Comedian Buys Home To Save A Model Railroad

Comedian James Murray, star of truTV’s “Impractical Jokers,” bought a home in Rocky Hill, New Jersey, for $1.3 million for one reason: to save the massive model railroad in the basement.

The Pacific Southern Railway Club maintains this miniature world, where HO-scale trains run through a working dispatch system. Since 1964, dedicated members have laid 12,000 feet of track deep in the basement of the home.

Thousands of people visit the railroad each year, and Murray plans to become involved with the club and help run the railroad.

Train lovers Carlton and Ann Pate built the five-bedroom home on a two-acre lot. Anne sold the house after Carlton passed away in 2024.

Changes to the club and the layout are on the way. Murray is pushing full steam ahead with a new website, digital memberships, and big plans for a train-themed space. Soon, kids will find games and rides when they visit.

The Murrays are turning a family room at the back entrance into a lounge and redecorating it to look like a 1950s train car. Murray plans to set up his own Lionel model trains in the three-car garage.

Next October, Murray and wife Melyssa will host their yearly fundraiser against Alzheimer’s. Past events brought in $200,000 for research at the Fisher Center.

Train buffs worldwide can now join online. Members get video access, free event passes and special items. Weekly train runs keep the tracks warm, and the club welcomed national rail enthusiasts for a special showing.

In Memoriam: Jeffrey Setzer

Jeffrey L. Setzer, 68, of Lower Nazareth Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday,

May 31, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Sharon Setzer (Clift),

to whom he was married for 37 years. Born in Wilson Borough, Pennsylvania, Jeff was a son of the late Willard and Grace Setzer (Jacoby).

He devoted his life to farming, working tirelessly in agriculture at Walnut Way Farms, which has been in his family for almost 100 years. His hands shaped the land he loved, and his spirit enriched the lives of those around him.

He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as playing poker and pinochle, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, and spending treasured moments with his grandson, family and friends. His trips to Las Vegas were always filled with laughter and adventure, showcasing his zest for life.

In addition to his work in agriculture, Jeff owned and operated Trains & Lanes Hobbies in Easton, Pennsylvania, and was a proud member of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association.

In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Cristie Fay (Andrew) of Bethlehem and Chelie Setzer (Drew) of Washington, DC; grandson, Jordan Andrew Fay

and one on the way, Cameron Jeffrey Fay; brother, Randy Setzer (Kim) of Easton; nieces, Amanda Setzer and Kelly Setzer, and a nephew, Michael Tashner. He was predeceased by a sister, Linda Kichline.

Reprieve In Tariff Talks

Talks between the U.S. and China may offer some relief to

companies that import goods from China, with a lower tariff temporarily in place.

In a joint statement, the governments of the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China agreed to roll back destructive tariff rates for 90 days, pending further talks.

Under executive orders from the Trump Administration, the devastating 45% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods will effectively drop to 30%, while China will reduce its tariff on U.S. goods to just 10%.

While details are not yet set, He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council, will represent China in the ongoing negotiations, while Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jamieson Greer, Trade Representative, will represent the U.S.

While many in the hobby and toy industries will no doubt argue that a 30% tariff is still too high in a business that functions on tight margins, any relief is welcome. Production delays and shipping pauses have created a ripple effect through the supply chain that rivals the shutdowns of 2020.

One concern is that the rush to resume production and shipping during the tariff hiatus will lead to price gouging by ocean freight carriers, similar to other recent supply chain emergencies that further squeeze margins.

The full ongoing impact remains uncertain because the pause that began May 14 comes amid the previously announced 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on goods from other countries that expires July 31. HM