Maine Garden Railway Society ~ Member Blog

Remember Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T11:09:00.003-05:00

Please do not forget this very special day which is tomorrow! Hopefully you can do better than a picture of a railroad reefer, but here is one from a couple years ago.

Lots of things coming up.

2012-02-10T17:47:00.002-05:00

I was just updating the 2012 Events Calendar and we are really coming into a busy time of the year for Train Shows over the next couple of months. I have tried to include links to other clubs and events from our own calender so you can find out a little more information. We will be updating the Events Calendar all year long as we add Open Houses, Special Events, Meetings and a busy list of MGRS hosted summer outings which are planned. Please make it a habit to click on the red 2012 Event Listing located at the left hand side of the Blog to keep informed. Thank you.

Sad news

2012-02-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

MGRS member Earl Van Norman of Palermo, Maine was killed in a single car crash on Wednesday February 8 th in Albion Maine. No other details are available at this time. He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him.

Bill Monson

History on the move.

2012-02-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

A famous bridge between Portsmouth New Hampshire and Kittery Maine is about to disappear: News Video click here:

Reported by: Denneth Lee

Rotary Plow - Heaviest ever built

2012-02-07T16:52:00.001-05:00

I was enjoying Eric's snow plowing video and wandered into this one. It is just a close up view of the Union Pacific Rotary Plow and some commentary. Click here to watch:

Steam and Snow G-Scale Style

2012-02-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

Real snow plowing by Eric Shade. Lots of fun to watch. Thank you. Please click here to view:

Here is another video from Eric. Click here to watch

Dues Information

2012-02-06T11:08:00.017-05:00

We still get an occasional question on annual dues for Maine Garden Railway Society.   Thanks for asking. Here is what you need to know:

$12 dollars per year for each voting member.
Check made payable to MGRS
Please send to the following address:
       MGRS
       82 Carll Road
       Buxton, Maine
       04093
Dues are due in January of each year.

If you do not use checks: You can pay on line. Click here to use PayPal.   To cover the cost of PayPal processing please make the amount $12.75. Thank you.

Kind of cool

2012-02-04T13:44:00.005-05:00

I wondered why I saw daylight when I looked at a New Zealand web railroad cam just now. (Everything I was looking at in the rest of the world was dark right now). So I Googled 'Map of daylight hours' and guess what they got one. I guess there is nothing that you cannot find on the web. By the way, the links to world railroad's that Tiny found (see below) is amazing, it just keeps going and going.

Map to Daylight hours click here: http://www.daylightmap.com/index.php

More Train Web Cams

2012-02-04T13:00:00.003-05:00

Click here http://www.railserve.com/RailCams/ to get to a master Web Page with links to lots of other train web cam locations. Some update a picture every so many seconds. Other are live videos which I like a lot better. Some are accompanied with sound or dispatcher voices. They vary. Thanks to Tiny who found this page and told us about it.

Here is a sample picture of one I liked called the Funnel Cam from Georgia Click Here

Enjoy looking around, maybe you can find one you like. Note: I did not look at the ones all over the world but there are hundreds of potential sites to explore!

Train Trips

2012-02-03T20:32:00.000-05:00

This is already on the Blog but most of us have probably forgotten about it. It called "Train Trips' and is a collection of blogs about that subject. Click here to see them:
They were fun to see again. Makes me wonder if we will ever take the Downeaster to Boston for the day. That has been suggested and still sounds like a pretty good idea.

Rochelle Web Cam

2012-02-03T07:16:00.006-05:00

Sample picture

Trains magazine has the Web Cam setup at Rochelle, Illinois where there is a famous crossing of two double track main lines. Denneth Lee has actually visited the spot and reminded me of the Web cam feed. You do have to be registered to view the pictures. It is free, If you would rather you can sign in as MGRSadmin@gmail.com Password Webcam. No guarantee it will work from your computer with multiple users.

Note: The site will recognize you if you have registered with them before.

Click here to try it out:

The Nebraska Zephyr

2012-02-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

OK, I guess I am slow but I don't even remember there was such a thing as the Nebraska Zephyr. It goes to show how little we really know. (At least some of us.) To learn more, please click here:

Happy Shadow Day - Only 6 wks left.

2012-02-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

Ranking right up there with Festivus, I offer greetings of Happy Groundhog Day to our members anxiously awaiting Spring and the arrival of track cleaning time.

Here is the video:

Steam Engine Classic Videos

2012-02-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

I have seen this before, but still enjoy it. I love the enthusiasm of the person making the video.
To watch click here:

Dry Hill Model Railroad Club at the 2012 Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show

2012-01-30T21:37:00.007-05:00

Take a look, click here:
uploaded to Youtube Jan 29, 2012
This is all HO scale. Will post more if I find some other scales.
.

Train Show Season begins

2012-01-28T10:03:00.003-05:00

Here is a photo Dick Rubin sent in from his I-phone as he was at the Amherst Show.

A picture of a Bascule Bridge (drawbridge) taken in Springfield. Very cool, I like it. Thanks Dick!

If you are anxious to start a new year of train shows and do not mind driving to Spingfield, Mass. there is a show going on this weekend. I am sure MGRS will be represented and good luck to the guys that make the trip. Let us know how you like it. For those interested here is some information: Click here:

Did you hear the one about?

