Monday, January 30, 2012
Back on track Wednesday
My mom's having some health issues, which I have to take care of. Will be back to blogging on Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hamlet, NC: Tracks in Time
From the Richmond County Daily Journal: Tracks in Time
The following article was written by Rockingham native Allison Campbell, a senior at UNC Charlotte majoring in communication studies. ... She spent her fall break with her grandfather, touring the Hamlet depot and interviewing visitors. Her grandfather is Nathaniel Hal Campbell Sr., a Hamlet native and a lifelong railroad worker.
The following article was written by Rockingham native Allison Campbell, a senior at UNC Charlotte majoring in communication studies. ... She spent her fall break with her grandfather, touring the Hamlet depot and interviewing visitors. Her grandfather is Nathaniel Hal Campbell Sr., a Hamlet native and a lifelong railroad worker.
Leaves brush the sidewalks on a crisp October day in Hamlet, N.C. Parked cars are scattered along Main Street on this Sunday afternoon. Buildings line the street; some repainted, some chipped and weathered. The Victorian-style train depot marks the street’s end like a diamond in the rough.
In the early 1900s, the Hamlet Train Depot overflowed with passengers from all along the Eastern Seaboard. Business prospered, and the town flourished during the boom of railway transportation. Restored to its original glory a century later, the depot thrives as the town’s spotlight attraction.
The exterior is light-chocolate brown, which appears hazelnut in the sunlight. Sea-foam green window frames complement the rustic red of the painted tin roof. A small flower bed near the entrance bursts with color. Bright flowers blow like pinwheels in the wind.
To the left of the depot, clusters of cemented bricks memorialize Hamlet natives and lifelong railroad workers. One honors a car inspector and father: “In Memory of Clyde Wilson Sr. by His Children.”
Hardwood maple floors and glossy wooden benches creak in the waiting room. Sunlight peers through multiple French-glass windows, with the ripples and transparency of pulled-sugar candy. Shiny, silver cast-iron radiators stand alone in the corners of the room.
A gift shop stems to the side of the waiting room. Carrol Garner props his elbows on the glass casing of the front desk and greets a visitor with a handshake. A retired yard conductor of 35 years, Garner volunteers at the depot once a month. His son, Cary, served as mayor of Hamlet in 2004, the final year of the depot’s rehabilitation.
Garner grips a pen and taps a book on the desk. He recalls conversations with depot visitors, saying, “They were here when they were children. They say things like ‘Mama brought us here and took us to Florida when we were little’.” He taps the book again and says, “Most of the time they will write a little thing in the book.” The depot guestbook is filled with handwritten comments.
Behind the gift shop is the museum. Freestanding and glass-enclosed artifacts are propped in front of recorded displays with push buttons.
Nathaniel Hal Campbell Sr. stands in the museum entryway and makes small talk with visitors. A Hamlet native and retired locomotive mechanic of 42 years, Campbell distinctively recalls the depot during its heyday.
The transportation of soldiers in the 1940s is his most vivid memory. “They (the soldiers) would stop at the passenger station and ask us to go to the newsstand and buy them something to drink, magazines, candy bars, or whatever,” he says.
Campbell and his buddies earned extra spending money doing this. He says, “There would usually be money left over, so they told us to keep the extra money because they wouldn’t need money where they were going.” The boys would earn a dollar or two, which was “big money back then.”
Local visitors gather near Campbell in the museum. John Edward Graham Jr. enjoys his first visit to the depot. He moves from room to room in his wheelchair, listening attentively to the recorded displays.
His father worked as a signal maintainer for the railroad, so Graham grew up on trains. “I know what coal dust smells like, feels like, tastes like.”
David Travis sits in a corner chair, facing Graham. This is Travis’ second visit to the depot, and he is “extremely impressed” by the museum. He says he “learned so much by just walking around and listening.”
A tour of the Tornado Building across the street attracts visitors. David Riddick, a depot volunteer, unlocks a door, revealing the wooden replica of a steam engine train, the Tornado. Painted primarily black with red, green, and gold trim accents, the life-size replica resembles a toy train circling a Christmas tree.
Next, Riddick gives a tour of the Depot’s basement, which was added during the restoration process. A small hallway of concrete floors and walls leads to the “model.” A large glass casing protects a model of Hamlet circa 1950 complete with houses, roads, trains, and the depot. According to Riddick, model designers “generally choose that time period because you can show both diesel and steam with it being historically accurate.”
The model took more than a year to build and is extremely well-crafted. A model train runs along tracks throughout the meticulous re-creation. “Attention to detail is pretty remarkable,” Riddick says. A noticeable detail is a dog peeing on a fire hydrant.
Another eye-catching element in the model is a pink elephant statue in the Mary Love Cemetery. The pink elephant represents the Mitchell family plot. One story around town is that Mr. Mitchell drank heavily. Some say his wife put the statue there as a tribute to what he saw when he drank. Others claim Mr. Mitchell influenced the Republican Party in the community. Whatever the reason, Mr. Mitchell took it to the grave.
Upstairs, the locals disperse with “good to see y’all” and “bye now.” A visitor experiences Southern hospitality here at its finest.
This rare gem in Hamlet represents more than one hundred years of small town pride and whispers stories of the blood, sweat, and tears of its past.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Long-time friends build massive model train
From the Suburbanite.com: Long-time friends build massive model train
Plain Twp, Ohio —
Jim Young and his wife Dixie haven’t been working on the railroad “all the live long day,” but they have been at it since 2005. A testament to their efforts and those of several friends now occupies a significant portion of their basement. The massive model railway on steroids, measures 12-feet wide in some places and spans the 23-foot length of the room. It has emerged as a labor of love for the Youngs and a childhood friend of Jim Young’s from his days growing up in Philadelphia.
