I was planning on visiting the I Love Toy Trains store later this week. This news only motivates me to go there so I can support his legacy. My condolences to the McComas family.
Do it, the store’s in Michigan City IN, I would go there too since I’m a northwest Hoosier but my travel plans depend on if my dad has a weekend off. If you meet Jeff, give him the condolences of the entire O gauge community. I only met him and Tom once at a small swap meet and I wish I could’ve spent more time talking with them.
I've personally known Tom for years. He used one of my Legacy engines in his video. You may have seen me at the TM booth at York. When I got back into the hobby, I used his videos to help build my layout. Last time I was at the store I spoke with his wife and son. I could see he was going down hill, but I didn't realize how far.
As a train kid of the late 90s, I wore out my TM VHS tapes. From the I Love Toy Trains stuff to the videos he produced for adults - they are what made me dream of O scale. I just got back into the hobby and I was rewatching TM videos. It hurt to hear about his passing. But his work reminded me of what made me fall in love then and it's inspiring me now that I can afford (some) of the toys I wanted as a kid. Thanks for talking about Tom McComas - as wonderful as TH-cam is for sharing the hobby, his storytelling and cinematography made some of the best layouts in the world come to life.
Nice Tribute Eric. Men like Tom Mc Comas has reminded us how enjoyable the model real road hobby is. I started the hobby in 1951 when I received my first Lione Trine set as a Christmas Gift. It would be great if his son continues Toms Legacee.
Incredibly sad to hear of Toms passing. His movies were a massive part of my love and enjoyment of the hobby. TM enspired and educated me and continues to this day. I still remember waking up every night to the I love toy trains intro playing on repeat after the dvd had finished. Will forever be some of my favorite pieces of media
I have the S Scale DVDs Tom Made. Also the 8 Tracks of same. Then started buying the Christmas Videos. Over the years picked up different DVDs. Sad Tom has passed. I’ve had my trains through my early years, 21/2 years old with my first Lionel, the American Flyer which I have kept adding to until age 67! All I can say is “OH NO!” You will be missed Tom! RIP Brother! Thanks for the video Eric! Chris, from CbTrainnut on TH-cam!
This news breaks my heart as I watch a ton of Tom's l love toy train videos over the years and kept me interested in the hobby for years. RIP Tom you'll be missed
Grew up watching TM on VHS. The copy right warning then the TM book|video with the sound of an electric train taking off. Awesome. One of my favorites is Lionel Christmas (1995). A Lionel Christmas - Phil Ambrose is a classic! The intro to Lionel Christmas is just amazing too.
Incredibly sad to hear about his passing. I’ve always been into trains but the I Love Toy Trains series took the hobby to new levels. Sitting in the living room watching the vhs tapes with my grandpa and then right after we would both go into the basement and work on the layout together. Thanks for the childhood memories Tom
Thank you for making that wonderful tribute for Tom McComas. That man has and always will be a huge influence in my life. It was because of his "I love Toy Trains" videos that I got interested in model trains and became a railfan. I was lucky enough to meet him in person once and he signed some DVDs for me. I'm going to miss Tom a lot. The model train community will never be the same without him
Loved his videos and books. I have most of the ones you mentioned. Did a quick search and many are out of stock or have limited quantities on hand. The TM website has some others available as well. Sadly, a true ambassador of the industry has left us. RIP TM
We live close to the i love toy train shop in Michigan City Indiana and met Tom many times. I recently worked with his son on a project and that video is out now.... He was absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed talking with him and he's gonna be missed by thousands of people. I reached out to the family and of course they were in mourning I suggest just to pray..... Personally I I think the legacy is going to be lived on...... Stay tuned😅
My exposure to Tom was a video distributed through Goodtimes video called All Aboard America's Best Model Trains. Was an absolute inspiration to my model train interest
Thanks for the great video Eric! I purchased my first TM Video on vhs in 1994 at a local hobby store, and now probably own everyone of his train DVDs and most of his older Lionel books! Love watching and reading them over and over again. I will miss him greatly! Paul from Michigan
I Love Toy Trains is the spark that lit the fire of me being the train nerd I am today. I owe it all to this guys videos (and his son's amazing narration) for making me dig a little deeper into railroad history in the United States and the world over.
I still watch the Great Train Layouts of America segment of Frank Petruzzo's BEAUTIFUL Standard Gauge layout and collection from 1993. What wonderful work Tom did.
Though I didn't hear of Tom was before this video. I did know about his I love Toy Trains series, as a kid, me and my brother would check out series from the library and we both loved it! It was definitely had an impact my love for model trains! Rip Tom McComas 🙏. Great video Eric!
So sorry to hear this. I've been reading his books since the 1970's. Like you, I never knew him personally, my father may have since he knew so many of the giants of TCA back in the 70's and 80's. Thank you Tom for the countless memories.