2012-01-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

Click hear

Reminder from Dick Rubin

2012-01-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

Dick Rubin has asked me to remind you that he still has some openings for the visit to Hartmann's Train Store/Museum in Intervail NH, June 2, 2012. Please contact Dick if you are interested in attending. Details and contact information are in the last issue of the Iron Horse. Thank you.

"IF" we ever do have a yard.

2012-01-25T19:20:00.000-05:00

That will be up to the B.O.D. to decide. It all depends on how reliable those large radius switches are. I don't have any myself. But, if we ever decide to have sidings, I think the added operational aspect would be fun. And it would be easy to understand. I show a signal light connected to a toggle switch and a block of insulated track on each siding. Assume trains travel toward the left on tracks 1 and 2, And they travel toward the right on tracks 3 and 4. By throwing the toggle switch so the red light comes on will cut off the current to the block and stop the train as it approaches the red signal. Otherwise the light will be green and the train will travel straight through. I think we would want to drill some small holes and put our wires under the platform. If the switches are manually operated, then we will probably need a "Yard man" and the toggle switches should be out in the yard area, otherwise they can be in the control area.
By drawing things out, it helps to see potential problems easier. For example the insulated block should probably extend all the way to the end of the siding in case we have a long train to park on the siding and we want to move it forward a little after it stops.
Anyway, it does not cost anything to think about it.

I bet you I can find a train with 23 Engines and NO Cars!

2012-01-24T22:48:00.002-05:00

The Super Bowl is coming and guys like to bet on impossible things. An old line from Maverick was " Son, some day you will meet a man who will bet you he can make the Jack of Hearts jump out of the deck and squirt cider in your ear" Don't bet, because you will end up with an ear full of cider. Click here:

American Flyer Days

2012-01-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

This is a good video, fun to watch. All about switching and some old accessories that you may remember.
To watch please click here:

Search Box - Something new to try

2012-01-23T23:59:00.000-05:00

I added a "search" box in the left hand column, Try it out and see what you can find.

MGRS Spring Luncheon Meeting !!

2012-01-23T10:50:00.029-05:00

Sunday March 18th at 1pm.

Easy to Find
Plenty of Parking
Excellent Menu
Great Price
Private Room

The Home Town Buffet formerly called the Old Country Buffet located off RT 95 at the Maine Mall. We have our own room reserved for MGRS. Ask for MGRS or even better wear your Nametag. Excellent Menu with a wide variety to suit all tastes. Only $12.50 per person. Outside entrance located between Best Buy and Sears.

Click on images to enlarge

Take Exit 45 to Maine Mall Rd. Enter by the Maine Mall Sign and head toward Best Buy turn right and the restaurant is just around the corner.

Click on images to enlarge

Ok, the map makes it look harder than it is. Exit number is 45 from the Maine Turnpike. Headed North take the blue route, headed South the red route. They join together and I just show the red continuing past the old toll booth area, taking first exit on the right circling back to the Maine Mall Road. Turn right on Maine Mall Road and continue to main entrance near Best Buy.

Super Bowl Car

2012-01-22T20:12:00.003-05:00

Schedule of (some) Major Train Shows

2012-01-20T19:45:00.003-05:00

This is from one of the Vendors ~ Scenic Express Click here:

. More Animated Signs

2012-01-19T23:16:00.003-05:00

Union Station Billboard - Denver's historic Union Station first used the iconic "Travel by Train" slogan in 1952. I wonder if Scott remembers this.

Animated Neon Billboard Signs

2012-01-19T16:00:00.003-05:00

I LOVE these! Talk about bringing your model layout to Life! Check these out.

Here is the Web site; several pages to look at Click Here

Sure these are for HO and O gauge, but several of them are large enough to be incorporated into a G scale setting. There is no given size for a sign. These can be mounted in a window or on the side of a building.

Just thoughts

2012-01-18T18:10:00.017-05:00

Click image to enlarge

I enjoy thinking about our Mall layout. So that is all that this is, nothing official. But what better place than a blog to dream of new ideas? So here are some thoughts about next year's display..

It looks like Center Court could allow us to get a little longer. There is 55 feet between the columns. So I expanded the layout 8 feet. I have no idea if that would be permitted but I wanted to move the Thomas loop to the edge of the layout to get it closer to the kids and needed a little more room.
I show the main line only crossing under the Lionel area. If we replaced the legs with 14 inch pieces that would give us the 10.5 inches of clearance we wanted so that we should be able to run what ever we want on the main line loops.
Thomas is shown on the edge of the main deck for better visibility. If we could build a step-up area about a foot wide, it could be indented along the fence line so people would not trip over it. This would provide the kids a better view. The drawing shows an 8 foot long step (red). It also shows a couple of sidings were James and Percy could be parked awaiting their turn.
Each of the main lines have one siding. Put together they create a yard area. This would let us display more trains and have them ready to go when requested. I show wide radius switches that are positioned within easy reach. A simple toggle switch for power to the sidings would let us pull in one train for a rest while we start off another one and add a little operational fun to the layout.
The elevated lines would be built mostly by using the risers from last year and we would still have 3 levels. To provide access to them, I show an operator area which has a drawbridge entrance way. That would be a challenge to build as it should probably cut the power off to nearby track when lifted up. This could provide a neater looking area by allowing us to keep wires out of sight.
I also cut back one corner to add a little more standing room or even a point for wheel chair access to get a closer view of the layout.

