a picture a day....

FOR TODAY:  The crew of WSLC number 8 is about ready to take on water from the penstock.  After the slow march of its' train load of timber, from up in the mountains to Patsburg yard, number 8 is ready for a drink of water before its' slow march back up the mountain with a cut of empty flat cars.  Hogger Toots Haggert sits at the throttle, as brakemen Wiff Suggs and J.D. Dexter  stretch their legs on the ground.  

Scott'.. beautiful set.  What brand are those F-7s?... They look and sound really good'...👍

FOR TODAY:  The RIP Track is busy today ..... It may be still on the front side of planting season but this FJSR Car Dept. crew is on the RIP track repairing the top hatches on this vat car well before harvest season.  They've got 15 of these vat cars to be ah fixen today!

Car Dept. Superintendant A.J. Nichols seems to always have his sights set far down the field.  Ol Grumpy AJ, as his crews reffer to him, always thinks way ahead.  His crews get enough of the daily repair work of replacing brake shoes, busted couplers, etc.  He don't need to be ah fixen a bunch of vat cars in mid July.  

Here we see master welder Flint Sparks on top of the car as his helper, Ned Noakly,  looks on.  Ol' Grumpy AJ is seen on the ground, in yellow hard hat facing away from the camera. He's ah chewin out Foreman Biff Quigly, who leans on the tailgate of the pick up,  for not having more men on this project.  Boy oh boy poor Biff is getting an ear full too!  Car mechanic Don Bevans opens the door to the pick up truck pretending not o hear any of the #^$% tongue lashing.  One thing fir sure ... that young feller who's standing by that pile of ties looking on .... well, he's ah learning a whole mess of new words today ... and that's fir gol dang sure!!  Just another day on the railroad!  

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Just another day on the railroad!

Nice piece of art Patrick 🎨

Scott, those are some really nice engines! I really love the Zepher's! The one could make a Coors train out of them! LOL

Patrick, Love the story of the Vat car repairs! I sure am glad I don't work on that crew! LOL

Patrick - what a story on the Vat car repair...just great fun.  Thanks for posting.

Don

FOR TODAY: A day off cruising country roads on my bicycle.  

Here we see farmer Silas Lash on his tractor early this morning.  He's taking a wagon load of hay down to the barn which is about a half mile away.   His wife, Edna yells to him " Be back to the house in time for lunch!"  Meanwhile an oncoming  short freight train trundles across the bridge.

Just another day on the railroad.

@trumptrain posted:

Just another day on the railroad.

Beautiful scene Patrick.  Great modeling.                                      This is one side of the ' mountain '  I've not seen before.     

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  The crew of WSLC number 8 is about ready to take on water from the penstock.  After the slow march of its' train load of timber, from up in the mountains to Patsburg yard, number 8 is ready for a drink of water before its' slow march back up the mountain with a cut of empty flat cars.  Hogger Toots Haggert sits at the throttle, as brakemen Wiff Suggs and J.D. Dexter  stretch their legs on the ground.  

Love that Shay Patrick! I missed this post! K-line, I’ll say it again, they sure made some great models at reasonable prices, to bad they didn’t make it.

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Scott'.. beautiful set.  What brand are those F-7s?... They look and sound really good'...👍

Quarter Gauger 48, they are Lionel Legacy from the 2008 catalog.

I posted this for more info:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...7#160504834983094977

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Love that Shay Patrick! I missed this post! K-line, I’ll say it again, they sure made some great models at reasonable prices, to bad they didn’t make it.

Thanks Scott!  I always had wanted a Shay, however, the prices of new ones were too expensive for my budget.  When Allen Miller, our Editor in Chief, put this one up for sale on the OGR Forum, I jumped on it!  I then picked it up from Allan while at York.   I love this engine, however as I stated in a prior post, I only run it when quests come to see the layout.  With K line long gone, replacement parts would be as rare as hen's teeth.  

I agree with you regarding the demise of K line. Yes it is too bad they are no longer in existence.   IMHO they certainly made some of the finest passenger cars offered, with the exception of Golden Gate Depot.  Your California Zephyr passenger cars look fantastic! btw!!  K line also made a great operating milk car and other fine operating cars not to mention some wonderfully detailed locomotives and freight rolling stock.

FOR TODAY:  It's spring break and school is out!  Yeah!!  Here's what Patsburg's teachers and students do on their break. ... Just another day in Patsburg.

English teacher, Ms. Gringold walks her dog, Babo, through Freedom Park in downtown Patsburg.  

It's all about Good Humor at Westend Park for these kids!  Geometry teacher Mr. Kendall spends quiet time sitting on a park bench.  

Chucky Klompford and his friend Nubby Jackson explore the rail yard.

Physical Education teacher/basketball coach Mr. Stretch Long gets away from it all at his cabin.

Glad to see the bicycle boys are out of school and nebbin' around the rail yard!!

Great photos and story Patrick! I know it's hard to see from this angle, but I think the bike is still missing the handlebars! LOL

I wish I was that talented to be able to ride a bike that way, but then again I have a hard time riding a bike now a days! LOL

FOR TODAY:  Chucky and his friend Wally Cyrus take advantage of spring break to get out of town on their bikes and explore the railroad around Patsburg.  They decided to see what was happening up on the Mountain Division.   After a long uphill ride out of town,  the boys see this Western Maryland plug door boxcar with an unloading crew about to slide the door open.  They kept pedaling and didn't stick around to see what cargo the car was carrying.  Chucky felt his gut telling him that there was something special yet to be discovered by the duo. Further down the tracks  the boys discover an abandoned  spur, overgrown with weeds and bushes, leading off the mainline.  With peaked curiosity, the boys just had to find out to where the spur led.  They rode their bikes beside the old spur for as long as possible until the brush became too thick.  At that point the pair carried their bikes through the brush until they came to this clearing which brought them to discover this old steam locomotive overgrown with bushes.  Wow wee gee!!!  Chucky exclaimed.  Totally speechless Wally's eyes were as big as saucers!    How long do you think this locomotive has been here?  Chucky exclaimed.  "Must have been here since the late 1940's or early 50's" replied Wally.  Motioning to move forward Chucky exclaims "Let's go in for a closer look Wally!"   You bet Chucky! Lets check out this old beast!   We'll have a lot to tell everyone tonight once we get back home!   And so it is .... Just another day on the railroad.  

