VA friends

[FireStillBurning]

Yeah, it’s taken a bit longer to adapt then I planned. Of course Covid was definitely the “ spanner “ in the works with all the shut downs& restrictions. Also I have to realize in Knot 45-50 anymore . Take care, Good Sir. Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Had a shower pass through this afternoon which messed things up that I had planned. I hate when weekends get interrupted due to rain or bad weather.

 

[StarGazer58]

Giving the thread a bump since we made it through another week and it is almost the weekend. Anybody got any fun plans?

 

[FireStillBurning]

Giving the thread a bump since we made it through another week and it is almost the weekend. Anybody got any fun plans?

Thanks for the “ life support “ Good Sir. Crappy weather this weekend in the Valley. Hoping to help run the train in the park tomorrow, knot sure how busy will be in 54 degree weather. Going to a “ Bluegrass Jam” on Tuesday evening at that new place in town. Next weekend it’s off to Cal-if-orn-ia” to see our son & grandkids. Looking forward to that very much. Appreciate your efforts, enjoy, Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Is that a real life size train or one of those small, more toy like trains? Whenever my job gets real stressful I think about being the engineer running this little train around the Tysons mall for litttle kids. Helping the young moms get onto the train and then tooting the horn at all of the shoppers. How stressful can that be? lol. It is cold and rainy here today too. Will be a lazy Saturday for me.

Glad you get to go visit family. Hope you have a great time. Just watch your back if you are in San Francisco.

 

[FireStillBurning]

Is that a real life size train or one of those small, more toy like trains? Whenever my job gets real stressful I think about being the engineer running this little train around the Tysons mall for litttle kids. Helping the young moms get onto the train and then tooting the horn at all of the shoppers. How stressful can that be? lol. It is cold and rainy here today too. Will be a lazy Saturday for me.

Glad you get to go visit family. Hope you have a great time. Just watch your back if you are in San Francisco.

I wish... the rails are about 12-18 inches apart. The layout is a little over 600 yards. Goes over two bridges. The engine actually runs on honest to God jet fuel! Who knewYeah, definitely a “ perk” assisting the Moms & such in & out of the cars. Don’t worry, will be flying into John Wayne airport in Long Beach, then going to Santa Anna. Thankfully no where near S.F., or LA. Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Does it at least have a real train whistle? I can be the conductor... Tickets.. Tickets... You don't have a ticket mam? I could also be the hobo, hoping the train for a life of freedom, riding in 600 yard circles. lol.

The airport is still named John Wayne Airport? And it is in California? Who would have thunk that. I would have thought his name would have been canceled throughout California a long time ago. He is one one of my favorite actors so glad the airport still bears his name.

 

[FireStillBurning]

Does it at least have a real train whistle? I can be the conductor... Tickets.. Tickets... You don't have a ticket mam? I could also be the hobo, hoping the train for a life of freedom, riding in 600 yard circles. lol.

The airport is still named John Wayne Airport? And it is in California? Who would have thunk that. I would have thought his name would have been canceled throughout California a long time ago. He is one one of my favorite actors so glad the airport still bears his name.

Yes indeed & bells, we let the kids work them after the run. Yes we have a conductor with collects the tickets & makes sure of all safety issues. It’s a 2 hour shift, one hour your the engineer , next the conductor. The “ Hobo” position is still unfilled at this time... would you like to apply. The weather is more like November today. Gray,damp, windy & Cold, wind chill of 36, so I’m wondering if we will operate this afternoon.
Yup it still bears his name. There was a ruckus a year or two back when his old Playboy interview surfaced, but they never changed the name..... yet. Yes, he’s up there with “ Bogie”, Sean Connery, Michael Cain, & a few others. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Slainte

 

[Eowyn10]

So glad to run across this thread. Born, raised, and lived much of my life in Roanoke, Richmond, and Va Beach, but now out in AZ. Miss hearing those southern accents. Love the idea of the train in the park. Wish we still had the passenger trains, or maybe you do. Not so much out here. I would happily volunteer to be your hobo.

Saw the weather complaints about gray, damp and cold. Try 102 in the shade. That's when I miss Virginia!

 

[FireStillBurning]

So glad to run across this thread. Born, raised, and lived much of my life in Roanoke, Richmond, and Va Beach, but now out in AZ. Miss hearing those southern accents. Love the idea of the train in the park. Wish we still had the passenger trains, or maybe you do. Not so much out here. I would happily volunteer to be your hobo.

Saw the weather complaints about gray, damp and cold. Try 102 in the shade. That's when I miss Virginia!