As I said, this is just to get us thinking. Please add your own thoughts. Leave a comment, it is easy to do. Thanks, John

Added some familiar buildings - size is approximate.

Phil Warren ~ Matchbook Fleet

2012-01-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

A world famous collection. Built entirely of match sticks and box material by hand with a razor blades and glue. A lifetime work. There are many, many pictures to look at: To get started please Click here:
TYT

Great Example!

2012-01-17T11:14:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Denneth Lee. Tiny is probably the most active of all our members in railroad organizations. He really keeps up with what is happening and the great thing is that he is happy to share his information. That is what makes him such a great member. He finds interesting things and lets other people know about it. Fantastic job and Thank You! For some of us who do not get out a lot, we really do appreciate it.

Railroad Tips

2012-01-17T07:59:00.007-05:00

Here is a good web site which Denneth Lee came across. I posted a link to the "Tips and Trick" Page. Lots of interesting topics, Please take a look: Click here to view:

Note - I just received a report from John Foley about getting a security warning from McAfee on this site. I will research and let you know. My guess is the site is safe. I have contacted the site owner smokey@golddawg.com and have run a full security scan and detected no problems. I will take down the link if I here of any issues. thank you.

Cog Railway

2012-01-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

If you click here you can watch a looping video of the new diesel engine going up the Cog Railway on Mt. Washington. Click here:

I have traveled the steam engine that used to go up to the top. It was great! If you click here, you can see some interesting photos of a few years ago when they had the ski train! Pretty Good!

Discussion Thread

2012-01-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

I was in New England Railfan and came across a few comments about our Mall display. Click here:
At the bottom is a return link where there are lots of other interesting discussion threads.

Football

2012-01-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

I enjoy watching the games. College ended last night with University of Alabama as the National Champion. Now the pros finish up the playoffs which end with the Super Bowl about a month away. This works out good for me, by the time the train show and football season ends there is only about 60 days left to await Spring's arrival! See how easy it is!

So there really is not that much time left, A new year means new plans, new ideas, we get to build new stuff! Ahhh, Life is good, Enjoy!

The Golden Spike

2012-01-08T09:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a good web site to look at. You may have seen it before but Tiny revisited it recently and I think it has been improved. Take a look, click here:

Speaking of Tiny, here is a pretty cool picture of him and his machine from a few years ago.

New Event Listing for 2012 is available

2012-01-05T20:17:00.007-05:00

Just to remind you, the MGRS 2012 Event Calendar is now available on the left side of the Blog. Of course most of the dates are not yet filled in, but it is a start. We will list all MGRS events and any other related activities believed of general interest to members.
If you have information on an event or an Open House please contact mgrsadmin@gmail.com

Amherst Train Show

2012-01-04T18:52:00.001-05:00

Click here for more Information

To Fast

2012-01-04T16:03:00.001-05:00

OK, I think this kind of funny. Here is a clip that never got posted. It went in the "Ooops bucket"
Watch it here:

Take the train with me.

2012-01-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

I received this from a friend and want to share it. Please click here!
John

Wow those guys are good!

2012-01-02T11:13:00.006-05:00

Carl called me at 10am this morning and said "Everything is picked up"! That is incredible, They were like a combination of NASCAR - Navy Seals - Precision Drill Team rolled into one! How
was that possible? As the story unfolds and the legend grows, I will yet you know. Almost as impressive as the B-2 Stealth aircraft I just saw fly over the start of the Rose Bowl Parade! Happy New Year and a tip of the cap to the MGRS pick up crew!

How about ideas for a 2011 patch? Here's one.

Outlook for 2012

2011-12-31T23:59:00.017-05:00

We had an excellent year in 2011. The reason is that many different people combined to contribute good ideas and take part in the different events that we offer all year long. That is what makes us an exceptional organization and we encourage you to help make 2012 an even better year by taking an active role in an area that interests you. A Happy New Year to all as we look forward to another great year.

~ Maine Garden Railway Society ~

Thank you from Carl

2011-12-31T19:00:00.001-05:00

Carl just called me and asked if I would post a "Thank you" to all the members who helped bring this years train display to a successful end. The lights are out and the Mall is closed. Carl & Mac each pushed one of the big red buttons as the last train came to a stop. It has been a lot of work by many, many different people all combining to produce an event larger than the sum of its parts.

This is very Refreshing

2011-12-31T11:54:00.000-05:00

A different pace. Very Nice. Sent to us by Eric.

Please enjoy: Click here:

MRGS Honor Roll

2011-12-30T12:41:00.001-05:00

Please take a look at this years Honor Roll.
Click Here:

A Tribute to the 2011 Train Show

2011-12-29T14:33:00.002-05:00

If you click here it will take you to a Slideshow cover page where you can watch all or selected parts of the tribute to Maine Garden Railway Society's 2011 train display at the Maine Mall.

There are 9 segments that total about 39 minutes. They show (1) Buildings (2) The Outer Loop, (3) Middle Loop and Circus (4) Thomas, (5) Lionel, (6 - 7) Trains and (8 - 9) People.

To watch it, please click here:

There is a small technical problem that sometimes shows a message that says 'unavailable try again' when going from one segment to another. If you "refresh" the page a couple of times it will clear up the problem. Sorry, I will try to fix that if I can.