I grew up actually watching some of his films. Some of the underrated films such as: “I love big trains, I love big machines, All about Trains, All about John Deere, I love Cat Machines, All about Airplanes and Flying Machines, The Great Train Story, Lionel Nation, and I love Toy Trains.” I love those DVDs. Rest in peace Tom. Thx for the memories you made in this hobby for trains and other forms of machines we people enjoy watching.
I have been interested in trains my entire 22 almost 23 years of life and my late grandfather and his train layout that really fueled my interest. That said, Tom McComas played a small part in it as the TM videos were a small part of my childhood and it has only grown into my adulthood. Having lost my grandfather earlier this year, a lot of the memories I have with him are related to trains. Tom McComas truly understood the hobby and the fascination and was able to capture it for future generations. Thanks to Mr MComas, condolences and prayers for his family and loved ones, he will be missed.
I grew up watching the I Love Toy Trains series part 1,2 and 3 on DVD, i still watch it today. Then I went into TM BOOKS AND VIDEO from other toy train hobbies, then again, I got started to build my own toy train layout. Thank you Tom McComas for helping me to get into toy trains!
I grew up in the late 90’s when VHS was being phased out with DVDs and I have single i love toy trains VHS tape. 4, 5, 6 I believe and i have the complete set of 1-12 and “the final show” on DVD at my parents house. When I got a bit old for Thomas the Tank Engine I moved to those DVDs to keep my love of trains around and those DVDs kept me in the hobby via 2 Lionel O-Gauge starter sets that I combined track for to have a big loop in my parents living room. I eventually went to HO due to space limitations and my local train club is almost exclusively HO. Tom will be missed and I have always been a big supporter of physical media (VHS, DVD, CD, etc). I will definitely hold on to those TM videos now!
Great tribute Eric. I also have been a great fan of his books and videos. He will certainly be missed. I hope his son takes over the business. Rest in peace Tom.
Absolutely, or his co-director Joseph Stachler who's been involved in the business for decades. But given Jeff's involvement in the I Love Toy Trains store in Indiana, I assume he will take over assuming the business continues
I can't believe it! This is my first time hearing about Tom McComas' passing! His work on "I Love Toy Trains" got me into Lionel trains, and I still watch his other films he produced like The Magic of Lionel series, World Class Hi-Rail Layouts series, Toy Train Revue series and Lionel Showroom Layout DVD. He will be truly, truly missed! R.I.P. Tom McComas. 😢😞🙏
I was obsessed with the I Love Toy Trains series when I was in elementary school. I would put on an episode every time I got off the bus at my grandparents house! This show was the definitely the reason I got into Model Railroading! May Tom rest in peace… ❤️
I have a couple of Lionel Nation videos. I've seen A Century of Lionel Trains and I watch I Love Toy Trains which is on the RFD network. My condolences to the family of Tom McComas. Thanks for sharing this Eric.
I had Lionel Nation, all parts, and the Hi-Rail layout videos they made. I adored the Norm Charbonneau sections and it's where I found out about Norm. My condolences to the McComas family and his partners in the TM Books and Videos business.
I didn't own any Lionel trains as a kid, but I owned all of the TM Books videos as a kid. I remember first hearing & seeing Mr. McComas in the Lionel Christmas VHS. He brought the magic of model trains to kids who could not afford them. He and Thomas the Tank Engine inspired my love of trains I carry with me today. Thank you Tom. We'll all miss you. ❤
Simply put, his video catalog was my whole childhood. I Love Toy Trains, Great Toy Train Layouts of America, American Flyer, Century of Lionel, Lionel The Movie Series, and more. It is a huge reason I'm still addicted to O Scale/Toy trains to this day. Even though I am still not yet in a position where I can indulge in the hobby, I'm still crazed about it. Mr. McComas's work was an indelible part of my early life. I cannot thank him, his family, and his collaborators enough. I will miss him terribly.
Hi Eric. Thanks for doing this. I think you reflected on how we all feel. I always used his videos as inspiration while setting up Christmas displays. He also got me more motivated with tinplate and vintage toys than I already was. I have numerous videos of his. However, not sure if I have a Century of Trains!? Something to look forward to My sincere condolences to his family. I thank him for his contributions and inspirations to the hobby. 🙏 RIP
I’m pretty sure my dad didn’t realize the unintended consequence that was me getting addicted to trains when he bought me “A Lionel Christmas” in the early 90’s. I’m pretty sure i wore that one out. I also have that American Flyer video you showed (probably why I’ve always had S and O gauge) among others in storage somewhere.
