The Ohio Toy Train Society's Great Easter Ohio Train Store Tour was a rousing success. Yesterday, I met Chuck at Bob Evans in Cambridge, Ohio at 8:00am after driving through hard rain on I-70 east of Columbus. We arrived in Bridgeport, Ohio just a little before 9:00am, so I took Chuck on a short tour of the National Road where we saw the historic "S" bridge and the Roman Arch Bridge.
Our first stop on the OTTSGEOTST was T&K Hobbies in Bridgeport. This store is less than 1/4 mile off of I-70 and you can see the store from the interstate. T&K bills themselves as the largest store between Pittsburgh and Columbus. I believe they are wrong in this promotion. They are the largest store between Pittsburgh and Chicago!! I would estimate that the show room is at least 2500 sq feet and it is full of trains. Chuck and I spent at least an hour looking at everything including the layout under construction. The owner, gave us a short lesson on how he was constructing the layout and using water based latex spray paints. Since they have 20% off on MTH RealTrax, they got my order for Phase III of the layout.
G&M Trains in Martin's Ferry, located just north of Bridgeport, was our next stop on the tour. G&M in the past has had special runs of Beeps for sale. They also have the large standard scale MTH items and Chuck started drooling. G&M has a large display of Weaver.
We then traveled east to Wheeling and headed to our lunch stop, Louis' Famous Hot Dog, established and family owned since 1919. Louis' Famous Hot Dog is a Wheeling institution founded in 1919 by Louis P. Mamakos. We each ate about a dozen hot dogs to keep up our energy for the rest of the tour.
Leaving Louis's, we had a short trip to the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum. The museum is privately owned and is located in an old elementary school. Chuck and I admired their restored B&O caboose and then went inside.
The museum has a great collection of old toys.
The layout is a three track layout. A BEEP pull three cars on the middle loop of track.
Of course the layout was not running when we were there, so engineer Chuck put the petal to the metal and off it went!!!
Our last stop for the day was Patrick's Trains. This store is located in Wheeling under I-270, just east of the Ohio River Bridge and it is tough one to find. Patrick's is where Chuck purchased his 100 year bridge and he gave them a photo of it all painted for their bulletin board. They have a large inventory of MTH, Lionel, Williams, and K-Line. Their locomotive inventory on display rivals Nicholas Smith in Philly. Everything from BEEP to the MTH Challenger was on display. They handle a large quantity of CSX, Chessie and B&O. They never heard of NS.
On the way home stopped at T&K to pick up the track. Dropped Chuck off and arrived home in Roger's Corners a little after 5 pm. We had a great time and we are looking forward to doing it again. One thing that we missed is the layout at Oglebay Park. Also, there is a train show this January at the park.
One more thing, we saw many flags flying at homes and businesses in the Ohio River Valley yesterday. On 9/11 I was working in Berea, Ohio and one of the most inspiring tributes I saw was CSX high balling south with a big American Flay attached to the front of the locomotive.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
kpolak wrote: ChiefEagles wrote: Carter not happy after his meal:Clearly that's a grits face.Kurt
ChiefEagles wrote: Carter not happy after his meal:
Carter not happy after his meal:
Clearly that's a grits face.
Kurt
Buckeye - Great pics. I want to visit that Kruger Street mueum. What town is it in?
Thanks for sharing.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Chief, great pics of the grandson. He sure is growing like a weed!
Cloudy in Prattville this AM. We had over an inch and a half of rain last night. More on the way. Very glad to get it, too.
Busy day today, hope everyone has a good one!
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
fifedog wrote: Buckeye - Great pics. I want to visit that Kruger Street museum. What town is it in?Thanks for sharing.
Buckeye - Great pics. I want to visit that Kruger Street museum. What town is it in?
fifedog, it is in Wheeling, WV, just off of I-70 and just west of Cabela's. http://www.toyandtrain.com/ You would take I-68 west, to I-79 north and then west on I-70. Wheeling is a very interesting old river town.
There is another museum nearby, too. http://www.marxtoymuseum.com/main.htm It is south of Wheeling about ten miles.
