Large Scale Central

TrainOps 2018

Conventions, Shows, Clubs and Get-Togethers
#121

Just wrapping things up here at RGSNH. Very good turnout. thought we were going to get wet, but the storm when viewed on radar seams to be moving off to the north, so should have a good afternoon at Bob’s till the next system later.

Ric was the first to arrive

(https://www.largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2560/RGSNH/DSC_3973a.jpg)

(https://www.largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2560/RGSNH/DSC_3974a.jpg)

(https://www.largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2560/RGSNH/DSC_3975a.jpg)

Ric brought the traveling out house award with him as well.

(https://www.largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2560/RGSNH/DSC_3979a.jpg)

Here is most of the gang that showed up. John Le Forestier and wife on the left, Bob Hyman in the door way Jon Radder’s wife Martha, Stan and Debbie Ames, And Ric Golding with his back to us.

(https://www.largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2560/RGSNH/DSC_3981a.jpg)

missing from this shot were Jon Radder and Ken Brunt.

on to Bobs tomorrow.

Al P.

#122

Thanks Al !

Bringing this back to the top awaiting more pics!

#123

I thought the REAL Ric had a beard??? (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

#124

The “NEW” and reformed “Ric”, is now clean shaven, and looks younger and re-invented. His young wife, now is seen with a young respectable gentleman, of great repute.

Just because he now “Plays at” being a bus driver, of a major tour bus, doesn’t in any way take him away from his great appreciation of the LS Railroad Hobby.

The only thing missing, from what most of us have seen, is the official “Hat” and uniform, of an UPSCALE tour bus driver. I’m sure that someone will soon equip him properly.

If someone could get a hold on an Official British engine drivers’ “Grease top” hat, with a Great Eastern hat badge; it would go a long way towards his proper uniform.

Ric has earned such an honour… I have one, but I don’t think it would fit him…it is rather small on me…

Fr.Fred

#125

A good first day. Reports from Al’s were positive. Had 15 or so here this afternoon. Not much train running. Mostly catching up with friends. Eric did bring a great looking SP train.

#126

Wow. That really looks nice!

#127

A few photos from this afternoon.

#128

Great time at Al’s. That is a very impressive railroad. I’ve always enjoyed the idea of being able to leave everything in place when the Ops stop. His switching inside with running outside works well.

Thank you for the compliments, Fred (I think). I’ve worn enough uniforms in my life and have had to conform to standards for too much of it. Most hats require covering for the ears these days. As the Sun has taken a toll on the ears over the years, and I wish to go out of this World with enough left to keep my glasses on without wearing an elastic strap.

Nice to see all that made it to Matha’s Yard with Bob’s Railroad in it. Great to touch base with so many friends. Bob’s additions to control pedestrian traffic as people follow their trains on the railroad is in great shape and his upgrades are pretty fantastic.

The fun begins, again, today.

#129

It was great to get properly acquainted with Al Pomeroy yesterday, and to admire all the work and the thought he has put into his railroad. I’d say that design is about perfect for a one man railroad. It can be operated in any kind of weather as it runs from two towns in his basement, out into the backyard where it winds and rises just its prototype RGS did around the mountains, and then the line terminates at a freightyard in the barn. As a result, all the switching operations and car storage occur indoors at one end or the other - BRILLIANT!

There are a couple of passing sidings and one spur out along the main, but at the end of a session the last train picks up the remnants and hauls them back indoors.

Al’s handlaid trackwork is very fine and operations ran very smoothly. Al’s rolling stock is all of the best quality, such as finely detailed Hartford kits and scratchbuilt. The completed structures are all fine models as well. Al has begun some interior detailing.

While the pike works very well for a solo operator. it can accommodate two crews when they are available. It is a shame that as far as railroaders are concerned, Al is rather isolated. He told me that he would like more visitors out there in Winchester NH. It’s just a few miles south of Keene, so if you’re ever out that way consider giving Al a wee visit.