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY: A day off cruising country roads on my bicycle.  

Here we see farmer Silas Lash on his tractor early this morning.  He's taking a wagon load of hay down to the barn which is about a half mile away.   His wife, Edna yells to him " Be back to the house in time for lunch!"  Meanwhile an oncoming  short freight train trundles across the bridge.

Just another day on the railroad.

Love the peacock Patrick! LoL The peacock is looking a bit frisky and romantic with his plumage on full display, the guy in the brown sweater is keeping a close eye on him. That gardening tool might come in handy if need be. ;-)

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Chucky and his friend Wally Cyrus take advantage of spring break to get out of town on their bikes and explore the railroad around Patsburg.  They decided to see what was happening up on the Mountain Division.   After a long uphill ride out of town,  the boys see this Western Maryland plug door boxcar with an unloading crew about to slide the door open.  They kept pedaling and didn't stick around to see what cargo the car was carrying.  Chucky felt his gut telling him that there was something special yet to be discovered by the duo. Further down the tracks  the boys discover an abandoned  spur, overgrown with weeds and bushes, leading off the mainline.  With peaked curiosity, the boys just had to find out to where the spur led.  They rode their bikes beside the old spur for as long as possible until the brush became too thick.  At that point the pair carried their bikes through the brush until they came to this clearing which brought them to discover this old steam locomotive overgrown with bushes.  Wow wee gee!!!  Chucky exclaimed.  Totally speechless Wally's eyes were as big as saucers!    How long do you think this locomotive has been here?  Chucky exclaimed.  "Must have been here since the late 1940's or early 50's" replied Wally.  Motioning to move forward Chucky exclaims "Let's go in for a closer look Wally!"   You bet Chucky! Lets check out this old beast!   We'll have a lot to tell everyone tonight once we get back home!   And so it is .... Just another day on the railroad.  

Patrick, please do me a favor and make a handle bars out a large paper clip. Attach it with some tacky wax....  And the I think Mike will stop complaining about no handle bars on that dargon bike.... finally ........(LOL)>>>>😆😁

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Patrick, please do me a favor and make a handle bars out a large paper clip. Attach it with some tacky wax....  And the I think Mike will stop complaining about no handle bars on that dargon bike.... finally ........(LOL)>>>>😆😁

LOL TED!  The boy on that handlebar-less bike is Chucky.  Chucky took those handle bars off his bike because he doesn't need them.  I'll tell that boy is talented!  He's been seen around town going down hills doing hand stands while holding onto the seat.  He stands on the cross bar on one foot while the bike is in motion.  He's been seen pedaling forward while sitting backwards and he's been known to pop a wheelie for over a quarter mile!  Folks all over Patsburg swear that boy will run away with the circus one day ... LOL!  

I will, however, let Chucky know you have a good idea about handlebars.  We shall see, in time, if he trys out your suggestion.

Chucky takes me back, not for doing stunts on the bike, but for exploring.  I remember kids who could do tricks.  I was just glad I could ride straight and not fall over.

Mark Boyce - Yes, I'm with you as, I was not a trickster when riding bikes in my younger years LOL! ... Though I had a couple of friends that would do some crazy acrobatics while riding a bike!

FOR TODAY:  Brakeman Scoop Farnsworth on the job early this morning.  ... Just another day on he railroad.

Afternoon guys, I am not complaining! LOL I think Chucky is one heck of a bike rider! Way more talented then I am!

Sure is nice to see Scoop is on the job and not out tanning in the wonderful weather there in Patsburg!

Here is to Chucky'................😁👍 keep on pedaling'......

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Patrick, please do me a favor and make a handle bars out a large paper clip. Attach it with some tacky wax....  And the I think Mike will stop complaining about no handle bars on that dargon bike.... finally ........(LOL)>>>>😆😁

@trumptrain posted:

LOL TED!  The boy on that handlebar-less bike is Chucky. 

I will, however, let Chucky know you have a good idea about handlebars.  We shall see, in time, if he trys out your suggestion.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Chucky takes me back, not for doing stunts on the bike, but for exploring.  I remember kids who could do tricks.  I was just glad I could ride straight and not fall over.

.........and IF you use Ted's paperclip idea Patrick........make the front wheel turned to the LEFT and the handlebars turned to the RIGHT.

My friend at his small MC shop  always tricked us with so many inventive ideas that we couldn't wait to see what he had thought up from time to time.                            If you think you are good with tricks on a bicycle try riding his left turning handle bar and the right aimed front wheel for awhile .  It's really funny what habits can do to you .

FOR TODAY:  Dinky Dawson takes a well deserved break!  He's loaded both of these REA trailers this morning all by his lonesome self.  The other two fellers called in sick this morning so Dinky went into high gear overdrive and got the job done.  As Dinky sits in the doorway of the boxcar, he realizes the correlation between pay day being yesterday and those two other guys saying they were going to the bar last night to tie one on?  He thinks '"yeah I'll bet those fellers are sick" ... he chuckles " probably hung over is more like it!"  

There's still a little bit of Saturday morning left and his wife will be here to pick him up shortly.  He plans to get home and get cleaned up.  Then he will take his wife up to Westend Patsburg to one of those fancy restaurants for a delicious leisurely lunch ... and then out to a motion pictures at the Westend Theatre.  After doing all this Dinky thinks to himself " I wonder what I'll find in my Easter basket this evening .... hmmm."   ..... Just another day on the railroad.  

