Love Letters:)
Jean & I consider ourselves veteran travelers and usually travel on our own, but we just returned from a 3 week tour organized and operated by “Model Train Travel”. That name says a lot about the trip and we did visit a number of layouts, but the tour includes lots more than layouts.
Travel between cities is by rail and we also visited railroad museums, a “steam festival”, automobile factories and museums, castles, the Black Forest in Germany, and toured numerous cities on sightseeing buses. Group size is limited so we got lots of personal attention, and I can’t overstate how much we enjoyed this trip.
I met Anton, the “Conductor” at the Eastern Division of The TCA York meet last year. He is originally from Cologne, Germany and now resides in California. His mastery of everything German made this trip easy (translation of menus, signs, etc.) and his knowledge and connections enabled us to learn much more than we might have on our own.
Pat and Jean M, PA
Great trip, and wonderful memories.
Every aspect of our travel has been brilliantly planned and executed. I just don’t want this trip to end – (except ending that early in the morning just makes it harder). Thanks for all you have done, and I look forward to working with you guys again one of these days.
Terry N, TX
Hello Anton and Mine,
I have been thinking so much about you and was wondering about how you are doing?
We have such wonderful memories of our trip. Thank you so much for such a great time.
Cathy and Duane K, NV
Dear Anton and Mine,
Thanks for a spectacular trip. We look forward to another trip with you in the future.
Wayne and Edith H, NE
Thank you for the fun, enlightening and interesting train tour you took us on in August. We still talk about all the sights, the food, the handsome tour guide, Anton, and the great people on our tour.
It was truly a trip of a life time and we would recommend it to all. You provided a great mix of Trains, Culture, Food, Site Seeing, Education and Friendship. We hope to experience another train tour with you in the near future.
Thank you for exceeding our expectations!
Dave & Reta S., CA
We can not express our gratitude for a most amazing travel adventure.
More to come.
Bob B. and Brian V., CA
Anton and Mine
I’m sitting in front my computer trying to think of all the things I could say to express my heart felt thanks to the two of you for the planning, arranging and conducting of this fabulous model/real train tour and also for making it a diverse, informative, interesting and overall “fun” tour for everyone.
I just read all of your love letters (testimonials) and decided that those kind folks said everything I wanted to say and said it much better than I ever could. So all that I will do is add an “Amen” to all of those testimonials. You two deserve all of the kind words and kudos.
This was one of my Bucket List trips and so my daughter and son accompanied my wife and I, making the trip even more special. Everyone in our family had such a fantastic time. We will be talking about the trip for years, especially Anton’s informative and hilarious commentaries.
Again, thank you for all of the hard work on our behalf, making it one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever been on.
Jon W K, CA
We certainly enjoyed our time together and look forward to more fun with you in the future. Thanks also to Mine for all of the behind the scenes help! We look forward to meeting her in person someday as well. Off to rest these weary bones while regaling everyone with the wonderful colorful stories of our adventures!
Thanks again,
Sherry and Jim W., OH
Dear Mine,
What a wonderful husband you have; he made our holiday a great success. Also thanks to you for making everything run so very well.
Thank you for everything.
All the best to you both
Graham B., NY
It was the trip of a lifetime! I can't say enough good things - it was so much more than I expected or I think than I paid for. I went on this trip for Mike, but I truly enjoyed it as much as he did. It must be a logistical miracle that you perform because everything went as smoothly as possible. I would like you and Anton to know that both Mike and I have said the trip was the best we have ever taken, including cruises, trips to Europe, Disneyworld, resorts on the oceans, Florida, etc. And we both think it all was a bargain!
Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation!
Maureen and Mike A., MD
We arrived home, on time but travel weary, last evening safe and sound. It was a FABULOUS trip in every way and we are grateful to you and Anton for providing a wonderful service with such enthusiasm and good cheer.
When we gather with our family this evening we will raise a glass of good German beer in your honor!
God bless.
