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Reply to "Model Railroader, No Longer with Us, Who Impacted You and Why"

Had to think about this one for a few minutes, but then it hit me. Back in 1969 the NMRA national convention was in Minneapolis. I was eight. My dad saw something in the newspaper about some layouts being open for public viewing. There was one in particular that really captivated me.

Earl Rymerson was a Flyer guy, but more than that, he was a showman. The layout wasn't huge, it filled half the basement of his small house, leaving room for an upright piano and some standing room for guests. The layout was very busy, with all kinds of things to look at. He had these really cool curved bridges, that caught my eye.

After running the trains for a while, he would play the piano and have a sing along, as he frequently hosted scout groups. He also kept a photo album, full of Polaroids that he took of all his visitors. I only when there a few times, but he made a lasting impression on me.

Not long after he passed, about 20 years ago now, his son had the local train group, of which I was a member, over for one last showing. I brought with me one of the Polaroids that Earl had given me. The album was still there, and I was able to locate the matching picture.

Arnold, thanks for making me clean out the cobwebs from that corner of my brain.

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