Dues are Due

2011-12-29T11:36:00.002-05:00

Please remember to write that check for $12 per member for 2012 Annual Dues. Payable to MGRS and mail it to:
MGRS
82 Carll Rd
Buxton, ME.
04093

Dues for calendar year 2012 are due during the month of January. They are still only $12 dollars and gives you full voting membership in the best Garden Railway Organization we think that you can find.
If you joined during the current train show and recently paid, your payment will be rolled forward and applied to the 2012 year.

PS: Please do not delay. MGRS counts on it members to pay dues during January. We need to collect monies to strengthen our own position for early season Vendor sales and train shows on items the Club needs. Also annual recurring and on-going costs for Publishing, Mailing, Insurance, Web Site license and fees, legal and administrative requirements all keep coming.

We have had a great year and with your support we will have another terrific year to look forward to. Thank You!

12/28/ Wednesday

2011-12-28T17:30:00.002-05:00

Pictured above is Paul Schnell, Philip Sypek and Art Handman. To the left is Mike Curry, and below is John Jackson with three of his grandsons that visited today. The guys were busy running trains, talking to people and enjoying the day as the school vacation week allowed both students and teachers time to see the display. The crowd was big today and enthusiasm as high as ever. It's to bad we have to take it down, in a year when times are not the best, we all in MGRS helped bring a lot of smiles and good memories back again.

Letter from the Vets

2011-12-28T17:10:00.000-05:00

A Thank You note from the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough to Maine Garden Railway Society.

12/27 Tuesday.

2011-12-27T19:19:00.001-05:00

Dear train Diary, Today was a glad and a sad day. Santa was gone but there were a lot of people in the Mall and we had a heavy day of conversation. I honestly had the best three long conversations of the entire show. Maybe I was just paying attention more, I don't know. It could be I knew this was my last day on the schedule. I just seemed to appreciate it more. I saw Terry's new interactive signal sign that looked and worked great! The two big beautiful passenger trains the MEC 470 and the B&O performed perfectly. Our Club GP38-2 enjoyed the elevated loop and Thomas's smile was a little wider as he pulled his coaches proudly. Both interactive displays ran well. The Circus and the Lionel were both very well received and Norm and Art have put a lot of days into maintenance keeping them top notch. I kept looking at it all and thought " Yes, it really does look good". Lots of people helped, 50 over all. Some came in every week, or twice a week or almost every day or maybe just once, but it all fit together to make a great display enjoyed by everyone that saw it! I wonder how many people actually did see it? I wonder if they enjoyed it as much as we did? I know I loved taking part in it.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:36:00.013-05:00

The day before Christmas is always special. Santa lingers as long as possible with his youthful visitors, but knows he must take an early sleigh to be ready for the night's activities. On hand to run the trains this December 24th were Carl Churchill, Mac McLaughlin, and Ben Jewitt, who are at the mall so often you expect to see them bringing sleeping bags. Also on hand were Norm Waycott, Art Handman, Dick Rubin and Ralph Luby. Dick brought along an impressive GG1, made by LGB, as well as A custom-built model of the magnificent 1934 Pioneer Zephyr, the streamliner that still holds the speed record for the Chicago-Denver run. Carl ran his B&O passenger express, as well as his crowd-pleasing Amtrak liner.
By now Santa is somewhere between the North Pole and Portage, Indiana. The rest of us are snug at home, remembering Christmas in our separate ways, but sharing our love of trains together.

Guess What Santa Brought? Maine Mall 2011 video by Bill

2011-12-25T00:15:00.004-05:00

It is now early Christmas morning and guess what Santa brought us? Straight from Santa's work shop and Bill & Robin's camera is a Youtube video! Thanks Bill, nice job!
Please click here to see Bill's video.

from Maine Garden Railway Society

2011-12-24T00:31:00.007-05:00

I am in the process of putting together a Maine Mall Tribute video to recap this years display. If you click here you can watch a Slideshow of what we have so far.

John.

Victorian Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T15:49:00.000-05:00

Here is a video from Eric on last Saturday's WW&F event. It looked like a lot of fun. Thanks for the video. Click here:

Pictures from Dick & Meridel

2011-12-21T21:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Dick & Meridel for taking such good pictures while they were in running trains. These are from Monday Dec 19, 2011. Excellent details, very nice!
(I love that Moxie trailer tractor car)

2011-12-21T17:06:00.001-05:00

The No. 1 watched train video on You-Tube.

It's only 50 seconds long. Click here:

I kind of like this one also: Click here:

Test from Mall Tues 12-20

2011-12-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

I found some new software on my computer called Windows Movie Maker. I experimented with a few pictures and video clips from yesterday (Dec 20, 2011) at the Mall.

After Christmas ~ Schedule change

2011-12-20T20:21:00.000-05:00

Carl just called to let us all know that after Christmas, during the final week of the show, the PM shift will end at 7PM.

