In memoriam: Tom McComas, one of the most influential shapers of the contemporary toy train hobby, died in Michigan City, Ind., on Aug. 8, 2024, at the age of 86. He left an indelible mark on the hobby, starting as an author in the 1980s and then proceeding to write and produce a vast number of introductory and advanced videos directed at every possible enthusiast, from young children to longtime collectors and operators of prewar, postwar, and modern trains and accessories. His contributions will never be forgotten.
Lionel enthusiasts became familiar with Tom’s research, writing, photography, and sense of humor when he collaborated with his good friend Jim Tuohy to bring out a six-volume set of books, A Collector’s Guide and History to Lionel Trains, which they published in 1987. Soon, their business, named TM Books & Video, was putting out price and rarity guides. Then came the beautifully illustrated reference book, Great Toy Train Layouts of America. Pictures and excerpts were used in the premier issue of Classic Toy Trains.
Greater things awaited Tom, and in 1988 he made the first of the outstanding videos on which he built his reputation. He traveled around the U.S. and Canada, filming action on the greatest O, S, and Standard gauge layouts. Celebrities were profiled, too, with Mandy Patinkin, Frank Sinatra, Tom Snyder, and Neil Young receiving the finest treatment. Tom then found a new collaborator in Joseph Stachler, and the two of them produced and sold dozens of super videos for toy train, tractor, automobile, and airliner enthusiasts. Perhaps the most memorable and touching of the videos filled the great I Love Toy Trains series.
We at Classic Toy Trains and Trains.com offer our condolences to Tom’s widow, Charyl, and sons Christopher, Jeffrey, and Thomas Jr. We also thank Tom for the many years of his support and encouragement, not to mention all the fun, laughter, and terrific stories.
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