Mike T H , Bella & Jerry C at Toy Train Museum TCA 4/19

[njalb1]

Hi Allan,
Thanks for your kind words!
Al

[Anonymous]

NJAL:

Definitely do NOT let the naysayers and doubting Thomases here dissuade you from making future posts. Just consider yourself lucky that one of your earliest contribution attracted so much attention. It's just that some folks in the hobby think that anytime Mike and Jerry are within striking distance of each others, sparks are going to fly. I guess the "disconnect from reality" that some experience in their hobby gets carried to extremes.

[fjerome]

so? where is the pic?

[1688torpedo]

Hello NJAL! That sure is a neat photo you've got there & it will be a keepsake for years to come. I sure hope that we do not lose you as a poster to this forum due to some of the negative attitudes shown above. I was a bit suprised by some of the comments of your photo here & feel that they are uncalled for. Usually, this is the type of negative crap one finds on some of the other forums around & is the reason that I do not post to them although sometimes I do read some of the posts to learn if there is any news or new info in the world of Toy Trains. Just take it with a grain of salt I guess & please keep on posting. I'm sure you have plenty to offer here. Take Care.

[Anonymous]

I don't throw many compliments at Lionel but Calabrese seems like an OK guy to me. He is an improvement over the previous CEO's. The new catalog looks pretty good except for the NASCAR stuff. UGGH!!!!

[nblum]

"Who knows, he may end up working for Mike after the suit is settled."

Somehow one doubts it. In fact, one can be quite sure. The only company that can command the experience and abilities of Jerry Calabrese in this small industry is Lionel :). The likelihood of Mike Wolf owning Lionel is only slightly greater than heck freezing over and thawing twice.

[Anonymous]

On second thought, you guys are right, there shouldn't be any bad feelings between Mike and Calabrese. Calabrese wasn't involved in the theft of MTH's blueprints and the other stuff Lionel pulled on MTH. Who knows, he may end up working for Mike after the suit is settled.

[mitchelr]

I spoke to Mike Wolf of MTH at the TCA Show today and he verified that the photo is REAL.

So much for all you Doubting Thomas's.[(-D]

njal [bow] - You are the man!!


Mitch [:D]

[cbojanower]

The Sun was just off the right shoulder of the photog (Almost center). Jerry is turned away from the sun and his left side is illuminated. Right shoulder / side of face would be in the shadow. (as it is)

Mike on the other hand is turned towards the Sun with his center/head looking to the left of the sun (Probably trying to avoid the light) so his right side is lit and his left face would be in the shadow (as it is)

Try this technique that I learned in my studio photography class. Hold your fist (or a flashlight) in the position of the light source. In the case, just barely to the right of the photog position. Then stage yourself as Jerry and Mike are. It will be made clear to you where the shadows fall. Exactly as they are in the pic

[Anonymous]

The photographer has come forth with added information that "sets the scene" and establishes credibility for the shot he posted. That's good enough for me. He got a very nice shot that will make a memorable image for his and the child's scrapbook in the future.

I guess some folks think that these two industry leaders could never behave in a civil manner toward one another, but the "real world" is a whole lot different than what is so frequently presented--and assumed--in on-line dialog.

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cbojanower

matching outdoor shots is tough, it would take a real expert in PS to pull it off.

[#ditto]

BTW, what type of cars did Mike and Jerry drive? The Lexus is in back of Mike and the Ford is in back of Jerry?

I enjoyed the story, too.

[brianel027]

NJAL, I think you got a very cool photo there, and I hope that it could symbolize a picture of good things to come. I certainly don't think the legal wrangling between the two companies is doing either one of them a whole load of good.

One of the things that has happened in the hobby is we've forgotten the choices we have and have gotten boastful and full of pride. The competition has brought choices past 3-railers could only have dreamed of. It's not that one company's products are really "better." It's that the buyer determines they are better for him or her - it's a personal decision.

I can't argue that MTH makes nice products... they DO! But they're not better for me. Most of the older Railking products were too big for my layout. And even the locos that I like the proportions of, came with the electronic extras that I don't want. That's a PERSONAL decision made by me, for me. Same goes for FasTrack... I don't like it for my own reasons, but that doesn't mean it's a bad product. In fact, it's selling well so it is obviously something others want.

MAYBE it would do the hobby good for folks to talk about why they enjoy the trains they have bought instead of telling other people what they should like and buy. From the amounts of negative comments made, one could get the impression that non-scale and 027 is a very bad thing. And yet the sales figures seem to indicate there are still a lot of people out there who feel the opposite. What's good for the goose isn't good for the gander. AS the old saying goes, if YOU don't like it, don't buy it.

