Hi David, hoping the best for you and Dawn that you start feeling better soon.
Judy caught covid once, and I've had it twice. One time was worse than the other, but obviously mild cases as we got over it without any medical help. Unfortunately her sister wasn't that fortunate
What was worse is we both caught RSV. That crap is wicked, and younger people are usually hospitalized for it. One starts feeling better and it comes back and hits you again, like a ton of bricks.
We both had that for over two months, relapsing three or four times. In our cases, that illness was worse than when we tested positive for covid. Hopefully you two don't have that. Sounds like you both have had a tough haul.
Prayers and best wishes that you and Dawn recover soon.
John
hon30critterThe incredible detail offered in many brass cars and locomotives amazes me! My brass collection is very limited, but if I had the money, it would be nice to have a string of these toodling around the layout.
I have been collecting brass for about ten years. There are just two items remaining on my "Buy List", and I have not added a piece in almost a year.
26 pieces in my collection are revenue freight cars. More than steam and diesel locomotives combined. I know most people are into locomotives, but freight cars have always been the stars of my show.
These are some of my favorites.
-All Photographs by Kevin Parson
20 of those 26 freight cars are either covered hopper cars or tank cars. Those are the resin kits I have the most trouble with.
Most of my unique boxcars are resin kits.
I do like unique looking freight cars.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning from the beautiful, sunny West Coast where it will be 12c today.
The fuel filter bowl in my truck started leaking and needs a rebuild on the seals. I have a kit but just don't feel like doing the work so I will run the truck over to Ford later. I will get them to put a new starter in as well as the one in there is acting up. The truck is 23 years old and it is the original so it is about time those two things required attention. Both jobs are pretty straight forward but my body does not like the calisthenics required to do the work and at my age, I can afford to pay Ford to do it so why strain myself? Being a nice day I will dress in a couple of light layers and run/walk home. Google maps say it is 9.1 miles if I take the trails through the farms and should take about 21/2 hours at my 66-year-old speed. Warp speed may be offline but my impulse power always gets me home.
I will have a feed of eggs..... and hop on the Deere for the first time this year.
We are still waiting for the MIL to pass, so the wife will be at the Hospital today for a while. Plans may change if that happens.
Time for another cuppa, guitar and then on with the day.
All the best to all.
Can't wait to get to my favourite part of the world.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
As I mentioned last month, I want to share the photographs I took of this city while I was on vacation.
I have visited Americus, Georgia a few times before, and it is a beautiful downtown. I have never been able to photograph it well because of weather conditions, and this time was no exception. The weather works against me sometimes.
This day, the sky was overcast, and lighting was terrible. Since I have no plans the ever return, I took all the photographs I could anyway.
I appologize for the overall low quality.
The centerpiece of Downtown Americus is the Windsor Hotel, now operated by Best Western. This five story structure is an absolute spectacle of Victorian design. It was built in the 1890s.
This downtown blocks looks like it jumped right out of a Design Preservation Models catalogue. I can't imagine a more American looking scene.
This building looks concrete in this photo, but it is actually painted brick. I am very fond of the layout of the nine windows along the front with the center three having tall arches and round windows above.
This is the main Americus Munincipal Building. The tower above it is actually a building on the next block over. The three red entry doors/windows are a dominant feature with the arched windows above them.
The brickwork on the corners is astounding, but it does not show up very well in this photograph.
Wow. I think this corner retail store is just gorgeous. Look at all the decorative embelishments above the upper windows, and look at how big those second story windows are. I think the first floor walls are painted a little too light, but the striped awnings make it all look good.
I find this building on a slope very interesting. It did not show up well, but there is some very cmplicated masonry work abouve the arched entry doors. The completely different doors and windows on each side is an interesting feature.
This castle-like corner structure is located directly behind the Windsor Hotel. I love the laurel wreath surrounding the round window above the entry door. Look at all those chimneys on the roof. Those large arched windows on the second floor are incredible.
To my eye, this building looks like it would be at home in New Orleans. It is under restoration and a lot of workers were going in and out of it while I was there.
This is one building that was painted to look like three. Again, more of those big arched windows on the second floor. I don't recall seeing any HO scale structure kits with this feature, but it sure looks handsome to me.
The big blocks on all the corners and segments that flare out toward the roof are another nice feature.