Pat and Paul H., W
Thank you so much. We loved our trip. The company, the country, the accommodations, the food, the exhibits were all perfect. You and Anton are the best.
Donna and Lynn, UT
I arrived home on schedule. All flight and transfers went smoothly, so thanks for that.
Arrangements, personal tour guide, choice of hotels, food, activities - All were excellent. The tour guide could not have been better, he is a natural, with excellent judgment. All his commentary was interesting and relevant. Never bored us with too much detail, and never left us feeling we were missing something.
In general, I would enthusiastically recommend anyone take the trip exactly as is. However, there will be one condition: that Anton leads the entire tour.
Thanx to both of you for a job very well done. An unforgettable trip.
Bill P., MA
I thought Anton was terrific. He was attentive to his tour group. He dealt with problems well. He was very knowledgeable of the areas that we visited. He told great stories. I would take another trip with him in a heartbeat.
Because I flew directly to Berlin, I was not impacted by the air problems in Portugal. Again, Anton made a special effort for me to take the regular tour in Berlin, while he tried to work around everyone else's schedule.
I had one health problem. I had a fairly severe heartburn for about a day and a half, probably due to too much bratwurst, french fries, sauerbratten, schnitzel, etc. Anyway, on the second night, I got some stomach antacid and some sleeping medication, and the problem went away. Again, Anton was hugely helpful.
I'm sorry that you had to make arrangements twice, but it was, in my opinion, a great trip.
George F., NC
Carroll and I want to thank you for planning and executing a truly delightful trip to Germany for us. We enjoyed every minute of the trip! Since Carroll is not especially interested in trains, it is a credit to your foresight that she enjoyed the trip as well. The car museums and the historical sites were a good break in the rail theme.
We think we may take another trip with you in the future because we had such a great time on this trip.
Very Best Regards,
Carl and Carroll W., IL
Anton, we enjoyed the trip to the utmost and you were absolutely wonderful in pointing out highlights, facts and history about the places and sites. We appreciated how you incorporated the model train fans with the spouses and gave both a "tourist's view" of the cities and places of interest, plus the train fans the time to truly enjoy the various layouts!
We believe having the smaller group made a big difference and realize that was to our advantage.
We were lucky! We are both amazed at your knowledge of history and facts of the sites plus Joe said he liked having the no-rush time looking at the train layouts and taking notes.
AND, the hotels and meals were fabulous and it was fulfilling to eat the food of the regions and learn about new foods.
You did it all perfectly! Please express our thank you to your wife for the time she put into planning the itinerary and inns. For all future model train enthusiasts, going with Anton is a 10+ experience you will never forget.
Thank you again, Anton. Have more wonderful trips and if you plan another country, or even somewhere in the US/Canada, keep us on your mailing list.
Sincerely,
Esther and Joe G, CA
Dear Anton,
we thank you for a most memorable trip. It was more than we anticipated. You were so kind. We appreciate it!
With kind regards,
Joe & Shala L, IO
Thank you, Anton, for the best train trip ever! Such a wonderful time. For the first two weeks I kept dreaming I was on (or getting off) trains with you and the whole group -- good dreams!
Again, Anton, thank you so VERY much for a wonderful, thoughtful, fascinating, and delightful guided tour of modern Deutschland.
The more I reflect and remember this trip, the more dazzling, amazing, and satisfying it seems. You are truly the best Conductor, Anton, for all of us. We should all feel very fortunate for this great adventure, and not just for the great weather we had. I came home feeling refreshed, with renewed optimism about the world's future, and with a much better appreciation for German people, culture, history, food, technology, and landscapes. At long last, I'm happy to share the best photos and video clips that Doug and I took on our tour of "train heaven" with you. Please consider this (photos, videos) my gift to you, for there's no way I could have been there to see these things, people, and places without you.