Len Bojanowski is a retired police detective who still lives in Philadelphia, but has helped the Youngs build the basement railroad. He and Young first met when they were 6 years old. Young recalls seeing Bojanowski sitting on the steps in front of his family’s home and asking him to play.
“How are you friends with someone for 65 years?” Young asked. “All I remember is that Len spoke Polish and I didn’t speak it at all, but we went out and played that day and have been friends ever since.”
Bojanowski echoed those sentiments, “He’s more than a friend, he’s a brother to me.”
When they were 15 years old, the work on a model train started, but was never finished. So when the Youngs moved into their current home in 2005 and decided to undertake the train project, Bojanowski pitched in, along with other friends who contributed to the railroad as well. Using parts and components from old model train sets of the 1940s and ‘50s and others bits and pieces acquired along the way, Young slowly pieced the railroad together.
“This piece over here I got from a guy who designed it and won a contest,” Young said, gesturing to one of the project’s three “towns” located in the far corner of the basement. “I really didn’t do much to it other than add a truck.”
All around the room, Young has set up a fictional world that pays homage to his childhood, and a tongue-in-cheek jokes in the form of a massive J-shaped track. The train station is a replica of the Frankford Junction in downtown Philadelphia where he and Bojanowski would go and watch the trains as children.
“We would be standing out there on the platform watching them come in and the conductors would be blowing their whistle and yelling at us to move,” Young said.
Another landmark of old Philadelphia replicated in Young’s model is the Chinese Wall, which ran through his neighborhood growing up.
“Trolley cars would run underneath it and it really blocked out the sky in a lot of places,” Young recalled.
Other parts of the model railroad aren’t so historically themed. There’s a skinny dippers running from an angry bear near a pond. In another spot would-be bank robbers being apprehended by some very small police officers. The officers and their miniature police car, with flashing lights, were a gift from Bojanowski, who brought them during a visit and surprised Young by installing them.
There is also a working amusement park that Young built at his wife’s urging. He recalled coming downstairs one day and finding the parts for the park laying in his work area. From there, he fashioned them into a reasonable facsimile of Woodside Park, an amusement park he and Bojanowski went to during their childhood. The amusement park has a working roller coaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars and even a roundabout ride with teacups.
The system is elevated a full four feet off the floor, which Young characterized as a standard height to lift a model train set by building stilts and supports underneath.
“I’ve seen some railroads lifted even higher,” he said.
When visitors come to the house, they inevitably find their way to the basement and want to see the railroad in action. Young obliges, dimming the lights so the track’s own lighting can shine even brighter and the multiple trains can take center stage. The project is actually a continuation of something he began working on at he and Dixie’s previous home. The couple originally moved to Ohio in 2005 when Jim was laid off from General Electric and found a new job with Goodyear, where he worked for 26 years. Bojanowski remained in Philadelphia and retired from the city’s police department in 1995. The two men have kept in touch over the year and Bojanowski was a logical choice to help with the railroad because of his attention for detail. Young, himself an artist, painted some of the backgrounds surrounding the tracks. The entire project is nearly complete, but not quite.
“It’s almost done, but there are still a few details and small pieces to work on. I’m working on all of the controls and the switches now,” Young said. “But everyone who comes over definitely wants to see the trains.”
Plain Twp, Ohio —
Jim Young and his wife Dixie haven’t been working on the railroad “all the live long day,” but they have been at it since 2005. A testament to their efforts and those of several friends now occupies a significant portion of their basement. The massive model railway on steroids, measures 12-feet wide in some places and spans the 23-foot length of the room. It has emerged as a labor of love for the Youngs and a childhood friend of Jim Young’s from his days growing up in Philadelphia.
Len Bojanowski is a retired police detective who still lives in Philadelphia, but has helped the Youngs build the basement railroad. He and Young first met when they were 6 years old. Young recalls seeing Bojanowski sitting on the steps in front of his family’s home and asking him to play.
“How are you friends with someone for 65 years?” Young asked. “All I remember is that Len spoke Polish and I didn’t speak it at all, but we went out and played that day and have been friends ever since.”
Bojanowski echoed those sentiments, “He’s more than a friend, he’s a brother to me.”
When they were 15 years old, the work on a model train started, but was never finished. So when the Youngs moved into their current home in 2005 and decided to undertake the train project, Bojanowski pitched in, along with other friends who contributed to the railroad as well. Using parts and components from old model train sets of the 1940s and ‘50s and others bits and pieces acquired along the way, Young slowly pieced the railroad together.
“This piece over here I got from a guy who designed it and won a contest,” Young said, gesturing to one of the project’s three “towns” located in the far corner of the basement. “I really didn’t do much to it other than add a truck.”
All around the room, Young has set up a fictional world that pays homage to his childhood, and a tongue-in-cheek jokes in the form of a massive J-shaped track. The train station is a replica of the Frankford Junction in downtown Philadelphia where he and Bojanowski would go and watch the trains as children.
“We would be standing out there on the platform watching them come in and the conductors would be blowing their whistle and yelling at us to move,” Young said.
Another landmark of old Philadelphia replicated in Young’s model is the Chinese Wall, which ran through his neighborhood growing up.
“Trolley cars would run underneath it and it really blocked out the sky in a lot of places,” Young recalled.
Other parts of the model railroad aren’t so historically themed. There’s a skinny dippers running from an angry bear near a pond. In another spot would-be bank robbers being apprehended by some very small police officers. The officers and their miniature police car, with flashing lights, were a gift from Bojanowski, who brought them during a visit and surprised Young by installing them.
