USA: Model trains move through Christmas display built entirely of plants
- 00:00:09
- ITN Source
USA: Model trains move through Christmas display built entirely of plants
The New York Botanical garden, a place teeming with thousands of varieties of rare and exotic plants, might seem like a strange place for a display of model trains. But this is no ordinary model train display. The Holiday Train Show is a perfect fit for the New York Botanical Gardens, and Melinda Manning, the Associate Director of of Public Relations explains why. "It's so apropos of a botanical garden because all the replicas that we see here are created from plant materials, and I'm talking about moss, fungus, leaves, twigs, bark," she said. From the sticks that make up the bridges, to the leaves serving as tiles on the buildings, all the building models in the show are constructed entirely of plant matter. Model trains hoot their way past a who's who of important and recognizable New York area landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty made of corn husks and pine cones, and a 14 foot high version of the Brooklyn Bridge. Each year the Botanical Gardens puts together the show, and each year it gets bigger and more elaborate as new models are added. "We started out with, fourteen years ago in 1992, with about eight buildings and about four trains and its grow to encompass more than 120 structures of landmark buildings in New York City, the Hudson Valley and the boroughs," said Manning. The show now covers over 6,000 square feet and includes uses 11 different trains, from late-1800's steam engines to modern, high speed passenger trains. Among some of the most recognizable landmarks these trains pass by are eight foot high wooden skyscrapers depicting the Empire State building and the Chrysler building. From Harlem's Apollo Theater, to the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, the show's displays span the entire Big Apple and beyond. The Holiday Train Show is the brain child of designer Paul Busse and his team at Applied Imagination. Manning says each year Busse adds new displays, growing more and more elaborate every year. Children of all ages seem to be amazed and entertained by the collection. "The Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and all these bridges and the Brooklyn Bridge, everything is just really nice," said George Grotheer when asked what models were his favorites. His sister seemed equally impressed with the construction methods. "They're really cool, and it's cool that they are like made out of plants," said Audrey Grotheer. A train even rumbles past a model of the The New York Botanical Gardens, ensuring it's place as a New York City landmark is secure in history. The show opens on November 19th and runs through January 6, 2006.
ITN Source | November 25, 2005