If you are in the area, Olgeby Park has a huge O scale layout. Their 18th annual model railroading show is Jan 12 and 13th. Olgeby Park is known for its Christmas lights display. Numerous bus tours navigate the park during late November, December and January.
Yes, there is a mall nearby.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: fifedog wrote: Buckeye - Great pics. I want to visit that Kruger Street museum. What town is it in?Thanks for sharing.fifedog, it is in Wheeling, WV, just off of I-70 and just west of Cabela's. http://www.toyandtrain.com/ You would take I-68 west, to I-79 north and then west on I-70. Wheeling is a very interesting old river town. There is another museum nearby, too. http://www.marxtoymuseum.com/main.htm It is south of Wheeling about ten miles. If you are in the area, Olgeby Park has a huge O scale layout. Their 18th annual model railroading show is Jan 12 and 13th. Olgeby Park is known for its Christmas lights display. Numerous bus tours navigate the park during late November, December and January. Yes, there is a mall nearby.
ChiefEagles wrote:Morning all. Great photos Buckeye. T&K is about the best train store I've been in during my travels. Few bigger ones in MA. The owner is a great guy. He should be giving 50% of on Realtrax. We discussed the reason earlier [reminds me, fife, will send you an email with my comments for Mikey boy, hope he has an answer]. Suppose to be cooler. Hope to do some trains today. Have a great one.
Chief, I must agree. T&K is one of the best I have been in. Good prices and great service. Caboose Hobbies in Denver is probably the best. I was disappointed in Graboski and Charles Ro. Nicholas Smith is neat because it is so crowded with trains. Train Express used be be a great store until they moved it to a warehouse that is impossible to find.
Since I visit G Scale stores, too, Watt's Train Shop in Zionsville, Indiana is one great store. G Scale Junction is less than 20 minutes from my house. Not much of a store, but definitely a warehouse with tons of G Scale. (Hear that Doug and Colin?)
During our discussions with the clerk at Patrick's Trains yesterday, he told Chuck and me that O scale is big in the Ohio River Valley. HO and N suck wind!!!! There are 7 authorized Lionel dealers in and around Wheeling.
lionroar88 wrote:Buckeye - Have you ever stopped in Zanesville to see the Y-bridge?http://www.producersservicecorp.com/y-bridge.htmlI stopped a few years ago on our trip out to Columbus to see PSU get beat by OSU in The Shoe... pretty neat.
88, not only have I seen the Y-Bridge, I have worked on the dams, canal and locks in the vicinity of the the bridge. http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/muskngmr/tabid/773/Default.aspx Just up river from Zanesville, there is also an antique suspension bridge.
BTW, I can't wait to see the pillow fight this weekend between Michigan and ND. Buckeye fans are still LOL about the Michigan-Appalachian State game. Of course, this weekend the Buckeyes will have trouble handling the Huskies.
That looks like a great trip!
Wes, wondered where you had been.
88, if you get to Wheeling, let me know. I have a car. Not a bimmer, but one that has GPS, XM Radio, Bluetooth and 258 hp turning the front wheels. It doesn't break down either because it is designed by Riveters and built by Buckeye farmers.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes, wondered where you had been. 88, if you get to Wheeling, let me know. I have a car. Not a bimmer, but one that has GPS, XM Radio, Bluetooth and 258 hp turning the front wheels. It doesn't break down either because it is designed by Riveters and built by Buckeye farmers.
This set me off looking for photos of interesting infrastructure...but I found trolleys instead (in the town where I grew up - Stamford, Connecticut...)
Hey Doug, I remember that you & TMCCman are big into history. That being said, my brother (the Colonel) was part of the Sgt York team that found the spot where he caputured all them Germans... www.sgtyorkdiscovery.com/
He also sent a picture of the service they had in Afghanistan (he's on deployment there 'til Feb) he noted that there was a fire crew from Germany...truck & all! Thank God for our Allies.
Buckeye, Nice pictures. I'll have to do a tour of Florida...may take a few weeks.....Far & few between here!
Rich
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
Jim F, What dos Melvin with the old potato mean? Maybe I'm losing it.
