[Dave Meashey]

Kathy and I are headed for Dublin, Indiana early tomorrow morning to spend a week and do some small projects for her mother. Mother Petty is a spry 88, but has had some problems from macular degeneration recently. Anyway, she does not have a computer, and a week without Spam is not exactly a bad thing.


Besides, we will be in the fastest growing town in Indiana - after all, it's Dublin every day! /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/tongue.gif


I'm hoping to maybe get one day to visit Watts Train Shop. We'll see.


I don't post much right now, but did not want those of you who know me to think I was sick or had left in a huff or something.


Hope everyone has a good week, and I'll try to post photos if I find any "treasures" at Watts. I'll probably shut down my computer and unplug the power bar once I log this message.


Best wishes,

David Meashey

 

[Dave Meashey]

Just a follow-up to my earlier posting. I did get to Watts Train Shop on Thur., June 18. I was hoping to buy another set of LGB 40190 Feldbahn hopper wagons, but there were none to be had. One of the sales staff indicated that they were hoping to start receiving new product by fall, but she did not elaborate on that, and I did not feel like I could ask for more details. I don't want to speculate or start any rumors, so I will just leave things at what was spoken to me.


Since I could not find the Feldbahn hoppers, I ended up purchasing a PlayMobil wagon with two tip bucket sections. I will post "before" and "after" photos once I have finished reworking it. It looks like I can make it into a credible ore hauling vehicle with some paint and modifications. I have already removed the hooks from the hook&loop couplers, pulled out the buffers (they will make nice red lunch counter stool seats), and added Gary Raymond steel wheels. I will have to cut the loops off their drawbars before I can mount Kadee couplers on the car. Then it is off to the paint shop to cover those bright colors.


I also got two pairs of Kadee 833 couplers for a very good price. I bought a decent-looking bride and groom by Elita. Although the bride is wearing a non-traditional yellow gown, the figures look much better than some brands costing twice as much. I also got a Native American family by Papo. Thanks to Hollywood, I suppose, it is hard to find American Indian figures doing something other than fighting. The dad is wielding a spear, but I bought a Papo boar for him to hunt. The critter seems too large for a peccary, but does look more North American than European. My "cover story" is that this species is a hold over from prehistoric times (Jurassic pork?).


As always, it was fun to drool over all the goodies on the display shelves. I had to rein myself in more than once, but I am happy with what I did purchase.


Best Wishes,

David Meashey