Tuesday 12-20

2011-12-20T18:58:00.005-05:00

Art led the way today over to Starbucks for morning coffee and got us off to a good start. It was a very good day for the many members who stopped by as well as a good crowd of on lookers who enjoyed telling their train stories. There looked to be lots of shoppers in the Mall today. Keith Stone stopped by to say hi and wished us all well. A relative of Jim Magner stopped by to talk and send us Jim's greetings from Florida. Art, Jeff Jacobs, Paul Corbett, Jim Hinkley, Benjamin, Tiny, and John all teamed up for sections of the AM and we all had a good time running various trains and talking to people. Plus Ben was researching train topics on his very fast laptop. Carl, Mac and Dennis came in early for the evening shift and were setting up some more big trains as I left. It was a day of good fun and good time except for the friend I had not seen in several years who said to me "Oh hi!, I didn't recognize you with that silly hat on!" Silly Hat, What possibly could he mean by that? Please take a look at some other pictures and short clips from today. Thanks, Click here: By the way, You have to watch the little boy below in the videos.

Holiday Train

2011-12-20T07:38:00.002-05:00

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes a stop in Buffalo Minnesota to benefit the local food shelf.
Please click here:

Frankie and Janey at the Mall

2011-12-19T17:36:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of our photos taken at the Maine Mall. What fun! ~~Frankie & Janey

Thank you for sending these in! We wish more people did.
We love your fun and enthusiasm, and hope you had a great time!

Awesum Take a look.

2011-12-19T16:48:00.000-05:00

I apologize to the train buffs, this is nothing about trains. But it is about speed, power and precision. Click here to view:

Taking it easy.

2011-12-19T13:16:00.004-05:00

I admit I have enjoyed taking some time off from blogging as I just wanted to rest up from all the Holiday season. Thank you Scott for helping out with your excellent post. Today, I am really "milking it" taking full advantage of my birthday, lounging around in comfortable clothes and enjoying trying my hand at making a train video. I am really waiting anxiously for Bill Goodrich's Mall video and that inspired me to try one at home. But I am appreciating how hard they are to make. First, my camera tipped crooked halfway around the loop when I tried balancing it on the front of my engine. So I tried it sideways and it did fit much better, but the picture was to narrow. Next, I tried pushing it on a flat car but it derailed going over a switch. My last attempt worked as I pulled the camera on a flat car at the end of the train. (But, I wanted a picture going forward) To see it you can click here: It only takes 2 minutes or less to make a short video but it takes a half and hour or more to upload it. Bill's will probably take a couple of hours to upload. As I said, good luck Bill, we all hope you can make one as nice as last years!

Lego my trains

2011-12-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

I never gave Lego the credit they deserve. Take a look at this, it is pretty amazing: Click here:

The Conway Scenic Railroad Arrives

2011-12-16T21:14:00.010-05:00

Dick Rubin, Ben Jewitt, and Ralph Luby were on hand today to run Dick's magnificent LGB/Aster Hudson and a set of coaches painted to match the Conway Scenic Railroad. Here are Dick, Ben and Ralph, as well as some shots of the train as it pulls in for a photo op in front of the beautiful North Conway Station, built by Carl Churchill. We had large and appreciative crowds today, and a good time was had by all.

Dec 15th

2011-12-15T17:34:00.002-05:00

Dec 15th and Time is flying by. Possibly, the strange craft pictured here will also fly or hover over our layout and send some airiel photos back to the large scale Television.... Who knows, it could happen. In any event it was definitely a good day for trains this AM as the Circus team had everything running well. Doug will be in tonight and take over the controls this PM. Here is just a glimps of the sights & sounds from today:

In The News

2011-12-15T15:21:00.016-05:00

10th Anniversary of the Downeaster (12/15/2001)

Downeaster Promotional Video - Click here:

The Iron Horse ~ Current Issue

Now on Line - A terrific job by Scott Gould ~ Click here:

Rules of the Road ~ Maine Mall

From MGRS Secretary ~ Click here:

Maine Mall Video is in the works

Bill Goodrich will be releasing the video soon!

Dec 14th

2011-12-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

OK, these are old pictures (from last week) But unlike me these folks and Mike Curry and Carl and most likely other members all made it in to the Mall today. Tiny for example must drive about 120 miles to make a Mall trip. We congratulate and thank everyone that puts in time, effort and expense to support the train show. It is being very very well received and appreciated by the public and it is providing a lot of enjoyment which we can all be proud to be a part of.

Dec 13th at the Mall

2011-12-13T19:10:00.000-05:00

Lots of people were in today. I though I came in early but Jim and Hunk had everything going when I arrived. Art help calm a vendor who thought the trains were to noisy and he fixed the problem. Benjamin arrived and he is a big help as he loves to run trains and do maintenance all at the same time plus he is putting in lots of extra time. Jim was getting lots of requests from parents of small children to let them touch Thomas and say 'hello' to him. Jim responded and the little kids were loving it! Hunk and I were talking to lots of "bigger kids" our age who just love to talk trains! One was new member Dennis Homa who stopped by with two grandsons and he said "Save me a vest and I will be back Saturday to run trains!" Tiny came in despite his planned doctors appointment. He will be back tomorrow to help Mike Curry in the Afternoon. Paul and Walter stopped by. The Budliner and the Amtrak are always a favorite, they were running this morning. Ben was running his new CSX and I put on my "Conway Scenic passenger train" as I call it. Carl, Mac and Dennis arrived and changed over to the Big B&O Mallet as I was leaving. Most of the other guys were still there. But I did manage to get lots of pictures on the Slideshow from today, Please take a look. It was a great day and sadly it will end to soon. Let's enjoy it while it's here . . All-a-board!!

