Those living in the eastern Massachusetts area are respectfully reminded that this weekend is your last opportunity to see two dozen of the famous scratch built large scale steam locomotive models built by the late Wilbur T. Frey. They are on exhibit at the Beverly Historical Society, Beverly, Mass., through Sunday 2/26. They range in size from a foot and a half to eight feet long. All are made of wood and cardboard. They are nothing short of magnificent in their scope and quality! You have to see them to believe it. This probably will be the last time this many examples of his craftsmanshop will be gathered at one location. Don't miss it!

Richard W. Symmes

I must concur, having viewed this exhibition several weeks ago. Mr's Frey's attention to the most minute detail was astounding. Get over to Beverly this weekend, if you possibly can.

Where are they going after the exhibit?

Most of them were loaned by individuals and will be returned to their owners. 5 models, including a "Lombard" log hauler, are owned by the Beverly Historical Society's Walker Transportation Collection, and will remain there.

While they are better to see in person, here's a website I've mentioned before, devoted to Wilbur's models:

http://64.242.254.49/Wilburfrey.asp

Though unpowered, every part of each locomotive was made by hand; no casting was involved. Only common materials were used; scrap wood, metal and cardboard, mostly. All engines were built to an odd scale, determined by the size of round-head nails he used to represent rivets. Though I didn't know him real well, we used to see each other in St. Albans occasionally, as we maintained his full-size Grand Trunk New England Lines locomotives. He was a nice guy, and this is a nice tribute to his work. It would be nice if someday his engines could become a permanent part of a museum somewhere.