There is also a working amusement park that Young built at his wife’s urging. He recalled coming downstairs one day and finding the parts for the park laying in his work area. From there, he fashioned them into a reasonable facsimile of Woodside Park, an amusement park he and Bojanowski went to during their childhood. The amusement park has a working roller coaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars and even a roundabout ride with teacups.
The system is elevated a full four feet off the floor, which Young characterized as a standard height to lift a model train set by building stilts and supports underneath.
“I’ve seen some railroads lifted even higher,” he said.
When visitors come to the house, they inevitably find their way to the basement and want to see the railroad in action. Young obliges, dimming the lights so the track’s own lighting can shine even brighter and the multiple trains can take center stage. The project is actually a continuation of something he began working on at he and Dixie’s previous home. The couple originally moved to Ohio in 2005 when Jim was laid off from General Electric and found a new job with Goodyear, where he worked for 26 years. Bojanowski remained in Philadelphia and retired from the city’s police department in 1995. The two men have kept in touch over the year and Bojanowski was a logical choice to help with the railroad because of his attention for detail. Young, himself an artist, painted some of the backgrounds surrounding the tracks. The entire project is nearly complete, but not quite.
“It’s almost done, but there are still a few details and small pieces to work on. I’m working on all of the controls and the switches now,” Young said. “But everyone who comes over definitely wants to see the trains.”
Monday, January 23, 2012
My Scrabble Books Took Precedence
Hello, all my faithful readers out there in computer land.
I've missed several days of posting and I apologize for it. I've been working on two Scrabble books (Eve Le QiNu's Flashwords) which help people to learn the 2 and 3 letter Scrabble words.
I won't provide links here since this is an apology not a sales pitch - but if you do like to play Scrabble, go to the Kindle Store (or the Nook Store) and type in Eve Le QiNu and my two books will be brought up. (Eve Le QiNu is an anagram.... see if you can unscramble it. Bear in mind my publishing name is Magic Mirror Press)
Anyway, I finished volume 2 yesterday, and today I'm chilling out...so regular posting resumes tomorrow.
Thanks again for your patience.
I've missed several days of posting and I apologize for it. I've been working on two Scrabble books (Eve Le QiNu's Flashwords) which help people to learn the 2 and 3 letter Scrabble words.
I won't provide links here since this is an apology not a sales pitch - but if you do like to play Scrabble, go to the Kindle Store (or the Nook Store) and type in Eve Le QiNu and my two books will be brought up. (Eve Le QiNu is an anagram.... see if you can unscramble it. Bear in mind my publishing name is Magic Mirror Press)
Anyway, I finished volume 2 yesterday, and today I'm chilling out...so regular posting resumes tomorrow.
Thanks again for your patience.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Finding Minnesota: Model Railroad Museum
From CBS Minnesota: Finding Minnesota: Model Railroad Museum
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — When St. Paul gets light rail service in 2014, both downtowns will have passenger trains back.
There used to be a lot of rail traffic in both areas, not only carrying passengers but also grain from the mills, ore from the Iron Range and other freight.
“In fact, the fastest trains in the world from 1936 to 1972 ran between St. Paul and Chicago,” said Paul Gruetzman, a volunteer at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.
The museum has smaller versions of those trains, still chugging along six days a week, through scale versions of the Stone Arch Bridge and other landmarks.
“It pretty much is the Minneapolis skyline as it was in the 50s when the Foshay Tower was the tallest building in Minneapolis,” said Gruetzman.
Volunteers run the museum, many of them without any connections to the railroad industry. They simply enjoy model building and storytelling.
“I like the history aspect,” said Gruetzman. “I like the stories. I like to tell people about what we’ve recreated here.”
They’ve recreated a time period from the 40s and 50s when diesel and steam engines shared the tracks and streetcars still rolled down the Third Avenue bridge.
The museum got its start in 1934 in St. Paul. It has spent the past 28 years at Bandana Square, which used to be locomotive repair shops.
The volunteers enjoy hearing from visitors.
“They’ll bring up stories of how they worked on the railroad,” said another volunteer, Lloyd Crary, “or when they were kids, they remember the railroad going by.”
Gruetzman added, “One of my favorites is you get three generations down here and the grandparents will say ‘I remember that train. That’s the one I proposed to your grandma on.’”
It’s those younger generations they really hope to impress, so this colorful era won’t soon be forgotten.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — When St. Paul gets light rail service in 2014, both downtowns will have passenger trains back.
There used to be a lot of rail traffic in both areas, not only carrying passengers but also grain from the mills, ore from the Iron Range and other freight.
“In fact, the fastest trains in the world from 1936 to 1972 ran between St. Paul and Chicago,” said Paul Gruetzman, a volunteer at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.
The museum has smaller versions of those trains, still chugging along six days a week, through scale versions of the Stone Arch Bridge and other landmarks.
“It pretty much is the Minneapolis skyline as it was in the 50s when the Foshay Tower was the tallest building in Minneapolis,” said Gruetzman.
Volunteers run the museum, many of them without any connections to the railroad industry. They simply enjoy model building and storytelling.
“I like the history aspect,” said Gruetzman. “I like the stories. I like to tell people about what we’ve recreated here.”
They’ve recreated a time period from the 40s and 50s when diesel and steam engines shared the tracks and streetcars still rolled down the Third Avenue bridge.
The museum got its start in 1934 in St. Paul. It has spent the past 28 years at Bandana Square, which used to be locomotive repair shops.
The volunteers enjoy hearing from visitors.