Monday Dec 12th

2011-12-12T16:34:00.004-05:00

Things were back on track today as everything was running smooth. One Station Master was operating and the others trains were under operator control. Santa's workshop was really smoking!
Jim was looking pretty cool in his Santa/RR hat as he took over from Dick & Meridel. Ben offered to stay on and keep him company. Take a quick look at a little bit from today, please click here:
By the way, I stopped to talk to several different people. (all you have to do is look up and smile and they are ready to smile back and tell you a story). There seems to be an endless supply of people who enjoy the layout and numerous people taking pictures. Their appreciation makes the whole display worth the effort. One man and his little boy come by very often and we love to see them return and the smiles keep coming. Thank you!

Hey Weekend Bloggers ~ Help Wanted

2011-12-11T21:53:00.007-05:00

Because I do take the weekends off, you may not see any news on the Blog. Especially with the Mall Train Show going on we hate to miss any of the action. So here is the offer. If you have a PC and a digital camera and are willing to go in and take some pictures I will train you completely on everything you need to know. If you ever thought of being a "Blog reporter" Now is your chance. I think it is fun to do and I can easily sit down with you at your PC and show you exactly what you need to know. No prior knowledge required. If you are interested, please email John at mgrsadmin@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks!

Invitation from Eric Schade

2011-12-11T13:00:00.003-05:00

Eric donates time to WW&F Museum and they are having their annual Victorian Christmas this Saturday.
Here is the information: It does sound good, Thanks Eric.
There is a FREE Christmas train day on Saturday the 17^th. It is great fun especially with some snow on the ground. They will have sleigh rides and snacks as well as hot cider, cocoa and coffee! Have a look at www.wwfry.org

Birthdays and Trains

2011-12-10T13:37:00.002-05:00

Our Grandson is visiting with us today. He brought over his favorite model house that he got at our MGRS Auction to add under the tree. Tomorrow is his birthday and also my son's birthday! So we will have a party and we have to have a train ready to go. See it here:

Friday 12-9

2011-12-09T18:42:00.000-05:00

I arrived at the Mall today in time to catch everybody at the 3pm shift change: Dick, Ralph, Art and Benjamin were their for the AM and Robin and Bill drove up today from Middleboro Mass to run trains tonight and tomorrow morning. Bill made last years official video and said he would try it again this year, Yahooh!
Thank You "Video Bill" We were hoping you would!

Here are some pictures and clips from today: Please click here to view:

Very Good News!

2011-12-09T18:02:00.001-05:00

Carl passed along the news from the Maine Mall senior management that reported they had received an excellent review yesterday Dec 8th from General Growth Properties review team which flew in from Chicago to inspect this years Center Court Christmas Display which is as you all know Santa Claus and Maine Garden Railway Society. Well done and Congratulations to all involved for contributing to such an impressive display and lifting up the spirits of thousands of viewers.

We have reached 50!

2011-12-08T18:16:00.003-05:00

No, not 50 years old. Even better than that, we reached 50 different MGRS members that have offered to donate their time to help out at this years Maine Mall train display. We really do want to stop and say "Thank you!". Today Jeff Jacobs who brought in his own Lionel train to run was the man who put us over the top. Thank you Jeff. We hope that many more will still follow your example and join in and enjoy the show on a first hand basis.

Tribute to Circus Day

2011-12-08T17:38:00.001-05:00

I guess I always was a Circus fan but early this Spring I bought a Keystone Circus train on sale and that really got me started. It was fun finding people and animals to join the Circus. Bidding on E-bay for a couple extra circus cars and then customizing a couple of old cars that I had and finally printing out old circus posters to decorate with. . . . and Presto! The Circus came to Littleville Falls!

I have had this all set up for months, but today being "Circus Day" I took a couple of pictures and a clip of the circus train in action. Please take a look: Who doesn't Love the Circus?

Dec 8th Circus Day

2011-12-08T11:25:00.005-05:00

I know that all the members or many of them interested in "Circus trains" will be meeting at the Maine Mall this morning before the train show begins to celebrate what they have named as "Circus Day". Due to a doctors appointment I may not get any pictures but hopefully I will be able to find out what happened and report on it later. I do wish all of the guys a great day of celebration and we all thank them for all the help and color and excitement they have brought to this years train show !

Thank you and Happy Circus Day!

From Dec 6, 2011

2011-12-07T10:36:00.007-05:00

The Maine Veterans and Santa both deserve better audio and video then I was able to get. But, I hope you will still enjoy watching them. We all join together to thank them so much and truly wish them a Merry Christmas! To see some additional pictures and video from Dec 6, 2011. Please click here:

Dec 6th Veterans Visit the Mall

2011-12-06T17:57:00.008-05:00

It was good to see over a dozen members of MGRS arrive early today to meet the Maine Veterans from the Scarborough home who came to visit us at the Mall. They had a good time and they all seemed to enjoy seeing the sites of the Mall, the trains, and meeting Santa as he made the presentation of gifts from MGRS to them. Carl had checked with Jeanne who said they wanted to have some structures to go with the train set we gave them last year. Carl had 3 or possibly 4 nice packages made up for them which Santa Claus handed out after giving a very nice talk. He does a great job and is very sincere which is why he IS the REAL Santa. Our own Mall press photographer took a lot of excellent photos, Thank you James very much! Excellent job.
If you would like to see them, please click here.

