By RICHARD BURGER

Calling Phil Edminster an expert on toy trains would have to be the understatement of the decade. Maybe even the century. 

Actually, it’s incorrect to say his expertise has anything to do with toys.

What Edminster does is recreate trains in miniature, on a scale of 1.6 inches per foot, and his work is perhaps best described as mechanical artistry.

Those who visit the Toppenish Rail and Steam Museum during the upcoming Toy Train Christmas will have the chance to see Edminster’s artistry first hand, in the replica caboose he will have on display there.

The level of realism in the caboose is mind-boggling:

Doors, drawers, and even sliding windows open and close; the coal box next to the pot-bellied stove has real coal in it; windows have real glass in proportional thickness; beds have real mattresses and pillows; caboose lamps light up and have shades; handmade furniture is complete right down to the Northern Pacific tag affixed to the bottom.

The incredible detail has to be seen to be believed.

Naturally, the realism extends to the rest of the caboose, as well. 

Everything is fully functional, including the plumbing and valves for the steam lines, the couplers, and the car’s suspension.

Virtually every part that went into the caboose was fabricated by Edminster or manufactured to his specifications.

The caboose will be on display throughout the three-weekend run of the event.