Day 5:
.
What a great and fulfilling day.
I started with an amazing find in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the Ruland Junction Train Museum. This is a personal collection of a multi-generational family of Lionel Train enthusuasts.
The owner, Wayne, showed my wife and I around. If you ever get to come here, let him tell you the full story. He has all the standard gauge Lionel trains his father made during the great depression, and all the accessories that he and his brother made from wood, metal, and cardboard as children. All of this is put together into an amazing display.
Nothing is super detailed or to scale, and a lot of it is repuposed toys. Wayne tried to make the layouts look like a child built them with material children have access to. The whole thing is just incredible in the perfection of the execution.
There are two layout, a standard gauge layout dowstairs, and an O-27 layout in the attic. The satdard gauge layout features many hand laid turnout his father built in the 1930's, and they still work perfectly.
A lot of the signals on the layout were hand built over 70 years ago. There is so much tradition and pride in this display that it is overwhelming and hard to describe.
Wayne built the building that houses the museum. It is really beautiful.
He loves to inspire special needs children with the trains. My wife actually teared up while he was telling us about it.
I gave Wayne a STRATTON AND GILLETTE boxcar for his display, and I told him the story behind it. He really seemed to appreciate it. I will build and send him an O-27 SGRR car in the near future.
We drove through the Ozark Mountains in North Arkansas and we were treated to some absolutley amazing views.
We tried to go to the 18th Street Train Shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but it was closed when we got there. Turns out they have strange hours and close at 1:00 PM daily. Bummer.
So we hopped in the car and went to Trainland in Springfield, Missouri. This ws a fun stop with lots of old merchandise to dig through.
I found a treasure. He had a custom run MYAKKA VALLEY boxcar from the Sarasota Model Railrosd club in Florida. I have been wanting one of these for a long time. I never dreamed I would find it in Missouri!
For dinner we went to Zarda's Barbeque in Kansas City, Missouri. This place was on my must-visit list, and we got there 5 minutes before they closed!
It was worth it, the food was amazing and perfectly smoked.
This is the most beautiful picture I took today:
-Kevin
Living the dream.
gmpullmanJack Kerouac ain't got nuthin' on you, Kevin! This will be a real, true-grit adventure.
I finally read On The Road a couple of years ago. This was after so many people telling me it was the best book ever, it changed there lives, and it is the ultimate telling of the American experience.
I got none of that from the book. It was not easy to read, and I really felt the author was a jerk for so many of the things he described. I did not like him at all.
I read the original published version. People have told me that if I read the "scroll" version I would have a different outlook, but I doubt it.
AttuvianAs for visiting Kadee on the north side of Medford, I recall stopping by a half dozen years ago, hoping perhhaps to get a price break against retail for a car or two.
I met Sam at the National Train Show a couple of years ago, good enough for me. He is one heck of a good guy. I cannot imagine the factory would be any better than that.
DoughlessFamily owned restaurants in small towns is the way to eat. Some are decent, some are bad, but many are very very good.
I do enjoy non-chain food. I am in for a very tasty three weeks. I hit the jackpot today!
Yep. Family owned restaurants in small towns is the way to eat. Some are decent, some are bad, but many are very very good. When I used to travel for work, our business was conducted in small towns. We quickly learned where the good ones were. Repeated that often for 25 years.
It looks like you were 1 for 1 in MS and AR.
- Douglas
Southgate And see the majestic REDWOODS! Highway 101 along the Pacific is such a treat. Not as fast as I-5 though. However, if you are going to stop at Kadee in Medford (is that possible?), that's along your route on I-5. Dan
However, if you are going to stop at Kadee in Medford (is that possible?), that's along your route on I-5. Dan
rrebell You are missing something by going down the middle of California instead of the coast. There are countless live trains there the most famous being the Skunk Train and roaring camp railroads plus a few train shops like Just Trains and The Train Shop in the bay area, also you can catch the veiws on the coast and hit San Francisco for the day if you like.
