skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I received this in a trade some time back. It is brass and factory painted and came in a gloss red box. It is lighted and sturdy as a rock. The windows are printed acetate. Needless to say it is one of my favorite ready-built structures.
Thanks to Rob over at HO Seeker, I now know that this is an Aristo-Craft model from the 1950s. I will be diligently digging through what magazines I have from back then to see if I can find an ad for my folder.
...then shot down at a forum I am a member of. It was in part about creating an artificially high market for the train models we desire when comments are made about how valuable certain items are or could be. While an interesting thought, I worry little over such things. I simply would not spend anything beyond pocket change on these things to begin with, even if I had the means to do it.
This is a mindless pursuit for me, a blessing certainly unnecessary to the fundamental needs of food, clothing and shelter. There was a day when I would lust over this or that but God by His grace has removed that and replaced it with a simple desire to enjoy what is set before me.
While I would much rather be found in the arms of my beloved bride or wrestling around with my children when Christ comes, I would not be ashamed should He find me at the throttle of my trains, with an Xacto knife and a bottle of Ambroid's in my hand or forking a couple bucks over at a swap meet for two cabooses.
Marx HO scale caboose models, circa early 60s
...an MDC/Roundhouse 3-in-1 kit found partially assembled in a junkbox years ago, it was one of the first bashes I had ever done. I carved off all grab irons and made new freestanding ones, then added curtains made from folded tissue paper. Many details were rearranged and modified, then painted in Floquil's SP Grey and Caboose Red. I lettered it with Woodland Scenics dry transfers. The diorama was dusted with baking soda for the snow effect.
With the new year it is easy to forget that winter has only just begun...
it was the end of an era when these folks went out of business. I lusted over many an offering of their's as it called to me with its siren song in that field of sky blue. They used the late John Allen as one of their photographers for this particular piece. It also features a bit of his weathering and layout. John was one of the first to incorporate weathering on his models back in the late 1940s.
(1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
(2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
(3) When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
(4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
(5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(7) Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
(9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
(10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
(11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
(12) And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
(13) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
(14) When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
(15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
(17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
(18) In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
(19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
(20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
(21) And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
(22) But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
(23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
POINTS TO PONDER:
1: As wicked as he was, Herod knew that the time was right for the Christ to come.
2: Archaeologically easy to confirm names of historical places, times and figures are given.
This probably isn't the place to start. I practice the hobby on a different level then the one touted on The World's Greatest Hobby website.
While I enjoy many of the new innovations, models and technologies that are available, I prefer to keep it simple. Life is hard enough without pondering whether the Santa Fe owned that particular model freight car, whether it has the proper doors and ends or whether the wheelsets are the right diameter and in the right type of truck. I am not really itching to fork over $42.95 for a freight car either---out of 55+ locomotives in my stable, only 2 have cost me more than that.
With that in mind, I offer up these suggested readings, all out of print but fairly easy to find on Ebay. I bought three of them at a swap meet for $1 each, two came to me through Paperback Swap.com. They will take you thoroughly through the basics of track, locomotives, cars, benchwork, wiring and scenery, and will do it without suggesting a second mortgage or doctorate in history.
The first is "The Model Railroading handbook" volumes I, II, and III. Written in the mid 70s by Robert Schleicher and published by Chilton (yup, the car repair guys), you will find no more complete work on the hobby.
The other two, "HO Primer" and "N Scale Primer", will depend on your scale of choice and were offered by Kalmbach Publishing back in the late 60s/early 70s. They are more abbreviated but no less valuable to a newcomer to the hobby.
...and apart from the indwelling spirit of God guiding me, would be an easy thing to fall prey to in this hobby. I am blessed with an understanding bride who fully supports my interests. I do my best to spend very little on it. I despise those I've known in the past who wink at me and say, "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission..." as they plunk down four bennies for the latest creation from Broadway Limited. No hobby is worth that kind of grief in the house.
Still, there are some items on my wish list. This O scale Westside Models Virginian 2-8-8-8-4 Triplex from 1979 would sate my thirst for big brass, though it's highly unlikely I will find it on a yardsale table for $25.
Another locomotive on my list of beasties I would like, should the Lord tarry and the Gospel is preached unfettered financially, is this N scale Con-Cor Veranda Turbine with fuel tender. Con-Cor's equally impressive model of the U50 would also be welcome. That they cared little about prototype paint jobs make them all the more desirable...would've been a hoot to see one in Auto-Train white, red and purple.
Should you happen upon one of these fine beasties at a yardsale in the $20-30 dollar range, I'd be much obliged if you'd pick them up and mail them to me...I would be most grateful.
The artist who drew the switches made the frog on the front turnout impossible for a car or locomotive to navigate...not a good thing when your pushing a product that is supposed to enhance your rail ops.
Rule #1: Do what you can with what you got.
My son can be rather hard on his toys. When he came to me some time ago with his newly received Crayola truck bank that was found unable to withstand the rigors of boyhood, Dad had to make up his own episode of "Monster Garage". With bits from another victim long since cast to the dung heap of toydom, I came up with this. Needless to say, I reached new levels of esteem in my son's eyes with this rescue.
In March, 1975, Kadee created a bit of a stir with this ad. Can you figure out what the problem was? Answer tomorrow...
One of the nicer Tyco accessories I can think of, this one is complete save for one hand rail and the cab-over tractor. I did get an extra trailer with it and all for the princely sum of...zip, zero, nada.
Appreciating Tyco only came about this year when I needed a part for a locomotive I was rescuing. In my search I found the folks over at the Tyco Collectors Forum and the rest, as they say, is history. Because Tyco is shunned by most modelers today for its many technological and material shortcomings, it is easy to find and afford. A sad thought to consider when much of model railroading owes its existence to these admittedly shoddy but innovative models. There was in fact, a day when Tyco was a contender in the hobby and its ads could be found in all the major modeling publications.
An ad from 1966...
"...unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel."
(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
(3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
(5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
(6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
(7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
POINTS TO PONDER:
1: Historically confirmed events and figures are noted.
2: Shepherds are the lowest social class in Jewish society at the time, yet are the first given the news.
For years as a child, one of these with two coaches ran around a loop of track under our Christmas tree. On one side there was a residential neighborhood made up of dimestore paper homes painted pastel colors and frosted with glitter. The streets were made with Morton's Table Salt carefully poured out to connect them all and traversed by TinkerToy cars.
On the other side, 1:48 scale Union and Confederate forces fought at Antiedam over a Plasticville wood truss bridge nestled in a Life-Like lichen forest and Life-Like green sawdust grass.
While not a model father, Pop did pass on a love for our country's history and model trains. This is posted in his honor, the fifth Christmas since his passing.