“They’ll bring up stories of how they worked on the railroad,” said another volunteer, Lloyd Crary, “or when they were kids, they remember the railroad going by.”
Gruetzman added, “One of my favorites is you get three generations down here and the grandparents will say ‘I remember that train. That’s the one I proposed to your grandma on.’”
It’s those younger generations they really hope to impress, so this colorful era won’t soon be forgotten.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Model trains delight at Cal Expo show
The Cal Expo is done for this month, but it will be coming back.
Check their website at:www.greattrainexpo.com to see the next date.
From the Sacramento Bee: Model trains delight at Cal Expo show
Spyro Avdis, 3, got a kick out of a passing model train at the Great Train Expo at Cal Expo on Saturday.
The national traveling show, which ends its two-day run in Sacramento today, features a wide range of merchants selling model trains and train components, and experts offering seminars.
There are also scenic train layouts for photographers as well as a train ride outside the event where the rolling is on wheels instead of tracks.
IF YOU GO
Where: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.
Cost: $7, free for children 12 and younger.
Information: (916) 608-4988 or www.greattrainexpo.com.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Youngstown, OH: Model Railroad Flea Market Held
You've missed it this year, but put it on your calendar for next year:
http://www.youngstownmodelrailroadassn.org/
From WKBN 27: Model Railroad Flea Market Held
Hundreds attend a bargain event for a popular hobby in the valley.
The Youngstown Model Railroad Association held their annual flea market, complete with merchandise and equipment for all model railroad interests.
The event is the main fund raiser for the Railroad club and it will support their club rooms and layouts. After experiencing record attendance at open houses held last year, members were expecting over seven hundred people at the flea market.
"One thing it proves is there's still a lot of people interested in trains and equipment for model railroads and prototype equipment. EVen though the economy's down, there's still looking for bargains. This is where you'll find it.", explained James Pope, Chairman of the YMRA flea market.
This year's market is the biggest one yet in terms of merchandise and vendor tables.
http://www.youngstownmodelrailroadassn.org/
From WKBN 27: Model Railroad Flea Market Held
Hundreds attend a bargain event for a popular hobby in the valley.
The Youngstown Model Railroad Association held their annual flea market, complete with merchandise and equipment for all model railroad interests.
The event is the main fund raiser for the Railroad club and it will support their club rooms and layouts. After experiencing record attendance at open houses held last year, members were expecting over seven hundred people at the flea market.
"One thing it proves is there's still a lot of people interested in trains and equipment for model railroads and prototype equipment. EVen though the economy's down, there's still looking for bargains. This is where you'll find it.", explained James Pope, Chairman of the YMRA flea market.
This year's market is the biggest one yet in terms of merchandise and vendor tables.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Attention train fans: Railroad Museum of Pa. announces 2012 events
From Montgomery Media: Attention train fans: Railroad Museum of Pa. announces 2012 events
xperience the awe-inspiring power of trains and the fascinating heritage of our nation's railroading on display during 2012 at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the Museum's family-friendly and innovative education and preservation programs. The world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and vintage railroad cars includes everything from classic woodburners and mammoth steam locomotives to sleek, electric-powered and diesel engines. A number of authentic locomotives and railroad cars are open regularly for visitors to explore.
Take the throttle on a simulated run in a real Norfolk Southern freight locomotive cab, sit in an engineer's seat, climb aboard a caboose, explore Steinman Station early 20th century replica passenger depot, inspect a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, view restoration activities in real time via closed circuit TV, enjoy hands-on activities in Stewart Junction railway education center, view exhibits of art and artifacts in the second floor gallery and browse the Whistle Stop Shop museum store.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's main Rolling Stock Hall now features climate control year-round, for the comfort of visitors and the preservation of the major artifacts. Please call ahead, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's web site and Facebook page or join the email list for more information and programming updates.
Events and other activities currently slated for the Museum in 2012 are:
* CHARTER DAY: Sunday, March 11. Observe the 331st birthday of the Commonwealth, amid Pennsylvania made and operated historic rolling stock, here at the Keystone State's official railroad museum. Regular Museum hours. Open to the public free of charge.
* ROLE OF RAILROADS IN PENNSYLVANIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR: Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, December 30. Railroads were a key to the successes of both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War, and the contributions of Pennsylvania's railroads were an integral part of the Union's eventual victory. From supplying the Armies with munitions and food, to transporting troops, prisoners and communications, the Civil War was the first war in which railroads were a major factor.The fascinating photographs, documents and artifacts in this exhibit tell the story of Pennsylvania's railroads during the War Between the States. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* CONRAIL DAYS: Friday, May 11 through Sunday, May 13. Conrail arose from the wreckage of six failed railroads in the 1970s to become a profitable and successful private enterprise. This program highlights the equipment, history and people of Conrail, and is presented in partnership with the Conrail Historical Society. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* NORFOLK SOUTHERN DAYS: Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Norfolk Southern! Meet today's railroaders and view exciting contemporary and historic railroad equipment on site from the "Thoroughbred of Transportation." Operation Lifesaver, music by the Norfolk Southern Lawmen and special presentations will also be featured. This program is presented in partnership with the Norfolk Southern Corporation. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* READING RAILROAD DAYS: Tuesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 8. Enjoy the remarkable Reading Railroad trains of eastern Pennsylvania history through tours of Reading Company equipment and a huge, operating model railroad from the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* BARONS & BUILDERS DAY CAMP: Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, for ages 9 & 10 and Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27, for ages 11 & 12. Kids build, create, learn and play as they explore railroads and railroad history through a program of unique tours, innovative hands-on projects, field trips by train and special demonstrations. Each camp has a limited number of openings on a first come basis. The cost is $175 per camper ($125 per camper for Museum members). Registration begins February 1, 2012. Please call after the June 4, 2012 deadline to determine if spaces are still available.