Tausand dank,
Jim W, CA
I loved the trip so much that perhaps I'll do it again at another time of the year. (and he did:)
Dean B, CA
I can't thank you enough for all you did to make our Germany trip so perfect. The week before our fabulous train trip was perfect. Everything worked like clockwork. Our car was terrific (small brand new Mercedes mini van with GPS).
The train tour was fantastic—even interesting for the wives! But I must admit I took a few opportunities to shop when available! The family run layout and "amusement park" in Hardt was especially interesting because of the lovely family we met there. Every stop on the tour was unique in its own way. It was a GREAT vacation. Anton was overly accommodating to everyone's needs. He is a very special person.
It was a fabulous trip. I made a great album of the trip. We look at it often.
Thanks again for everything you and Anton did to give us such a memorable vacation.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou N, CA
Just a note to say thank you so much for our wonderful Germany tour.
Anton, thank you for being the perfect host and always being concerned that everyone was happy and that our requests were fulfilled.
The accommodations were excellent. Mine, thank you for all your hard work making the arrangements. Your research made everything run smoothly. We just wanted to send a note to you and thank you for all that you did to make our trip with Anton absolutely fantastic !!!! Your work "behind the scenes" made the trip very, very nice and enjoyable. Our travel and accommodations were first class thanks to you.
Again, thanks for all your work, we will talk about the trip for many years to come in glowing terms. We are looking forward to seeing you both at the York TCA show.
Take care,
Carol H and Van W, PA
This is a belated thank you for all the arrangements and the "guiding" that you did for the IFRR Model Train Tour in Germany 06/27-7/06/2103. It was truly a delight to be with Anton and the others and to see and do so many interesting things. There isn't a day that goes by but what I have some good thoughts of the trip.
Again, thanks so much for this enjoyable, memorable experience.
Yours in Rotary Fellowship,
Bill R, MN
Listen to “Conductor” Anton. One of our best tours ever!
The September 2011 model train tour really was a wonderful experience! Anton showed every minute his commitment to making it enjoyable. He has real ability to maximize enjoyment and avoid problems…important qualities for a complex trip like this. We've never had a guide do a better job!
Anton’s selections exceeded our expectations…we saw many top quality layouts and he managed to avoid crowded times. He arranged discussions with senior staff and designers, plus visits behind the scenes unavailable to most visitors.
Anton knows how to pick a diverse, quality mix of restaurants, meal menus, and (of course) beers. There was a great set of other tour stops such as museums, auto plants, and major historical buildings. Plus great scenery with colorful descriptions.
Mine truly helped to make the details happen, plus our arrangements to help us with an extended tour in Europe.
You’ll be pleased with the Seckler team – they care about you and give you quality results!
Very glad we visited the 2011 NMRA National show in Sacramento CA or we would not have discovered Anton and MTT! We are completely satisfied with this tour.
Sandy & Neal R, WA
We had a wonderful time. Germany is a beautiful country - all those green and yellow fields - wow!! The trip across the Alps was breathtaking!
Again thank you for all your hard work (and Mine's) to make sure the trip went smoothly.
Happy travels...
Vi and Newt D, TX
In reviewing the photos I was struck by how much we covered. One of my lasting memories is not of a train. It is of those bright yellow fields of flax in bloom.
Beautiful! I wanted to express my gratitude for all you and Mine did. Thank you for a wonderful trip! See you in York. Keep in touch!
Happy Rails
Jim B, PA
Wayne and I really enjoyed your model railroad tour! Perfect mix of model railroad layouts, train trips and culture (with the amazing live steam bonus). Yah! The ride in the steam engine when they opened the fire box. Wow!
So many wonderful and once in a lifetime sights and memories.
In His love,
Wayne and Roy W., NJ
Writing this from the comfort of a great bed after hours of flight. We had an awesome time with Anton's great stories, superb detail to cities, museums, & activities, and many additional adventures. The party is over as Dad says.
It was wonderful. Thank you for some lovely hotels and meals.
Off to dream land.