You are missing something by going down the middle of California instead of the coast. There are countless live trains there the most famous being the Skunk Train and roaring camp railroads plus a few train shops like Just Trains and The Train Shop in the bay area, also you can catch the veiws on the coast and hit San Francisco for the day if you like.
And see the majestic REDWOODS! Highway 101 along the Pacific is such a treat. Not as fast as I-5 though.
SeeYou190Tomorrow will be better.
Jack Kerouac ain't got nuthin' on you, Kevin! This will be a real, true-grit adventure.
http://www.faena.com/aleph/articles/the-map-jack-kerouac-drew-for-on-the-road/
Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
Cheers and Good Luck, Ed
Day 4:
Today was a total washout for me.
I found out that the "Hobby Shop Locator" on the Walthers site isn't worth beans. They showed a good hobby shop in Mississippi that I drove out of the way to get to, only not to be able to find it. A Google search revealed that the shop was actually in Maryland, not Mississippi! Oh well.
I did not even see any real trains today! What a total loss.
We found a 60,000 square foot antique mall in Mississippi and spent two hours there, very nice.
I had some fantastic barbeque in Mississippi from a roadside county store in Seminary, Mississippi.
Then I had some great catfish for dinner in a local diner in Caldwell, Arkansas.
These were the best roadside scenes I saw today.
Tomorrow will be better.
rrebellYou are missing something by going down the middle of California instead of the coast.
The lines on the map are all Interstates. I am spending as much time off of the Interstate system as possible. Today I drove 485 miles, only 50 was on an Interstate.
I am sure I will get some coastline experience while in California.
E-L man tomYou won't be passing through my neck of the woods (southern Idaho) and I doubt you'll find much in Coeur d'Alene, but it is truely beautiful country.
I will get out west again at some point. Current plan is 2025. As long as one daughter lives in Los Angeles, and one in Seattle, there will be more expeditions.
SeeYou190 The main event of this vacation is the opporunity to spend over THREE WEEKS with my wife, enjoying each other, and not working. Hobby shops, antique stores, and rusty trains are just added fun. Three days in... and we are having so much fun together. -Kevin
The main event of this vacation is the opporunity to spend over THREE WEEKS with my wife, enjoying each other, and not working.
Hobby shops, antique stores, and rusty trains are just added fun. Three days in... and we are having so much fun together.
Spending time with the wife is good. My wife is ever patient with going to hobby shops and train shows, but I think I would spare her that if we could get away and travel, just for something different She's seen enough of mid-western scenery that I would try to spare us both of more of that if possible. Bleh.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
SPSOT fan I highly recommend you take a short detour when your in Washington, and stop at PF&S railway supply just north of Pasco Wa. It’s the largest hobby shop I know with a great selection. I’ve spent hours there!
I highly recommend you take a short detour when your in Washington, and stop at PF&S railway supply just north of Pasco Wa. It’s the largest hobby shop I know with a great selection. I’ve spent hours there!
You won't be passing through my neck of the woods (southern Idaho) and I doubt you'll find much in Coeur d'Alene, but it is truely beautiful country.
But, SPSOT fan is right, you need to go to PF & S. I have not been there but many of my MRR buddies here locally have been there and they say it is well worth the trip.
JDCoop If you have time stop by Chuck's Depot in Marion, IL. Based on your map you will be driving past it. You can see the store from I-57. Take exit 54. Take Illinois 13 east, turn south on Carbon St, turn west on Rendleman St and he is at the end of the street. It sits behind the Ford dealership. The store building is designed to look like a 2 story SP depot. He has a layout in the basement that is the size of the store. He has a huge stock of HO and N.
If you have time stop by Chuck's Depot in Marion, IL. Based on your map you will be driving past it. You can see the store from I-57. Take exit 54. Take Illinois 13 east, turn south on Carbon St, turn west on Rendleman St and he is at the end of the street. It sits behind the Ford dealership. The store building is designed to look like a 2 story SP depot. He has a layout in the basement that is the size of the store. He has a huge stock of HO and N.