* HOGWARTS EXPRESS PARTIES: Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 11. This is where the magic happens! Kids are encouraged to dress like their favorite Harry Potter character for a reading in one of the Museum's historic coaches. They will also create potions and a Hogwarts-inspired take-home craft. Advance registration, with a $10 per child fee ($5 per child for Museum members), is required. Hogwarts Express Parties are offered on a first come basis. Recommended for children ages 8 to 13. Registration begins July 2, 2012. Regular Museum admission rates also apply.
* MEMBERS DAY: Saturday, September 22. Museum members enjoy special members-only presentations and other great railroad and Museum-related activities. Also held during the day is the annual business meeting of the membership. A not-to-be-missed evening banquet-honoring volunteers, members and other special friends-caps off a full day. Advance registration is required.
* GARDEN RAILWAYS TOUR: Sunday, October 7, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Enjoy a self-guided tour of various private homes, featuring unique garden railways with operating model train layouts. Garden Railways Tour tickets are $10 per person for ages 6 and over, and go on sale at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania beginning July 23, 2012, and at all Stauffers of Kissel Hill locations in central Pennsylvania on September 1, 2012.
* TRAINS & TROOPS: Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Honor our veterans, and the men and women currently in uniform, while you experience many splendid railroad and military archival displays, enjoy patriotic music and learn the significant role railroads played time and again in the defense of our nation. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* 1940s SWING DANCE: Saturday, November 3, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Jump, jive and swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among the trains in the Railroad Museum's huge Rolling Stock Hall. Come dressed in military uniform or 1940s clothing, if you like, to revive the past! A special savings combination ticket, per person, for the dance and both days of Trains & Troops is $35. The dance ticket only, cost per person, is $25. Veterans, active duty service personnel and Museum members are admitted for $20 per person.Advance tickets are highly recommended. Call, stop by the Museum store or visit the Museum's web site. Dance tickets go on sale beginning February 14, 2012.
* HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8. Take a nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel and meet costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents and passengers representing the past century. Enjoy seasonal music and festive decorations among our world-class collection of trains. Visit Santa and send your personal telegram to the North Pole. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* POLAR EXPRESS PARTIES: Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8. The conductor calls all aboard for a reading of the new classic holiday story in one of the Museum's historic passenger coach. Kids who believe are welcome to dress in their pajamas, and will delight creating their own seasonal take-home craft and receiving a small bag of goodies. Advance registration, with a $10 per child fee ($5 per child for Museum members), is required and is offered on a first come basis. Recommended for children ages 3 and over. Registration begins October 22, 2012. Regular Museum admission rates also apply.
RAILROAD MUSEUM RAMBLES: The Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania annually sponsors trips to great destinations of railroading, historical, scenic and general travel interest. Join us for one or more of these memorable excursions to take in the sights and sounds of railroading. Registrations are currently being accepted for "Riding The Rails of America's Great Southwest," June 16 through 23, 2012. Additional 2012 Rambles will be announced.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania scheduled hours of operation for the year 2012 are:
• January through March, November and December: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• April through October: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be open to visitors on Martin Luther King Jr Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day and Black Friday in 2012.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in 2012. The Museum also will be closed Mondays from January through March and Mondays in November and December.
Regular admission prices for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania are: Adults 12 to 64, $10.00; seniors 65 and over, $9.00; youth 3 to 11, $8.00; and children 2 and under, free of charge. Most special events and exhibits are free of charge to members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Proceeds from events benefit the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's important education and preservation programs. Hours, admissions, events and other activities may be subject to change without notice.
Information on Museum reserved group tours-including the Restoration Shop Tour, Children's Tour, White Glove Tour and Curator's Tour-facility rentals, education programs, school groups, merit badge programs, outreach programs, membership, volunteering, business partnerships and charitable giving is available on the web site or by calling the Museum.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located on PA Route 741, Strasburg, ten miles east of historic downtown Lancaster in the heart of the beautiful, Pennsylvania Dutch Country of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. For information on area lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment, historic sites and other attractions, go online at www.strasburgpa.com,
www.padutchcountry.com or www.visitpa.com or call (800)PADUTCH or (800)VISITPA.
Additional train-related attractions, all within a mile of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, include the legendary Strasburg Rail Road-just across the road from the Museum-the captivating National Toy Train Museum and the engaging Choo Choo Barn. The official railroad museum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, with the active support of the non-profit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
For more information on Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania programs, collections and operations, call (717)687-8628, log onto www.rrmuseumpa.org or visit the Museum's Facebook page. Smartphone users may visit m.rrmuseumpa.org.
xperience the awe-inspiring power of trains and the fascinating heritage of our nation's railroading on display during 2012 at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the Museum's family-friendly and innovative education and preservation programs. The world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and vintage railroad cars includes everything from classic woodburners and mammoth steam locomotives to sleek, electric-powered and diesel engines. A number of authentic locomotives and railroad cars are open regularly for visitors to explore.
Take the throttle on a simulated run in a real Norfolk Southern freight locomotive cab, sit in an engineer's seat, climb aboard a caboose, explore Steinman Station early 20th century replica passenger depot, inspect a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, view restoration activities in real time via closed circuit TV, enjoy hands-on activities in Stewart Junction railway education center, view exhibits of art and artifacts in the second floor gallery and browse the Whistle Stop Shop museum store.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's main Rolling Stock Hall now features climate control year-round, for the comfort of visitors and the preservation of the major artifacts. Please call ahead, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's web site and Facebook page or join the email list for more information and programming updates.