I used to watch, Great MTH Layouts, on VHS a lot when I was a kid and it was an incredible inspiration to me. Rest in peace Tom, and may your works continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
I actually met Tom in real life! In July of 2022, my Dad took my mother and I on a business trip to Indiana, but we did some fun train activities along the way! One of them being stopping at the I Love Toy Trains Store! Believe it or not, Tom was there! I was so honored to meet him! I got my picture with him, and he even signed the case of the DVD copy of “I Love Toy Trains: The Final Show” that I had bought from the store that very day (I didn’t get to meet Jeff, I want to someday)! I am sorry for the McComas family’s loss! RIP Tom. You shall be missed!
I still remember watching the first _I Love Toy Trains_ on VHS, checked out from the local library almost every time I was there as a kid. It's what got me into the hobby and trains in general, and I probably owe it to Tim. We've lost one of our best.
I had never heard of this man before now, but the fact someone that influential on model railroading is no longer with us is still sad. My condolences to his friends, family, and other people he was close with. I wish he could've been around longer so you could become better acquainted with him personally.
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear of his passing. Outside of maybe Kughn. One could argue he’s the greatest ambassador the hobby has ever had over the last 60 years. If you’re into O gauge, Standard Gauge or American Flyer, there’s a realistic possibility you have at least one of his videos on your movie shelf.
Grew up watching I Love Toy Trains and lots of other TMBooks DVDs throughout the 2000s, and was instrumental to introducing me to model railroading. May Tom rest in peace, knowing the countless childhoods his work created
On topic: To the passionate artists; we raise our glasses and tip our hats! Off topic: Congratulations on finding your match that shares your passions; may we all be so lucky.👊🏽
It's very sad to hear about the passing of Tom McComas of TM books and videos. I'm a huge fan of the I Love Toy Trains video series and still am to this day. I give my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. RIP Mr. McComas.
Hated to hear of Tom's passing, his I Love Toy Trains series is the stuff of legends, as was his other works! My condolences to his family, and I hope Jeff and the rest of the McComas family will continue TM Books and Video. But if not, it was an amazing ride while it lasted!
Don't forget "Great Toy Train Layouts of America" and every thing that predates that series. The man brought a wealth of entertainment value which targets young ones and lifelong collectors and/or operators. RIP Tom McComas
A century of lionel legendary trains was the first of tom mccomas' video production I watched and at that time I watched the VHS version. I remember going to the library and finding part 1 on the shelf and then I had to wait like a few months for part 2 cause they were busy filming, putting it together, and sending the part 2 vhs's out the door. Yeah both vhs's were separate. When I watched part 1 I liked it and then when I saw part 2 the last 10 to 15 minutes blew my mind with the sounds and everything. After that I picked up more of their video catalog, got the real train stuff from herron rail video and Mark I video and now I just got over 50 to 60 dvd's of toy / model train and classic 1920s to 1990s us railroad / railway action. With that, RIP Tom McComas Mr Toy Train.
That’s why about 14 years ago I bought Eric’s Trains DVD. I didn’t want to trust TH-cam with how to make mountains and such. Your early tutorials got me into the hobby Eric! 👊😃🚂
grew up as young kid watching toms videos on VHS i still own all my original VHS tapes and still have a VHS player growing up in the 90s. Got most of my VHS's from my local train store sad to see him pass.
That’s really unfortunate.. he produced a lot of great videos for the model railroad hobby. He was also an idol to lots of people, I grew up watching “A Lionel Christmas” tape he produced. May he rest in peace.
On RFDTV every Monday afternoon at 3:30 PM eastern time the “I Love Toy Trains” series is broadcast. I record it every week. Also at 5 PM “Trains and Locomotives” is aired too. Thanks TMBV!
I enjoy the I Love Toy Trains videos, a lot. My cousin introduced me to the series when we were kids and continued to enjoy them while having been introduced into the hobby when I was a teen after growing up with HO Scale and got the opportunity to switch to O Gauge at 15. I remember a little more about Tom McComas when Century Of Lionel Trains came out in 2000 with the 2 part show. Later on, I watched the Celebrity Train Layout videos. Overtime, I saw quite a bit of Tom McComas videos before
The original I Love Toy Trains got me into O Gauge trains. I’m not in the hobby right now due to not having the space for trains but I hope to one day return when space and finances allow. RIP Tom.