We drove through Marion countless times on our trips from Texas to Purdue; never knew that Chuck's Depot existed. Then again, most times we were on a strict schedule, with no time to stop. Another place to add to the bucket list.
SeeYou190Three days in... and we are having so much fun together.
That's great Kevin! That's what is important. Dianne and I always have a really good time together when we are travelling (actually we always have a really good time together regardless of what we are doing). Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
riogrande5761My idea of a fun road trip would be to fly to Denver and by-pass the BORING mid-west and east coast (which I have traveled to-death already) and start my drive where the scenery is IMO the best, west of Denver (or north or south of Denver). West of Denver is a treat! And given limited time off from work, it would be the best bang for my buck.
Howard Zaneoften during layovers at many towns and cities, I'd hail a taxi or borrow a car from the FBO and head for the nearest hobby shop.
I got the "hobby shop adventure" out of my system some years back when I used to visit shops when traveling around the country for work. Traveling across the country to visit hobby shops and see escoterica doesn't have much appeal to me. I've seen plenty of rusting old train diplays during years of working for Shell Oil Company in NY, PA, WV and other locations. Kinda depressing.
Back when I did that hobby shop adventure gig, many of the shops were disappointing so I'd hate to spend my own money doing that now; at least before the travel was paid for by the company and I'd do my hobby shop "adventures" when off-duty.
My idea of a fun road trip would be to fly to Denver and by-pass the BORING mid-west and east coast (which I have traveled ad-nauseum already) and start my drive where the scenery is IMO the best, west of Denver (or north or south of Denver). West of Denver is a treat! And given limited time off from work, it would be the best bang for my buck.
I couldn't tell for sure but if you are going through Springfield MO It might be worth a stop into Trainland Hobbies on South Campbell Ave. Been a while since I was through there last but they often had some neat used (and new) stuff. There is another hobby shop in Branson (actually Hollister) Branson Hobby Center that was very good. There is some good shopping for your wife in Branson too.
Make sure while in Cheyenne WY to go by the depot museum- it is the home of Harry Brunks Union Central and Northern that was imortalized in the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette.
BigDaddyIt's surprising how much Floquil is still on the shelves at various places....
I wish that I could find some of their grey primer - it's the only one of the Floquil paints that I really miss. I do have a fair number (17 or 18) of other Floquil colours left, and many more of the Pollyscale colours, too, the latter being my preferred ones.
Wayne
Day #3:
No hobby shops. In fact, since it was Easter Sunday, no antique stores were open in Alabama or Mississippi either. Double bummer.
We stopped for the night in Wiggins, Mississippi, and the only restaurants that were open were Popeye's and McDonald's. We ate at Popeye's. This was a diappointment. There was a catfish and steak place in this town that I really wanted to try.
I started the day by driving through the path of devastation from Hurricane Michael six months ago. Things are getting much better, but there is still a good way to go.
One interesting thing I found was this "train" on display. It is in front of the entrance to a Federal Prison for some reason.
The boxcar in the train was blown over on its side. This gave me a usually unseen point of view for the details of AB brake rigging.
The caboose had all the siding taken off by the Hurricane. This gives a unique opportunity the see the contruction techniques of a prototype caboose. It looks like some repair work has started in the second picture.
There were a few cabooses on display in towns we passed through.
This depot was seen in a small town in Alabama.
How cute is the little train out fron carved from logs? It is in the lower left of the picture above.
Tomorrow we will resume the shopping.
Howard ZaneI have often dreamed of doing this, but Sandy my wife would have other ideas. How did you convince your significant other to go along?
Lots and lots of stops at antique stores for her.
SeeYou190 Day #2: . Another successful day, but I think we might have made a big error. At home in South Florida it is in the 80s. We are in North Florida tonight, and it is in the 60s! I brought no long pants, all shorts. I hope we don't freeze in the North!
