At 92, Maine man looks to pass on his beloved model train village
For decades, Dean Walker has been building a masterpiece
For decades, Dean Walker has been building a masterpiece
For decades, Dean Walker has been building a masterpiece
It's a hobby that's all about patience, precision and passion.
In Maine, one man has spent decades building a tiny world that's brought him a lifetime of joy.
But now, 92-year-old Dean Walker is ready to hand the controls of his masterpiece to someone else who shares his passion.
"It's a labor of love. So, I just put in time as I feel like coming up here to work the trains or work in my shop, and I build something for them," Walker said.
Above his garage, Walker has spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars creating his perfect model train village.
Walker first fell in love with model trains at just 5 years old.
Decades later, that childhood fascination grew into a hobby the 92-year-old says keeps him young.
"It just keeps me busy, and it makes it a little more interesting for someone to come and see it," Walker said.
The village really came to life in 2000, when Walker and his wife moved after his long career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He says that experience helped him perfect his craft.
"I'm a machinist. All my life. That's my trade. I'm a machinist toolmaker," he said.
Every detail in the village, from the buildings to the landscape, was handcrafted by Walker himself.
He says his favorite part is bringing each season to life.
"Not exactly real life, but it's close to it, because it's scale, this scale isn't always true. But that's the way it is."
Still, even the most dedicated conductors eventually have to hang up their hats. Walker is now hoping to pass his prized creation to another enthusiast.
"I'm not going to live forever, naturally. And I'm at an age where I think I have to start thinking about downsizing."
"Whoever buys them will appreciate them and probably will be somebody who is into trains," Walker said.
The lights, the trains, the memories, they've all become part of Walker's life.
And even as he thinks about what's next, he's grateful for every moment spent here.
"Hopefully, I'll be in a position where I couldn't come up here and reminisce. Not that I look forward to the days when I can't take care of myself. But it's going to happen. And so, before it does, I'm just going to stay here as long as I can and climb those stairs."
If you're interested in Walker's set or pieces from it, you can reach him by email here.
