“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.
With all of the upcoming holiday travel set to ensue in the coming weeks, one thing’s for sure – South Station will soon be a particularly busy hub in the Hub. And many of the travellers going to and from Boston (including yourself) are likely to see the 2013 annual holiday train display located in the heart of South Station.
The detailed 575 square foot miniature train display features a New England themed layout with five moving trains, an upgraded coastal scene, underwater elements such as a shipwreck and moving submarine, a park, a lighthouse with sound effects, rivers, mountains and more.
The architect and builder of this South Station masterpiece, Mark Carroll, believes that the display is his way of honoring the city of Boston and the New England region he’s called home for 50 years. Not to mention, a wonderful way to indulge in his lifelong passion of building toy trains. Here’s how the busy architect spends his typical day.
How do you spend most mornings?
I spend most mornings at my modeler’s bench. If I’m outside, I’ll usually observing the buildings, the city and thinking how to copy it in miniature.
What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
I need to make sure all the complex systems in the train display (in South Station) run smoothly.
What do you love most about designing and building the holiday train display at South Station?
I love sharing the city’s past with recent visitors to Boston.
What is the worst part and the best part about your typical day?
The very worst is when the electrical circuits don’t work right! The best is when little children chase the trains around the display.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
Don’t waste down time. Use it for something practical and positive: learning, building, etc.
What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
Easy. I’d sleep in!
What’s one TV show you can’t live without right now?
BBC News.
If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
Installing the model of underwater explorer Bob Ballard’s famous Alvin submersible on the train display.
Think you have an interesting day-to-day life or know someone who does? Send an email to marian
