Train set is cabinet maker’s getaway, hobby
It’s been many years since Gordon Krumrey moved his model railroad layout from his brother’s house in Hutchinson to his cabinet shop in Glencoe.
The layout – a bone-shaped multi-level design – is both a hobby and a getaway from the workday. Using kits to create buildings and a train trestle supporting a bridge, he has logged untold hours over the years on the layout. After the day’s work is done, the model trains are a welcomed source of relaxation for the craftsmen.
Krumrey’s fascination with trains dates back to his childhood. He grew up on the family farm near Buffalo Lake. As an adult, the day’s work and running a business always demanded the majority of his workday and spare time. It wasn’t until 1989 when Krumrey took the time to figure out on his own he needed 6 feet for an O-gage engine to complete a circle. The O-gage is 1-to-48 scale, larger than the HO gage of many tabletop train layouts.
“It went on from there,” he said. “It fascinated me how they can go ‘round a corner.”
He started building the train layout in the layout of his late brother Alan’s house in Hutchinson. Krumrey subscribed to a few train magazines, publications fueling ideas for expanding the layout. The design grew and grew. He added a layer to one end of the design.
“I wanted to see what could be done,” he said. “One thing led to another.”
The layout includes about 600 feet of track. It has a 7-foot-long tunnel at one end. Krumrey made the entire layout by hand, using kits and his own craftsmanship. After recognizing the kit wasn’t big enough for the O-gage he raised the tunnel by just over 1 inch to allow the O-gage engine and cars to easily fit through the tunnel.
“I like to work with my hands. When I’m done, I feel like I’ve gotten something done,” he said.
(For the complete story, see the Feb. 13 print edition of The Chronicle.)