Tom's I Love Toy Trains series is the whole reason I'm into O gauge (especially pre/postwar Lionel) today, but there's one segment that I remember almost word for word: The Hudsons. In I Love Toy Trains 9, there was a segment on the history of Lionel's hudsons, featuring every single 4-6-4 they had produced up to that point. The one that stuck out the most was, of course, the beautiful 700E from 1937. However, it stuck out to me for a very different reason than it does to most. A few years prior, I had met a sweet old woman who set up a "little" (actually almost 6x10 feet) loop of track around her living room at Christmas time. I only visited her once, but she ran a large black Lionel steam locomotive for me to see, and was even kind enough to let tiny 3-year-old me take the controls and give it a few laps myself. From then on I wanted to own an engine like that, but never knew what it was - until I saw the hudsons segment, at which point I instantly recognized it as the 700E. Even now I still dream of owning a '37 700E. For now I'm content with my 763E from '37, but I'll never give up the hunt for the first model train I ever saw and ran, and I only know what it even was because of Tom McComas. So, to Mr. McComas, although I was always a few thousand miles too far west to meet you in person, thank you for everything you've done to help this wonderful hobby. Rest easy.
Up here New Jersey we have a long time Lionel shop known as Train-Station in Mountain Lakes A great guy Dave Shaw was just lost as well Prays for both of these men and their families
I have an I love toy trains dvd that I've had since I was 4 or 5 and i watched it over and over again and every once in a while now too. That movie is one of the reasons I collect Lionel trains, i was always fascinated with the big o gauge trains on there.
What a major loss for the O gauge community. I met him many years ago at a show. He was certainly a gentleman and knew his Lionel. I was a Lionel kid, from a very young age, as I inherited my brother's trains, from the 1940's and 50's, with his blessing. His books made me realize that there was so much more out there and that there were plenty of others, just like me. I used his books to learn more about Lionel and my mom helped me acquire more things, that I discovered were available. He was The Man, when it came to promoting the hobby, especially Lionel. R.I.P., Mr. McComas, your have always been the best.
Great vid, nice tribute. Hmmmm, I know this guy who does really good videos named Eric. Maybe he should get with TM books and help carry on the tradition 😂
I used to have the "I love toy trains" #5 movie on vhs. Sadly, me and my mom lost roughly a few thousand dollars worth of vhs movies ffom our previous storage unit. But that movie did get me into trains, along with thomas. But even as a 20yo I can't affor a single lionel model or set.
I was at the I Love Toy Trains Store last month to pick up some trains Charyl McComas had on hold for me and sadly Tom wasn't there that day. She did mention to me that Jeff doesn't want to see TMBV end and has some ideas up his sleeve.
Wow... I met his wife this year while on my vacation road trip... Bought a ton of great O scale stuff at their store while there. Of course he was out filming so I missed the opportunity to make his acquaintance. I grew up with his videos on VHS and this surely is very sad news. 😢
I used to be a fan of Tom Mcmas but I did watch the I love toy trains that’s how I became a Model Railroader and a Railfan but I am gonna continue watching it
I dont know Tom McComas. Just appreciate your tribute; as it us on heart for the hobby. Also compliment for the untight free improvised "talking head"style; I dont do much else ,, it makes clear you talk from the heart.
I was planning on visiting the I Love Toy Trains store later this week. This news only motivates me to go there so I can support his legacy. My condolences to the McComas family.
Do it, the store’s in Michigan City IN, I would go there too since I’m a northwest Hoosier but my travel plans depend on if my dad has a weekend off. If you meet Jeff, give him the condolences of the entire O gauge community. I only met him and Tom once at a small swap meet and I wish I could’ve spent more time talking with them.
I've personally known Tom for years. He used one of my Legacy engines in his video. You may have seen me at the TM booth at York.
When I got back into the hobby, I used his videos to help build my layout.
Last time I was at the store I spoke with his wife and son.
I could see he was going down hill, but I didn't realize how far.
As a train kid of the late 90s, I wore out my TM VHS tapes. From the I Love Toy Trains stuff to the videos he produced for adults - they are what made me dream of O scale. I just got back into the hobby and I was rewatching TM videos. It hurt to hear about his passing. But his work reminded me of what made me fall in love then and it's inspiring me now that I can afford (some) of the toys I wanted as a kid. Thanks for talking about Tom McComas - as wonderful as TH-cam is for sharing the hobby, his storytelling and cinematography made some of the best layouts in the world come to life.
Agreed
Nice Tribute Eric. Men like Tom Mc Comas has reminded us how enjoyable the model real road hobby is. I started the hobby in 1951 when I received my first Lione Trine set as a Christmas Gift. It would be great if his son continues Toms Legacee.
So long Tom McComas. You were a great toy train lover and narrator of my childhood.
Incredibly sad to hear of Toms passing. His movies were a massive part of my love and enjoyment of the hobby. TM enspired and educated me and continues to this day. I still remember waking up every night to the I love toy trains intro playing on repeat after the dvd had finished. Will forever be some of my favorite pieces of media
I have the S Scale DVDs Tom Made. Also the 8 Tracks of same. Then started buying the Christmas Videos. Over the years picked up different DVDs. Sad Tom has passed. I’ve had my trains through my early years, 21/2 years old with my first Lionel, the American Flyer which I have kept adding to until age 67! All I can say is “OH NO!” You will be missed Tom! RIP Brother! Thanks for the video Eric! Chris, from CbTrainnut on TH-cam!
