Train Show Acquisitions

On Saturday 1/21 I had the pleasure of spending the day accompanying Sir John to a local train that was in town.  This is always a highlight as there is always a good vendor showing at the show with lots of good finds followed up by lunch and then an ops session at John's.  We did get to meet our friend Matt from TN who usually makes the drive over for the shows.  That is always a bonus.  A group photo was taken and distributed to mark the occasion.

In spite of my grandson's admonition that I had way too many trains, I did manage to find some things that I simply could not live without. Besides he's back up north and won't know I bought them.

First purchase were these 2 brand new Lionel inter-modal cars complete with loads.  Being a firm believer in you get what you pay for I was leery about the great price.  But after careful inspection I bought both cars.  They are beautiful, very very large. but beautiful nonetheless.  However, being the deep planner that I am I never gave much thought to the overall height of the inter-modals as it relates to the catenary I am installing.  But after a very nervous and careful inspection and I discovered I have a full 1/8" distance between the tops of the cars and the bottom of the catenary wire.  Plenty of room. Whew !

Next find were 2 PS-2 Hoppers in Leigh Valley and Burlington Northern livery.  This will be a nice addition to my stable of scale cars.  Again, both are new and in perfection condition.

Next 2 cars were more of a great price for new old stock so I jumped on them.  The hopper will be sold off to the PC and re-lettered and numbered.

And now for the absolute best find of the show.  BTW should anyone have the slightest doubt that I am really just a "toy train" guy this purchase should cast aside any doubts.  While Hoschton does not have its own airport, this beauty will proudly hang in the sky flying over the HRC territory making endless loops.  A little know fact about Lionel Lines Airway.  They pioneered the way for mid-air refueling technology back in the bi-wing days so no landings are required.   This aircraft will soon be joined in the Hoschton sky by 2 Vietnam era U.S. Army Cobra Attack Gunships escorting 2 Huey Helicopters loaded with infantry troops with a scale 1:48 me inside cowering in the corner. The HRC's Department of Hoschton Homeland Security felt it prudent to provide this additional measure of security.

After enjoying a nice lunch John invited me back to the NYCTL for a decal design meeting and a small ops.  We are designing some new decal schemes and spent an hour working out some details.

We then proceeded to enter the newly expanded terminal yard where I got to put it thru its paces.  The yard is fabulous and big time fun operating it.   Should John ever expand his ops to include multiple operators, I am claiming 1st dibs on the Terminal Yard.

It was a great day to be a model train guy.  Meet with friends, buy trains and then run trains.