Ok I know this might sound lame, but bear with me…
. My soon to be wife (April 22nd) and I going to get each other wedding gifts. I am taking her to Las Vegas for 4 days cause she loves the lights, the partys, and good times. She, in returns wants to buy me something and she knows, I would love nothing more than something train related. But I have problem… I have no idea what…
For the last 8 months, I have wanted 2 things, undeocrated deisel to paint up for my road and get one of those Hudson’s from Trainworld. Well, I got lucky and got my new engines, and to top it off, Christmas came very late for me and two weeks ago I got 2 of those Husdons… So, my wish list is empty. Ack!
I know this sounds silly and stupid, but I have no idea what I want… I mean I want it all, but what’s next… i dunno…
So some back ground. I model 1956 and 2006. My layout is solid. Good on track, buildings, I am leaning toward a new engine. Dont know if I could afford another steam engine with sound. (Im hooked on sound) I have RR based in the south west. I think I have about 150 to 200 range…
I am thinking of the BLI sound equipped SD40’s. Maybe one of the Athearn Geni SD45 with sound? Anyone have one yet? Any ideas? Hey, mild or wild, lemme hear some ideas.[:D]
What about a barn with 3 double garages underneath, a workshop alongside and a clearspan upperstorey ? Then you could spend the next whatever years building the world’s second biggest model rail layout. Think of the years of wedded bliss that would ensure !! The 30 or so operators could come over once a month or so, wifey could cook up some snacks for the crew and she’d never get tired of you…she’d most likely never see ya !
Go on, ask her…
Knock her socks off and be a real sweetheart and double the days in Vegas to 8!
Ok, back to reality. If you really love sound, as I am hooked, how about searching hard for a blow out from Trainworld (I think a 10%off day is coming up) or elsewhere for a non sound steam engine. And begin your decoder installing days by buying a Tsunami decoder and a couple of speakers. Standard Hobby in NJ clears out BLI stock for them sometimes.
The second batch of BLI first generation switchers (with sound) are still around. They would fit in either or your eras.
Anyway…congrats. Hope you guys have a long, happy life together.
A sworn and signed statement by her that, being of sound mind and under no duress, she solemnly swears that she will never, ever, under any circumstances complain about your trains, including but not limited to, your train friends, your train expenditures, your train trips, your books, magazines, DVDs, your time spent on this Forum, so long as you both shall live so help you. That could be worth more than any mere trinket a hobby shop could sell you.
Trust me on this. And best wishes.
Dave Nelson
I like Dave Nelson’s idea. It works for my buddy with all his cars, mini-bikes and snowmobile dealings.
Anyway, how much is four days of Vegas going to cost you? If she wins big money, aim high. Ask for a Overland Brass Locomotive and a premium DCC and sound equipped decoder.
Congratulations, Big John–and WOWSER!! The wife-to-be sounds like an absolute WINNER!!
So–how about a BLI 2-10-4, either C&O or Pennsy? Either one will haul anything you want to put behind it, the sound is superb, and they just look like BUSINESS, coming down the track at’cha. I’ve got the Pennsy, and believe me, it gets quite a bit of run-time over the Yuba Sub. Gorgeous locos.
Again, sincere congratulations.
Tom [tup][tup]
Well, one of the reasons she supports me so much is that I havent gone off the deep end. I always keep it simple, and realistic. Hey, were a young couple with a kid, we both work pretty hard and there are always things money needs to be spent on. So, I have always been good with the money. She knows I save my change, skip or pack my lunch to work too save some bucks. I have even gotten lucky on a few occasions and sold some paint work. So, when I do come home home from the hobby shop with somethings that “followd me home”. She has never given me greif. But with that arrangement, I try and keep my wish list short. [:D]
Coal hobbers are a great idea. 15-18 would be plenty fo rmy layout…atleast for awhile. I woudl love to do the 2-6-6-2, and yes, it woudl probably go with the KVR on it[:p]. I have been looking at the Atlas Sound, but that migth be a bit much. I think I am gonn surf for good deals. So maybe I shoudl ask this… Any good deals goign out there right now?
I all ready got a SW7 (it was the last undecorated one they had) and 2 Hudons from Trainworld. Any other good close outs or deals like that?
Tom, I think you have something there. Wish list empty?? What is that??
My mind is thinking that maybe his betrothed has somehow learned to subliminally remove any need to work or buy new things for the railroad. She might be testing her work by asking you what you would like. The fact that you cannot come up with something means it’s working. [;)]
Has she made you listen to any music lately? Do you find yourself asking her “What did you say” and she replies, “I didn’t say anything” Hmmmm
Just having some fun, She sounds like a keeper. Best of luck to you and your fiancee.
My advice to you is that whatever you decide to get will hold a special place in HER heart. People don’t get married everyday. She will want you to see this on your railroad and think of her. You may want to get something like a model of the house you will first live in together. Or the supplies needed to model the place where you proposed.
Dave,
Ya nailed it. I think that is what is getting to me. I want it to be somethign cool. My Cab Forward? She and my mom got it for me on our second Christmas. My SD Athearn Genisis? Got that on my 29th birthday… Yeah, they do hold spleacail spots, and this one, will be the biggest one of them all… All though, I got thinking about trying to find un-decorated AC6000 from BLI… hmm…