Cheers,
Kathy N, G., CO
Jean & I consider ourselves veteran travelers and usually travel on our own, but we just returned from a 3 week tour organized and operated by “Model Train Travel”. That name says a lot about the trip and we did visit a number of layouts, but the tour includes lots more than layouts.
Travel between cities is by rail and we also visited railroad museums, a “steam festival”, automobile factories and museums, castles, the Black Forest in Germany, and toured numerous cities on sightseeing buses. Group size is limited so we got lots of personal attention, and I can’t overstate how much we enjoyed this trip.
I met Anton, the “Conductor” at the Eastern Division of The TCA York meet last year. He is originally from Cologne, Germany and now resides in California. His mastery of everything German made this trip easy (translation of menus, signs, etc.) and his knowledge and connections enabled us to learn much more than we might have on our own.
Pat and Jean M, PA
Great trip, and wonderful memories.
Every aspect of our travel has been brilliantly planned and executed. I just don’t want this trip to end – (except ending that early in the morning just makes it harder). Thanks for all you have done, and I look forward to working with you guys again one of these days.
Terry N, TX
Hello Anton and Mine,
I have been thinking so much about you and was wondering about how you are doing?
We have such wonderful memories of our trip. Thank you so much for such a great time.
Cathy and Duane K, NV
Dear Anton and Mine,
Thanks for a spectacular trip. We look forward to another trip with you in the future.
Wayne and Edith H, NE
Thank you for the fun, enlightening and interesting train tour you took us on in August. We still talk about all the sights, the food, the handsome tour guide, Anton, and the great people on our tour.
It was truly a trip of a life time and we would recommend it to all. You provided a great mix of Trains, Culture, Food, Site Seeing, Education and Friendship. We hope to experience another train tour with you in the near future.
Thank you for exceeding our expectations!
Dave & Reta S., CA
We can not express our gratitude for a most amazing travel adventure.
More to come.
Bob B. and Brian V., CA
Anton and Mine
I’m sitting in front my computer trying to think of all the things I could say to express my heart felt thanks to the two of you for the planning, arranging and conducting of this fabulous model/real train tour and also for making it a diverse, informative, interesting and overall “fun” tour for everyone.
I just read all of your love letters (testimonials) and decided that those kind folks said everything I wanted to say and said it much better than I ever could. So all that I will do is add an “Amen” to all of those testimonials. You two deserve all of the kind words and kudos.
This was one of my Bucket List trips and so my daughter and son accompanied my wife and I, making the trip even more special. Everyone in our family had such a fantastic time. We will be talking about the trip for years, especially Anton’s informative and hilarious commentaries.
Again, thank you for all of the hard work on our behalf, making it one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever been on.
Jon W K, CA
We certainly enjoyed our time together and look forward to more fun with you in the future. Thanks also to Mine for all of the behind the scenes help! We look forward to meeting her in person someday as well. Off to rest these weary bones while regaling everyone with the wonderful colorful stories of our adventures!
Thanks again,
Sherry and Jim W., OH
Dear Mine,
What a wonderful husband you have; he made our holiday a great success. Also thanks to you for making everything run so very well.
Thank you for everything.
All the best to you both
Graham B., NY
It was the trip of a lifetime! I can't say enough good things - it was so much more than I expected or I think than I paid for. I went on this trip for Mike, but I truly enjoyed it as much as he did. It must be a logistical miracle that you perform because everything went as smoothly as possible. I would like you and Anton to know that both Mike and I have said the trip was the best we have ever taken, including cruises, trips to Europe, Disneyworld, resorts on the oceans, Florida, etc. And we both think it all was a bargain!
Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation!
Maureen and Mike A., MD
We arrived home, on time but travel weary, last evening safe and sound. It was a FABULOUS trip in every way and we are grateful to you and Anton for providing a wonderful service with such enthusiasm and good cheer.
When we gather with our family this evening we will raise a glass of good German beer in your honor!
God bless.