The remainder of the regular day was scheduled for Tiny, John, Benjamin and Jim in the AM. Here is a little video of their trains running. Tiny had a good looking Maine Central freight which featured a very realistic trailer transport from St. Johnsbury, which drew several compliments from the people today. He also had a novelty car with "Tweety and Sylvester" remember them? Ben was able to run his LGB on the middle level. He really loved the way it smoked and I have to say he really did get it going good! Here are some train videos from today. Please take a look ~ Click here:

As I left Carl went over to Santa and thanked him and said what a good job he did today. Carl, Mac and Santa will all stay to 8Pm tonight and we thank them, They do a great job every day, and so do all the other members who continue to work hard, donating their time and efforts to give a gift to thousands of people every day that are pausing and enjoying our trains run by.

Monday Dec 5th

2011-12-05T17:19:00.002-05:00

It's a good thing Meridel was there, someone had to be paying attention to the controls as the boys discussed all that important "stuff". Thanks to all the crew on today which featured Dick & Meridel, Norm, Walter, Jim Jenkins, Carl & Mac, they just can't stay away. It's to much fun at the Mall. Tomorrow marks the halfway point and it seems like we just got started! A transformer needed to be replaced today and that was taken care of quickly by Carl. Everything else ran well and Jim brought in a good looking steam engine and passenger cars all decorated up for Christmas. Take a look, please click here:

Maine Veterans to visit us at the Mall

2011-12-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Remember Tuesday Dec 6th the Veterans will visit our Train Display and Santa Claus at approximately 9:45am. We will show them our display and Santa will present gifts from MGRS to them. They will all crowd around Santa for an official picture and then I bet they will go down and visit the Merry go Round for a ride! Come join us if you can and help wish them a Merry Christmas!

Sunday 12/5 All is Well

2011-12-04T15:35:00.003-05:00

Today belonged to Mike and Preston and they had no problems running a nice looking big circus train on the middle elevation. At least once we got out of their way. But first Carl & Mac and Ben and I all arrived to make sure we handed over a clean layout to the circus guys. Over the course of the weekend all 3 Station masters were disconnected and we wanted to make sure they were OK. We got the 2 on the main line working quickly but the Thomas one was confusing. The unit needed to be re-programmed and also re-wired. As we worked on it Ben was able to recognize the fault and we were able to correct it so that when we left all three units were running the way we want them to. Carl had a box with him and a surprise for Ben. It was a nice looking little LGB steam engine that has been refurbished and never used for years in his shop. Carl (jokingly) made Ben promise "No more plastic wheels" and he presented the train set to Ben. He was happy, and I would like to have ended the story right there. Except he had to try it out of course, and unfortunately it ran smack dab into the tunnel and snapped off the smoke stack. Rats! But it is nothing a little super glue cannot fix and we are very glad to say its all well that ends well!

To see some pictures and a video that shows everything working good, Click here:

Festival of Trees

2011-12-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

The Festival of Trees is underway in Westbrook (See schedule at top of Blog). Paul Corbett and Walter Fossett opened the door to the train room at 8:00am this morning and it was immediately the big attraction. People like the trees but they LOVE the trains! It is a close up experience where adults and children can really get to see, sit down an enjoy all the details Paul has put into the display. He also has an interactive sound control system that the kids love to operate. Great Job, and you represent MGRS proudly and have done a fantastic job for many many years at this annual event. Thank You!

To see lots of pictures and clips please click here:

Boys will be Boys

2011-12-03T14:42:00.003-05:00

And That is Good! Jake Brewer and Benjamin Jewett led the way for Ralph and Dick today as they combined to run everything they could find today at the Mall! Great job boys, it was good to see your enthusiasm and fresh spirit on display. Take a look at pictures from today, please click here:

Friday Dec 2, 2011

2011-12-02T16:01:00.013-05:00

It was Dick Cosgrove, Dick Rubin & Ralph Luby's day to run the trains. Dick Rubin brought in his European Pantograph engine to pull Scott's cars. He also brought in his Garratt, a beautiful articulated steam engine that gained its reputation on South Africa's mining railway systems with tight turns. But it was definitely Thomas and all his friends which includes a family of egg liners that took command of the outer loop today. Please take a look:

You-Tube Video Dec 1, 2011 ~ Maine Mall

2011-12-02T11:53:00.004-05:00

This was taken and posted last evening to You Tube by someone who came by and enjoyed the trains. I can only see Walter Fossett running the trains and answering some questions. Nice going!
To see the video click here:

Here is a similar version I took a little earlier in the day: It shows several MGRS members and guests around the control area. Click here:

Dec 1, 2011 ~ European Guests, Circus Trains, Tin Plate, Scott's LGB Pantograph, Plus lots of American passenger train action.