Events and other activities currently slated for the Museum in 2012 are:
* CHARTER DAY: Sunday, March 11. Observe the 331st birthday of the Commonwealth, amid Pennsylvania made and operated historic rolling stock, here at the Keystone State's official railroad museum. Regular Museum hours. Open to the public free of charge.
* ROLE OF RAILROADS IN PENNSYLVANIA DURING THE CIVIL WAR: Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, December 30. Railroads were a key to the successes of both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War, and the contributions of Pennsylvania's railroads were an integral part of the Union's eventual victory. From supplying the Armies with munitions and food, to transporting troops, prisoners and communications, the Civil War was the first war in which railroads were a major factor.The fascinating photographs, documents and artifacts in this exhibit tell the story of Pennsylvania's railroads during the War Between the States. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* CONRAIL DAYS: Friday, May 11 through Sunday, May 13. Conrail arose from the wreckage of six failed railroads in the 1970s to become a profitable and successful private enterprise. This program highlights the equipment, history and people of Conrail, and is presented in partnership with the Conrail Historical Society. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* NORFOLK SOUTHERN DAYS: Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Norfolk Southern! Meet today's railroaders and view exciting contemporary and historic railroad equipment on site from the "Thoroughbred of Transportation." Operation Lifesaver, music by the Norfolk Southern Lawmen and special presentations will also be featured. This program is presented in partnership with the Norfolk Southern Corporation. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* READING RAILROAD DAYS: Tuesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 8. Enjoy the remarkable Reading Railroad trains of eastern Pennsylvania history through tours of Reading Company equipment and a huge, operating model railroad from the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* BARONS & BUILDERS DAY CAMP: Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, for ages 9 & 10 and Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27, for ages 11 & 12. Kids build, create, learn and play as they explore railroads and railroad history through a program of unique tours, innovative hands-on projects, field trips by train and special demonstrations. Each camp has a limited number of openings on a first come basis. The cost is $175 per camper ($125 per camper for Museum members). Registration begins February 1, 2012. Please call after the June 4, 2012 deadline to determine if spaces are still available.
* HOGWARTS EXPRESS PARTIES: Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 11. This is where the magic happens! Kids are encouraged to dress like their favorite Harry Potter character for a reading in one of the Museum's historic coaches. They will also create potions and a Hogwarts-inspired take-home craft. Advance registration, with a $10 per child fee ($5 per child for Museum members), is required. Hogwarts Express Parties are offered on a first come basis. Recommended for children ages 8 to 13. Registration begins July 2, 2012. Regular Museum admission rates also apply.
* MEMBERS DAY: Saturday, September 22. Museum members enjoy special members-only presentations and other great railroad and Museum-related activities. Also held during the day is the annual business meeting of the membership. A not-to-be-missed evening banquet-honoring volunteers, members and other special friends-caps off a full day. Advance registration is required.
* GARDEN RAILWAYS TOUR: Sunday, October 7, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Enjoy a self-guided tour of various private homes, featuring unique garden railways with operating model train layouts. Garden Railways Tour tickets are $10 per person for ages 6 and over, and go on sale at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania beginning July 23, 2012, and at all Stauffers of Kissel Hill locations in central Pennsylvania on September 1, 2012.
* TRAINS & TROOPS: Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Honor our veterans, and the men and women currently in uniform, while you experience many splendid railroad and military archival displays, enjoy patriotic music and learn the significant role railroads played time and again in the defense of our nation. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* 1940s SWING DANCE: Saturday, November 3, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Jump, jive and swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among the trains in the Railroad Museum's huge Rolling Stock Hall. Come dressed in military uniform or 1940s clothing, if you like, to revive the past! A special savings combination ticket, per person, for the dance and both days of Trains & Troops is $35. The dance ticket only, cost per person, is $25. Veterans, active duty service personnel and Museum members are admitted for $20 per person.Advance tickets are highly recommended. Call, stop by the Museum store or visit the Museum's web site. Dance tickets go on sale beginning February 14, 2012.
* HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8. Take a nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel and meet costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents and passengers representing the past century. Enjoy seasonal music and festive decorations among our world-class collection of trains. Visit Santa and send your personal telegram to the North Pole. Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
* POLAR EXPRESS PARTIES: Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8. The conductor calls all aboard for a reading of the new classic holiday story in one of the Museum's historic passenger coach. Kids who believe are welcome to dress in their pajamas, and will delight creating their own seasonal take-home craft and receiving a small bag of goodies. Advance registration, with a $10 per child fee ($5 per child for Museum members), is required and is offered on a first come basis. Recommended for children ages 3 and over. Registration begins October 22, 2012. Regular Museum admission rates also apply.
RAILROAD MUSEUM RAMBLES: The Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania annually sponsors trips to great destinations of railroading, historical, scenic and general travel interest. Join us for one or more of these memorable excursions to take in the sights and sounds of railroading. Registrations are currently being accepted for "Riding The Rails of America's Great Southwest," June 16 through 23, 2012. Additional 2012 Rambles will be announced.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania scheduled hours of operation for the year 2012 are:
• January through March, November and December: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• April through October: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be open to visitors on Martin Luther King Jr Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day and Black Friday in 2012.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will be closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in 2012. The Museum also will be closed Mondays from January through March and Mondays in November and December.
Regular admission prices for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania are: Adults 12 to 64, $10.00; seniors 65 and over, $9.00; youth 3 to 11, $8.00; and children 2 and under, free of charge. Most special events and exhibits are free of charge to members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Proceeds from events benefit the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's important education and preservation programs. Hours, admissions, events and other activities may be subject to change without notice.