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Dinky Dawson takes a well deserved break!  He's loaded both of these REA trailers this morning all by his lonesome self.  The other two fellers called in sick this morning so Dinky went into high gear overdrive and got the job done.  As Dinky sits in the doorway of the boxcar, he realizes the correlation between pay day being yesterday and those two other guys saying they were going to the bar last night to tie one on?  He thinks '"yeah I'll bet those fellers are sick" ... he chuckles " probably hung over is more like it!"  

There's still a little bit of Saturday morning left and his wife will be here to pick him up shortly.  He plans to get home and get cleaned up.  Then he will take his wife up to Westend Patsburg to one of those fancy restaurants for a delicious leisurely lunch ... and then out to a motion pictures at the Westend Theatre.  After doing all this Dinky thinks to himself " I wonder what I'll find in my Easter basket this evening .... hmmm."   ..... Just another day on the railroad.  

Nice story Patrick! Dinky sure sounds like one heck of a man! You should put this in your book so some of the younger generation can read about it! Might learn something!

Entrance to the Train Room, old schedule sign around 50 plus years old from the local brewery

FOR TODAY:  Number 75 taking on water at the plug.  Fireman Cephus Gitner and brakeman Willy Slick are on the tender deck as hogger Buzzy Cranford has slid over to the fireman's seat to check some gauges.  A cast of characters at the tower watch the action.  .... Just another day on the railroad.

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Number 75 taking on water at the plug.  Fireman Cephus Gitner and brakeman Willy Slick are on the tender deck as hogger Buzzy Cranford has slid over to the fireman's seat to check some gauges.  A cast of characters at the tower watch the action.  .... Just another day on the railroad.

Patrick, once again I reel like I'm there. Great picture, story, and names!

FYI - Check you OGR personal messages.

FOR TODAY:  Hipshot Riley drives his forklift towing a trailer while Archie Bly and Claude Odem hitch a ride. For these three men it's quitting time.  As for the crew unloading the boxcar ... well those fellers got a few more hours of hard work ahead of them. Just another day on the railroad!

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Just another day on the railroad! .............................and........anothergreat story and scene Patrick.

Thanks for sharing .

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Thanks for sharing .

Thanks so much for the kind words Dallas!  Glad you liked the scene and story

Joe under the bridge taking a smoke break

Just finished final touches to this scene.  On the reader board is the names of my brother inlaw Pastor Rev. Dan Dunn who passed away 2 weeks ago. Also on the reader board is his son chaplain  Major Steve Dunn. Steve served in Iraq  and Afghanistan 2 tours.  This scene will be in place on my layout until this old railroaded passes. I do hope you all like.

@Bill Grafmiller posted:

Just finished final touches to this scene.  On the reader board is the names of my brother in-law Pastor Rev. Dan Dunn who passed away 2 weeks ago. Also on the reader board is his son chaplain  Major Steve Dunn. Steve served in Iraq  and Afghanistan 2 tours.  This scene will be in place on my layout until this old railroaded passes. I do hope you all like.

Bill, That is an excellent memorial!!

FOR TODAY:  " That's no Bull!!!"  Those are the words that spewed from the mouth of animal handler Buford Creech, with whip in hand.  Chucky rode his bike down to the tracks to see what was to be unloaded from the livestock car on team track 1.  While at Floyd's Barber Shop this morning,  he heard ol Bufford bragging it up about how he was to be in total command of that shipment of bulls  and that he was ready to crack his big whip. He said " I ain't taken no bull off a bull!"   Evidently ol Buford Creech didn't get the memo.   When he saw that buffalo coming at him ol Beady Eyed Bufford's  ( as the two folk call him ) eyes went from beady to the size of silver dollars!  I imagine his hind parts sucked wind too!! LOL!  ... just another day on the railroad!  ( click on photo to enlarge )

Mark thank you.

FOR TODAY:  It's dusk and train crews will tie up here for the night.  There will be poker games going on till late in the night in these homes away from home.  Shown here, Pennsy freight conductor Clause Dinkins is inviting N&W engineer Full Throttle Thorton to his Pennsy cabin car for a game of poker tonight.  Clause's departing words "...  and make sure you bring lots of money tonight Full Throttle.  You're going to need it!" as he breaks into his deep throated chuckle. To which Full Throttle replys ...  " That's what you said last time Clause and it certainly didn't work out in your favor!  What did you wife say when you got home wearing no shirt on your back? You Pennsy guys may work for the so called standard railroad of the world but you all can't play poker with &(*&!!"  ... Just another night on the railroad!

Young man looking for some money, He should sell that healthy pig.

@Sitka posted:

Young man looking for some money, He should sell that healthy pig.

LOL Or butcher the pig! Then he would eat for a while!

@mike g. posted:

LOL Or butcher the pig! Then he would eat for a while!

LOL his whole gang will eat well

FOR TODAY:  MOW snow plowing equipment has already been to the paint shop and pushed back onto a siding until next winter or in the case of the Jordan spreader some summertime ballast work.  In the second photo the mechanical crew gives the spreader's wings a once over.  The rotary will undergo some mechanical work later this summer.  

JB Critchet kneels down to give a thorough inspection to the hydraulic mechanism responsible for operating this wing of the spreader as Bo Beardsley checks the blade.  Foreman Tucker Preston stands by the pickup wiping his brow. .... Just another day on the railroad  

Great Photo Patrick! It's nice to see the guys staying busy! I bet that would be a great crew to work on!

@mike g. posted:

Great Photo Patrick! It's nice to see the guys staying busy! I bet that would be a great crew to work on!

