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Thanks everyone for pointers to your articles. Kbkchooch - Four County Society of Model Engineers is actually one of the nudges that helped me decided to get active again. I need to order a copy of their module standards. I was at their display in Westminster a few months ago. I haven't been able to attend any meetings because of conflicts with work but I remain hopeful.
I haven't been online much the last few days. Went up to Pittsburgh on Saturday to visit the grandkids. Came back with my grandson. So for the next couple weeks I'll be trying to keep up with a 4 year old! We set up the wooden trains in the family room and have been rearranging the track. The local comptroller (Grandma) says the budget for new track is $0 so we won't be expanding at the moment. but it is still a pretty flexible setup (and he enjoys it which is the most important)
Years back while riding in the cab of a steamer the train crew wanted to know if I though I could fire the engine. I gave it a try and lasted maybe 5 minutes. Not an easy job.
Back in the early '70s, one of my co-workers was called to "fire" a "Passenger Extra" out of West Yard, in Wilmington, DE. (West Yard was the coach yard to the South of Wilmington's passenger station). He arrived dressed in a business suit with white shirt and tie...upon signing up, he learned that they really meant it, he was to "fire" a CP 4-6-4 on an excursion, and not a GG1 or Diesel powered extra . He lived close enough that he was able to run home and change .
My only personal experiences with main line steam was with the former Reading T1 used on the American Freedom Train. That hoss had a stoker. The only downside was the dirt that found it's way to my exposed skin. My other experience was with a US Army 2-8-0 at Ft. Eustis. That was hand fired, but I was on the track gang, and only got a quick look inside the cab.
Years and years ago I had bought stock in the Durango & Silverton when we were still living in Florida. I have no idea why I bought it but I was interested in preserving the railroad. Also, this was before children and we could easily part with the cash. We moved home to Montana in 1977 and I had totally forgotten about buying the stock. Somewhere in the mid 80's we got a letter saying that there was a profit on the stock and wanted to know if we wanted a payment or wanted to re invest the dividend. I chose the latter. We try to get down there every few years and ride the railroad. As a stock holder we do get a few privileges, one of them being able to ride in the cab. After the time spent with a shovel in hand I decided that I would rather just enjoy the ride. Didn't know the shovel didn't have a seat on it.
I think it's time to head home. Guess I did enough damage for the day. The sun is out and not a cloud in the sky. Here's my parting pictures, the Milwaukee Road going over Pipestone Pass east of Butte, MT.
Plastered the back drop today before going to Wally World for groceries. I was going to plaster the front side before putting down road bed and track, but I have decided to put those down first so it is easier to hook up track power through the risers. I have the road bed now but I need to pick up flex track at Saturdays train show. Also if I can't find the bridge kit that I want there I will order it from MTS.
Tomorrow I have to drive down to WPB but will be back tomorrow also. (5 hour round trip).
Like the photos recently..... In particular, I like the IC E6 locomotives and the North Coast Limited photo. .... Trains were much better before Amtrak.
The articulated camelback engine looks unique.
Curt .... Good to see your progress on the layout.
Whew!! Just finished watching the Jets beat St. Louis. What a game. Hopefully they can keep it going and make it into the playoffs. This city will go crazy if they do!
Good morning. It's cloudy and 61.
I've temporarily stopped trying to bend those decoders to my will, and have installed a wired decoder and LED lighting in one of the locomotives. Not surprisingly, it now runs like a Kato. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4SmXPFGKyI
Morning fellers.
Almost 60 here already heading to 86 for a high.
Wish it would rain and knock down this pollen.
While walking back from the store yesterday, I peer across this open grass field about 300 yards across.
Nothing but this big yellow haze of a cloud blowing across. That's pine pollen for those not familiar with this famous GA crud that covers everything in sight. I won't be opening the windows in the train room today. That's for sure.
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Good Morning all--27 degrees and we had some rain last night, enough to make things slippery. Still cloudy, guess they will be with us until Friday. Looks like we are going to dodge the severe weather bullet, though.
Whew!! Just finished watching the Jets beat St. Louis. What a game. Hopefully they can keep it going and make it into the playoffs. This city will go crazy if they do!
When they clinch their playoff spot, Paul Maurice should get Coach of the Year! Between the Jets and the Flames in the West, and the Sens in the East, this has been an interesting season for y'all. Now if Cyndie and the Pens, and Daryl and the Kings get eliminated, it will become a great season. Now, if the Devils win the Draft Lottery, and the Caps advance, I'll have something to cheer about .
. He lived close enough that he was able to run home and change 
