Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Atlas N scale SD50 Chessie System #8569....


Never say no to a free box of parts...

After working on the chassis for over an hour and a half---only to find it was the wrong one---I cobbled together the right one in less than half an hour. The little booger runs like a watch...

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There's a lesson in listening for that "still small voice" in there, too. I had given up on the other frame and made it an unpowered dummy when I found it wasn't the right one...all the while the gentle nudge that said, "There's still something in that pile." kept egging me on.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Revelation 3:7-13


And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


Friday, June 26, 2009

Beyond all measure...


Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wednesday's Word, Ephesians 4:17-32..


This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tyco Zero Gravity Cliffhangers commercial...


...these may be the cars I got at the flea market...Tyco was notorious for color changes.



Monday, June 22, 2009

Tyco Super Cars Twin Pack #8980T Lamborghini/Corvette ZR-1...


I've always enjoyed HO slot cars. Though not true HO scale...the motors, the tires, the semi scale appearance...they all make for a great show even standing still for me. These were a nice little find, for less than the price of a Coke, on Father's Day as dad was perusing a junk box at a local flea market.

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The wing of the Lamborghini was malformed at the factory, a tale of things long coming in the Tyco line of electric toys. Haven't figured out the set those two Corvettes go to. They glow in the dark but don't have working headlights so, as far as I know, they are not part of the "Nite Glo" racing sets.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day 2009....


...bucking the trend---when was the last time you saw a smart father on TV or in the movies? And where do pastors get off smackin' dads around from the pulpit less than a month after they shower all the moms with corsages?

For all the dads out there, from a minister of God's Word in Christ, salmon on the grill...

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...may yours be a blessed and happy Father's Day.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Saturday, June 20, 2009


“To believe in the possibility of ‘falling from grace’ is to believe in the possible defeat of God by the devil. That is unthinkable and utterly impossible. The final perseverance of the saints is of necessity true in view of the glory and the character and the honour of God Himself. ‘Ah but,’ you say, ‘this leads to danger; for a person will say, ‘I can do what I like.’’ No! the more you realize this great truth the more careful you will be. This is the truth that makes people keep to the narrow path – the realization that the honour of God is involved, and that I am not fighting my own battle, that if I fail the Name of God Himself is involved in it.”

---Martin Lloyd-Jones

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wednesday's Word, James 4:1-10..


From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.


Monday, June 15, 2009

HO Rivarossi 0-6-0 saddletanker meets baby sister...


...an N scale Atlas 0-6-0...

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...from a friendly pass it on forum auction.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Jeremiah 29:4-14


Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.


Saturday, June 13, 2009

To whom much is given...


Earlier this week I had a gentleman give me what remained of his hobby tool chest. He doesn't have the steady hands he used to and was pleased to find out that I did model trains. He modeled R/C aircraft at one time...still has a Hobbycraft trainer hanging off of his dining room ceiling.

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There are those of my brethren out there who would love for me to attribute this to "The Prayer of Jabez" or something Rod Parsley, Benny Hinn or Joyce Meyer puked...er...preached, but I'm glad to say I can't and won't. No amount of giving or praying or service I've done or can do can make God my debtor. Should He choose to leave me and my family in rags, homeless and penniless, He has poured out more blessing on us in the finished work of the Cross than we could ever want or need. That He is also gracious and merciful enough to mind even the petty affections of this wayward soul is beyond calculation.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wednesday's Word, 7 years at my current job...


...as of today. I have to be honest, I had much higher aspirations for myself 17 years after Bible college.

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

From a modeling forum...


About a month ago, my father-in-law suddenly passed away. He left behind a good-sized HO Scale model train collection that includes tons of accessories plus 135 brass & non-brass cars and engines. He collected and built his layouts mainly between the years 1985-1990. The family has decided to sell his collection, and put the money towards their youngest daughter's 1st year of college incidentals money.

I have gone through the collection and all kinds of accessories, still in their original bags! Electrical switches, diesel detailing parts, scenery, decals, buildings, scale lumber, and a Hotip resistance solderer are just some of the items.

Makers include Caboose Industries, Kadee, PBL, Front Range, Detail Associates, Champ, Miller Advertising. Keep in mind the parts are 20 years old, but they have always been stored in a conditioned space in the house.

You can see the pics here and here...

I have also developed a complete Excel spreadsheet with prices in the left hand column that I can email you. Wherever possible, I have used real selling prices of identical or similar pieces. On the far right column are the picture numbers to match with the photos.

Please also see my listing for the non-Brass collection, and my listing for the Brass collection. I am willing to offer a significant discount to a buyer who buys this whole accessories collection. Shipping & Handling cost to be determined.

Please contact me if any questions,

mattgillespie@bellsouth.net


Auburn alumni, help this girl out if you can...LSU fans---hey, at least she's going SEC...

Monday, June 8, 2009

Thomas and friends Troublesome Trucks #1 and #2...


...by Bachmann in HO scale.

Hobby Lobby has an interesting clearance policy that has items rotated out of one department at deep discounts that may still sell at full retail elsewhere in the store. I was in the train aisle looking at these, they were on sale at 30% off and I had been wanting to add them to my Christmas scene toting candies for the little ones. I decided not to buy them at that time and made my way over to the clearance section, only to find these two---identical in every way to the ones I was just looking at on the other side of the store---marked down in a way that put both of them at approximately 40% of the price of just one...too cool.

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They are my favorites on the show, as ornery as the heckler Muppets, Statler and Waldorf, especially when voiced over by Ringo Starr.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Isaiah 56:1-8


Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.


Saturday, June 6, 2009

Moving to another level...


...so I'll be passing on some of my model work to those who would have a better home for it.

This is an HO scale light tower I built, of the kind used to guide ships into harbor since the 60s. It is kitbashed and features a working flasher. Just join the Model Train Forum and be a part of our "Random Acts of Kindness/Pass It Forward Auction" thread to get a shot at it...

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Oh, I'm still here...


...just haven't had much to post. I don't want to repeat anything and, I'd like a variety of modeling types and mediums to post.

There is an intentional slowing down on my part. I spend too much time at the keyboard some daze, with two young children that's not a good thing. There has been some serious debating going on elsewhere...I want to make sure I'm speaking the oracles of God seasoned with grace and not playing "Smite the Sinner Smackdown".

This is my hobby and I'll be practicing it for the foreseeable future. By God's grace, it gets to areas and nations I never thought possible, I hope to live up to that trust in greater power as time goes on.

Blessings, grace and peace to you and yours,
Br'er Shaygetz


Thursday, June 4, 2009


Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Wednesday's Word, John 18:28-38


Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Christmas in June...


I do tend to go overboard on my Christmas displays, but console myself in that I don't pay full retail or even a "fair" price. Whatever can be gotten on the super cheap at a local yard sale suits me just fine...

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It is model railroading at its most basic. The track is the source of power for a self propelled locomotive. The carousel and grade crossing gate work and the Christmas tree, coach, headlight and station platform are lighted by LEDs.