John (csxt30), I hope this is within the rules. My off forum contact details are; revo@talktalk.net Telephone #+44(0)161 477 4043 (transatlantic calls aren't cheap from here, so don't expect a reply) should you or anybody want to contact the old country, 6to8 hours ahead of you.
John Baker
fifedog wrote:rt - That appears to be a CLASS I-5. B&O built approx. 400 of them at their Washington, Indianna shops in the late 20's. This example (what I can see of it...) definitely has been lovingly restored. (Original paint would have been Signal Red w/black handrails)
Yes at least they had the good sense to use a Superior name instead of something like NS
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
John Bakeer wrote: Jim F, What dos Melvin with the old potato mean? Maybe I'm losing it. John (csxt30), I hope this is within the rules. My off forum contact details are; revo@talktalk.net Telephone #+44(0)161 477 4043 (transatlantic calls aren't cheap from here, so don't expect a reply) should you or anybody want to contact the old country, 6to8 hours ahead of you.
John : I sent you an email !! That should be more cost effective than the telephone !!
Well, I found out the Barnum & Bailey Circus will be pulling into our yard for a little stay in October sometime !! They will be watering the elephants & all up at the track Dept. Depending what shift I'll be working then, I should get some good pictures !!
Not much else going on here !
Hope all have a nice day !!
Thanks, John
lionroar88 wrote: Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes, wondered where you had been. 88, if you get to Wheeling, let me know. I have a car. Not a bimmer, but one that has GPS, XM Radio, Bluetooth and 258 hp turning the front wheels. It doesn't break down either because it is designed by Riveters and built by Buckeye farmers.LOL!!!!! That is just too funny!Will do...Hey, what do they mean by 'arrangements to turn the Railroad Bridge at lock 10 can be made by calling ... '? Is there a swing bridge I'm not aware of?
The railroad bridge at Lock 10 is a single leaf bascule bridge on the Ohio Central Railroad. It is just above lock ten. There are two swing bridges at McConnelsville above the lock. One for highway traffic and one for maintainance vehicles to cross the canal. The locks were constucted in 1840. Some locks use canals for the approach and others are were built as part of the dam. The miter gates are wooden. Do you want to go for a boat ride?
Questions on when and where the train will be. I will try to answer them for you.
The train is coming to Waurika Oklahoma it will be here a total of 3 days on and off. If you wish to ride the train I am told there is more tickets just call 580-228-2907 It is an historic day in Waurika it has been 50 years since a passenger train has stopped at the Waurika Rock Island Depot. The dates are Sept. 13th 14th & 15th .... There will be a souvenir car on the train for souvenir and we have wonderful food and shopping areas in walking distance of the Depot. This train holds an historical importance and is probably a once in a life time experience for many. We are expecting a large amount of people wanting to see the train and with 3 days in town Everyone should get to see it. It is due to arrive in Waurika on the 13th and the Old Depot will be open with refreshments. If you need more information call the number above. Thanks and see you in Waurika.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: lionroar88 wrote: Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes, wondered where you had been. 88, if you get to Wheeling, let me know. I have a car. Not a bimmer, but one that has GPS, XM Radio, Bluetooth and 258 hp turning the front wheels. It doesn't break down either because it is designed by Riveters and built by Buckeye farmers.LOL!!!!! That is just too funny!Will do...Hey, what do they mean by 'arrangements to turn the Railroad Bridge at lock 10 can be made by calling ... '? Is there a swing bridge I'm not aware of?The railroad bridge at Lock 10 is a single leaf bascule bridge on the Ohio Central Railroad. It is just above lock ten. There are two swing bridges at McConnelsville above the lock. One for highway traffic and one for maintainance vehicles to cross the canal. The locks were constucted in 1840. Some locks use canals for the approach and others are were built as part of the dam. The miter gates are wooden. Do you want to go for a boat ride?
Mornin', Afternoon, Evenin' (that pretty well covers everybody)
Weather has been absolutely fantabulous the past few days, although it is starting to warm-up again.
