The Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers club recently held their annual Winter Open House at Cue Nine Billiards, 2953 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.
The display hosted by Cue Nine, in its basement, is permanent, not modular or able to be moved. When asked about the man-hours needed to assemble something of such intricacy John Brendle, officer and member of the club said, “Not hours, years; we have been in this location for almost 11 years.”
The display runs six full-length model trains on about 3,000 feet of model rail track. It is one of the largest operating O-gauge layouts on the East Coast and is located right here in Levittown. Brendle is also the owner of Cue Nine.
The Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Club is by private membership, about 35 members; the display is intended for the use of the members. The club periodically holds an open house to proudly show off their accomplishment, to let others enjoy their hobby, and to raise money in support of the club, model maintenance and improvement.
“The members all share a love of model railroading as a hobby and enjoy sharing the fruits of their labor with others in the community,” said Brendle.
The club was formed in 1983 and has been in Levittown since its beginning, but has only been at the Cue Nine location since 2000.
In addition to its model on display, the club offers commemorative train pieces, including its current available cars, the Nassau County Firefighters Museum Tank Car, and the anniversary piece, the Long Island Railroad Alco C420. There are order deadlines for each of the specialty trains. Information can be found on the club’s website.
The next open house is tentatively planned for March. For more information about the display, upcoming events, and special orders visit www.nloe.org.