Day #2:
Another successful day, but I think we might have made a big error. At home in South Florida it is in the 80s. We are in North Florida tonight, and it is in the 60s! I brought no long pants, all shorts. I hope we don't freeze in the North!
60's is quite warm up here, short weather.
I'll say one thing, it isn't gonna get much warmer.
If you ever get to ME, York Village Marketplace is a good shop.
Have fun!
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Man, you are my kind of a guy. I have often dreamed of doing this, but Sandy my wife would have other ideas. How did you convince your significant other to go along?
I worked for many years as a corporate pilot and often during layovers at many towns and cities, I'd hail a taxi or borrow a car from the FBO and head for the nearest hobby shop. During this period in my life (late 60's to late 70's), I must have visited several hundred shops in the US. I used both good and bad ideas to start my own shop, and what I learned from these forays proved quite useful, indeed. And then I was able to fill in voids such as close out table, table for new items, clinics on items sold in store, specal sales, beautiful display railroad featuring items carried in inventory, used trains with emphasis on brass and craftsman kits, very attractive and friendly sales staff, and most of all.....follow up! I still miss this store and retail sales, but when an offer comes in paying almost 6 times what the store is paying coupled with a ready buyer at my heels, it became time to sell. the good news is that the Great Scale Model Train Show (Timonium show) grew from this store. My train show partner Ken Young had been my best customer.
Sadly, most of these shops I have visited most likely have closed their doors.
HZ
SeeYou190 I am 100% going to the Original Whistle Stop! I wrote down a couple shops to stop at when we leave Las Vegas, if we still have any money left. We are spending three nights in the Excalibur. -Kevin
I am 100% going to the Original Whistle Stop! I wrote down a couple shops to stop at when we leave Las Vegas, if we still have any money left. We are spending three nights in the Excalibur.
Let me know when you hit Las Vegas. Also, I recommend the Nevada Southern Railway Museum in Boulder City, NV. Which includes the vital role the railroad played in the building of the Hoover Dam
Terry
Inspired by Addiction
See more on my YouTube Channel
We started out in Miami with an early start. We drove all the way across the state heading Northwest. We made it to Saint Petersburg for a small train show. All I found here were a couple of cast resin telephone shelters.
Then I took US19 North to Dana's Model Railroad Supply in Spring Hill, Florida. This was a great treasure hunt of a store. over 50% of the stock is used items. This is another store I have never been to before. It is not on the way to anywhere I normally travel, so I made a special trip over today.
Then we headed to Tallahassee on US19. I have never driven this road before. There is lots of empty wilderness in this part of the state.
I stumbled upon this old Consolidation and took a few pictures.
I saw this beautiful church as I drove past and had to stop and take a picture.
For dinner, since we are leaving Florida tomorrow, we decided we had to have Publix Sub Sandwiches. PubSubs have a fanatic following here in Florida, and it is going to be hard to live three weeks without one.
I also scored some fresh Honeybell Oranges from a roadside stand today. If you have never experienced the delight of a fresh Honeybell, you really owe it yourself to get one at some point. They are amazing.
Into Mississippi tomorrow. Since tomorrow is Sunday, I doubt there will be any hobby shopping to report.
doctorwayne I think it's probably beyond my budget (unless I sleep in my car every night).
All of these hotels are FREE. I had over 400,000 points saved in my Hilton Honors Account. The car rental is also only costing $400.00 because of so many earned free days.
gmpullmanThose aren't very big bags you are leaving with. C'mon, let's get that credit card warmed up
I am trying to pace myself. Can't blow the whole budget on day 1 of a 24 day trip!
dknelsonLet me recommend Green River Hobbies in Geseseo Illinois. A nice little train shop.
Thank you, I will be stopping there.
DoughlessYou NEED to stop in Deshler Nebraska. Spring Creek Model Trains.
Yes Yes Yes. Most definitely a stop!
BigDaddyLooks like you are driving by the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Be sure to stop there.