Information on Museum reserved group tours-including the Restoration Shop Tour, Children's Tour, White Glove Tour and Curator's Tour-facility rentals, education programs, school groups, merit badge programs, outreach programs, membership, volunteering, business partnerships and charitable giving is available on the web site or by calling the Museum.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located on PA Route 741, Strasburg, ten miles east of historic downtown Lancaster in the heart of the beautiful, Pennsylvania Dutch Country of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. For information on area lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment, historic sites and other attractions, go online at www.strasburgpa.com,
www.padutchcountry.com or www.visitpa.com or call (800)PADUTCH or (800)VISITPA.
Additional train-related attractions, all within a mile of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, include the legendary Strasburg Rail Road-just across the road from the Museum-the captivating National Toy Train Museum and the engaging Choo Choo Barn. The official railroad museum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, with the active support of the non-profit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
For more information on Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania programs, collections and operations, call (717)687-8628, log onto www.rrmuseumpa.org or visit the Museum's Facebook page. Smartphone users may visit m.rrmuseumpa.org.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Atlantic City, NJ: Electric train show and a chance to take a nature hike highlight events At The Shore Today
At The Shore Today: Electric train show and a chance to take a nature hike highlight events At The Shore Today
Electric-Train Heaven in Richland
What It Is: Sure, Christmas is over, but that doesn't mean all electric trains have to roll back into hiding for another year. The Patcong Valley Model Railroad people are just opening up their amazing display for the next three weekends to post-holiday visitors.
What To Expect: This is model-railroad heaven, in HO scale. The Patcong Valley model train train buffs are always expanding and improving their display, which is based in a building remodeled to resemble an old-school train station. So rail buffs of all sizes should find something to fascinate them.
Event Info: Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, also Jan. 14 and 15 and Jan. 21 and 22. The station is on Route 40 at Fir Avenue in Richland Village. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more details, visit www.patcongvalley.com.
Wildlife Walk at Cape May Point
What It Is: With more warm weather forecast for today, it could be a great time to get outside. Cape May Point State Park is offering a free family wildlife walk at 1 p.m., followed by craft activities and refreshments.
What To Expect: This is one of the world's great bird-watching spots, so it's always wise to look up when you walk around this 235-acre park - which is also the home of the Cape May Lighthouse. But these walks are guided by a naturalist who also knows how to point out what's been tracking around on the ground, animals that could include everything from foxes to coyotes to deer to otters to raccoons and more.
Event Info: The walk is Free. The group leaves at 1 p.m. from the museum at Cape May Point State Park, 299 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point. For more details, call 609-884-2159.
Electric-Train Heaven in Richland
What It Is: Sure, Christmas is over, but that doesn't mean all electric trains have to roll back into hiding for another year. The Patcong Valley Model Railroad people are just opening up their amazing display for the next three weekends to post-holiday visitors.
What To Expect: This is model-railroad heaven, in HO scale. The Patcong Valley model train train buffs are always expanding and improving their display, which is based in a building remodeled to resemble an old-school train station. So rail buffs of all sizes should find something to fascinate them.
Event Info: Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, also Jan. 14 and 15 and Jan. 21 and 22. The station is on Route 40 at Fir Avenue in Richland Village. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more details, visit www.patcongvalley.com.
Wildlife Walk at Cape May Point
What It Is: With more warm weather forecast for today, it could be a great time to get outside. Cape May Point State Park is offering a free family wildlife walk at 1 p.m., followed by craft activities and refreshments.
What To Expect: This is one of the world's great bird-watching spots, so it's always wise to look up when you walk around this 235-acre park - which is also the home of the Cape May Lighthouse. But these walks are guided by a naturalist who also knows how to point out what's been tracking around on the ground, animals that could include everything from foxes to coyotes to deer to otters to raccoons and more.
Event Info: The walk is Free. The group leaves at 1 p.m. from the museum at Cape May Point State Park, 299 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point. For more details, call 609-884-2159.
Model trains replicate journey from Tehachapi to Barstow
From Bakersfield (CA).com) Model trains replicate journey from Tehachapi to Barstow
Here at Bakosphere, we like all things Kern County, especially if they're in miniature. A model train group from San Diego recently built a model train layout for a journey from Tehachapi to Barstow in San Bernardino County.
The rub here is this is an Amtrak journey. The video is beautifully shot and the layout -- at least it feels this way -- is huge and diverse. Of course, trains are a huge fascination on You Tube and you can find train-related videos of all sorts there.
Just take a visit to YouTube to begin your journey but for now: ALL ABOARD.
(Kindle readers - you need to go to Youtube to see the video below)
Here at Bakosphere, we like all things Kern County, especially if they're in miniature. A model train group from San Diego recently built a model train layout for a journey from Tehachapi to Barstow in San Bernardino County.
The rub here is this is an Amtrak journey. The video is beautifully shot and the layout -- at least it feels this way -- is huge and diverse. Of course, trains are a huge fascination on You Tube and you can find train-related videos of all sorts there.
Just take a visit to YouTube to begin your journey but for now: ALL ABOARD.
(Kindle readers - you need to go to Youtube to see the video below)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Easton, MD: Festival of Trains sets attendance record
You've missed it this year - put it on your calendar today for next year.
From the Star Democrat: Festival of Trains sets attendance record
CHESTER The annual model train show sponsored by the Queen Anne's Museum of Eastern Shore Life had a record turnout this year. The head count for the show's two weekends this year was 4,220, compared to last year's 3,330. The largest single day's attendance, on the second Saturday of the show, was just less than 1,200.