I guess this is one of the reasons I keep up an interest in Lit. I retired here to the Valley 5 years ago. Traded the “ Lake Effect Snow “ of Buffalo, for the “ Allegheny Mountain 🏔 Effect”. It was 65 & sun in Buffalo today, 45 & clouds here in the Valley . I had/have relatives in Phoenix. Was there way back in 68 & 71. Wanted to retire there, but the wife can’t take the “ dry heat”.
Did quite well on the train today. The smiles & yells from the kids make it worth while ( moms are OK too). That unofficial “ Hobo” position is still open.

 

[Eowyn10]

Must have been a bit of a culture shock to go from Buffalo to the Valley. Same when I came to Phoenix. That comment about it being a "dry heat" which we hear a lot, usually gets a response like "so's a microwave". It can get pretty unbearable as the weather warms out here and the cities continue to grow. You just run from a/c to a/c area. What a lot of people do is have two homes: one in Phx for the "winter" and one elsewhere for the summer: AKA Hell's entryway.

Which train is the one you work on? I remember an old passenger engine was renovated (old N&W job) and was taking people for rides. My sister took her family on it and they loved it. Bet the kids who rode it today loved it too.

Can I do the hobo position virtually??? A little hard to get 2000 miles east so I can thumb a ride on the train....

 

[FireStillBurning]

Must have been a bit of a culture shock to go from Buffalo to the Valley. Same when I came to Phoenix. That comment about it being a "dry heat" which we hear a lot, usually gets a response like "so's a microwave". It can get pretty unbearable as the weather warms out here and the cities continue to grow. You just run from a/c to a/c area. What a lot of people do is have two homes: one in Phx for the "winter" and one elsewhere for the summer: AKA Hell's entryway.

Which train is the one you work on? I remember an old passenger engine was renovated (old N&W job) and was taking people for rides. My sister took her family on it and they loved it. Bet the kids who rode it today loved it too.

Can I do the hobo position virtually??? A little hard to get 2000 miles east so I can thumb a ride on the train....

It’s a funny thing, I seem to tolerate the heat fairly well, tan good to which may or May knot be a good thing. The culture “
shock” was only in the everyday things. We’ve been visiting the Valley since the late 80’s. But it’s always the everyday things that take you by surprise.
As far as the “ train “ goes is a train for kids in the local park. Has a history of about 50-60 years. Was totally revamped in 2001. I grew up playing with trains & model railroading so it was a natural fit.

 

[Eowyn10]

Some people do tolerate heat better than others. Phx is a test bed for that.

What do you like about living in the Valley? I confess I was eager to leave it when I went away to college and grad school. The trips back to visit family are fun, though, although I have had some snarling experiences with American Airlines canceling or delaying flights out of Roanoke. Once a couple of us, including a VT professor, chipped in to rent a car and drive to Charlotte to make our flights when AA canceled a 6 am departure. We speculated that the pilot just over slept, or decided s/he just didn't feel like flying. I switched to Delta after that.

My dad worked for N&W, as did his dad and his uncle, and their dad, and so on as far back as the 1800s. We got passes to ride on passenger trains while they were still doing it. Dad had a model train setup in the basement (which we were strictly forbidden to touch, but could watch while he ran it.). My nephew tells me that the Train Museum is worth a visit. We donated my great grandfather's signal books from 1912 and 1915 to it for historical preservation. Maybe next visit I can get by there.

Getting late for you, so I'll sign off now, but would like to keep writing if you are OK with it.

 

[FireStillBurning]

Some people do tolerate heat better than others. Phx is a test bed for that.

What do you like about living in the Valley? I confess I was eager to leave it when I went away to college and grad school. The trips back to visit family are fun, though, although I have had some snarling experiences with American Airlines canceling or delaying flights out of Roanoke. Once a couple of us, including a VT professor, chipped in to rent a car and drive to Charlotte to make our flights when AA canceled a 6 am departure. We speculated that the pilot just over slept, or decided s/he just didn't feel like flying. I switched to Delta after that.

My dad worked for N&W, as did his dad and his uncle, and their dad, and so on as far back as the 1800s. We got passes to ride on passenger trains while they were still doing it. Dad had a model train setup in the basement (which we were strictly forbidden to touch, but could watch while he ran it.). My nephew tells me that the Train Museum is worth a visit. We donated my great grandfather's signal books from 1912 and 1915 to it for historical preservation. Maybe next visit I can get by there.

Getting late for you, so I'll sign off now, but would like to keep writing if you are OK with it.

Well after 60 years of dealing with the winters it was time for a change. Actually it was a 16 year process of finding land that we liked & could afford, paying it off, deciding on what type of log home, getting a builder & contractor and all.
We chose the Valley for a number of reasons. The natural & scenic beauty, the history, the smaller town & agricultural aspect of the life on this side of the Blue Ridge. Being 1/3 less in all round taxes & cost of living over WNY helps too.
Yes the transportation museum is on our “ to do” list, hopefully this year.

