LOCAL NEWS

Utah Man’s ‘Train Room’ A Place Where The Past Comes Roaring Back In Present Day

May 8, 2019, 10:16 PM | Updated: 10:30 pm

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — At a time when many are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike, it is clear the mighty railroad will always hold a significant place in Utah’s history.

It also will always take up significant space in one man’s basement.

Doug Holt’s ‘train room’ is literally filled to the roof with model trains he has collected over the past 6 decades, making it a special place where the past roars into the present—even if it’s just for minutes out of the day and miniature in scale.

“’How many do you need?’” Holt has been asked. “Well, on the shelf and on the table, I’ve got 125 engines.”

Holt said his collection started humbly in 1952.

“One Christmas, I decided I was going to ask Santa Claus for an electric train,” the 76-year-old recalled. “I’ve got all the catalogs from 1952 on that Lionel put out, and so I know what that train cost, and I was sure glad that Santa Claus was able to bring me that train, because the cost of it for my parents was pretty expensive.”

Relatives added to Holt’s collection every Christmas, until he grew old enough to purchase his own trains and accessories, often at discount from retailers like ZCMI.

“I was in the Army Reserve for 34 years,” Holt said. “When I had some free time, I was able to go and I knew about train stores there.”

Before he knew it, he had acquired trains from East Coast and West Coast alike.

“My wife has said, ‘yeah, you don’t need that many,’ but that’s what I have,” Holt laughed.

Holt said he specifically designed the train room in his house without a furnace vent in order to preserve the life of the trains.

He said he keeps the door closed as often as possible to reduce dust and dirt.

Holt hoped, perhaps, one of his children might take on his collection someday when he is gone.

“Most of it is in like-new condition, and so I would like to pass it on to somebody that would take care of it for the future,” Holt said. “Like I say, that engine that’s 66 years old, it could last—if we last—it could go 166 years if we take care of it.”

Today, when neighbors aren’t coming over to check out the vast collection, Holt’s train room serves to comfort him in retirement.

“That has been my savior in a way—I’ve had a hobby,” Holt said. “If I needed to come down and spend a little time in the winter because it’s snowing like crazy outside, I’ve got that that I can fall back on.”

It’s a place where he can ‘take a load off’ and ‘let off some steam.’

“I can shut the door and it’s just me and the trains,” Holt said. “We can have a good conversation if we need to, or just have a session of contemplation. It’s been good for me.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

1 hour ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

1 hour ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

3 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

4 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

5 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Man’s ‘Train Room’ A Place Where The Past Comes Roaring Back In Present Day