For reasons I don’t understand, ever since the pandemic got going, I haven’t been down to the layout in spite of have plenty of time on my hands. Unfortunately, that hasn’t kept me from buying all sorts of stuff!!! Well, the boxes having reached critical mass, I finally had to unbox and test everything... so here is a litany of my recent purchased (in light of the times, I’ve tried to spread my spending!!!):
First, I picked up a Lionel 2-pack of Long Island 21” passenger cars and an FA-2 Cab Car from Charles Ro to go with the LIRR C-420. Looks like the LIRR is testing some equipment in a bid to get a contract to run trains on the Pocono - New York City run if it is ever restored!!!
Next up, I got two Atlas Canadian Pacific bulkhead flat cars. Other than I really like the CP, I didn’t have any of this type car (and Micro-Mark was having a great sale). 
By the way... anyone have any suggestions as to what sort of load these cars carried???
Next, I’ve wanted to put together a work train for a while (I’ve had a TMCC crane for a few years), so I picked up three Lionel NYC cars from Grzyboski’s - the tool car, bunk car, and kitchen car. I must say, it was weird calling in an order and having it delivered instead of just driving over and picking them up.
I must say, the detail on these cars is very nice, although some of the couplers are rather stiff. Also, while I have enjoyed the various sound cars, the chatter from the kitchen car is rather inane and annoying!!!
Next, I picked up three MTH cars from Mr. Muffins which I found in one of his frequent e-mails (if you don’t get them, I’d highly recommend signing up). First, a Pan Am boxcar. Having worked at 27th Street and Park Avenue South for over 30 years, I fondly remember the Pan Am symbol high up on their building at Grand Central...
And because I love the D&H (and NY!!!)…
And just because it is very striking...
Next, I picked up the CP FA-2 set from Nicholas Smith. As I’ve said, I like the CP, and especially this paint scheme (the first “set” of trains I purchase on my own was the Maple Leaf Limited in ‘81 with a SD-24 in the same scheme). This is a rather interesting set - the AA units are both powered... I am so use to having only one powered unit. I also got the SuperBass B unit. They are striking to say the least.
Finally, and this was a present, so I technically didn’t buy it, is another of the NYC Subway paintings I’ve been commissioning for the last few years. All the others were strictly based on the actual tile work from a number of the original stations in the subway system, but this one is something of a fantasy...
I’ve gotta stop buying stuff. Said no one ever!!!