Thank you very much Mike g!  Yes the guys do stay busy.  You're welcome to come work with the crew anytime

FOR TODAY:  Taking a few steps beyond the " No Trespassing RR Property " sign to get a better view, Chucky and his buddy Arnie are mezmorized as the Western Maryland fireman fills the tender with water.   Chucky exclaims "We better hide behind this old junk car Arnie!   Brute Simpson, the mean old railroad cop, may come along at any minute!  He'll tell us to get on our bikes and get out of here!"  To which Arnie replies " Yeah right!  I wish I knew how we could get on Brute's good side."  Looking at Arnie with eyes wide open Chucky says " He doesn't have a good side. Get down! There's old Brute now!!    

Boy guys.......I hope you aren't talking about the pig if it is his PET PIG.🤔

@Mayor Magoo posted:

Haven't posted a pic here in awhile...

Wow is that guy bug-eyed!!!

@Guitarmike posted:

Wow is that guy bug-eyed!!!

Hey Charlie...why so wide-eyed? ...Ed, s-s-s-s-something just c-c-c-crawled up my p-p-p-pant leg....

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Taking a few steps beyond the " No Trespassing RR Property " sign to get a better view, Chucky and his buddy Arnie are mezmorized as the Western Maryland fireman fills the tender with water.   Chucky exclaims "We better hide behind this old junk car Arnie!    

What a great feeling in this scene Patrick to be watching the WM with Chucky and Arnie.     

Outstanding angle down here in the wooded area.

A custom stair set, main layout level to raised station level.

A small scene I've been working on. Guys getting home from work at the roundhouse and a young lady waiting next door for her date.

Here's  the young lady waiting for her date.

FOR TODAY:  Nice day for a trolley ride.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

What a great feeling in this scene Patrick to be watching the WM with Chucky and Arnie.     

Outstanding angle down here in the wooded area.

Thanks so very much Dallas!  

Patrick which mfr made that trolley?

@coach joe posted:

Patrick which mfr made that trolley?

Coach Joe - it's an Industrial Rail by Atlas O.

@farmerjohn posted:

Here's  the young lady waiting for her date.

who's house kits

FOR TODAY:  Meet Harvey Critcher, the most dapper dispatcher on the Free State Junction Railway.  Harvey used to be a conductor on the Free State Limited.  After many years of being in charge of the FSJR's  premier  passenger train, he put in for a transfer for dispatcher and got it.  None of the folks employed by the FSJR could ever figure out why Harvey gave up this plum conductor job  ...  However there has been much speculation that it might have to do with the Mrs. and Harvey's roving eye for the ladies.  It seems the Mrs. could never contact Harvey on those overnight layovers.  Now,  as long as ol' Harvey is in that tower Mrs. C knows where she can find him ... and believe you me she does pull  frequent spot checks too!  .... Just another day on the railroad!

Dave. These are the Weaver row houses from several years back. My friend Steve weathered them and I put floors and lights in. Thanks for asking .

Patrick, I thought it was Industrial Rail.  I have a blue and cream one.

FOR TODAY: A bit of a smog fills the air this morning.    Sneezy McCready is checking out the smoke box as number 75 is being prepared for its' daily assignment of pulling transfer freights between yards.  Lon Waxter, standing on the running board near the cab, has just made adjustments to the dynamo and the sand domes are full of grit for the iron.   Foreman Ellsworth Pohanka, on the ground in yellow hard hat, is proud of his crew and the work they do!  Hostler Wiff Rudge, on the ground with hands on hips, gives the 0-8-0's running gear a visual inspection. ...  Just another day on the railroad.

Great photos everyone!

@farmerjohn I really like the row of houses! The story behind them and really like what looks like to be a Chevy Belair!

@trumptrain Patrick, your photos and stories are always a pleasure to see and read about! I know I can come here and get a free smile on my face from everything you post! Love the trolley!

@mike g. posted:

Great photos everyone!

@farmerjohn I really like the row of houses! The story behind them and really like what looks like to be a Chevy Belair!

@trumptrain Patrick, your photos and stories are always a pleasure to see and read about! I know I can come here and get a free smile on my face from everything you post! Love the trolley!

Coach Joe -  your words bring a smile to my face!   It's gratifying to know that my posts can bring you that much joy!  Thank you so much!!

FOR TODAY:  Switch crews enjoying the ride on the front end of their locomotives.

The brewery is back to working a second shift just in time to meet the summer demand...

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY: A bit of a smog fills the air this morning.    Sneezy McCready is checking out the smoke box as number 75 is being prepared for its' daily assignment of pulling transfer freights between yards.  Lon Waxter, standing on the running board near the cab, has just made adjustments to the dynamo and the sand domes are full of grit for the iron.   Foreman Ellsworth Pohanka, on the ground in yellow hard hat, is proud of his crew and the work they do!  Hostler Wiff Rudge, on the ground with hands on hips, gives the 0-8-0's running gear a visual inspection. ...  Just another day on the railroad.

Creativity in storytelling and visuals beyond compare Patrick.    You give us the inspiration to try to excel in the way we experience this hobby. 

Thank you for sharing  "Patricks " visions .

@Capetrainman posted:

The brewery is back to working a second shift just in time to meet the summer demand...

Boy Paul.......I wish they would have started the second shift sooner.

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Switch crews enjoying the ride on the front end of their locomotives.

Patrick, just wonderful! I am going to have to get me some guys with hard hats! It really makes the scene!

@Capetrainman posted:

The brewery is back to working a second shift just in time to meet the summer demand...

Paul, I sure hope it wasn't a union thing because I am running low on supplies! They picked the perfect time to get it up and running the second shift! Maybe now I won't have to worry! LOL

Waiting for the day crews to arrive.

@mike g. posted:

Patrick, just wonderful! I am going to have to get me some guys with hard hats! It really makes the scene!