In connection with the railroad, Al has created some excellent kits using laser cut basswood and 3-D printing techniques. He surprised his guests by giving each of us one of his kits.

Al, thanks for your generosity in sharing your pike with us yesterday, and for the good time we had. See you again soon!

#130

The best way of saying it, was that Saturday was a BLAZING success. We all had a great "HOT!"time. No doubt it was a little warm, but no rain and the railroad was in great shape. Ran 3 freight runs and an unscheduled Passenger Extra for some big wig gal. Lots of rumors as to who it was. Martha and Bob’s yard and garden are great. They have a real Garden Railroad, where trains run through beautiful flower beds and then in to the diorama of an industry to be operated and/or switched. Bob states current track plan or pattern of the railroad is about 12 years old. Many of his structures are from the beginning and have held up very well. His attention to detail to build structures, bridge, viaducts and track work to hold up in the railroad environment of a garden is quite well done.

THANK YOU both for sharing your railroad with all of us. I’m sure there will be lots of pictures to follow.

#131

Ric Golding said:

The best way of saying it, was that Saturday was a BLAZING success. We all had a great "HOT!"time.

Jan found your marina ‘speedo’?

That RV has waaay too much storage!

#132

Arrived home about an hour ago. Made record time - 2:45 door-to-door. Some years it has taken us 5 hours with traffic. We had a blast. I handled the heat better than most, but by the end of the afternoon runs I was ready to find a cool spot. Bob’s railroad is looking and operating better than ever and Martha’s gardens with Bob’s stonework look awesome. The only pictures I took were of the Dwarf Alberta Spruces that had gown back in to their natural cone shape Until Sean M. showed up with his expert trimming technique…

#133

What time do things start tomorrow? I need to be back home early afternoon, but I’d like to at least observe a bit in the morning.

#134

Eric Reuter said:

What time do things start tomorrow? I need to be back home early afternoon, but I’d like to at least observe a bit in the morning.

Eric

Our layout is open at 9AM. Not exactly sure when we will start operations. When people get here so likely 10-10:30

Stan

#135

Bob: If you could bring my AMS GN stock car that I left on the sale table to Stan’s in the morning I’d appreciate it…

Thanks.

Anyone wanting it feel free to make an offer… Thanks Bob.

SOLD

#136

Those “Dwarf” alberta spruces were a point of discussion with Jan, Bob and I. They show how long the railroad has been going. Bob says about 12 years. The trunks have truely grown past “scale”. These trees have always been a debate, as to how they should be trimmed. Jan has been able to really top them and make them look like a scaled down spreading oak tree. They are “dwarfs”, but that means they only get to about 6 to 15 feet tall. Bob says there are now some called “Pixies”, that are suppose to really stay small. We stay around this hobby long enough and I guess we’ll see all kinds of changes and maturity.

#137

12 years sounds about right. I think we have made all but one including the original Build-a-Railroad event. Amazing that I can’t remember a rain-out any time in that span. Friday had a close threat, but slid North and Saturday’s storms stayed well North and West. We thought we would run through the line on the way home. Saw some awesome storm clouds as the sun was setting, but the worst we ran though was some wet road.

#138

Another TrainOps is in the bag. It was great to see everybody, and meet new friends. And thanks to Al and Stan for opening their layouts as well. I have some pictures from yesterday, but they will have to wait until I’m more awake.

#139

It was great to see everyone today. My wife and I had a great time. Want to thank Stan and Deb for their hospitality. I hope those of you in Mass. I spoke to about the Rusty Rails consider dropping by a meeting. There was a person dressed as a barista. I ordered a vanilla double macchiato made with skim milk, chocolate syrup and hazelnut flavoring from them. It was never delivered and everytime I saw the barista he was with a nice lady either playing with trains or eating.

Regards,

LAO

#140

Thank You to Bob and Stan for welcoming my wife and I to their TrainOps events. We had a great time and learned a lot. Plans for the next phase of our railroad are underway.