Well both Big Boy and I survived him meeting my dad. All behaved well[^][:P] After an excellent lunch Big Boy took me and my dad to a huge train shop in Coon Rapids.
The place is called III Rail Trains. My dad worked on the railroad in the 50’s and walking around looking at all the different locomotives brought back alot of memories for him. He told stories I had never even heard before.
I was amazed at the amount of detail on the locomotives. From the brass bells on the steamers(that was free swinging–i tested it[:D]) to the chain across the bars on the front of a diesel(that moved to).
Now that I have seen several locomotives up close I must confess to dear old Big Boy that I am definitly in love with the steamers. I am sure he recognized the glazed look in my eyes[swg].
Big Girl,
You mean there is really a place called Coon Rapids? [:)][:)] Another good name for a station on a layout. Two others that would be good are: Bean Blossom and Gnaw Bone, both real places in Hoosierland.
Morning from Savannah. Off to BPS. Another day and then hit the road tomorrow morning. Big Boy, sounds like you might have caught a “keeper” in Big Girl [and you don’t fish]. Hope all have a great day. One thing, we are missing Jim Duda. He has not been posting for the last couple of days. Last word was email Friday. Anyone know if he is out of town? Spanky, if you or Buckeye have a number, give me an email [I will check tonight at hotel] and I’ll call the OLD guy. God bless all.
Hi all,
Jim is with his son flying model planes this weekend. Modeling is modeling, right[?]
I forgot to ask him if the plane was DCS or TMCC controlled?
Yeah Frank, I think she is a keeper!!! As a matter of fact we will be taking her first train ride on July 2nd. The train will be pull by Milwaukee Road’s northern 261. I saw an ad recently, and Weaver is going to be coming out with this one later this year. I’m not a big steam fan, but this one is special!!! Maybe if I ask my dad nicely for a birthday present.[swg]
I seem to have something stuck in my craw this morning. Looking at the sky out my window there is a storm coming outside. I hope I don’t create one in here too!!![;)]
You got it pegged spankybird, the sound the whistles make and watching the movement. I love the beefy look of 'em.
I’ve thought about going smaller scale( I assume that is would be much more within my price range-but we all know what happens when we assume[;)] ). Seeing so much interesting scenery and buildings at the store yesterday–I have quite a little town imagined already. It would be kind of a tribute to my Mom(she died 2 years ago this summer[V]). She would create the most wonderful scenes on the fireplace mantel -adding a steam train to the mix would complete it.
Big Boy says I can help him with the BIG project but I think eventually I might have to strike out on my own when I have acquired more knowledge–I will have a great tutor.
Yawn…I hope that coffee is STRONG this morning!!! Just got back from the Houston race - got our TexASSes spanked this time…only wound up with a 3rd place trophy. My e-mail server is down until tomorrow morning so I’m gonna take it easy today and race my trains around the 2 pylons I have set up at each end of the **** ant table. Need to get 'em to go a little faster to compete with his airplane…BUT I have the advantage! My course will be dead-on repeatable for the 10 laps - his won’t be. (wink)
WARNING: I’m gonna post some images of those Bush cars from K-line on the Sunday Fun Forum because I don’t want anyone who is considering getting them to be surprised like I was. They require AT LEAST a 3 in. clearance from the center rail on BOTH SIDES to allow the figures to move around the car. Mine won’t fit through my bridges, trestles, etc., and won’t clear the coal loader conveyor and the train stations that I have set up close to the track. On the positive side, they are very well made and detailed, and the drive mechanism that moves them work silky smooth.
Jim:
Around 3:00 p.m. each day, I enjoy a cup of fresh brewed decafe. Just enough caffeine to keep me going.
Thanks for leaving the coffee pot on!
Bill www.modeltrainjournal.com
Toad Suck - Another great name for a location on a layout. [:D][:D][:D] Couldn’t you just see an article in CTT with a big beautiful layourt and the name on the station Toad Suck, Arkansas. What a hoot!![:D][:D][:D]
I found out more concerning Toad Suck [:)][:)]
Meanwhile, Toad Suck, Ark., was named for ferryboat captains who sucked down moonshine whisky in between runs until they “swole up like toads.”
No coffee for me right now almost time to hit the sack.
3 am will be here all to soon for me, but must make a living
somehow. Good night all talk to you later.[zzz]
Big Girl, I think the fish caught the fisherman. [:D] Now Jimbo, glad you were out flying around and not hold up sick or something. I’m through at BPS for thsi week. Head home tomorrow morning. A few days there and then Charlotte BP on Friday. Poor old retired working man. [;)]
I can’t belive it, 72 deg at 5:30am and going up to 78 or so today in NE Ohio. Just think, I week ago we had - what was that white stuff on the ground - oh well, I sure am glad winter is over and spring - heck - summer has come
Hey Jim - I tried that new phone number and it wasn’t working yet [?] [?]
Have a safe trip home Chief
Big Girl - I am glad that Big boy and your dad got along OK
Big Boy - I am glad that Big Girl like STEAM Power
Where’s the Chief this morning? I bet he is sleeping in because he had to work so hard yesterday. I wonder if one of his battery chargers would work with MTH engines? Better yet, drop one of those trolling motors into a Williams and watch it pull the house down.