He made eight tracks? Are they hard to find? I'd totally buy that.
This news breaks my heart as I watch a ton of Tom's l love toy train videos over the years and kept me interested in the hobby for years. RIP Tom you'll be missed
Tom was a part of our train journey. Rest easy, friend.
He sure was an influence on this hobby. He and his "I love toy trains" store are my inspiration for wanting my own train store. RIP Tom McComas
Grew up watching TM on VHS. The copy right warning then the TM book|video with the sound of an electric train taking off. Awesome. One of my favorites is Lionel Christmas (1995). A Lionel Christmas - Phil Ambrose is a classic! The intro to Lionel Christmas is just amazing too.
I know that sound!
Incredibly sad to hear about his passing. I’ve always been into trains but the I Love Toy Trains series took the hobby to new levels. Sitting in the living room watching the vhs tapes with my grandpa and then right after we would both go into the basement and work on the layout together. Thanks for the childhood memories Tom
Thank you for making that wonderful tribute for Tom McComas. That man has and always will be a huge influence in my life. It was because of his "I love Toy Trains" videos that I got interested in model trains and became a railfan. I was lucky enough to meet him in person once and he signed some DVDs for me. I'm going to miss Tom a lot. The model train community will never be the same without him
Just like his videos Toms books were by far the best of the best. I never get tired of reading them.
Loved his videos and books. I have most of the ones you mentioned. Did a quick search and many are out of stock or have limited quantities on hand. The TM website has some others available as well. Sadly, a true ambassador of the industry has left us. RIP TM
We live close to the i love toy train shop in Michigan City Indiana and met Tom many times. I recently worked with his son on a project and that video is out now.... He was absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed talking with him and he's gonna be missed by thousands of people. I reached out to the family and of course they were in mourning I suggest just to pray..... Personally I I think the legacy is going to be lived on...... Stay tuned😅
Thanks
My exposure to Tom was a video distributed through Goodtimes video called All Aboard America's Best Model Trains. Was an absolute inspiration to my model train interest
Very cool!
Thanks for the great video Eric! I purchased my first TM Video on vhs in 1994 at a local hobby store, and now probably own everyone of his train DVDs and most of his older Lionel books! Love watching and reading them over and over again. I will miss him greatly!
Paul from Michigan
Thanks
I Love Toy Trains is the spark that lit the fire of me being the train nerd I am today. I owe it all to this guys videos (and his son's amazing narration) for making me dig a little deeper into railroad history in the United States and the world over.
Toms train content is second to none and theres a liftime of it. He left a legacy for sure. Rip
I still watch the Great Train Layouts of America segment of Frank Petruzzo's BEAUTIFUL Standard Gauge layout and collection from 1993. What wonderful work Tom did.
Though I didn't hear of Tom was before this video. I did know about his I love Toy Trains series, as a kid, me and my brother would check out series from the library and we both loved it! It was definitely had an impact my love for model trains! Rip Tom McComas 🙏. Great video Eric!
Very cool!
So sorry to hear this. I've been reading his books since the 1970's. Like you, I never knew him personally, my father may have since he knew so many of the giants of TCA back in the 70's and 80's. Thank you Tom for the countless memories.
I grew up actually watching some of his films. Some of the underrated films such as: “I love big trains, I love big machines, All about Trains, All about John Deere, I love Cat Machines, All about Airplanes and Flying Machines, The Great Train Story, Lionel Nation, and I love Toy Trains.” I love those DVDs. Rest in peace Tom. Thx for the memories you made in this hobby for trains and other forms of machines we people enjoy watching.
I have been interested in trains my entire 22 almost 23 years of life and my late grandfather and his train layout that really fueled my interest. That said, Tom McComas played a small part in it as the TM videos were a small part of my childhood and it has only grown into my adulthood. Having lost my grandfather earlier this year, a lot of the memories I have with him are related to trains. Tom McComas truly understood the hobby and the fascination and was able to capture it for future generations. Thanks to Mr MComas, condolences and prayers for his family and loved ones, he will be missed.
@@louistallarigo5589 thanks
I grew up watching the I Love Toy Trains series part 1,2 and 3 on DVD, i still watch it today. Then I went into TM BOOKS AND VIDEO from other toy train hobbies, then again, I got started to build my own toy train layout. Thank you Tom McComas for helping me to get into toy trains!
