my wife says, "No one has this many trains!" I'll just show her this video...
Ahahahahaha I highly doubt she will let you off the hook but good luck! LOL
Model Railroader magazine needs to do an article on the collection.
Online one?
The collection was featured on TM Books "I love toy trains" Tin plate Traditions volume 3
Very cool.❤
So... this must some kind of illuminati thing...😂😂😂... everything is prestine! Cherry! Wow! Very cool!
LOL!
Good Work. 😊👍🏼
Thank you! 🙂
Fantastic
When I first saw the video it ran through my mind that this is an epic auctioN waiting to happen. So relieved that the son will keep it together. I’ve put together a modest collection of vintage trains that my only son has no interest in. It’s sad for me to think that one day he’ll sell it off without a thought
Yes very nice its remaining as is. I understand about your son, Maybe just let him know theres a couple pieces very meaningful to you and you'd like your legacy to be preserved for future generations. It doesn't need to be an entire collection. sometimes its just too much for people
I had conversation with my daughter about a similar topic, I asked what she would do with them all in the future and she laughed and said probably sell them LOL. So I said well you know which ones mean allot to me just maybe keep those ones in particular and she agreed. 🙂
Thats an insane collection! And what a cool house
Very insane! Thanks for watching!
wow nick its amazing you was able to visit and hold a piece of history like that thank you so much for sharing this merry christmas and i hope you lilly and your wife are all doing well 👍🎄
Thanks so much, she’s good too! Merry Christmas!
I wish I had trains like thise
we all do! lol
Awesome
Wow Nick that collection is overwhelming it just keeps going and the house is beautiful too thanks for taking us along 👍🚂🎄😃
I know my head was spinning, almost speechless I think you can tell in the video I wasn't as talkative as usual lol
Merry Christmas 🎅
Thanks, Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅
The was a old train store in Westminister, Colorado was called "Mizell Trains wall of trains." It had shelves of trains just like this. Do you remember this train store Mizell Trains?
Awesome Collection. Thanks for Sharing, Nick!
@@russrockino-rr0864 anytime! This was a fun one to share!
I'm getting anxiety just looking at all of that. Lord knows if I walked in there my shirt would get caught on the nearest shelf and everything would come down lmfao-
LOL I was walking rather gingerly making sure I didn't bump anything!
What happened to John’s collection here after his passing in 2024?
Thank you!
George
WOW!
An absolutely staggering collection. I''ve heard of the John DeSantis collection but have never seen any pictures of it, much less videos. At least none that come to mind.
I know that John is no longer with us and I'd assumed the collection might have been sold off, I couldn't be happier to see my assumption was wrong! It's fantastic it's still intact. Which is going to lead me to ask some questions:
1) Who's got responsibility for the collection now?
2) Did John arrange an endowment to keep the collection together?
3) I'm guessing viewings of the collection are by invitation only? (No, I'm not fishing for one!)
Thanks so much for bringing us along, you must have felt like you'd walked into Ali Baba's cave!
And express our thanks to those who permitted you to video the collection!
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours Nick!
Hi Wayne, thanks so much for your comments! I was truly blown away. I knew that the collection was impressive before I got there, but seeing it in person was just on another level. Very thankfulful for the invite from the TCA presidents and permission to share on video.
The collection is now in the hands of John‘s son. He is keeping the collection exactly his father left it, there will be no new additions, and nothing will be sold out of it.
@@PghTrainFanatic Thanks for the response Nick, it's good to know the collection's in good hands!
I enjoyed this very much although I'm not entirely sold on the aesthetics of Standard gauge.
its the Nostalgia, bright colors and sounds. Its not a gauge of time period i thought much about before, I've come to appreciate it allot more after doing this video and learning more.
Great video nick! John densantis passed away ! What became of this collection?
Thanks
George
@@NHseacoast thank you! it’s now his sons collection
@ good news
I believe I've seen this person and collection on ' I Love TOY Trains' ?
Thats correct! Tin Plate Traditions Episode #3
its almost like a private museum
Yeah it is! There's no other Standard gauge collection like this, not even in a toy train museum
Wow!! This is amazing!! Awesome video Nick thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Incredible to see in person!
Amazing!! However, a video needs to be made with only...one...person talking, that covers the entire collection with a description of each train set.
