Sunday, March 30, 2008

back-roads.

This weekend's post comes to you from Winchester Virginia. Unfortunately coming home this weekend wasn't particularly practical, but I'm still trying to make the most of it.

Winchester is a pretty small town compared to Chicago (what isn't?) and I've heard people from my office complain about how small it is and how little there is to do around here. There aren't nearly as many activities here as there are in some cities, but if you're willing to venture off of the beaten path you never know exactly what you'll find.

Last fall I was here when a peculiar situation arose. I needed to find some unusual parts that I figured I could get at a hobby shop. So I hit the phone directories and found a place called "Cain's Trains and Hobbies." After a phone call and a few minutes drive off of the highway I found this little shop.



I figured I was in for a treat when I saw this Plymouth switcher sitting next to the shop. Apparently the proprietor also works in construction and trucking, so he was well equipped to haul off this narrow gauge gas mechanical locomotive when a local industry wanted rid of it.



Inside there was a surprisingly good selection of merchandise from various scales as well as some miscellaneous parts for kit bashing, and of course the brass parts that I needed for work.





The service was great too and I really liked the little touches like the overhead tracks and the little Z scale model by the door.



And if you're not into trains there are plenty of antique shops if you take the time to look. They range from the outrageously up scale to the very rustic.



There is some terrific scenery that you can enjoy, especially if you get a chance to ride one of the area's scenic railways. (You knew I would get back around to trains eventually!)

That's all for now. More later on my travels and maybe a bit of old iron.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Resurrection


I suppose I'm stating the obvious, but I haven't been posting much for the past several months. I could cite plenty of specific reasons like being on the road, being swamped with work, hobbies, and socializing. Really, I think I just lost the urge to write for a while, but it's springtime now and I've decided to resurrect this blog for a while. I'll be putting up some new material on at least a weekly basis for a while now.

I'd like to start off with an additions to the blogroll.
It's time to introduce the enthusiastic new blogger 'True Blue Sam" who has put up quite a few posts over at his new blog. We have several areas of common interest and it will probably come as no surprise that we are related. (In fact, my picture made it into his banner on the far right!) He has some good material to work with and it looks as though he will continue to put up good posts for the foreseeable future. With any luck we may combine our efforts and do a little blogging together in the future.