His videos brought me back to Model Railroading by accident
I grew up in the late 90’s when VHS was being phased out with DVDs and I have single i love toy trains VHS tape. 4, 5, 6 I believe and i have the complete set of 1-12 and “the final show” on DVD at my parents house. When I got a bit old for Thomas the Tank Engine I moved to those DVDs to keep my love of trains around and those DVDs kept me in the hobby via 2 Lionel O-Gauge starter sets that I combined track for to have a big loop in my parents living room. I eventually went to HO due to space limitations and my local train club is almost exclusively HO. Tom will be missed and I have always been a big supporter of physical media (VHS, DVD, CD, etc). I will definitely hold on to those TM videos now!
I first meet Tom in 1979 at Chicago train show. Videoed my layout - Lionel Nation #8. 2012. Great man.
Great tribute Eric. I also have been a great fan of his books and videos. He will certainly be missed. I hope his son takes over the business. Rest in peace Tom.
Absolutely, or his co-director Joseph Stachler who's been involved in the business for decades. But given Jeff's involvement in the I Love Toy Trains store in Indiana, I assume he will take over assuming the business continues
That’s for sure Jeff will do very well.
I can't believe it! This is my first time hearing about Tom McComas' passing! His work on "I Love Toy Trains" got me into Lionel trains, and I still watch his other films he produced like The Magic of Lionel series, World Class Hi-Rail Layouts series, Toy Train Revue series and Lionel Showroom Layout DVD. He will be truly, truly missed! R.I.P. Tom McComas. 😢😞🙏
Yeah it sucks
I was obsessed with the I Love Toy Trains series when I was in elementary school. I would put on an episode every time I got off the bus at my grandparents house! This show was the definitely the reason I got into Model Railroading! May Tom rest in peace… ❤️
I have a couple of Lionel Nation videos. I've seen A Century of Lionel Trains and I watch I Love Toy Trains which is on the RFD network. My condolences to the family of Tom McComas. Thanks for sharing this Eric.
I had Lionel Nation, all parts, and the Hi-Rail layout videos they made. I adored the Norm Charbonneau sections and it's where I found out about Norm.
My condolences to the McComas family and his partners in the TM Books and Videos business.
My youngest son (now 31)grew up on his work he was awesome!!
I didn't own any Lionel trains as a kid, but I owned all of the TM Books videos as a kid. I remember first hearing & seeing Mr. McComas in the Lionel Christmas VHS. He brought the magic of model trains to kids who could not afford them. He and Thomas the Tank Engine inspired my love of trains I carry with me today. Thank you Tom. We'll all miss you. ❤
Simply put, his video catalog was my whole childhood. I Love Toy Trains, Great Toy Train Layouts of America, American Flyer, Century of Lionel, Lionel The Movie Series, and more. It is a huge reason I'm still addicted to O Scale/Toy trains to this day. Even though I am still not yet in a position where I can indulge in the hobby, I'm still crazed about it.
Mr. McComas's work was an indelible part of my early life. I cannot thank him, his family, and his collaborators enough. I will miss him terribly.
😔RIP Tom, thanks for amplifying my childhood and in general my interest in trains
Hi Eric. Thanks for doing this. I think you reflected on how we all feel. I always used his videos as inspiration while setting up Christmas displays. He also got me more motivated with tinplate and vintage toys than I already was. I have numerous videos of his. However, not sure if I have a Century of Trains!? Something to look forward to
My sincere condolences to his family. I thank him for his contributions and inspirations to the hobby. 🙏 RIP
I’m pretty sure my dad didn’t realize the unintended consequence that was me getting addicted to trains when he bought me “A Lionel Christmas” in the early 90’s. I’m pretty sure i wore that one out. I also have that American Flyer video you showed (probably why I’ve always had S and O gauge) among others in storage somewhere.
Strangely enough, I've been binge watching TM videos on TH-cam for the last 2 weeks......what a great tribute to a great man.....👍
I used to watch, Great MTH Layouts, on VHS a lot when I was a kid and it was an incredible inspiration to me.
Rest in peace Tom, and may your works continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
I actually met Tom in real life! In July of 2022, my Dad took my mother and I on a business trip to Indiana, but we did some fun train activities along the way! One of them being stopping at the I Love Toy Trains Store! Believe it or not, Tom was there! I was so honored to meet him! I got my picture with him, and he even signed the case of the DVD copy of “I Love Toy Trains: The Final Show” that I had bought from the store that very day (I didn’t get to meet Jeff, I want to someday)! I am sorry for the McComas family’s loss! RIP Tom. You shall be missed!
I discovered The Magic of Lionel 1993, got really interested been in the hobby ever since.
Same here Eric, I’ve watched his films over and over! Tom will definitely be missed but his legacy will continue.
I still remember watching the first _I Love Toy Trains_ on VHS, checked out from the local library almost every time I was there as a kid. It's what got me into the hobby and trains in general, and I probably owe it to Tim. We've lost one of our best.
