A final 'all aboard'

Santa Clara has a campus full of surprises, and James Felt, S.J.'s 21-by-9 foot train layout is the latest discovery. After building and improving the system for over 25 years, which includes enough track to operate four trains simultaneously, it is a shame that it has to be disassembled in preparation for renovations to Nobili Hall.

Although Felt may be ready to give up this life-long hobby, it would be great if the train system can be saved. There are over 10 museums and historical societies in the Bay Area devoted to the preservation and display of model trains. Surely one of these organizations would be excited to acquire Felt's amazing layout.

It's unfortunate that, in the process of renovating Nobili for students next fall, there are no other places to put new building utilities -- which is why the elaborate layout needs to go. But even administrators say if duct work could go elsewhere, the layout wouldn't work in the new student building.

While the preservation of this campus jewel is unlikely, due to the need for the room in which it is housed and the large size of the project (which makes it almost impossible to disassemble), it is our hope that Santa Clara can help Felt keep his passion alive in a new way.

Maybe the library could put together a display with some of the tracks and engines as part of the lobby decor -- including information about California's unique railroad history and Felt's legacy building the original spread.

At the very least, students, staff and faculty should take the opportunity to visit Felt's train room on a guided tour and experience the intricacy of the 18-engine system. He loves to share the amusement the trains have provided him with others, and with the looming transition from Nobili Hall to the new Jesuit residence, time is limited.

To schedule a tour of Felt's train extravaganza, contact student Dean Paul Dominguez at (510) 304-6060 or ddominguez@scu.edu. Don't miss this opportunity while it is still around.