Pat and Paul H., W
Thank you so much. We loved our trip. The company, the country, the accommodations, the food, the exhibits were all perfect. You and Anton are the best.
Donna and Lynn, UT
I arrived home on schedule. All flight and transfers went smoothly, so thanks for that.
Arrangements, personal tour guide, choice of hotels, food, activities - All were excellent. The tour guide could not have been better, he is a natural, with excellent judgment. All his commentary was interesting and relevant. Never bored us with too much detail, and never left us feeling we were missing something.
In general, I would enthusiastically recommend anyone take the trip exactly as is. However, there will be one condition: that Anton leads the entire tour.
Thanx to both of you for a job very well done. An unforgettable trip.
Bill P., MA
I thought Anton was terrific. He was attentive to his tour group. He dealt with problems well. He was very knowledgeable of the areas that we visited. He told great stories. I would take another trip with him in a heartbeat.
Because I flew directly to Berlin, I was not impacted by the air problems in Portugal. Again, Anton made a special effort for me to take the regular tour in Berlin, while he tried to work around everyone else's schedule.
I had one health problem. I had a fairly severe heartburn for about a day and a half, probably due to too much bratwurst, french fries, sauerbratten, schnitzel, etc. Anyway, on the second night, I got some stomach antacid and some sleeping medication, and the problem went away. Again, Anton was hugely helpful.
I'm sorry that you had to make arrangements twice, but it was, in my opinion, a great trip.
George F., NC
Carroll and I want to thank you for planning and executing a truly delightful trip to Germany for us. We enjoyed every minute of the trip! Since Carroll is not especially interested in trains, it is a credit to your foresight that she enjoyed the trip as well. The car museums and the historical sites were a good break in the rail theme.
We think we may take another trip with you in the future because we had such a great time on this trip.
Very Best Regards,
Carl and Carroll W., IL
Anton, we enjoyed the trip to the utmost and you were absolutely wonderful in pointing out highlights, facts and history about the places and sites. We appreciated how you incorporated the model train fans with the spouses and gave both a "tourist's view" of the cities and places of interest, plus the train fans the time to truly enjoy the various layouts!
We believe having the smaller group made a big difference and realize that was to our advantage.
We were lucky! We are both amazed at your knowledge of history and facts of the sites plus Joe said he liked having the no-rush time looking at the train layouts and taking notes.
AND, the hotels and meals were fabulous and it was fulfilling to eat the food of the regions and learn about new foods.
You did it all perfectly! Please express our thank you to your wife for the time she put into planning the itinerary and inns. For all future model train enthusiasts, going with Anton is a 10+ experience you will never forget.
Thank you again, Anton. Have more wonderful trips and if you plan another country, or even somewhere in the US/Canada, keep us on your mailing list.
Sincerely,
Esther and Joe G, CA
Dear Anton,
we thank you for a most memorable trip. It was more than we anticipated. You were so kind. We appreciate it!
With kind regards,
Joe & Shala L, IO
Thank you, Anton, for the best train trip ever! Such a wonderful time. For the first two weeks I kept dreaming I was on (or getting off) trains with you and the whole group -- good dreams!
Again, Anton, thank you so VERY much for a wonderful, thoughtful, fascinating, and delightful guided tour of modern Deutschland.
The more I reflect and remember this trip, the more dazzling, amazing, and satisfying it seems. You are truly the best Conductor, Anton, for all of us. We should all feel very fortunate for this great adventure, and not just for the great weather we had. I came home feeling refreshed, with renewed optimism about the world's future, and with a much better appreciation for German people, culture, history, food, technology, and landscapes. At long last, I'm happy to share the best photos and video clips that Doug and I took on our tour of "train heaven" with you. Please consider this (photos, videos) my gift to you, for there's no way I could have been there to see these things, people, and places without you.