I had never heard of this man before now, but the fact someone that influential on model railroading is no longer with us is still sad. My condolences to his friends, family, and other people he was close with. I wish he could've been around longer so you could become better acquainted with him personally.
Thank you Eric - so well said - Tom will be missed
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear of his passing. Outside of maybe Kughn. One could argue he’s the greatest ambassador the hobby has ever had over the last 60 years. If you’re into O gauge, Standard Gauge or American Flyer, there’s a realistic possibility you have at least one of his videos on your movie shelf.
Grew up watching I Love Toy Trains and lots of other TMBooks DVDs throughout the 2000s, and was instrumental to introducing me to model railroading. May Tom rest in peace, knowing the countless childhoods his work created
I was just thinking about him. Am sad to hear he has passed. His videos are great.
On topic: To the passionate artists; we raise our glasses and tip our hats!
Off topic: Congratulations on finding your match that shares your passions; may we all be so lucky.👊🏽
My condolences to him and his family he really had some extraordinary train video's especially the i love toy trains 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻💫💫💫💫💫
It's very sad to hear about the passing of Tom McComas of TM books and videos. I'm a huge fan of the I Love Toy Trains video series and still am to this day. I give my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. RIP Mr. McComas.
Hated to hear of Tom's passing, his I Love Toy Trains series is the stuff of legends, as was his other works! My condolences to his family, and I hope Jeff and the rest of the McComas family will continue TM Books and Video. But if not, it was an amazing ride while it lasted!
I've been to the I Love Toy Trains store and I've talked to him a couple times over the years.
I have quite a few of his TM videos. Those videos are some of my favorites. I too like physical disc. All my train videos are disc only. RIP Tom.
Don't forget "Great Toy Train Layouts of America" and every thing that predates that series.
The man brought a wealth of entertainment value which targets young ones and lifelong collectors and/or operators.
RIP Tom McComas
I too love his video's and was saddened to hear about his passing, his videos and knowledge of the hobby will be missed.
A century of lionel legendary trains was the first of tom mccomas' video production I watched and at that time I watched the VHS version. I remember going to the library and finding part 1 on the shelf and then I had to wait like a few months for part 2 cause they were busy filming, putting it together, and sending the part 2 vhs's out the door. Yeah both vhs's were separate. When I watched part 1 I liked it and then when I saw part 2 the last 10 to 15 minutes blew my mind with the sounds and everything. After that I picked up more of their video catalog, got the real train stuff from herron rail video and Mark I video and now I just got over 50 to 60 dvd's of toy / model train and classic 1920s to 1990s us railroad / railway action.
With that, RIP Tom McComas Mr Toy Train.
New to the hobby. Never heard of Tom. I will go check him out. Thanks for the heads up.
I need to buy some more TM DVD’s. I didn’t realize he passed. Thanks for posting Eric. 🚂
Thanks
That’s why about 14 years ago I bought Eric’s Trains DVD. I didn’t want to trust TH-cam with how to make mountains and such. Your early tutorials got me into the hobby Eric! 👊😃🚂
grew up as young kid watching toms videos on VHS i still own all my original VHS tapes and still have a VHS player growing up in the 90s. Got most of my VHS's from my local train store sad to see him pass.
That’s really unfortunate.. he produced a lot of great videos for the model railroad hobby. He was also an idol to lots of people, I grew up watching “A Lionel Christmas” tape he produced. May he rest in peace.
On RFDTV every Monday afternoon at 3:30 PM eastern time the “I Love Toy Trains” series is broadcast. I record it every week. Also at 5 PM “Trains and Locomotives” is aired too.
Thanks TMBV!
I enjoy the I Love Toy Trains videos, a lot. My cousin introduced me to the series when we were kids and continued to enjoy them while having been introduced into the hobby when I was a teen after growing up with HO Scale and got the opportunity to switch to O Gauge at 15. I remember a little more about Tom McComas when Century Of Lionel Trains came out in 2000 with the 2 part show. Later on, I watched the Celebrity Train Layout videos.
Overtime, I saw quite a bit of Tom McComas videos before
Great video's 📹. Love the Christmas video's . sad 😢 to hear thanks for sharing 👍
The original I Love Toy Trains got me into O Gauge trains. I’m not in the hobby right now due to not having the space for trains but I hope to one day return when space and finances allow. RIP Tom.
When i was little i was not verbull and it's was i love toy trains that help get my voice back. so yes tm books and videos kinda save my life
Tom's I Love Toy Trains series is the whole reason I'm into O gauge (especially pre/postwar Lionel) today, but there's one segment that I remember almost word for word: The Hudsons.
