The Home Machinist!

Just an update on Matts SSM this coming weekend. Looks like we will be having a big turnout again ,Thanks to the boys to our south.( LA AREA) The engine I am posting was built by Harry Dixon. He was one of GGLS charter members . He started this engine but never fully finished it. Instead he built a 3/4 " tank engine and also built a beautiful Disney 4-4-0. I had it ( The Atlantic) on display last year and it was the ugly duckling of engines.( Go to Mike Massee's photo's on our meet. You will see this engine on display) At the end of the meet I persuaded Bill Smith (One of our members) to take it home and clean it up. After many hours and alot of new pieces , it is closer than ever to being done. My goal is to completely finish it. Next year our club celebrates 75 years in existence. At this time we are planning a week long celebration and hope to attract people from all around the world. We might even have a piece of the original layout from Vic Shattocks basement on display. Since our club started in a basement small scales are important to our history. To all that make this meet I will see ya there. For those who can't make it I'm sorry. Like Jack would say it will be a hoot...

I forgot to add that this engine is 1/2" scale

A real work of steam art.

Oh my. Here's a 'before'.

As I mentioned in the Bitter Creek thread, it looks like I will have to miss the small scales meet to complete the second round of testing of my engine down at PV&A. So to all you yokels going: Take pictures! Tag you're it!

-M

Mike thanks for the ugly duckling photo of the Atlantic. I used to drewl on it when it was in Harrys office. I never thought I would own it. Thanks to Rob for tracking down the whole collection for me . It will probably go to Rob when I get tired of it. I am expecting a showcase for it any day. It's a bitch to keep clean. It will be on display at the SSM this weekend. I'm really sorry that you (Mike) won't be attending.You will be sorely missed.

Hello My Friends
Thursday morning getting ready to go to the meet, Andy should be here any minute to pick me up. I wasn't going to bring along a camera but have decided to. I want to post some photos to show those that couldn't attend what they missed! Ha ha, as Bugs Bunny used to say, "aint' I terrible".
Jack

Both John DeRosa and can not make it this year . Hope to see you all next year, and drive the high line fast!!!

Guess I better start sifting thru the Vino.... I'm bringing 2007 Cab Sauvignon, a 2008 blend of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, and possibly some 2008 Chardonnay... The Pinot Noir is not bottled yet so it will need to wait until 2011.

Oh right, the Locomotive!!! Almost forgot... I guess I should see if that's ready as well??? Hmm... Lots to do tonight...

Cheers,

Robbie

Robert my GF loves Pinot Noir, put me on your list for some.
David.

For those who remember Mel he just had his engine tuned up an he will be operating at Mel speed again. For those missing this gala event shame shame. My truck is almost loaded with just bunches of loco's and goodies. Matts at the track camping out with his boys tonight. Donuts will be breakfast in the morning. Bob...........

Sounds great for the crews. What are you bringing to share? Just kidding of course. I just finished checking the track with a few hours of night running, and everything is in shape. SSM '10 is here!

looks like the wife and I will proably swing by Saturday afternoon for a while to watch the fun and take a few pictures and stay for dinner.-Kevin S.

First day of SSM went well. 5 engines ran during the day but others showed up late and are getting there first run in this evening. Rob brought the wine, so for those attending dinner tomorrow night you will treated to some really fine stuff. Tomorrow should be a great day. Jack brought some really fine parts for sale. He also brought his latest engine under construction. What a Beaut. I will be leaving early for the donut run and after that I will be firing up the 0-6-0 I'm selling. It passed boiler inspection with flying colors today. Stay tuned for pictures galore. Oh so much fun !!!!! Bob........

Just got home from SSM. Really tired with only 5 hours sleep last night. Got the 0-6-0 fired up today and it now has new owners from LA. As I left the track at around 8PM the kids were running the wheels off it thanks to Oscar. Meet was a tremendous success. I will let others describe it on upcoming posts. Jack took a million pictures at least. Good night my fellow engineers. Bob............

Oscar ran that engine with all the boys until midnight. They ran the wheels off it. It was pulling a few cars as they ended up borrowing mine for more cars. I just got back and unloaded, it was a great pair of days. A little less people, but everyone there seemed happy and had a great time. A lot of model builders and runners. I have no pics as I was running around setting up the next event, or talking with the guys. I am going to take a nap now, as camping with 5 hours of sleep the past three nights has gotten to me. Hopefully SSM 11's offical photographer Jack will be able to post some pics to see.