Picked up a couple of items on the Bay, be glad when they get here. One "G" and one "O", both will be put to good use.
Buckeye, It seems as though a couple of G items with TMCC have been on the Bay of late, didn't know that it was compatible with a strictly DC environment. Also there was a really sweet looking Lionel "G" Chessie 4-4-2 on there. What, if any, has been the reputation of Lionel "G" ? I didn't know that they had made much of anything in large scale, other than some of the current stuff.
Will be at the museum on friday, ran off the TPC manual from the Lionel site so I can try to get some familiarity with TPC operations for the next "Kids Club Event". In going thru the instructions it appears that you can preset the max voltage applied to the track, re: limiting maximum speed. As well as the minimum so you can bring the engine to a stop using the red knob on cab-1 w/o tripping the e-unit.
Will also need to test my jack-o-lantern flat car, he was a tad to wide so I used a heat gun to warm-up the plastic and made him a bit taller but also a bit more skinny.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
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Proud New Member Of The NRA
dougdagrump wrote: Buckeye, It seems as though a couple of G items with TMCC have been on the Bay of late, didn't know that it was compatible with a strictly DC environment. Also there was a really sweet looking Lionel "G" Chessie 4-4-2 on there. What, if any, has been the reputation of Lionel "G" ? I didn't know that they had made much of anything in large scale, other than some of the current stuff.
Doug, I first saw TMCC being promoted for G on the TAS web pages. They still promote the system of G scale. I don't think it matters if the current is AC or DC for the TMCC signal to be sent through the rails. The TMCC unit in the locomotive is regulating DC current for the can motors so it makes sense that it could work for G scale DC.
Years ago, Lionel had more G scale. I know nothing about the quality.
Hey guys... Thanks for asking. I came home for dinnerand to check on the kids. All went very well with the surgery. I left her resting. Took about 3 hours. Looks like she'll come home on Saturday. I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. It was a fairly routine procedure I guess but that was a long 3 hours for me. You guys are the best.
Thanks!
Trying to update my avatar since 2020
MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!
Marty,
Very glad to hear your wife's surgery went well. Praying for her speedy recovery!
Hers one just for chief now if its true unknow but I really wouldn't doubt it
Subject: Fwd: SOUTHERN INGENUITY TRIUMPHS AGAIN!I heard a story about a guy named, "Wallace" who is president of his home owner'sassociation in a Jackson , Mississippi suburb. They were having a terribleproblem with litter near some of his association's homes. The reasonaccording to Wallace is that six very large, luxurious new houses arebeing built right next to their community.The trash was coming from the Mexican laborers working atthe construction sites and included bags from McDonald's, Burger Kingand 7-Eleven, plus coffee cups, napkins, cigarette butts, coke cans, empty bottles, etc.He went to see the site supervisor a nd even the generalcontractor, politely urging them to get their workers not to litterthe neighborhood, to no avail. He called the city, county, and policeand got no help there either.So here's what his community did: They organized about twentyfolks, named themselves, The "Inner Neighborhood Services" group, andarranged to go out at lunch time and "police" the trash themselves. It is what they did while picking up the trash that is so hilarious. *They bought navy blue baseball caps and had the initials"INS" embroidered in gold on the caps. It doesn't take a rocketscientist to understand what they hoped people might, mistakenly, thinkthe letters really stood for.After the "Inner Neighborhood Services" group's first lunchtimepickup detail, with all of them wearing their caps and some carryingcameras; 46 out of the total of 68 construction workers did not show up forwork the next morning--and ha ven't come back yet. It has been tendays now and the General Contractor, I read, was madder than hell, but couldn't say anything publicly because he could be busted for hiringillegal aliens.Wallace and his bunch can't be accused of impersonatingfederal personnel, because they have the official name of the group recordedin their homeowner association minutes in addition to a notation about thevote to approve formation of the new subcommittee--and they alsoinformed the INS in advance of their plans. According to Wallace the INSbasically said , "Have at it"! *SO FOLKS, I THINK YOU COULD SAY THAT SOUTHERN INGENUITY TRIUMPHEDAGAIN!
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