Tausand dank,
Jim W, CA
I loved the trip so much that perhaps I'll do it again at another time of the year. (and he did:)
Dean B, CA
I can't thank you enough for all you did to make our Germany trip so perfect. The week before our fabulous train trip was perfect. Everything worked like clockwork. Our car was terrific (small brand new Mercedes mini van with GPS).
The train tour was fantastic—even interesting for the wives! But I must admit I took a few opportunities to shop when available! The family run layout and "amusement park" in Hardt was especially interesting because of the lovely family we met there. Every stop on the tour was unique in its own way. It was a GREAT vacation. Anton was overly accommodating to everyone's needs. He is a very special person.
It was a fabulous trip. I made a great album of the trip. We look at it often.
Thanks again for everything you and Anton did to give us such a memorable vacation.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou N, CA
Just a note to say thank you so much for our wonderful Germany tour.
Anton, thank you for being the perfect host and always being concerned that everyone was happy and that our requests were fulfilled.
The accommodations were excellent. Mine, thank you for all your hard work making the arrangements. Your research made everything run smoothly. We just wanted to send a note to you and thank you for all that you did to make our trip with Anton absolutely fantastic !!!! Your work "behind the scenes" made the trip very, very nice and enjoyable. Our travel and accommodations were first class thanks to you.
Again, thanks for all your work, we will talk about the trip for many years to come in glowing terms. We are looking forward to seeing you both at the York TCA show.
Take care,
Carol H and Van W, PA
This is a belated thank you for all the arrangements and the "guiding" that you did for the IFRR Model Train Tour in Germany 06/27-7/06/2103. It was truly a delight to be with Anton and the others and to see and do so many interesting things. There isn't a day that goes by but what I have some good thoughts of the trip.
Again, thanks so much for this enjoyable, memorable experience.
Yours in Rotary Fellowship,
Bill R, MN
Listen to “Conductor” Anton. One of our best tours ever!
The September 2011 model train tour really was a wonderful experience! Anton showed every minute his commitment to making it enjoyable. He has real ability to maximize enjoyment and avoid problems…important qualities for a complex trip like this. We've never had a guide do a better job!
Anton’s selections exceeded our expectations…we saw many top quality layouts and he managed to avoid crowded times. He arranged discussions with senior staff and designers, plus visits behind the scenes unavailable to most visitors.
Anton knows how to pick a diverse, quality mix of restaurants, meal menus, and (of course) beers. There was a great set of other tour stops such as museums, auto plants, and major historical buildings. Plus great scenery with colorful descriptions.
Mine truly helped to make the details happen, plus our arrangements to help us with an extended tour in Europe.
You’ll be pleased with the Seckler team – they care about you and give you quality results!
Very glad we visited the 2011 NMRA National show in Sacramento CA or we would not have discovered Anton and MTT! We are completely satisfied with this tour.
Sandy & Neal R, WA
We had a wonderful time. Germany is a beautiful country - all those green and yellow fields - wow!! The trip across the Alps was breathtaking!
Again thank you for all your hard work (and Mine's) to make sure the trip went smoothly.
Happy travels...
Vi and Newt D, TX
In reviewing the photos I was struck by how much we covered. One of my lasting memories is not of a train. It is of those bright yellow fields of flax in bloom.
Beautiful! I wanted to express my gratitude for all you and Mine did. Thank you for a wonderful trip! See you in York. Keep in touch!
Happy Rails
Jim B, PA
Wayne and I really enjoyed your model railroad tour! Perfect mix of model railroad layouts, train trips and culture (with the amazing live steam bonus). Yah! The ride in the steam engine when they opened the fire box. Wow!
So many wonderful and once in a lifetime sights and memories.
In His love,
Wayne and Roy W., NJ
Writing this from the comfort of a great bed after hours of flight. We had an awesome time with Anton's great stories, superb detail to cities, museums, & activities, and many additional adventures. The party is over as Dad says.
It was wonderful. Thank you for some lovely hotels and meals.
Off to dream land.
Cheers,
Kathy N, G., CO