Thank you Mike G!!   Yes figures bring a scene to life IMHO.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Creativity in storytelling and visuals beyond compare Patrick.    You give us the inspiration to try to excel in the way we experience this hobby.

Thank you for sharing  "Patricks " visions .

Dallas I really appreciate your kind words!  I am humbled  ... thank you!!  

FOR TODAY:  Fresh seafood being delivered to Patsburg from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay via the B&O.  Here we see Ross Clegget and Sid McPherson caring one of many crates of crabs from B&O express reffer to a Phillips Seafood truck for delivery to their Patsburg location.  Ely McLeod swings the truck doors open.  Off in the distance Bubber Semple takes off his hat and thinks ... "Crabs and beer, what a great summertime combo!!"  ... Just another day on the railroad.

@trumptrain Patrick, great photo! It's funny you would post that, we had a special delivery today in Seattle of Alaskan Cooper River Salmon!

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  Fresh seafood being delivered to Patsburg from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay via the B&O.

Many years receiving seafood with expiration dates and  country of origin tags.........glad these were coming from the Chesapeake Bay area.

A freshly loaded box car.

@mike g. posted:

@trumptrain Patrick, great photo! It's funny you would post that, we had a special delivery today in Seattle of Alaskan Cooper River Salmon!

PERFECT  Mike .......another GREAT SOURCE of seafood.

@Dave Ripp.  brings back memories - as a 16-17 year old I worked in an Ace Hardware.  The Sakrete flat bed would arrive and then it was time to unload and stack the bags on pallets in the back store room. We used to unload 3 pallets or so by hand as there were no forklifts. Not too bad as we could roll the bags onto our shoulders from the trailer and flip them onto the pallets.  The worst were the portland cement bags as they were 100 pounds each. At one point I could carry a bag on each shoulder and one in my arms. Funny after a summer of that, I was no longer a bully target.

@mike g. posted:

@trumptrain Patrick, great photo! It's funny you would post that, we had a special delivery today in Seattle of Alaskan Cooper River Salmon!

Thanks Mike G!!  Good that you are getting a good serving of Omega 3!!  I love salmon especially when done on a grill!  Yum!!  

FOR TODAY:  It's spring time and home renovations are going full tilt boogie!  

Patiently waiting.

ss

@Dave Ripp. posted:

Patiently waiting.

ss

Girls screaming, "Elvis is alive"! Dave, I couldn't resist. LoL Great scene!

Dave, that is a great shot..  Nice road, Looks like the real thing... How'd you make it?  The scenery is great also..  Besides Elvis's Pink Caddy, The Mary Kay, beauty sales girls received a pink Caddy after $10,000.00 in sales'... 50s and 60s.   

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Dave, that is a great shot..  Nice road, Looks like the real thing... How'd you make it?  The scenery is great also..  Besides Elvis's Pink Caddy, The Mary Kay, beauty sales girls received a pink Caddy after $10,000.00 in sales'... 50s and 60s.   

Thank you Ted, the road is plaster of pairs painted with chalk board paint.

Dave Ripp -  What a fabulous scene!!  The roadway looks terrific and I really like the weathering of the boxcar with the M on it!!  To me, what makes this photo great is that it has atmosphere.   Well done

Of course Elvis may be late for his gig if this is a long train.

Dave- what a fabulous scene.  Those fall colors had me reaching for a sweater, even though it was 96 deg here in central Tx today!!

Don

@Dave Ripp. posted:

Thank you Ted, the road is plaster of pairs painted with chalk board paint.

Dave,

I always wanted tp try the chalk board paint for roads... I've tried so many techniques'.. Some good, some very good.  But I think this might be the ticket'... And I will give it a try'...

Thanks for the details'....👍✔🙂

Coal mining in Westren  Ky. Manowocks need service. As this is probably there last big dig.

Farmer John - great scenes and machines!!!   Amazing!!!!

Are videos acceptable on this thread? I recently took this video of my newly-installed train table for a coworker who could not make it to my housewarming party. This is my Lionelville Circus Train running on the tabletop that was built by a carpenter who my mom hired to build, plus additional shelving.

FOR TODAY:  Station Announcement proceeded by a bugler playing Call to the Post  ... " Now departing.  Train 149 The Race Track  Special bound for Baltimore". Sunday morning Race Track Special.

A string of B&O RDC's depart Patsburg Commuter Station for Baltimore with a full train of passengers bound for the Preakness in Baltimore.  Once the train arrives at Baltimore's beautiful Mt. Royal Station, passengers will detrain and board a fleet of buses bound for Pimlico Race Course, only 10 minutes away.  The train crew loves this assignment because on their layover they get to spend time ( and money ) at the track too!  Conductor Lukas Foss seems to get lucky practically every time.  He always comes home in the evening with more money than he had when he left the house in the morning.  Trainman Barney Kingsley seems to break even, well, at least most of the time.  Engineer Hasty Harwood seems to lose his shirt practically every time.   For this crew  ... it's NOT just another day on the railroad.

The B&O used to run Race Track Specials to horse race tracks in Charlestown WV, Delaware Downs, and Laurel Race Course in Laurel Md ( home of the DC International ) I would think the B&O also ran trains from DC's Union Station, Philadelphia, Martinsburg WV, and other locations to Baltimore's Preakness each year.  Often B&O's fleet of RDC's would be called upon for these assignments along with trains comprised of  conventional passenger coaches. . RDC Race Track Specials might run in groups of 5 -6 car trains.

Pat, Nice off to the races!.  I agree, Farmer John's photographs are great!

Wow, Manowocks, sure keeps their equipment nice and clean... Great shots'..

Painted two wolfs to match are Huskys

FOR TODAY:  After these logs have been transferred from flat bed trailer to railroad flat car .... FSJR Inspector Clay Quigley  inspects this load of logs, making sure the chains are absolutely secure and the load is snug and secure.   These logs will travel 22.5 miles to the saw mill and loosing part of a load while in transit is not an option. Now ol' Clay, he's been a workin on the railroad as a load inspector for going on 26 years and he's not lost a load yet... "Just another day on the railroad!"