As far as some questioning comments of the photo go, folks should remember Mike Wolf is not a big guy. Neither am I. I have plenty of photos of me with others where I look completely out of place. I have a photo of me with some other guys and I'm standing right next to them, but I look like I was "photoshopped" into the picture because I'm so much smaller than the other guys although I'm standing right next to them.

Again NJAL, cool photo and I think any one of us would be happy as the dickens to have had the opportunity to have taken that photo... well I know I would have! I probably would have set the self-time and jumped into the picture myself!!!!

And probably the critics would have said it's a fake because I too, look out of scale. [8] Hmmmm, maybe there's actually some darn good basis for why I like trains that are also out of scale! [:D]

[Jumijo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat

So this train guy is at the York train meet, and the best thing he could come up with for fun is to Photoshop these 2 together with his grandkid? If that's true, he's a fraud and I won't pay any more attention to him or his posts.

Jim

I suspected it was real. There's a thousand better things to do at York than make up some bogus photos. So not only will I pay attention to him, I'll congratulate him on getting such a cool photo taken.

[tup][tup]

Jim

[johnandjulie13]

I am sure that there is a significant amount of animosity between the two companies. However, Jerry was not at Lionel when the theft took place, nor when the lawsuit was filed. Given that there has been a settlement proposal made by Lionel, there may be little or no animosity between Mike and Jerry personally. As a result, given the positive feelings being spread at York, there would be no reason not to pose for a picture for a kindly gentleman and his grand daughter.

Regards,

John

[cbojanower]

I think the problem is that many people have visions of the MTH/Lionel fight being some sort of gang war, and as the leaders of their companies Mike and Jerry should be drawing guns on each other as soon as they see each other.

Truth is real leaders do not let personnel feeling get involved. It was one of the first lessons I learned when I was a lobbyist. Sure I would fight tooth and nail in a committee room for my cause, but at during the breaks we would all be hanging outside in the smoking area having a good time. Some of my best friends on the Hill where guys who never would vote for my issues in a committee hearing.

[njalb1]

Hope that this puts it to rest!
My wife couldn't believe some of the posts???
If your a member go to the yahoo site and look .......

Taken from TCA Yahoo group!

To: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]
From: [e-mail] Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 21:22:03 EDT
Subject: [toytrains] Digest Number 4128, Yorkin'

Monday early was a wash, bailed early..

Worked the Train Shop on Tuesday.

Wednesday 0600 at Red Caboose Motel Restaurant, excellent breakfast for
the
E & M Museum and Parking Crew. Attendance on the Beautiful day in
Lancaster
County far less than the Parking Guys expected. Unusual "Photo
Opportunity"
late in the day as a father snapped pics of Mike Wolf with his child
in a
stroller, then Jerry Calabrese with the child and then BOTH of the
Exec's, one
on either side of the stroller, both grinning big smiles. We just
watched,
don't know which one of them thought of it, was great to see.
As usual, NO ONE can read traffic signs, the only person who DID NOT
make a
left turn at the NO LEFT TURN sign into NTTM was a job applicant. The
ONLY
driver to actually drive to the side of the Museum Bldg. THRU the
retention
basin was from New York, claiming we told him to do it. The MOST
unbelievable
thing I've seen there, and of course, NOT their fault. Once again,
quite
happy NONE of us were run over.

Thursday was a beautiful day on the Fairgrounds, Most people paused
when the
Star Spangled Banner was played, the Veterans, of course, placing their
hats
or hands on their hearts as it played in West Manchester Twp.
Fairground
food is always plentiful and varied, and as a "Public Service" we try
to check
it out and report. As always, Sherri's Crab Cakes were popular as was
"Big
Bob's BBQ" near the "Orange Hall". Apparently "Big Bob" (ALL the
males are
named Bob) is willing to wear a mini-skirt at least once (depending on
availabliity of sufficient cloth, of course) to draw a crowd. "Big
Bob's"prices were
perhaps the most reasonable on the property, and the food is quite
tasty.
Waited way too long for Ice Cream in the Blue/Silver lobby, didn't
get any
Ice Cream. Conversations EVERYWHERE about "Gas Prices" and the
"Economy in
general.
Had the pleasant surprise of a couple of minutes vist with Nick Ladd,
ALWAYS
a nice guy and a "class act". Nick is currently a "civilian",
wandering the
halls with the rest of us. Would hope a manufacturer would grab up
Nick
with his obvious talents. S-Helper's Consolidations are running
flawlessly on
their CTT featured layout. Lots of activity at MTH, somewhat less at
LIONEL.
ATLAS has a large display where K-Line had been located. I am probably
already in trouble for not mentining the hundreds of great people I
got to wave to
or shake hands with in passing or while sitting with Carol and John at
the
NATIONAL Desk. Nicole is at "Registration" with her membership
knowledge.
Looking forward to the "World's Most Expensive Breakfast (at York)"
tomorrow at
0700. Hope to see you on the Fairgrounds
(EASTERN seems to have another GREAT Show on their hands).

