Maybe it was the sound of the train’s whistle or the rhythmic clacking of the tracks that ignited a spark in five-year old Lou Botta’s soul one Christmas morning more than 70 years ago. When Lou first saw his toy train chugging around the Christmas Tree, it inspired a passion that guided his career, brought him solace in quiet moments, and left a legacy for others to enjoy.
Now in his late 70s, Lou’s final gift to this world is wonder. May children of all ages feel a sense of wonder through his treasured train collection.
“His first train set changed everything for him,” Lou’s sister Gloria says. “He built a train platform and made model houses to perfection.”
As the little sister, Gloria marveled at Lou’s steadfast dedication to perfection and technical skills which he continued to hone from a young age. From building train sets to restoring cars, if it had wheels, it had Lou’s undivided attention.
“Once my brother had his license, I would beg him to take me for rides,” Gloria adds. “I felt so cool and grown up when we rode through the neighborhood.”
After high school, vocational, and technical school in New Jersey, Lou moved to central Pennsylvania to work as a welder and mechanic for Norfolk Southern. He worked in the Enola Yard, a major hub for freight trains traveling from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. Lou’s childhood dreams had become a reality as the sounds of train whistles and clacking train tracks filled his workdays up until his retirement.
During his spare time, Lou’s love of toy trains grew. He traveled to train and hobby shows to purchase trains, custom signs and other memorabilia to build his masterpiece, an exact replica of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. His model included vintage diners, cars, and the tunnels and signage heading into Pittsburgh. Many elements reflect the 1950s timeframe which coincided when young Lou first fell in love with trains.
As Lou’s health declined over the past few years, his time with his trains helped lift his spirits and give him strength. He died peacefully in April 2026 surrounded by Gloria and his treasured train collection. During his end of the life journey, Lou received services through Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout central Pennsylvania.
In his final weeks, Homeland’s Kaneesha Arvelo LPN, visited Lou regularly. She was honored when Lou invited her to see his train replicas which made up nearly half of his restored basement. Kaneesha anticipated a few toys on a modest platform and was overwhelmed with joy and nostalgia when she took in the breadth of his collection. As a Pittsburgh native, Kaneesha’s eyes were immediately drawn to the tunnels leading into the city from the Turnpike.
“I was so excited to see the tunnels,” Kaneesha says. “I told him how that aspect reminded me of my childhood travels.”
During their time together, Lou began to let down his guard with Kaneesha and share stories of his time with Norfolk Southern and his passion for trains. He was proud to share the time and skill needed to find the perfect replicas to make his replicas more than a collection. He wanted it to inspire memories of simpler times and leave us with the wonder of trips we will only take in our minds.
Lou hoped he would read this story and share it with others. He joked that he would be famous. Sadly, the train whistle blew from the next life, calling him home faster than anyone anticipated. While he is gone, the legacy he created will carry on in anyone who experiences the childlike wonder of his collection.
“He just wanted to make people happy through trains,” Gloria says. “I believe he has done this and more.”
The next time you are stopped in traffic for a train crossing, take a breath and listen for the train whistle. Think of Lou calling you to exhale your worries, and tell your inner child it’s time to play and dream again.
To learn more about Homeland Center contact (717) 221-7900.