FOR TODAY:  In observance of Memorial Day.   Freedom Park in Patsburg.

Back when I was planning the Free State Junction Railway , I wanted to include a tribute to my father, who as a World War Two vet. landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy France on June 6, 1944 with The Big Red One.   Although Dad survived WW2, as the First Infantry Division pushed all the way through France and into Germany, many of his buddies didn't.  One of those men was my Dad's Lieutenant ... Lt. Mackey ...  who led his men off the landing craft onto the beach.  Due to this being his third invasion Mackey had a 6th sense that if he led his men in the direction that his orders commanded, they would be wiped out by enemy fire.  In the heat of the moment, Lt. Mackey told his men to follow him in a different direction once the landing craft doors were lowered.  Sure enough Lt. Mackey was correct because artillery shells pummeled the area the orders would have taken Mackey and his men.  After participating in three invasions and pushing all the way into Germany, Mackey died in Germany as he was hit by a sniper's bullet just a few days before the end of the war.  If it were not for Lt. Mackey, I very well may not be writing this today.

I know that there were lots of Lt. Mackeys ...  just not in World War Two but in all wars and I salute them always ... and in particular on this day.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Patrick :  An inspiring story about your father and his Lt.  My greatest hope is that current Americans know and understand how great a debt we owe to men like them.  Thank you for posting.  Wishing you the best on Memorial Day.

Don

Enjoyed reading your story, Patrick...very powerful and thanks to the Lt. and many others for their bravery, service, and sacrifice...

Patrick,

I always enjoy your pictures and stories, but this one left me with a tear in my eye.  God bless Lt. Mackey for getting your Dad through Omaha Beach and your Dad for making it home so we could enjoy your pictures and stories.

It's not just another weekend as so many people have been dumbed down into thinking, but it is for remembering all of the Lt. Mackey's that have fallen so we can be here today.

My Dad spent 3 weeks on an island in the South Pacific after their B-25 lost an engine and had to land on a Japanese controlled island.  They landed on the beach, radio was shot up, and didn't know the war had just ended.  The Japanese troops had to tell them.

Kids today have no clue...

Keep up the great work.  I always enjoy your posts.

Scott

About to tank up the '63 "Vette" with super at the local Shell, but she's not happy with the price increase to 28 cents / gal...since it's Friday night she may put in just a buck's worth to leave some money for happy hour with the gals from the office

Hi guys, it's been a while! With summer coming one day the CEO had a full list of things to already get started on to be ready for next winter! LOL

What great photos everyone!

@trumptrain Patrick, your photos and stories are the best! You know how to tell a story that brings out the best in everyone!

@farmerjohn John, I remember my first job after the Marines was working at a coal mine, I never seen one look so good! I really sucked when the rain started! LOL

@Capetrainman Paul, she should just fill it up! For as hot as she is the guys will be tripping over each other to buy her drinks all night!

Well I hope everyone is doing well and having fun with there trains and layouts!

Thank all of you who "liked" and commented on my Memorial Day post.  FYI Precisely at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day I stood in my yard and played Taps on my trumpet thinking of Lt. Mackey, my  Dad and all those graves in the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach where there are approximately 10,000 soldiers buried ... all who died on the beaches of Normandy on D Day.    

FOR TODAY:  As I walked back to the office after lunch ... I crossed Center Street, a little up hill from the intersection of Center Street and Patsburg Ave.   Taking a gander down toward the intersection,  I saw there was a detour for west bound traffic on Patsburg Ave. rerouting traffic onto Center St. ... Then I noticed that fella who just got off the Greyhound bus.   I got to ah wondering about who that fella is.    He's all duded up in his Sunday's finest, looking like some kinda big city lawyer,  and it's only Friday!  Heck he could be some kinda business tycoon ... but hey! .... a business tycoon would probably have a fancy limo and a driver or his own private railroad car ...   so he ain't that .. but he's definitely not from around these parts! I don't know ...   He looks too dignified or citified, or upityfied, or prissyfied ... but definitely some kinda fied!  ...  hmmm!

I also noticed that the Clegget family is leaving on vacation in their Woody and towing their new Air Flow camper trailer behind.  At the pancake supper over at the church last Saturday, Morty Clegget told me they'd be ah leaving on Friday.  Then there's that guy in a trench coat ... what the heck is up to? ... it's 85 degrees out here and this guy has on a trench coat!  Don't make no kinda sense to me, but hey, to each his own!  Way back yonder I can see Gordy, the Sealtest milkman,  gettin into his Divco milk truck.  Ol Gordy and I belong to the same lodge, Locomo Lodge 611.  I can tell you one thing ... Gordy is a real good fella!  .... Just another day in Patsburg!

That's an awful lot to absorb in just one photo!  Patsburg is happening!

Great photos Patrick and I think your right. That guy is full of something! LOL I really love the story!

FOR TODAY:  It's crew change time at the yard.

Engineer Harcourt Waller waves to hostler Emit Pruet as number 75 pulls forward to take on water.  Harcourt is done for the day and he's excited to get home to Sunday supper!   The Mrs. says she has something special prepared for this evening's meal!  Pork chops, gravy, taters, cornbread and collards perhaps? .... with strawberry shortcake and whipped cream for desert?!  Just the thought makes Harcourt's mouth water!  I hope he doesn't get a speeding ticket driving his new 1955 Buick Roadmaster home!

Once at the plug fireman Cleg Ornsby opens the tender's water hatch door and is about to let the water flow forth from the penstock into the tender's tank.   Division Superintendant Walt Wiley with walking stick, straw hat, and smoking his trademark pipe, looks on.  Brakeman Fleece Conover and Walt exchange pleasantries.  In a few minutes the tank will be topped off and number 75 will make its' way to the roundhouse where it will await the night crew.  ..... Just another day on the railroad!

