Now they tell me YOU were at the Chicago Botanic on Friday!
And I missed you 
(I was there Saturday. Don’t tell the Boss.)
Tom,
No, I was not there on Friday, but will be there next week. Am flying in on the 23rd and out on the 26th.
My brother tells me we are to meet Dave R. on Wed. the 24th at the gardens. Going to bring a couple of drives to show what I do.
Barry - BBT
Tom,
My brother Don and I were at the Botanical Gardens on 12/24, met with Dave Rodelius and Larry Marchetti. Very nice guys. Brought a 4-6-0 drive and the 2-8-0 drive; we talked trains and the features of the drives (selling, you know). They have done a very nice job there, it was much more extensive than I had seen on my summertime visit a couple of years ago. They are more invested in diesel than steam profile. But an enjoyable visit on a cold day.
Barry - BBT
They run mainly diesel cause it’s easier to keep working than steam. I’m a steam nut, so I’m always advocating steam. They usually try pulling the popular circus train with an lgb mogul, that doesn’t hold up. Wondering what we could do with a bbt drive…
Our Thomas engines are very old and worn.
Oh… And I think I bent a rod on my Annie.
Tom,
I heard the same discussion from Dave and Larry. I think they have a valid argument for their situation, I have demonstrated an alternative and opened the door. I told them that if they want to try it I’m here. I think they would like to run steam profile, but are only comfortable with the LGB moguls.
I also have a diesel which would knock their socks off. A U-25 with two BBT four wheel drives.
Barry - BBT
I often take my Mallet so there’ll be some steam.
I want to know your products better with the hope of seeing more steam in the garden.
Annoyingly, my rather restricted budget just got cut by 400 a month.
Tom,
I should have mentioned, that I have converted a few Lionel Thomas locos, when they have gotten tired. But I want to find a good source for 1.5" diameter spoked metal drivers, although I could probably use SVE wheels with the holes in them.
Barry - BBT
What do you want to know about my stuff? Check out the order forms on my website, one side is info. Or if you have specific questions I am at [email protected]
BBT
We have a few sagging lionell thomas’s!