How did he get so many multiples of such rare pieces? He was obviously a very dedicated and persistent collector.
Many years, knowing the right people. I was told allot of collections that were sold or estates went to him first because collectors wanted their pieces to be part of his goal to have one of everything
Where is this collection located ?
Is there an Marx trains in the collection? Very impressive collection and video. Ken
Some Marx is in the “other room” chapter of the video
I can't find where this is located. There is no address given for location, or is it a private collection?
@@melvinhile227 this is a private collection
Watch out for scammers in the comments. Cant believe theyve made it to model train videos..
I see that; weird huh? And the string is a bizarre collection of bot to/fro.
I saw this collection on TV's "I Love Toy Trains" on RFD in a two-part episode. Absolutely amazing. From these videos, I learned that Lionel made a coal tender for the famed 400E but it was never mass produced. I wish MTH, when they were doing the Lionel Corporation series, would have produced some 400E's with this coal tender as an option instead of the Vanderbuilt oil tender, that would have been so incredible. Thank you all for this video! Have a very Merry Christmas!!🎄🎄
No Hornby Dublo 3 rail that was a major manufacturer in the 40s 50s 60s.
These are Pre-war Standard gauge trains that were produced from 1906-1940. That’s what this collection is about not post war. Thank you
Thank You so much for showing us this awesome tour. It is so obvious to me personally how the quality and craftsmanship of Lionel was so much better back in the day compared to current times. In the past the trains were a work of art made from metal. They will definitely out live the products of today. So Cool!👍❤️🙏🔥💪🇺🇸
Thats because they were manufactured here in the USA! Glad you liked the tour!
I couldn’t hear it what was he saying the significance of the 420 Faye passenger car was?
@@JolietZett I listened to it again. George was just saying that it was a rare car
Amazing. 😮🚂🎄
Where is this located?
Is this collection open to the public ?
The important first problem?Clear the dust.
is this a museum or private collection? is it something anyone can go see?
@@andycallow5052 private collection
come on matt lets go off roading, wtf jr, im sleeping. i promised mckenzie id take her riding today
Unbelievable,,, Thank You For Posting,,,
Indeed! Glad you enjoyed it!
A) Where is this and B) is it open to the public at all?
I would be in Heaven ❤
This is tin plate toy train heaven for sure!
A lot to dust!🤪
@@DS-uo5ie lol full time job
Nádhera
as soon as the daycares see jr pulling in, they close the blinds and put sorry were closed signs up
It’s obviously worth far more than a million dollars. More like $3-$5 million.
@@badbilly1083 yes def! some above that seem to know more about standard gauge said maybe close to 10 million.
Ok, where is this??
If I had those trains,it would be very hard for me to leave the train room
I'm glad you made this video it reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, $34k monthly and a good daughter full of love
$75k biweekly changed my mindset and behavior, my goals, my family and I've to say this video has inspired me a lot!!!!
wow this awesome I'm 41 and have been looking for ways to be successful, please how??
No one likes market risk, but without longer retirement, taking on risk is often a necessary evil to compensate for inflation
My wife is willing to work for another 5 years if needed. Are we in good shape? Will we be okay if I begin withdrawing from Social Security when I'm 41 and my wife is 40? Should we hire a financial planner to help us navigate this?
These are crucial questions for a financial planner. I met mine at a NYSE summit, and with her help, my wife and I reallocated our $1.7M portfolio between a traditional IRA and a brokerage account. She's been making investments with our approval and has helped us recover twice our losses. We're holding steady and carefully navigating more markets
The high prices of model railroading doesn't justify the rewards of getting into this hobby.
Steer wide and clear of these people encouraging you to get involved in this money trap.
John’s layout was featured in TM books and videos tinplate legands in action. Also is that George with you guys?
@@railchief74 yes tinplate traditions part 3. Yes I said George several times
@ don’t you mean, you saw George several times?
@@railchief74 no I literally said George starz and it was in print on the video right at the beginning lol
@@PghTrainFanaticI know who he is. I ran into him at York a couple of times
I recognize some of those!!! lol
This video should do great BROSCALE
@@realtoytrains lol thanks brother!
We don’t call them toy trains, they’re model trains,..