This building, the "Byne Block" is simply perfection. A more American Classic is hard to imagine.
I think this little gray building is very interesting. Looking at the side of the building to the right, it looks like there was a second story on this building originally.
If it is a practice to occassionally make a two story building into a single story during remodel, that would be a neat feature to add to a city scene.
This is amazing. The little building on the left looks like it was assembled from leftover bits from the scrap box. Nothing about this building looks on-purpose, but somehow it just looks right.
The paint on the building to the right, yellow, gray, green, and cream is an intersting choice, and it does not look that bad. However, I'll bet it would be impossible to paint a model structure like that and have it look less-than-silly.
The enclosed staircase between the two buildings is another interesting feature.
The staircase on the other side of the building has not been enclosed.
This block is another one I think would be hard to model convincingly. These three buildings have entirely different styles, but somehow make a very pleasing scene.
Back again to more of those large acrhed windows on the top floor. Look at the brick work around these arched windows. The block front with the column on the corner compliments nicely with the three stories above it.
All the brickwork is bold with a lot of depth.
Here we have another intersting collection of colors to paint a classic brick building.
Again, lots of complicated masonry work and different textures all in a single buiding. Look at all of that detail above the center entryway to the second floor.
This building definitely needs some new awnings.
I found the take on the arched windows on this building very well executed. The upper floors have sets of three windows that combine to form kind of an arch. This is another feature I would love to see on an HO scale model kit.
And finally, this masterpiece. The round windows above the arched windows all along the front are wonderful.
Look at all of those corbels. Look at the large blocks on the corners. Look at the brickwork around the window openiings. All the details on this structure are in nearly perfect harmony with one another.
Thanks for reading this far. I hope this was not a waste of time.
I have photographed lots of downtown areas all around the USA, and I have never found anything like Americus.
Most of the buildings seem to be in original design. A few updates are here and there, but nothing major.
A lot of classic downtowns are getting rebuilt with new construction that mimics the old (Ybor City), and I do not like that look. In reality, that same thing will probably happen to Americus. I am glad I photographed it when I did.
Stunning pictures, Kevin. So many differences in buildings close together.
The beauty taken in such buildings is outstanding craftsmanship. Most of that beauty is high up where most people never see as they hurry about their daily work.
The picture with the grey single story I would think has always been like that. If it had had a second story the building to the right would not have windows. To me the building on the right has been rendered (many years ago) and it is coming away.
Lovely pictures of buildings that have character and charm. All individual in their own right and stand proud for all to see. A case of seeing things only when you slow down.
A joy to read and see, Kevin. Thanks for posting.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Good Afternoon,
A nice sunny day here, about-5C.
Got the car back this morning. Running great. The cost to repair all the rodent damage was $1813. Have to say they did a great job and actually spliced some wiring to reduce cost. I also like my 13 year old car better than that new 81 grand SUV. Mine drives just as well, has no squeaks or rattles and sure sounds better. I have sent the insurance claim in so hopefully I'll get $1613 back. Have to install that pepermint oil pack in the engine bay.
John, sorry to hear Daisy is fading. Always tough to see them get old but they do give us such great memories. My Nazareth passed 40 years ago and I think of him often, usually with a smile. He was such a goof.
I like passenger rolling stock especially heavyweights. I also have a thing for express reefers. I don't have any of note. I do have a few exceptional locos.
Time for coffee or perhaps tea.
CN Charlie
It is 13 degrees here, And do not expect a temperature above freezing for the next several weeks. Don't know how deep the snow is, the Prior will not let me go outside to take a look at it.
We got younger monks who clear our roads and sitewalks with big machines that make a kot of noise. Right now the road is clear, so these two are tkaing a rest.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Hi Everyone,
This month we're doing rolling stock.
Here is one. The N&W made these wood hoppers back in WWI. It was to save as much metal as they could. The design worked and these cars were in use into the 30's.
Ralston-185-1923-N&W by Jim S, on Flickr
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Great pictures, Kevin! Thanks for the work posting all those.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
Meanwhile, Eckington Yard is a beehive of activity with the Shriners in town:
BnO_Eckington_Shriners by Edmund, on Flickr
Some heavyweights for Charlie! Lots of honeybuckets to empty, in June yet! Note that the extra (½) tracks were laid right on top of the pavement in order to increase capacity. Many of the conventioneers stayed on the cars during the stay in Washington. Can you imagine a railroad today going through that effort? The freighthouse roof looks like it is nearly new, (it is) we will see why in another photo.