2011-12-01T18:46:00.006-05:00

Quite a day at the Mall. Mike Curry stopped by and he is felling better and wanted back on the schedule. Thanks Mike we are very glad to here that! Norm and Andy ran the AM shift and had everything going good for Doug, Carl and Mac to takeover at 3. That was when Dick and Scott arrived to meet Roger & Nelly Hartmann and two of their friends and model train enthusiasts from Switzerland and Germany. They loved Scott's tin plate and European style pantograph train. Norm and Doug all reminisced with Roger as Carl showed the layout to our guests. We hope they all enjoyed the layout which was looking good as Carls B&O and Amtrak passenger trains alternated stops at Gorham Station. Here is a little video from the day, please click here:

Vets to visit MGRS display on Tuesday Dec 6th

2011-11-30T17:10:00.003-05:00

Carl just got the news, The Veterans from Scarborough Me. The special group we have grown to know and love will be visiting us on Tuesday morning Dec 6th. They plan to arrive about 9:30am and will meet with Santa at about 9:45am. (At least that is the plan). They visited our display last year and had a wonderful time. We look forward to their return and watching Santa Claus who is also a member present them with a gift from MGRS. They all love to get a group picture taken with Santa and he does an excellent job talking to them and he looks forward to their visit and thanking them. Please try and stop by if you are available and share the enjoyment.

Miniatur Wunderland * official video 2012 * largest model railway / railroad of the world

2011-11-30T17:04:00.006-05:00

The worlds largest HO scale train layout with "everything" else imaginable is in Hamburg Germany. They have been working on it for 10 years and the level of animation is amazing. Link sent in by Denneth Lee: Click here to view their 2012 video:

Gyro Train

2011-11-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Here is one from Eric who finds some of the strangest stuff. He calls it Narrow Gauge taken to the extreme. Thanks! Click here:

Tues 11/29

2011-11-29T17:29:00.000-05:00

This morning Tiny and John were in charge of Maine Central Day. At least that is what we called it. Tiny ran his big beautiful steam engine with custom ME Central passenger cars and I ran my MEC freight train with a bunch of my favorite Maine cars. Ben was very helpful doing everything and Art and Jim and Carl were also busy doing everything else. We had it all covered, testing a new camera, cleaning track, fiddling with magnets and Station master. Ben disassembled and cleaned a Lionel engine, Art supervised and imparted his knowledge, We all talked to lots of people and encouraged little kids to press the buttons as we all had a good time together! Click here to see some clips from today:

Monday 11-28

2011-11-28T15:09:00.002-05:00

Grace Miller, David Blue and Jim Hinkley were kind enough to come in and run the trains today. A lady who remembered Grace from last year stopped and asked her if she had brought back her bubble car. She remembered it from last year! That is pretty good, it goes to show how much people are paying attention to what we do even if we are not aware of it ourselves. Later today Art Handman, Benjamin Jewett, Walter Fossett will combine to finish out the day in style. I did get a few pictures from earlier in the day, please take a look and click here:

Also Thanks to Lou and Kathy Young and their grandson Noah who all combined to help Carl run trains on Sunday. They did very well and had a good time. Speaking of a good time, the Mall management said they are very pleased at all the great feedback they are receiving about this years display. They are very pleased and so are the merchants who are around us.

On this date

2011-11-28T09:47:00.002-05:00

On this date (Novemeber 27th) in 1874, the Hoosac Railroad Tunnel halves meet. It was a 4.75-mile-long tunnel in Western Massachusetts. At the time of its completion, it was the second longest tunnel in the world.

For more interesting facts, Google "The Hoosac Railroad Tunnel"

The Hoosac Tunnel, a railroad tunnel beneath the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts, is said to be one of the most haunted places in New England. .

video clip

TEST 2

2011-11-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

Saturday at the Mall.

2011-11-26T16:07:00.003-05:00

Barry, Buckie, Brandon, Lucy & Mike got together to make a winning team. It was a very good day, as Mike and Barry were all ready planning what they can get together and build for next year! Brandon was in charge of everything that smoked and having no problems handling the controls. The crowd was a good size and very interested in the trains taking pictures and asking questions. Mike demonstrated his high tech by taking a picture and posting it to the Blog as he was standing right there at the controls. Very Impressive! I took a few pics of them too, but to see them you need to click here:
I am not able to get in for the PM shift but Hunk and Benjamin are schedule to take over. I know they will have a good time too!

test

2011-11-26T12:24:00.001-05:00

Photos by James

2011-11-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

James Boynton Jr. an MGRS member who many of you do know or will hopefully get to meet soon. He is doing me a great favor which we will all get to appreciate. James is taking photos of the MGRS train display and at least once a week I will publish them on the Blog for all of us to enjoy. So here is the first group of photos: Please click here: Thank you James, very much!

Black Friday - Bring it on!

2011-11-25T09:06:00.024-05:00

Barry Sandford likes the tough jobs! He signed up for the entire day. All 10 Hours! Plus he is coming back tomorrow morning for another shift. WOW! So does Dick Cosgrove and Ralph Luby who volunteered for what is probably the toughest day of the year. Denneth Lee will be coming in for the 2nd shift later today.

They don't see it as a problem, they look at it as a greater opportunity to tell people about trains!   I bet that Carl & Mac will be in there too. Dick Cosgrove was laughing when he told me the story about how he thought he was going to be first one to arrive today but he found out you have to get up pretty early to beat Carl into the trains!

     Jim Hinkley and James Boynton were also helping today and Art and Andy stopped by while I was there. There were bands playing, and singers singing, the parking lot was full, I guess it was a typical "Black Friday" and I hope the stores did well. I know the people who watched our trains were having a good time.

Please click here to see more items:

2011-11-24T07:00:00.007-05:00

Countdown to Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T15:53:00.001-05:00

Carl and Art, and Mac who was busy wiring up Station Master hold down the fort in the final hours before Thanksgiving.