October 2024
The year continues to breeze by at record pace. Clarity continues to improve here on the home front. Yeah, the Cubs are done…so what else is new? That means that I have more time for model trains and research for new projects. Just about to complete some new projects for various friends in my circle of trust: A GP28; GP15-1; and several DCC/Sound installs for yet another friend. I certainly appreciate their friendship and the work that has kept me focused on my all time favorite hobby. It’s nice to see fall coming along; as I plan some new travels out west. Can’t wait!
Still working on a few new projects in house for other interested parties; and I am back collaberating with Stewart Graham on the C&EI trestle south of Neilson Junction ( the old steel version; not the new one); as well as Grasshopper Creek south of Bundcome IL. Both are now going to be able to be modeled up to scale if wanted. Stewart designed the supporting deck trusses under the main spans that sat between the towers on both bridges. 3D printing is really exciting things for the modeling community…that’s for sure.
I am close to getting some track back up and running here at my home after a long hiatus. I have switched to Blunami completely as I appreciate the simplicity of programming and remapping that it affords. Blunami allows us to eliminate the need for a DCC system if wanted. All we need is 12-15 volts to the track; and our phone. Imaging a Proto Throttle with Blunami interface!!! No need for a DCC system; or even a receiver to talk to the DCC system. Cut out the middle man entirely? Yep.
I continue to learn so much from past mistakes in life and in the hobby we all love. Both are closely related; as we learn from how people treat us in both genres. The manufacturers I have interacted with that treat me with the respect and listen to my suggestions intently will always be the first ones on both my shopping lists; as well as I am willing to bend over backwards for them to help in any way I can on any new project research they may need. Conversely, those manufacturers who do not care to listen…good luck with your endeavors. It’s really that simple now.
People in my life are similar; and those who have not treated me the way I have treated them are no longer part of it. I have gone the extra mile for many people in my life only to see a fraction of those exhibit reciprocity of similar nature; in both romantic and personal relationships. Granted, I am not seeking reciprocity in total; but I am at least wanting some sort of reciprocal treatment if I treat them well. It was really underscored to me who my true friends were when my brothers passed away. I still have all those messages of support and will always appreciate it. Heck, I still remember the people that I USED to work with and support that came to my mothers funeral in 2000. It was a SHORT list. Let me tell you.
We don’t need to wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy. I can attest to that. Enjoy the things you have in life right now; be grateful; help those in need with limitations so you don’t injure yourself in the process of helping. Eliminate the toxicity in your life. It does you so much good. Model trains have been a haven for me for decades…and will continue to be. I am also so very grateful for Athearn Trains and the people there…as they have been over and above with requests and suggestions…they are just first rate.
I am hoping to put the Sedalia caboose back on the front burner right now…as well as a 3D printed cab to convert a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 to the Crab Orchard and Egytpian #17…with a Canadian Cab in place of the Baldwin version that comes on the model. That should get me pretty close to it. I will probably go up to Iowa and measure the tender and 3D print actual tender or scratch build one from styrene at some point. I am going to put my Walthers SW1200 back together for CO&E/ex-MP 1147. I won’t use the Rapido one because they put the wrong sill and under frame under all their USA versions. It’s a small detail; but I can spend half the money on the Walthers unit and buy a new Proto NW2 for my Zeigler Coal engine in the future.
Anyway…enjoy your fall days…
