NETCA Comes to the Aid of the Lionel Train at the Children’s Specialty Center at the University of Vermont Medical Center

Reported by Ed Bianchi, #90-31903

About 15 years ago Dr. Nick Hardin, received an unusual request from the staff of the Children’s Specialty Center at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Word had gotten out that Dr. Hardin, a NETCA member, was also a toy train doctor. The staff explained that a grateful family, whose child had been treated at the hospital, donated a set of Lionel trains to the center. A run of track had been installed on a shelf traveling around the waiting room. Unfortunately, the UVM staff was unable to make them run.

Nick agreed to help and recruited fellow NETCA members Sue Hardin, Ed Bianchi, John Gaworecki, John Malcovsky, and Tom Gallagher to assist. Over the years, additional volunteers have joined the group including Larry Maier, Sherward Farnsworth, and Chris Monje. Their efforts would be many, and never ending, to keep those trains rolling along.

The first step was to get those trains running, and safely. Adding a clear, polycarbonate barrier prevents derailed trains from falling off the shelf and onto the floor. Next, they added a big red button so the children could easily run the train. At one point cork was added to reduce the sound level. The track in place was O-27 so shorter length engines made the most sense. A new Thomas the Tank Engine became an immediate hit with the kids.

Over the years, additional efforts have made running the trains more fun for the kids. A Noma station, modified to house a control circuit board with a photo sensor, was added to allow Thomas to travel twice around and then stop. This bit of ingenuity was built by Larry Maier. The board also monitors current and will cut power in the event of a surge or a short. One interesting feature of the board is a counter that records the number of times the train is activated. Since 2018, when the board was first installed, we calculate that Thomas has run over 2000 miles (actual, not scale)! Clearly the train is a favorite of the children visiting the center!

For a long time things ran very well with just periodic cleaning. Eventually the busy train began to experience reliability issues. With almost non-stop running the best of trains will break down. We are always looking for replacement engines because the can motors literally wear out and replacements are rarely available. It’s doubtful Lionel ever envisioned this much use for their products. It was also realized that the track needed replacing, and it made sense to upgrade to Lionel Fastrack.

On behalf of the Children’s Center, Ed Bianchi sent a request for help to Ed Barulli, Joe Fanara, and the NETCA Board of Directors. They generously responded with a $500 donation plus an additional anonymous donation of $150 to purchase the track through a member. Board Member Peter Der Sarkisian, of New England Railroad in Nashua, even helped us obtain the Fastrack at wholesale prices. NETCA’s support was amazing and enabled us to receive enough track for a complete upgrade!

Our group has just completed the changeover to the Lionel Fastrack with all new wiring and new sound reducing roadbed made from floor tiles. Thomas is back in action running smoothly through the beautiful, O-36 Fastrack curves! He is once again delighting and soothing the hearts of families waiting for their appointments. Parents have told us that their kids look forward to coming to see Thomas. There is nothing better than seeing a child watching trains with big eyes and bigger smiles. Often they walk along with Thomas as he loops around the room! Once it comes to a stop, it’s right over to press the button and have the train spring back into action! This goes on and on until all the children have waved goodbye to Thomas and headed home.

We want to acknowledge Maureen Leopold, Practice Supervisor, and Ellen Tetrick, Operations Support Specialist, for their on-site support each day. The entire staff at the Children’s Specialty Center knows how important the train is to the children, and all are grateful to NETCA for helping to keep that train running!

Our group of volunteers are proud to be members of NETCA and grateful for our association’s generosity. We’ll look forward to seeing you all!