Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Polarxpress3 posted:I arrived Wednesday evening during a monsoon of a rainstorm. Checked in, and headed over to the DCS users dinner. Not there 10 minutes and met Bryant and his lovely wife.... 10 minutes into meeting him, he had a pen and paper out already giving me ideas when I told him what I was planning on doing. I have made a new train friend in Bryant for sure. Dinner and the conversations were truly fabulous. Dave Hikel and his presentation took me down a road of realizing how much fun I am going to have creating my new train layout. I had the pleasure of getting to know Dave over these last few days, and he has been truly helpful with his recommendations and advice. Will be leaning on him as I build. He was one of MANY who have convinced me to sell all my fast track and get ross switches and gargrave track. Boy did I learn fast on what are some of the musts when doing a real layout.
Thursday breakfast was fun...fabulous pancakes and again, terrific train conversations with now "new friends". Finally when 12pm Thursday arrived, I started my day in the Orange hall and ended there as well.... you know why? I NEVER left!! 6 hours in one hall....drinking out of a fire hose for sure.
One of the bigger investments I made at York was with Mianne. Talk about a terrific guy and patience of a saint... Tim was truly amazing in helping me design my bench work. When it was all said and done I have him building a 15x12 bench to start with. Will be arriving end of November. Truly can not wait to get started. Met so many great vendors, JTs Mega steam, Mike Reagan from Trainworx, Carmen Mauceri from Hobo Junction,Dave from Hikel layouts, Dennis Brennan and so many more!
Finally got to meet Alex Malliae who I have been speaking to on here for a few years now. He introduced me to so many at the meet and we had so many great laughs! Too many new friends to name here... look forward to keeping in touch with all of you.
What can I say about the guys of OGR. I practically tackled Allan Miller in the parking lot when I introduced myself as one of his biggest fans and how I have truly been enjoying his stories over the years. He and I spoke quite a bit over these last few days. A true gentleman and always smiling! Jim Barrett, and I are both living in the Cincinnati area and are sure to get together when he does with others in the area to talk trains.. spent some time with him as well and took some notes as he shared many ideas. Allan Arnold shared some wonderful stories and ideas with me as well... especially his story when he brought a "PT cruiser" to his first York and tried to fit all his purchase in that "monster" of a car...lol. ..and finally Ed Boyle.. what a funny guy with his stories and a terrific MC during the OGR presentation on Friday.
What can I say.... I have been on and off in this hobby for many years, almost gave it all up 6 months ago.... and then I said lets go to York and see what happens.... 3 days later .... new friends.... great stories... knowledge that was shared.... and a pre registration for the April show. Thanks for making my 1st York a truly memorable one! See you guys in April and right her on the OGR forum. Can't wait to get started on my new layout!!!
I missed you post and very kind words. Looking at your list of people you visited, they are high quality business owners, as I have done business with most of them. Tim Foley's benchwork will be a lot of fun and addictive. It is like putting a model together (just one more piece). At 2 in the morning when you are done, make sure you wake up your wife to share the excitement. Be prepared to run...
I look forward to seeing you next October Steve. I will be at the Wyndham on Louck Rd. next time. Our B&B has transitioned to a point to go elsewhere.
Thanks Bryant! I will keep you posted on my progress as well. Should have my delivery from Tim by end of November.Can't Wait!
