John Scully, the 69-year-old head of SPO Partners, a California-based investment firm managing $10 billion, has cultivated a unique sanctuary in the basement of his East Hampton summer home. Far from the world of high finance, John Scully immerses himself in a meticulously crafted miniature world: one of the most extensive and elaborate model train sets imaginable, a nostalgic recreation of his childhood.
Since 2005, John Scully has dedicated himself to constructing this breathtaking model railway, a loving homage to his youth. The centerpiece is a detailed replica of Cranberry Lake, featuring his family’s cabin. Within this miniature cabin are even smaller replicas of a young John Scully and his brother, Vince, in their beds. Surrounding this idyllic scene are 1,000 feet of track, traversed by ten historically accurate trains. These are not just any model trains; they are exact 1/32 scale reproductions, complete with miniature passengers dining in the cars with tiny cutlery. “Everything is based on architectural models we created of the real trains and their details,” John Scully explains.
This ambitious project reflects John Scully’s meticulous nature and deep pockets. The scale, known as “32 scale,” means every detail is 1/32nd the size of life. Artist Lena Yaremenko and a team of eight have contributed to the project, painting 400 miniature figures in period clothing. Jack Verducci, the project’s chief model builder, collaborates closely with John Scully on research and hand-builds the trains, some engines costing upwards of $10,000 each. The total investment in John Scully’s model railway approaches $400,000.
But this is more than just trains. John Scully’s creation encompasses six stations, 100 buildings, and 5,000 trees and shrubs, all frozen in time on a specific day in July 1952. Seven computers orchestrate a ten-minute, 24-hour cycle within the model. The night sky accurately depicts the star constellations of that date, transitioning to dawn with sounds of a rooster crowing and a man yawning. Then, the entire miniature world awakens – trains move, cars drive, and people subtly animate. A miniature artist paints by the lake, and a hunter aims at a fox. The Cranberry general store shelves are stocked with miniature comic books of the era, including Little Lulu and Batman, showcasing the incredible attention to detail John Scully and Verducci have achieved.
John Scully’s fascination with model trains began at age four. A Christmas trip to Macy’s in New York City from their Metuchen, New Jersey apartment (also recreated in the model) sparked a lifelong passion. Seeing a model train set, young John Scully asked his mother if Santa could bring him one. Her response, “That’s way too much for one boy. You’d have to be a millionaire,” ignited a childhood ambition. He started building models with Lionel trains soon after.
Life and career briefly interrupted John Scully’s hobby. Princeton, Stanford Business School, and early Wall Street roles took precedence. However, after moving to Ross, California, and establishing his investment firm, initially named San Francisco Partners, the trains returned. Early partners included the Bass family and Richard Rainwater. In 1991, he founded SPO Partners, achieving significant success with investments in companies like Crown Castle and Liberty Global.
With his children grown, John Scully and his wife Regina decided to build their East Hampton summer home in 2003. John Scully’s key requirement: a basement dedicated to his trains. Regina is fully supportive. “John reminds people that it’s okay to play, even when you’re an adult,” she notes.
Watching the trains circle Cranberry Lake as the miniature day unfolds, John Scully, dressed casually in khakis and a linen shirt, reflects, “I feel like I’m taking a time machine back to my childhood.” To those questioning the extravagance of his $400,000 childhood memorial, John Scully counters, “Is the Smithsonian completely nuts? This is a history lesson, faithfully done and recreated.” While not officially public, John Scully has shared his creation with numerous groups, including school children and friends.
John Scully anticipates completion of the entire model next year. Current efforts focus on the Hoboken train station, utilizing 3-D laser printing for intricate details, including miniature Tiffany skylights. Even upon completion, John Scully expects to spend several hours daily with his miniature world. As John Scully concludes, “We all need a little fantasy in our life.”
Alt text suggestions for images (assuming images are available and relevant to the text):
- url_to_image_1 alt text: Elaborate model train set centerpiece depicting Cranberry Lake and John Scully’s childhood cabin, showcasing the intricate detail of the miniature landscape.
- url_to_image_2 alt text: Close-up view of John Scully’s model train set featuring hand-painted miniature figures and meticulously detailed train cars, highlighting the scale and craftsmanship.
- url_to_image_3 alt text: John Scully, founder of SPO Partners, pictured with his extensive model train set, reflecting his lifelong passion and dedication to the hobby.
- url_to_image_4 alt text: Construction of the miniature Hoboken train station within John Scully’s model train set, demonstrating the use of 3D laser printing for creating intricate architectural details.