Great stuff on your architectural captures, Kevin. I couold see using some City Classics and Design Preservation Models being a starting point for some of those.
What a nifty hopper car from the N&W, Jim! That's something I'd like to see a few of on my layout.
Cheers, Ed
Interesting
Rare stock along the highway.
Here's one of the Cabeese's not to far from Terry's house in Wisconsin.
TF
Kevin should like Lubins, a vaudville and movie theater on the right, in a 1908 Baltimore pic. That building is gone, the one down the street with the big arched windows used to be a bank. Last time I was in Baltimore, it was a Chinese restaurant.
My grandmother used to go to her safe deposit box, which she called "going to the Vault." Back then bonds came with a sheet of coupons, giant stamp like things, about 2/3 the size of a business card. When the interest was due, you "clipped the coupon" and took it to the teller. I remember a lot of marble and big bronze doors in those banks.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Orchestra music.
Hockey, Scotch, Dogs, all is right in my universe.
Purfect
Ed? 450 width, 250 height, is the only way It can be sized to be seen on a phone. What do you suppose It should be set at?
Track fiddlerEd? 450 width, 250 height, is the only way It can be sized to be seen on a phone.
I just use the default size of 560 x 315 that seems to satisfy the forum parameters.
Does it look OK on your telephone?
Rolling Stock — a modernized Nickel Plate dining car:
NKP_129_dinerlounge by Edmund, on Flickr
and my model of same:
NKP_DL131 by Edmund, on Flickr
*full disclosure: my model is actually that of an ERIE diner but it was "close enough" for me to sneak it in to a Nickel Plate train
EL_DinerLounge by Edmund, on Flickr
SeeYou190
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good morning
Fell asleep in the recliner again last night. Musta been tired.
gmpullman Track fiddler Ed? 450 width, 250 height, is the only way It can be sized to be seen on a phone. I just use the default size of 560 x 315 that seems to satisfy the forum parameters. Does it look OK on your telephone?
Track fiddler Ed? 450 width, 250 height, is the only way It can be sized to be seen on a phone.
The normal size of 560 by 315 a video comes standard in, only fits half the video in the screen, just past the red play arrow in the perimeters of a phone screen.
So viewing it on a phone, you can't access the full screen bar on the right side of the video. And with a video on screen, it also cuts off the left side of the text on the screen with it. Then, the only way you can read all the text is to go in the edit or reply mode
Isn't that Interesting? Must be one of those computer things, and been dealing with it that way since day one The only other way you can see the whole screen, is in desk top mode. Than the screen is so much smaller, one darn near needs his modeling visor to see it Might need a bigger phone here
Took a day off yesterday, but didn't seem to be quite enough. Need another one but will have to wait till I'm finished upstairs, so the carpet guys can get in to do their job.
Will be happy to be done and get back to a couple days on the modeling mat.
I had to Google “Shiners” Ed, as I couldn’t imagine bootleggers having a public convention!
Well, could be a convention honoring anyone who has been on the receiving end of a knuckle sandwich?
Norman Rockwell "Shiner" oil on canvas... by Paintguide, on Flickr
Track fiddler Orchestra music. TF
Mike
Good morning Diners. A coffee on the go please, Chloe.
Not my kind of building, but seems to be appearing more often.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctDlLjQ366Q&ab_channel=RecollectionRoad
Good morning. It is a very good morning. The predicted four inches of snow turned out to be less than an inch. That amount is still too much, but I'll take it.
Another part of a good morning is the fact that the entire day is unscheduled (except for the grocery store).
I finally finished working on the switch motors for several turnouts. Now I can start something I enjoy more -- I will be doing some more trackwork for an industrial area.
Ed, I had a framed copy of that Norman Rockwell picture in my school office. Over the years, I had to deal with several girls like that. The bench outside my office was very good for letting kids 'cool down' before I had to talk to them.
gmpullmanWell, could be a convention honoring anyone who has been on the receiving end of a knuckle sandwich? Norman Rockwell "Shiner" oil on canvas... by Paintguide, on Flickr Cheers, Ed
I am enjoying seeing all the rolling stock photos, everyone. Please keep them coming!
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
Good morning everyone. Chloe, please bring me one of those warm apple fritters and a large cup of your coffee.
