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But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
As I write, it seems the prevailing concern among people everywhere is – what's going on with the economy? I've probably been asked more questions about the economy in the past two months than in my entire lifetime. People are watching their wealth dissipating and dwindling away. Reflecting on these material losses reminds me of a story about a lady who perished in Pompeii in the first century.
Pompeii was a flourishing city in Southern Italy until 79 AD. Suddenly, for two days Mt. Vesuvius erupted and completely destroyed Pompeii in all its pomp. The city was covered in meters of ash and pumice for 1700 years until it was accidentally discovered in 1748. When archaeologists began excavations in 1910 they uncovered a petrified woman clutching some of the finest jewelry ever recovered from the ancient world. She was apparently attempting to flee the doomed city, and in her haste, holding desperately onto her valuable possessions – she lost her life.
During its time Pompeii was a magnificent city, yet it's destiny was destruction by a nearby volcano –- and so it is with our world today. There's so much beauty on our planet earth –- yet its destiny is certain! The day is soon coming when it's elements will be destroyed with fire, the earth and everything in it, laid bare, [2 Peter 3:10] –- and our earthly possessions will not come with us into glory, (only what we have done with them).
As the Apostle Paul said, we came into this world with nothing – and when we leave this world, we take nothing with us. We can make the mistake of holding too dearly onto our earthly possessions, making them our "treasure", (rather than storing treasure where moth and rust do not corrode etc.) – but this is a costly error, as illustrated by our "petrified lady". Instead, let's remind ourselves that we are stewards of God's possessions, responsible to use them with His interests in mind, to further His Kingdom with the things He has entrusted to us. With so much work to be done, let's never allow our earthly possessions to petrify us with greed or fear thus preventing the eternal work we were preordained for, and stealing our eternal rewards.
Worthy Ministries
Sometime ago, I came up with this brilliant idea to incorporate my hobby work area into a cherry chest I was given that sits in my living room. I keep all my paints and supplies in there, as well as any ongoing projects. Because of my Bible studies, My chest is now a literal literary catchall and my work is now done on a 10" round stool in front. That's a G.I. Joe locomotive getting hacked up into an On30 Climax at the moment.
It would seem that, at this time, Matthew Poole, Matthew Henry, A.W. Tozer, Derek Kidner and James Strong are ensuring that my priorities are kept straight.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
This one came by way of a evidence locker cleaning, three cars and a Tyco "Spirit of '76" Seaboard Coastline Alco Century 430 locomotive. It has the original sprung trucks and opening doors. I weathered it with dirty thinner that I keep especially for such effects, streaking a bit of flat gray and rust in with the downward strokes. I finish it with a dusting of light gray pastel chalks and straight Testor's rust/rubber/flat brown paint on the running gear and wheelsets, topped off with a coat of #1311 Krylon Matte Finish.
Failure and Success: Crowds at Any Price
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith...---1 Timothy 6:20-21
The crowds-at-any-price mania has taken a firm grip on American Christianity and is the motivating power back of a shockingly high percentage of all religious activity. Men and churches compete for the attention of the paying multitudes who are brought in by means of any currently popular gadget or gimmick ostensibly to have their souls saved, but, if the truth were told, often for reasons not so praiseworthy as this....
Our constant effort should be to reach as many persons as possible with the Christian message, and for that reason numbers are critically important. But our first responsibility is not to make converts but to uphold the honor of God in a world given over to the glory of fallen man. No matter how many persons we touch with the gospel we have failed unless, along with the message of invitation, we have boldly declared the exceeding sinfulness of man and the transcendent holiness of the Most High God. They who degrade or compromise the truth in order to reach larger numbers, dishonor God and deeply injure the souls of men.
The temptation to modify the teachings of Christ with the hope that larger numbers may "accept" Him is cruelly strong in this day of speed, size, noise, and crowds. But if we know what is good for us, we'll resist it with every power at our command.---The Size of the Soul, 117-119.
