Joe McDoakes 1955 Model Railway Movie

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I was wondering if many people have enjoyed seeing the 1955 film by Joe McDoakes “So you want to build a Model Railroad”

The black and white film which last 10 minutes is a classic. Joe starts off in front of the judge and also finishes off there as well but on a good note.

It is a film many of us can relate to where hobbies can become obsessions and take over, but is handled with great humour in this film. Even the mother in law cops a lap full of soup courtesy of the gravy train.

My favourite line is where Joe goes into the hobby shop and says to the owner " and buy a round of track for the boys"

My copy was from a 16mm film and I’m not sure if its still available. It was a series of 63 short films that were made from 1942 and cover all sorts of topics

More information is available here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_McDoakes.

Has anyone else out there seen it?

Bob

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It’s been on TV a time or two, I think Turner Classic Movie’s “One Reel Wonders” has had it on. It’s pretty good, a little wacky but overall not bad.

p.s. Joe McDoakes was IIRC the character’s name, not the film maker. “Joe Doakes” is kinda like “John Doe”, a generic name for everyman.

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Yes Turner Classic Movies shows it …I have caught it a couple of times…I think its pretty funny…Cox 47

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It’s included on one of the videos produced by an outfit that covers Lionel toy trains.

Jim