NorthBritStunning pictures, Kevin. So many differences in buildings close together.
York1Great pictures, Kevin! Thanks for the work posting all those.
gmpullmanGreat stuff on your architectural captures, Kevin.
I am glad that you enjoyed the pictures of Americus, Georgia. It takes a lot of pictures to show what I think makes it special, and I was apprehensive to make a post with 20 pictures.
There are more beautiful buildings everywhere, but when you take in Americus as a whole, I have not seen anything like it.
I sure wish someone would make resin kits of 2 and 3 store buildings like these. Just a little more ornate than DPM, Magnuson, and Lunde (I know those were all mastered by the same person).
gmpullmanI could see using some City Classics and Design Preservation Models being a starting point for some of those.
I tried to scratch build a brick building once, and the results were not good.
BigDaddyKevin should like Lubins, a vaudville and movie theater on the right, in a 1908 Baltimore pic. That building is gone, the one down the street with the big arched windows used to be a bank. Last time I was in Baltimore, it was a Chinese restaurant.
That is quite a street scene there. I wonder what it looks like now.
I hate the way that so many cities are revitalizing these downtowns. The new construction that mimics the older buildings is ridiculous in most cases. The McDonalds in Ybor City is an absolute eyesore. I wish I had a picture.
If you need to build a new building, build a new one. Trying to duplicate the look of days gone by is goofy.
I’m thinking Kevin, that if scene was duplicated on an actual layout, most viewers would wonder what on earth was the modeller thinking!!!
The most unexplained feature in that picture is the doorway above the entrance to the covered staircase. What is that door for?
NorthBrit A case of seeing things only when you slow down.
Carrying a camera with me everywhere has really made me slow down. I look for things to take pictures of. It has changed the way I look at the world.
SeeYou190 -Photograph by Kevin Parson The most unexplained feature in that picture is the doorway above the entrance to the covered staircase. What is that door for?
I wonder ... it almost looks like at one time, that new facade was put over a continued part of the old building. The doorway actually looks like one of the windows to the right, and the shape of the lower level of the 'newer' building looks much like the lower level of the older one. I wondered why the newer building's angled shapes mirrored the angles of the far right of the older building.
Very neat!
York1The doorway actually looks like one of the windows to the right, and the shape of the lower level of the 'newer' building looks much like the lower level of the older one.
I sometimes look at the pictures I have taken of downtowns, and ponder over how it must have changed and developed over time.
I have become very fond of scenes with differing architecture and styles very close together.
-Photographs by Kevin Parson
I am going to need to incorporate blocks like this into my next downtown scenes.
SeeYou190 The World Is A Beautiful Place -Photograph by Kevin Parson
Water Level RouteOur favorite campground. Been too long since we've been there.
Michigan has the most tourist-friendly State Park system I know of.
I need to get back there again.
Good Morning,
A cloudy day here but no snow.
Kevin, I think what looks to be a door above the door is a window. Old buildings often put large windows to provide light in stairways before electricity was available.
John, yesterday when I unloaded the grocery order there was two 1kg packages of bacon(4.5lbs,) . Nice lean stuff. I checked the bill and it was a free gift. I thought of you.
Off shortly to take wife to a doctor appointment.
Today I plan on doing some clean up in the garage before I put the car away. I opened the locker near where the engine is and a little mouse scurried away. I plan on putting a trap in there. I have one that is inside a housing so squirrels can't get at it. Won't tell my wife.
Time to go.
The electrician just came by to give the the estimate to replace the service entrance, meter box, and grounds.
Can't wait to find out how much this is going to cost...
Well the email arrived this morning making it official. Trains dot com wished me a happy birthday, so get out the trombones be ause I'm 76 today.
Ever been to Stockbridge, Massachusetts? It's the home of the Norman Rockwell museum which houses much of his artwork. I spent some time there. Despite being the town described in Alice's Restaurant, there really aren't many tourist things there, so the museum was a good way to spend some time. As I sat on the large porch surrounding the Red Lion Inn later, I was people-watching and remembered that Rockwell used real locals from Stockbridge as his models. It looks like bloodlines breed true and many families have stayed in Stockbridge over the years, because I kept seeing characters from his paintings walking the streets or manning the small shops. Even the architecture of the town center maintains the charm and history of an old New England village.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.