Live video from the scene as model railroader shows off his awesome train setup

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – It’s one of the most amazing model railroad setups you’re likely to see.

It’s owned by Staten Islander Michael Pillarella, vice president of the Staten Island Society of Model Railroaders.

Pillarella has been a train collector since he was a child. His setup features a number of vintage train sets, all of which run at the same time on multiple tracks, through scale-model mountain passes and small towns.

The train locomotives blow smoke and make that familiar train-whistle sound. Pillarella’s home setup allows the lights to dim and for the lit-up trains to run in the dark.

The railroaders’ society met for a long time on the grounds of the NYC Health + Hospitals campus in Sea View. But the building they were using is being renovated and the club, which was founded in 1956, was told they could no longer meet there.

The Advance/SILive.com reported on the situation last month.

But Pillarella said that the club had been in touch with officials at Sea View following the article in hopes that a new meeting place on the campus could be found.

Pillarella’s devotions don’t end with trains. He is also an avid collector of Hot Wheels, Matchbox and other die-cast cars and vehicles. You’d be forgiven if you thought his basement was actually a toy store when you see how many die-cast cars he has.

Check out the Facebook Live video to see Pillarella’s awesome train setup and his amazing die-cast car collection.