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(24) Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
(25) Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
(1) Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
(2) And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
(3) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
(4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
(5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
(12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
(13) I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
(14) That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(15) Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
(16) Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
(17) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
(18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
(19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
(20) O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
(21) Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.---The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.---
I found from Colin in the Netherlands that Life-Like offered one in their Proto 2000 series, along with Walther's. An interesting note is that P2K locos are usually equipped with Athearn drive parts, making this a less than original idea.
The frame is cut and reassembled. At this point I hard wired the motor, one of the most basic modifications one can do to improve the performance of Athearn Blue Box locomotives.
...before...
...after...
I then filled in the front and rear pilots and built up coupler mounting pads to take Kadee #5 couplers. I modified their draft gear by filing off the backs of the boxes to the spring to help make clearance for the trucks. I also installed stops for the body shell. I hope to figure out a way to screw mount the shell, it fits snug but I'm still unable to lift it from the track by anything but the fuel tank.
The rear only needed a few bits trimmed flat for the drive to sit even...
Here it is, assembled and ready to go...
As I figured, it pulls like an ox and runs even with my Atlas GP-40, making for a good mu'ed pair pulling long trains at shows. At this point, I'll be pulling back as I haven't decided the next course of action. I still need one handrail and I'm pondering just how detailed I'd like to go---grabs, lift rings and all or, a simple touch up and run it as a "stock" Tyco sleeper? I still have to come up with paint matches as well. Time will tell, until then, I'll be running it as is just to enjoy the sight.
...it amazes me how far one's work can reach in this computer age...
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
In May, 1967 they were not considered anathema but a legitimate solution to rolling abilities and coupling issues. While truck mounted couplers soon showed themselves to be less than desirable---the forces of pushing and pulling a train are applied to the truck and not to the car body, making them prone to derailment---the horn/hook became an industry standard and is still found on 85% of new HO rolling stock sold today.
...yup, 'nother barn lot rescue. Somewhat larger than HO scale, many of these end their lives as On30 kitbashes.
I had to replace the horns, other than that, it is as found.
UPDATE: As is typical with most 80s Bachmann, the plastic gears were found to be cracked on two axles, something most of their locomotives back then were notorious for, even when brand new in the box. I can live with that for now as a switcher of this size in real life was only good for 5-8 cars in regular use anyway.
After a clean and lube, I took a moment to swap traction tired drivers as one was put on a brass wiper contact point. By moving it, I kept the traction ability of the tire but still improved electrical pickup, since the rubber tire would limit pickup only to moments when the flange would touch the rail. As you can see, the locomotive had been run very little in the last 20+ years.
(11) And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
(12) And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
(13) To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?
(14) Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.
(15) Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.
(16) Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
(17) For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
(18) He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
(19) Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
(20) Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
(21) He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
(22) Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.
(1) Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
(2) And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
(3) And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;
(4) And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;
(5) And what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place;
(6) And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:
(7) But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.
(8) Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;
(9) And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
(10) For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:
(11) But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
(12) A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
(13) And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
(14) That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
(15) And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
(16) Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
(17) And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
(18) Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
(19) And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
(20) And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
(21) That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
(22) For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;
(23) Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.
(24) Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.
(25) There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.
(26) Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
(27) A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
(28) And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
...easily one of the best loved and most recognized locomotive/paint combinations, regardless of brand. Yet another recovery from the barn loft box lot, these were mint in the box. The only real flaw on these would be the coupling. They are spaced 8 scale feet apart, in real life there should be about 3 feet between them.
---A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.--- I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Still reeling from the outstanding flop of his first major motion picture, Speed Racer takes up delivering pizzas for some part time coin, hoping the DVD sales will make up the rest. He's been spotted around Selbyville recently, hoping the economy hasn't hit the girls in the clothing store and Sternly Hardcase at his garage so hard that they can't cough up a good tip...
Now, while you Mattel folks are at it, how about making...
---"Batman Begins" Tumbler
---"Back to the Future" DeLorean
---Racer X's car (the real one, not that goober movie thingie)
---"Better Off Dead" '67 Camaro SS
All in 1/87 of course...I can think of more but this'll be a good start.