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY:  It's crew change time at the yard.

..... Just another day on the railroad!

Honestly Patrick , I believe I can HEAR the sound of the action in your scenes.      Nice.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Honestly Patrick , I believe I can HEAR the sound of the action in your scenes.      Nice.

That's a real nice compliment Dallas!  Thank you so much!!

I don't remember where I took this picture, but thought a creative use of spikes.

@boomer0622 posted:

I don't remember where I took this picture, but thought a creative use of spikes.

Really cool Boomer .

Looks like some of the thought process that we have in involved in our creative abilities on our layouts.

@boomer0622 posted:

I don't remember where I took this picture, but thought a creative use of spikes.

Boomer - yes definitely a creative way of repurposing old railroad spikes!   I love it!!!

FOR TODAY: " Early mornin start ... Toby, Hank, Punky, Axle, Dieter, and Skeeter will git err done today!  

The crew member with the lantern is going into the shanty to sign the train register. Then the BL-2  will move on.

Everyone, beautiful pictures of the day, fantastic shots, all different, all unique, our imaginations going crazy…. Happy Railroading Everyone

Hi guys, sorry I am playing catch up, but when I do get a chance, I have to check in and see everything that you all are posting!

I do have to say what wonderful photos from you all,

@trumptrain Patrick oh to be young again! LOL I wish I could still move and life big crates like those guys!

@leapinlarry, Larry what great scenes of your layout! I really love the TT! I wish I had room for one, just because they look so cool to me!

I hope you all are doing good and having fun with your trains!

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY: " Early mornin start ... Toby, Hank, Punky, Axle, Dieter, and Skeeter will git err done today!  

Patrick, I really like the natural sunlight lights up your layout at different times of the day/season! Great photo!

Hey guys and gals, Happy Fourth of July, Independence Day 7-4-2022, Wow, what a great holiday. @Mike g., thanks for the kind words, also we pray that your CEO/Wife gets over covid quickly and that you do not catch it, and your pictures are fun to watch, especially the Coors Light train, Wow… Happy Railroading Everyone

Hey Larry, I love the BNSF diesel with the 1776 livery.  I had not seen that before.  I also like the Katy cattle car with the cow looking out.!  Mr. Marx used the same idea back in 1956-57 ...see my Marx MoPac cattle car below. 

Happy 4th everyone  Great pictures Larry.

Don

@leapinlarry posted:

Hey guys and gals, Happy Fourth of July, Independence Day 7-4-2022, Wow, what a great holiday. @Mike g., thanks for the kind words, also we pray that your CEO/Wife gets over covid quickly and that you do not catch it, and your pictures are fun to watch, especially the Coors Light train, Wow… Happy Railroading Everyone

Oooo yeah, those yellow Katy live stock cars really pop, those are cool!

It's the 4th of July and the Railroad never stops working. Doing a little offload from truck to railroad. Apparently the engineer looking on isn't paid to for moving material by hand. Happy Independence Day!

@WesternPacific2217, Scott, I love that beautiful truck, United We Stand, and it’s so true. Beautiful pictures and cool scenes. Yes, the Katy cattle cars stand out and have awesome sounds, thank you for the kind words. Happy Railroading Everyone

Great photos guys!

@leapinlarry Larry I love all the 1776 stuff you have! I bet it looks wonderful rolling around your wonderful layout!

@WesternPacific2217 Scott, Cool shot of them man handling freight right from the truck to the train! I don't think you would find that in many places! LOL

The Conductor keeping a close eye on these railfans.

NYC Passenger making a stop and watching some miners

Patsburg looking southwest.

Beautiful pictures fellows, and here’s a few pictures to review as we are getting ready for the LCCA National Convention beginning this weekend in Nashville, “Country” Music City USA, Tennessee…. Wow over 500 Lionel Club members in attendance, it’s going to be a lot of fun. I hope some of you fellows on this great OGR Forum will be here so that we can meet in person. Happy Railroading Everyone

Larry:  Good luck with the LCCA convention, layout looks fabulous!

Best Wishes

Don

@Don McErlean, thank you for the kind words Don, this time 4 separate buses all day long Monday July 25th, and I wish you were coming to visit again, we had fun. Happy Railroading Everyone

@leapinlarry - When I was in Nashville, we went to visit the layout (s) of Dr. Fisher.  He expressed interest in my "flashlight" glove that I had gotten for Christmas.  Its great and I think better than a head mounted light for close work.  Here are some pictures.

The box lid to give you the source.  Each package comes with Two (2) gloves.

Here is how it mounts on your hand.  OBTW...the package comes with a flashlight glove for both hands.

If you have a chance would you please pass this data on to Dr. Fisher and of course anyone else who might be interested.

Best Wishes

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

@leapinlarry - When I was in Nashville, we went to visit the layout (s) of Dr. Fisher.  He expressed interest in my "flashlight" glove that I had gotten for Christmas.  Its great and I think better than a head mounted light for close work.  Here are some pictures.

The box lid to give you the source.  Each package comes with Two (2) gloves.

Here is how it mounts on your hand.  OBTW...the package comes with a flashlight glove for both hands.

If you have a chance would you please pass this data on to Dr. Fisher and of course anyone else who might be interested.

Best Wishes

Don

Larry,

All I can say about this is "ET phone home"

Don, that is a neat looking device!  These days I am looking for tools that can make a job easier.  I’m sure you and many here can attest to the fact that many of the tools we have used for years aren’t adequate for us as we age and develop a variety of health issues.

