Meet Howard Zane

 I must apologize as I have neglected this site for over two years. This time was spent in finishing my layout and writing my book. These chores (yeah, sure!) now being complete and with much insistence from many….I’ll again be doing custom building and painting even though I’m now a cantankerous old critter……….but model railroading keeps us young!

I will not be painting or finishing brass locomotives. Years back when these models were made by old world Japanese craftsman, I could disassemble and put them back together with ease. Although beautiful, today’s Korean imports are a bit too iffy for my abilities to effectively reassemble….and to make a profit!

Howard quite literally began in this hobby at age 3.....yup, and that was in 1941 just before the big war.

That Christmas, Dad before entering the Navy, brought home an entry level Lionel vaguely shaped train set....but it was great fun and most definitely a strong beginning!

Today Howard has built one of the finest and largest layouts in this county. He has published a book on his Piermont Division layout  “Howard Zane, My Life With Model Trains”   www.zanestrains.com , has written many cover story features, been the subject of many TV specials and newspaper features, and has been videoed several times including two volumes by Allen Keller and an upcoming third volume by Allen this October, 2007.

Zane has built over 400 structure/dioramas since 1990. Howard uses almost exclusively styrene, as it has inherent strength, and is not likely to warp. To date no insect has been found that likes to munch on this material.

Also, Howard will be again producing beautiful custom weathered and finished rolling stock in HO scale.

Zane holds a fine arts degree from New York University and is a graduate of Parsons School Of Design. Graduate study in architecture and in art history was at the University of London and the University of Paris. Zane owned an industrial design firm which was sold in 1987 enabling him to retire and play with his electric trains…..and co-produce The Great Scale Model Train Show.

Eighteen years (1961 – 1978) was spent as a break from art and design driving airplanes for the Army and corporate aviation………….then back to music, art and design!!

Zane is also a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and musician (old time banjo, guitar and harmonica) still playing professionally with The New Southern Cowtippers  www.newsoutherncowtippers.com

Structures are built in HO and O scales. I’m just too old to see N scale. I could work in S scale, but to date have had zero requests. G scale…………nah! But tempting!

For custom work and pricing……..simple, all I need are three things for a quote:

1.   budget

2. how soon do you want it

3. size and what is it

Everything is fully guaranteed.

I do prefer using my own designs. I will work from photos and drawings, but I have to agree with the design and scope.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope that we may do business.

Howard Zane
September, 2007

This site was last updated on 5/12/2008