My wife will do hobby shops, but she will not do battlefields. I got her to stop a Shiloh several years ago, and she still is not happy about it.
mbinsewiKevin, are you after any thing special? or what ever catches your interest? Definetly a man on a mission! Don't forget to be scooping up on all those NWSL parts!
I am looking for small parts needed for the future layout. Preferably things that I havennot seen before. I will certainly be snapping up NWSL parts as they are found.
ATLANTIC CENTRALWell, that's interesting, have a fun trip. But I can think of a list of great shops your route does not even get close to. While not like years ago, the Northeast is still full of great train stores.
Stay tuned Sheldon... that is the plan for vacation 2020... To Maine, and I will finally clear all 48 states.
SPSOT fantake a short detour when your in Washington, and stop at PF&S railway supply just north of Pasco Wa.
While I am in Washington I will be visiting my middle daughter, so hobby shop time in that state will be diminished. My wife would be very mad if I ditch our baby to go hobby shopping up there.
JDCoopstop by Chuck's Depot in Marion, IL. Based on your map you will be driving past it. You can see the store from I-57.
Thank you... that one is added to the list.
PennCentral99Where are you stopping in Los Angeles? It's been a few years since I been there, but the Original Whistle Stop in Pasadena, CA was worth the trip. Also, what you planning on seeing in Las Vegas, NV?
Attuvian in Portland, OR there are two quality "all-trains" shops. The Hobby Smith is just off I-80 at the Cesar Chavez (39th Ave.) exit. Whistle Stop Trains is 12 minutes away,
If I get to Portland during business hours I will stop in both. That day of the trip is not cemented into the schedule yet.
Renegade1cI'm surprise you are skipping Colorado. Such a mecca of trains.
I did Colorado years ago. Yes, it was great!
SeeYou190 I have departed on the adventure of my lifetime! . . -Kevin .
I have departed on the adventure of my lifetime!
I'm surprise you are skipping Colorado. Such a mecca of trains. There is the Durango & Silverton, Cumbres and Toltec, Georgetown Loop, Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado Railroad museum, Caboose Hobbies (now just Caboose), The Colorado Model Railroad Museum, Coors brewing Co. Railroad and the list goes on.
Even it you aren't about seeing the big trains checking out the Colorado Railroad musuem and the Colorado model railroad musuem are both worth the detour, especially since you are so close (Cheyenne is 3 hours from Denver, and the CMRM is in Greeley (1.5 hours at most) from Cheyenne. They both have very nice train layouts.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Attuvian Kevin, If you stop in Portland, OR there are two quality "all-trains" shops. The Hobby Smith is just off I-80 at the Cesar Chavez (39th Ave.) exit. Whistle Stop Trains is 12 minutes away, a mile east of I-205 on Division.
Kevin,
If you stop in Portland, OR there are two quality "all-trains" shops. The Hobby Smith is just off I-80 at the Cesar Chavez (39th Ave.) exit. Whistle Stop Trains is 12 minutes away, a mile east of I-205 on Division.
I can second that, I‘ve never visited these shops but I’ve heard they’re very good!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
If you stop in Portland, OR there are two quality "all-trains" shops. The Hobby Smith is just off I-80 at the Cesar Chavez (39th Ave.) exit. Whistle Stop Trains is 12 minutes away, a mile east of I-205 on Division. Don't forget to hit the cast-off/consignment closet at the latter. Tammie's is on the West Side, easily accessible off the OR-217 freeway in suburban Beaverton. It's a full hobby shop but has a great selection, just a bit more spread out.
For such a long trip, I'd have a hard time with the self-discipline. I'd end up as a combination of jaded, overloaded, tired of browsing, or broke - before I got to the Continental Divide!
Don't know who'll need more endurance in this adventure, you or your sweetie!
John
Kevin - looks like it's going to be a nice trip. Where are you stopping in Los Angeles? It's been a few years since I been there, but the Original Whistle Stop in Pasadena, CA was worth the trip. Also, what you planning on seeing in Las Vegas, NV?