FOR TODAY:  It's harvest time and this vat car is on the RIP track receiving repairs.  The FSJR Car Dept. is taking care of business!  Willy Don Seavers is on top of the car kneeling as he gets ready to weld one of the hatch doors.  Bubba Giles steps from the pickup and tips his hat to foreman Clyde Crawly while the two fellers in yellow hard hats discuss what needs to be done next.   Mortimer Henshaw, with hands in pockets, looks on.  

FOR TODAY:  Not Christmas in July but January in July!   I hope you all will find this scene to be really cool! Pun intended lol!

Wow, it’s 101 degrees here in Clarksville Tennessee, @Trumptrain, your snow plow really cools me off, thank you…. @Don McErlean, great picture of the finger flashlight and the message has been sent to Dr. Fisher…. Happy Railroading Everyone

@leapinlarry posted:

Wow, it’s 101 degrees here in Clarksville Tennessee, @Trumptrain, your snow plow really cools me off, thank you…. @Don McErlean, great picture of the finger flashlight and the message has been sent to Dr. Fisher…. Happy Railroading Everyone

Very nice Larry, but you can keep the heat down in the south God Speed! Mark

FOR TODAY July 24, 1950.    It's Sunday and I'm taking a bike ride on my new Raleigh 10 speed English Racer!  Just bought her last evening at Henshaw's Sporting Goods in downtown Patsburg.  Having just peddled up a long 2 mile grade to Patsburg, I thank my lucky stars for spending all my grass cutting money to purchase this wonderful bicycle!   It sure is a heck of a lot easier to pedal up that long grade with this bike as compared to my old Huffy with those fat balloon tires .. although me and that Huffy have tons of miles and good times behind us for sure!   When my friend Daryl saw my new Raleigh 10 speed, he about flipped!!  For a moment he was speechless and finally mustered some words ... " Wowwee Wowwee WOW!!  This bike must have cost a lot of bread!!"  To which I replied " No bread at all but it cost me a lot of grass!" We both laughed our butts off!  

Well here I am just cresting the hill and getting ready to ride down Patsburg Ave.  "Wow there's hardly any traffic and wow .. Wow ... WOW!!!  ...  there's a new Baldwin Locomotive Works RF16 demonstrator sitting  on the main idling away.   Hmmm, must be stopped for a red signal.  I sure like that way cool livery!!    I just read about those engines in TRAINS Magazine!  I hope the FSJR buys a lot of those engines!  Now that I think about it, I heard somewhere that somebody nick named the R16 a 'shark' because of the shape of its' front end looking like a shark.  I wonder if that nickname will ever stick???  hmmmm ...

A little ways into town I pass Bow Hog Evans and his step brother Slim Portly.  I guess they are spending some time at the family cabin this weekend.  Slim tips his hat as I wave to them.   Looks to me like they've been ah clearing some trees.  Guess they want to get a better view of the lake from their front porch.  

About another 500 ft down the road and I see boaters on the lake and YIKES .... a bear!!!!  Now I'm peddling as fast as I can!!!  I hope that bear does not chase me!!

Pheeeew!!!! That bear did not take off after me.  What a relief!!  I've now peddled, going full tilt boogie, to the other side of Patsburg and have wound up in Westend ... the posh section of Patsburg!    I made it here in record time and could have never done it if that bear had not put that immense fear in my rear!! ... and of course having this 10 speed bike sure helped too!"   Oh yeah ... there's the Good Humor truck!  I have 25 cents in my pocket.  I can get a popsicle for a nickel and still have some change left over.  All in all, from seeing a shark to a possible encounter with a bear and finally some Good Humor! ... This  really has been my lucky day!!  

@trumptrain posted:

FOR TODAY July 24, 1950.    It's Sunday and I'm taking a bike ride on my new Raleigh 10 speed English Racer!  Just bought her last evening at Henshaw's Sporting Goods in downtown Patsburg.  Having just peddled up a long 2 mile grade to Patsburg, I thank my lucky stars for spending all my grass cutting money to purchase this wonderful bicycle!   It sure is a heck of a lot easier to pedal up that long grade with this bike as compared to my old Huffy with those fat balloon tires .. although me and that Huffy have tons of miles and good times behind us for sure!   When my friend Daryl saw my new Raleigh 10 speed, he about flipped!!  For a moment he was speechless and finally mustered some words ... " Wowwee Wowwee WOW!!  This bike must have cost a lot of bread!!"  To which I replied " No bread at all but it cost me a lot of grass!" We both laughed our butts off!  

Well here I am just cresting the hill and getting ready to ride down Patsburg Ave.  "Wow there's hardly any traffic and wow .. Wow ... WOW!!!  ...  there's a new Baldwin Locomotive Works RF16 demonstrator sitting  on the main idling away.   Hmmm, must be stopped for a red signal.  I sure like that way cool livery!!    I just read about those engines in TRAINS Magazine!  I hope the FSJR buys a lot of those engines!  

A little ways into town I pass Bow Hog Evans and his step brother Slim Portly.  I guess they are spending some time at the family cabin this weekend.  Slim tips his hat as I wave to them.   Looks to me like they've been ah clearing some trees.  Guess they want to get a better view of the lake from their front porch.  

About another 500 ft down the road and I see boaters on the lake and YIKES .... a bear!!!!  Now I'm peddling as fast as I can!!!  I hope that bear does not chase me!!

Pheeeew!!!! That bear did not take off after me.  What a relief!!  I've now peddled, going full tilt boogie, to the other side of Patsburg and have wound up in Westend ... the posh section of Patsburg!    I made it here in record time and could have never done it if that bear had not put that immense fear in my rear!! ... and of course having this 10 speed bike sure helped too!"   Oh yeah ... there's the Good Humor truck!  I have 25 cents in my pocket.  I can get a popsicle for a nickel and still have some change left over.  This is really has been my lucky day!!  

Outstanding story sir, U should write kids books, God Speed!

Finally putting up some shelves.