The show is sponsored by the Queen Anne's Railroad Society and the National Capital Trackers, two organizations of model railroad buffs who exhibit their collections in elaborate running displays. The show, now dubbed the Festival of Trains, was held at the former outlets at Kent Narrows. Organizers believe good weather helped contribute to the turnout.
In addition to the train layouts, Santa Claus was on hand for the youngsters.
Raffle tickets were sold for chances to win five model train sets. At the end of the show on Sunday, Dec. 11, five children in attendance were selected to draw the winning tickets. They were Grady Felton of Centreville; Daniel Williams of Queenstown; and Faith Hartlove, Bradley Hartlove and Grace Hartlove of Stevensville.
The winners of the train sets were Joyce Wesolowski of Stevensville, who won a G-Gauge Polar Express; 2-year-old Kevin Flanagan, son of Stephanie Flanagan of Stevensville, who won Funny Train No. 1; Harry Frisch of Philadelphia, who won Funny Train No. 2; Carl Hedges of Annapolis, who won the Santa Fe Express; and Ava Price of Church Hill, who won an O-Gauge Polar Express.
From the Star Democrat: Festival of Trains sets attendance record
CHESTER The annual model train show sponsored by the Queen Anne's Museum of Eastern Shore Life had a record turnout this year. The head count for the show's two weekends this year was 4,220, compared to last year's 3,330. The largest single day's attendance, on the second Saturday of the show, was just less than 1,200.
The show is sponsored by the Queen Anne's Railroad Society and the National Capital Trackers, two organizations of model railroad buffs who exhibit their collections in elaborate running displays. The show, now dubbed the Festival of Trains, was held at the former outlets at Kent Narrows. Organizers believe good weather helped contribute to the turnout.
In addition to the train layouts, Santa Claus was on hand for the youngsters.
Raffle tickets were sold for chances to win five model train sets. At the end of the show on Sunday, Dec. 11, five children in attendance were selected to draw the winning tickets. They were Grady Felton of Centreville; Daniel Williams of Queenstown; and Faith Hartlove, Bradley Hartlove and Grace Hartlove of Stevensville.
The winners of the train sets were Joyce Wesolowski of Stevensville, who won a G-Gauge Polar Express; 2-year-old Kevin Flanagan, son of Stephanie Flanagan of Stevensville, who won Funny Train No. 1; Harry Frisch of Philadelphia, who won Funny Train No. 2; Carl Hedges of Annapolis, who won the Santa Fe Express; and Ava Price of Church Hill, who won an O-Gauge Polar Express.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
PA: Model train display at the Palmerton Area Heritage Center
From TimesNews.com (Pennsylvania): Model train display at the Palmerton Area Heritage Center
Who doesn't enjoy the sight and sounds of model trains at the holidays?
Boys and girls, men and women – from five to 95 – can delight in the model trains showcased a collection at the Palmerton Area Heritage Center. They range in size from HO gauge to "Thomas the Tank Engine."
With the help of a number of Historical Society volunteers, and with loans from local collectors and railroad buffs, a unique display of locomotives, cars, photographs, and memorabilia will be on display at the Heritage Center through the end of February.
There are custom-made replicas of the New Jersey Zinc rail cars and engines, including the famous Mack railbus; dashing reproductions of the passenger trains of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, highlighted by the famous orange-trimmed "pumpkin" version; and models from the Pennsylvania and Reading lines.
Many will be able to reminisce over the Lionels they ran in their youth. Vintage Chestnut Ridge Railway scenes also complement the displays.
The exhibit is surrounded by a magnificent collection of old photographs that have been professionally mounted and donated to the society by the Lehigh Valley Heritage Center in Allentown. These capture a unique record of area railroad history, and include a stunning photograph of a long line of coal cars being pulled across the L&NE bridge at Lehigh Gap.
A similar display has been mounted by LVHC in Allentown. Information on their dates and times are available at the Palmerton Heritage Center.
There is no charge for admission to the Palmerton Area Heritage Center, located at 410 Delaware Avenue next to Bert's Steakhouse. It is open to the public on Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Special hours for groups and for those traveling from a distance can be arranged by calling (610) 824-6954.
Who doesn't enjoy the sight and sounds of model trains at the holidays?
Boys and girls, men and women – from five to 95 – can delight in the model trains showcased a collection at the Palmerton Area Heritage Center. They range in size from HO gauge to "Thomas the Tank Engine."
With the help of a number of Historical Society volunteers, and with loans from local collectors and railroad buffs, a unique display of locomotives, cars, photographs, and memorabilia will be on display at the Heritage Center through the end of February.
There are custom-made replicas of the New Jersey Zinc rail cars and engines, including the famous Mack railbus; dashing reproductions of the passenger trains of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, highlighted by the famous orange-trimmed "pumpkin" version; and models from the Pennsylvania and Reading lines.
Many will be able to reminisce over the Lionels they ran in their youth. Vintage Chestnut Ridge Railway scenes also complement the displays.
The exhibit is surrounded by a magnificent collection of old photographs that have been professionally mounted and donated to the society by the Lehigh Valley Heritage Center in Allentown. These capture a unique record of area railroad history, and include a stunning photograph of a long line of coal cars being pulled across the L&NE bridge at Lehigh Gap.
A similar display has been mounted by LVHC in Allentown. Information on their dates and times are available at the Palmerton Heritage Center.
There is no charge for admission to the Palmerton Area Heritage Center, located at 410 Delaware Avenue next to Bert's Steakhouse. It is open to the public on Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Special hours for groups and for those traveling from a distance can be arranged by calling (610) 824-6954.
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