Giving a 'Model' History Lesson in Trains

Children and parents alike got their fill of model trains and railroad history at the Long Beach Historical Museum recently.

The museum devoted its holiday exhibit to railroads in Long Beach, and every 45 minutes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. over two days, Dec. 11 and 12, Les Ginsberg gave a show-and-tell presentation with part of his private collection of Lionel trains, circa 1940.

Ginsberg, a Long Beach resident known as "The Trainman," has collected toy trains since his childhood, after which he developed an interest in the evolution of the railroads. He told the story of how Long Beach was built by the railroad, as well as the history of railroads throughout the United States. He talked about how trains went from steam to diesel to electricity for power, and highlighted their importance in building America.

By using his model trains, Ginsberg — a former air traffic controller who works for the MTA as a subway motorman — demonstrated how the railroad carried food, lumber and other materials to all corners of the country. Ginsberg allowed the children to help him operate his model trains that were displayed on a table.

In addition to Ginsberg, Ron Freidl, a member of the Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society, brought his father's German model trains, circa 1930, for viewing at the exhibit, and he told his own train and railroad stories.

"It seems his family were German-Jews who lived in Austria when trouble was brewing with Hitler," said Roberta Fiore, past president of the Historical Society.

Ron's grandparents encouraged their son to seek asylum in Israel. Tragically, they chose not to accompany their son, remained in Austria and were both killed. Ron made the trip to Israel with only a bag of toy trains and memories of happier times.

"These beautiful treasures and their story intrigued both young and old, as did Les Ginsberg," Fiore said. "That's what the Long Beach Museum is all about."