06/14/2024
The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Don Cardiff is the man that started it all. Born on April 4, 1938. His fascination with electric model trains began when his uncle returned from WWII with a German train set for his nephews. Don, along with his brothers Dave and Bud, spent hours on the floor playing with the trains and electronics until they were sure they had figured out how it operated.
During the year of 1974 Don had the idea to officially start a business building model railroads and selling them to model train hobbyists, enthusiasts, and storefronts. He and his brothers continued to build these train layouts for customers all across the country. While the business grew so did their skills. Eventually the layouts went from a simple loop of track to complex track plans with realistic mountains, rivers, and thousands of trees.
Don Cardiff did it all, from concept to design, construction, and delivery of these layouts. His creativity and intelligence allowed him to build these one of a kind masterpieces. If you hang around him long enough you’re sure to have a prank or two pulled on you. His wit and humor will definitely have your sides hurting from laughter.
Throughout his life he has raised 5 children and he is surrounded by countless grandchildren; adopted and blood alike. He’s even got a Great Grandson that will grow up to be a fourth generation model railroad builder! Don served in the Air Force and has a love for all things that take flight. His pride in his country and service to it is something to be admired. He loves America, and the values that founded it.
50 years after Don started the business it is still alive and well! We are definitely on the right track. Don’s son Dave Cardiff, and grandson Alex Cardiff, are still working on keeping the vision and dream of building premium model railroads very much alive. What started as a small endeavor with minimal tools, has grown to a 2400 square foot shop decked out with the best tools Milwaukee has to offer. The current number of layouts that have been built by the Cardiff family is over 600 and they are located in 38 out of the 50 states. That number will continue to grow.
A lot changes in 50 years, but Don’s commitment to superior craftsmanship with superior service still stays the same. We might not always do things by the book, but that’s because Don has been building sets before the books were written! These works of art are still up and running in museums or private residences all across the United States. A true testament to his craftsmanship and dedication to his business.
Give this nationally renowned artist a shout out today!
Thank you Don Cardiff for all that you do and for all that you have given to the hobby. Here’s to another 50 years of Layouts by Cardiff and another 50 years of Model Train enthusiasts.
