There was a post about Caboose Stop Hobbies back in Spring when the rains and tornado hit historic Cedar Falls, Iowa, inundating the town with water from the Cedar River. I that was not bad enough, a severe tornado was added to the mix, resulting in over 200 homes lost, along with 8 lives.

It almost seems impossible that Caboose Stop Hobbies got through it all. Merlin and Carol are open for business as usual, though the store is full to the brim with items that were stored in the basement.

The very large O Scale layout in the basement, which is about 60 inches high off the floor, escaped damage, though a number of structures were removed to protect them from high humidity. It will eventually get back to where it was.

I could not begin to count the inventory of Atlas O at the back of the shop which normally is reserved for plastic models. Boxes and boxes and boxes of reefers, cabeese and box cars.

True to a midwest work ethic, Carol and Merlin seem cheerful and confident that life will go on.

If you get a chance to visit them on-line or better yet, visit the layout and store, you will be in for a treat.

Rob Mozgawa
Madison, WI

I agree that they are two very nice people and a real credit to our hobby. They will also be at the monthly GATS show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL this next weekend. Last month was a disaster at the GATS show due to heavy rain all day long and the attendence was very low. I expect and hope that this weekend will be much better as it is fall and so many didn't make it last month.

Art