Jim "LIVIN' on the Great Broad Way" Lyle





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[MartyE]

They need to get a life. We can be a cruel and hurtful bunch when we want to be. Too bad. Can you imagine the talent and friends that get turned off by this type of BS and have left or not even signed up for fear of persecution? I'm not saying there are folks out there trying to pull one over but once this snowball started it spread across 3 forums. Have we nothing beter to discuss?

Personally I hope njal doesn't hold it against us all. It's a great picture...treasure it. Quite a keepsake.

[cbojanower]

I don't doubt it, and hope (beleive) it's true, but its sure putting a few people knickers in a bunch isn't it

[MartyE]

A great story... Thanks again!

[csxt30]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cbojanower

FWIW, The original poster has responded and verified it is a real picture and has Mikes signature on it. Perhaps I am being a little naive, (or perhaps everyone else is being cynical) but I am thinking the pic is real.

I have worked in Photoshop since version 2.5, and while I can match studio shots all day long and you will never know the difference, matching outdoor shots is tough, it would take a real expert in PS to pull it off.

While some are looking at shadows which may or may not be there, I am looking at color balance and where their eyes are focusing (To a cameraman in the center) and the fact that their hair is not clipped as often happens in quick montages (Few would be willing to waste the time t takes to properly mask hair for a quick internet pic

So either its real or he is one heck of a Photoshop artist. I am sure the debate will go on, look how long people have arguing the Zapruder film.

I don't see how the debate could go on, when NJAL just told us how he got the picture.
Settles it for me !!

[njalb1]

Mike was in the parking lot first and I asked him for a picture. Jerry was walking out of the building and was looking at what was going on. I thought Fast and asked him also before he got into his car which was next to Mikes. They both mutually agreed to have the picture together with my grandaughter. Both were very professional and very kind to my grandaughter (future customer). They were both super nice, and as a retired teacher both would get an A+.[:D]

[cbojanower]

FWIW, The original poster has responded and verified it is a real picture and has Mikes signature on it. Perhaps I am being a little naive, (or perhaps everyone else is being cynical) but I am thinking the pic is real.

I have worked in Photoshop since version 2.5, and while I can match studio shots all day long and you will never know the difference, matching outdoor shots is tough, it would take a real expert in PS to pull it off.

While some are looking at shadows which may or may not be there, I am looking at color balance and where their eyes are focusing (To a cameraman in the center) and the fact that their hair is not clipped as often happens in quick montages (Few would be willing to waste the time t takes to properly mask hair for a quick internet pic

So either its real or he is one heck of a Photoshop artist. I am sure the debate will go on, look how long people have arguing the Zapruder film.

[Anonymous]

Hey njal, how did you get these two guys together?

[MartyE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mthrules

It looks legit to me but Calabrese doesn't look too pleased about it HAHA[:D][:D][:D]

Why do we assume that these 2 men hate eachother? I'm sure they are not best friends but I would perhaps expect that they are both professionals. I maybe wrong but I'd like to think there maybe a mutual respect. Then again I do believe in the tuth fairy!

[njalb1]

Museum parking lot , aroung 5 PM as both were getting ready to leave in their cars.

[Anonymous]

It looks legit to me but Calabrese doesn't look too pleased about it HAHA[:D][:D][:D]

[MartyE]

I'm giving him the benifit of the doubt. I agree I thought this group was a bit harsh on this. Too bad I hope we didn't loose someone with a lot to offer the forum!

[njalb1]

No photoshop here, its the real deal! The sun was at my back. Today Mike autographed the picture and I gave him an extra to keep. Jerry was no where to be found at York so I left the picture for him at the Lionel display. Its ashame I couldn't get both signatures. I was shocked to see some thought this was photoshop ? I thought this group was frindlier ? I'm new to the group
Anyway, the picture did today, at York bring some smiles [:D]

I just mad a copy of todays signed pic!
I don't have a scanner , so i took a picture of the pic!

[Anonymous]

NJAL:

You need to come back here (and the other forum, as well) and clear this matter up, one way or another. You either got a great shot of the two O gauge industry leaders together, or you've done one heck of a good job of faking folks out with a composite image (not all that hard to do for anyone who knows how to use Photoshop or a similar application).

If you did an honest job with this, you're to be commended.

If you made the photo a lie, you're probably finished on a couple of toy train forums.

Obviously, the truth will come out from Mike and/or Jerry at some point after they return from York, but it really would be in your own best interest to come forward now with the particulars of this event and how you managed to get the two fellows together. There seem to be a good number of doubters here (understandable, perhaps), but I can't imagine that a real train enthusiast would resort to jerking the chains of his fellow hobbyists in this way, if, in fact, that's what happened.