In I Love Toy Trains 9, there was a segment on the history of Lionel's hudsons, featuring every single 4-6-4 they had produced up to that point. The one that stuck out the most was, of course, the beautiful 700E from 1937. However, it stuck out to me for a very different reason than it does to most.
A few years prior, I had met a sweet old woman who set up a "little" (actually almost 6x10 feet) loop of track around her living room at Christmas time. I only visited her once, but she ran a large black Lionel steam locomotive for me to see, and was even kind enough to let tiny 3-year-old me take the controls and give it a few laps myself. From then on I wanted to own an engine like that, but never knew what it was - until I saw the hudsons segment, at which point I instantly recognized it as the 700E.
Even now I still dream of owning a '37 700E. For now I'm content with my 763E from '37, but I'll never give up the hunt for the first model train I ever saw and ran, and I only know what it even was because of Tom McComas. So, to Mr. McComas, although I was always a few thousand miles too far west to meet you in person, thank you for everything you've done to help this wonderful hobby. Rest easy.
Enjoyed this video Eric.
Thanks!
Up here New Jersey we have a long time Lionel shop known as Train-Station in Mountain Lakes
A great guy Dave Shaw was just lost as well Prays for both of these men and their families
Rest in peace my deepest condolences 🙏🏾
I have an I love toy trains dvd that I've had since I was 4 or 5 and i watched it over and over again and every once in a while now too. That movie is one of the reasons I collect Lionel trains, i was always fascinated with the big o gauge trains on there.
May tom rest in peace 🕊️
What a major loss for the O gauge community. I met him many years ago at a show. He was certainly a gentleman and knew his Lionel. I was a Lionel kid, from a very young age, as I inherited my brother's trains, from the 1940's and 50's, with his blessing. His books made me realize that there was so much more out there and that there were plenty of others, just like me. I used his books to learn more about Lionel and my mom helped me acquire more things, that I discovered were available. He was The Man, when it came to promoting the hobby, especially Lionel. R.I.P., Mr. McComas, your have always been the best.
Thanks for the comment!
Tinplate Legends Part 4 is my Uncle Caryl’s DVD, and his Standard Gauge Layout is featured in that DVD! It’s the second layout featured in that one.
Awesome!
Great vid, nice tribute. Hmmmm, I know this guy who does really good videos named Eric. Maybe he should get with TM books and help carry on the tradition 😂
Not that I am old, but I have a lot of Tom's vids on VHF.
I LOVE TOY TRAINS and I LOVE JOHN DEERE I watched over and over on dvds. This sad news
His passing is very unfortunate. I may be an HO scaler, but I did start with 3-rail. Rest in peace, Tom McComas.
I used to have the "I love toy trains" #5 movie on vhs. Sadly, me and my mom lost roughly a few thousand dollars worth of vhs movies ffom our previous storage unit. But that movie did get me into trains, along with thomas. But even as a 20yo I can't affor a single lionel model or set.
I was at the I Love Toy Trains Store last month to pick up some trains Charyl McComas had on hold for me and sadly Tom wasn't there that day. She did mention to me that Jeff doesn't want to see TMBV end and has some ideas up his sleeve.
Wow... I met his wife this year while on my vacation road trip... Bought a ton of great O scale stuff at their store while there. Of course he was out filming so I missed the opportunity to make his acquaintance. I grew up with his videos on VHS and this surely is very sad news.
😢
Didn’t know of him God bless
Tom was a huge Lionel trains fan if you are looking for a good Lionel layout plan tom would help you but he was a very good man
Rewatching the copy I have of "A Century of Lionel Trains" not just out of respect for McComas but also out of respect for Tom Snyder 😢
I used to be a fan of Tom Mcmas but I did watch the I love toy trains that’s how I became a Model Railroader and a Railfan but I am gonna continue watching it
Damn. Sorry to hear this happened.
Nooooooo. I was hoping to having my layout and train room ready so I could have him visit my layout.
Oh No! Tom has passed, and he will be missed. Time for Eric to takeover where he left off.
sadden to hear. I remember watching I love toy trains alongside great Lionel layouts.
i remember getting my i love toy trains dvd from a toy ur us this is sad news
Very sad. I grew up in his videos in the 90’s and 2000’s. He planted the seeds for my generation which let the hobby carry on into the 21st century.
Me before: Tom McCombs Tom mccombs
Moment of realization
Not the I love toy trains guy
I dont know Tom McComas. Just appreciate your tribute; as it us on heart for the hobby. Also compliment for the untight free improvised "talking head"style; I dont do much else ,, it makes clear you talk from the heart.
Thanks for that!
We love trains but! …Do you recommend TM videos on “Datenight”?
RIP Tom McComas.
Howdy Eric/where did you get your NS black and white box cars and containers/I can't seem to find any/Aaron