 

[Eowyn10]

I cannot imagine 60 years of dealing with New York winters. No fan of snow. Occasionally we get some snow on the mountains around Phoenix, but its uncommon, and everyone goes out and takes pictures.

If you have a log home, I'll bet its beautiful. My family owns 39 acres just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we've talked about putting a log home up there, but no movement so far other than talking. Getting workmen down to the site over a small rutted dirt "road" would be a challenge.

Saw an earlier post where you are heading to Long Beach. Lovely place, my stepson and family live there. So much prettier than LA, which makes my teeth ache on every trip. Safe Travels!

 

[FireStillBurning]

I cannot imagine 60 years of dealing with New York winters. No fan of snow. Occasionally we get some snow on the mountains around Phoenix, but its uncommon, and everyone goes out and takes pictures.

If you have a log home, I'll bet its beautiful. My family owns 39 acres just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we've talked about putting a log home up there, but no movement so far other than talking. Getting workmen down to the site over a small rutted dirt "road" would be a challenge.

Saw an earlier post where you are heading to Long Beach. Lovely place, my stepson and family live there. So much prettier than LA, which makes my teeth ache on every trip. Safe Travels!

39 acres, that’s a mighty fine piece of real estate. Sounds perfect for a log home. Yup heading out Saturday for a week. Looking forward to it & having fun with the grandkids

 

[Eowyn10]

39 acres, that’s a mighty fine piece of real estate. Sounds perfect for a log home. Yup heading out Saturday for a week. Looking forward to it & having fun with the grandkids

We have always loved going to the farm. Even has its own spring. Mom is currently leasing the front pasture out to a neighbor who raises black angus cattle. It keeps the place mowed down (kind of).

Sometime when convenient, would love to see a pic of your log house. It might spark some ideas for my sister and I for the future on the farm. The Parkway puts some limits on what can be built on property that is right beside the Parkway, and ours has that criterion.

Have a great time on your trip, and enjoy those grandkids!

 

[StarGazer58]

I have realitives all through the Southern Virginia. Mom was born and raised in Big Island, several miles outside of Bedford. Have cousins that live in Glasgow, Buena Vista and Roanoke. My mom grew up on small dairy farm and I remember going there to visit, the stupid suburban boy trying to help milk cows. lol. I don't know the name of the moutain but I do remember the pilots flying out of Roanoke had to pull up fast to get over the mountain. It is a beautiful part of the state. I had a realtive, cannot remember how he fit in the family tree, that was a conductor for one of the railroads down that way back in the 40's and 50's.

I love trains. I remember taking a passenger train trip from Alexandria down to Mississippi when I was a little kid and normally take the train if I am going up to New York. I have wanted to do the cross country train trip but it is outrageously expensive. There is blue grass song I really like, Marbletown by Blue Highway about a guy riding the trains. I need to go practice now...

"ahem... All Aboard!"

 

[Eowyn10]

Sounds like we have a LOT in common. I know about Big Island outside of Bedford. Never tried to milk a cow, though. They can kick like crazy if you don't do it right...hmm, sounds familiar. Where were you brought up, suburban boy??

I love to ride trains. The next time I come East to visit family, I'd love to fly into Dulles or Reagan, then cab or Uber over to the railroad station and take Amtrak to Roanoke. It's a really cheap ride, only $29 one way the last time I looked. So much more comfortable than renting a car and driving the 81 south. My son did the cross country train partially--boarded in Flagstaff, and then went through Chicago to DC. He was trying to impress his girlfriend, and I think it nearly bankrupted him. He said the train was a blast to ride, though.

Can you believe that Phoenix does not have an Amtrak station? 5th largest city in the US and you have to drive 2 hours north to Flagstaff or 30 min south to Maricopa to catch a train. We are SO backward!

 

[FireStillBurning]

We have always loved going to the farm. Even has its own spring. Mom is currently leasing the front pasture out to a neighbor who raises black angus cattle. It keeps the place mowed down (kind of).

Sometime when convenient, would love to see a pic of your log house. It might spark some ideas for my sister and I for the future on the farm. The Parkway puts some limits on what can be built on property that is right beside the Parkway, and ours has that criterion.

Have a great time on your trip, and enjoy those grandkids!

We have found lots & lots of livestock all over the Valley, including our road. I’ve seen some of those homes along the Parkway, some very impressive locations. Yes, maybe sometime down the road I could send some pics.

 

[FireStillBurning]

I have realitives all through the Southern Virginia. Mom was born and raised in Big Island, several miles outside of Bedford. Have cousins that live in Glasgow, Buena Vista and Roanoke. My mom grew up on small dairy farm and I remember going there to visit, the stupid suburban boy trying to help milk cows. lol. I don't know the name of the moutain but I do remember the pilots flying out of Roanoke had to pull up fast to get over the mountain. It is a beautiful part of the state. I had a realtive, cannot remember how he fit in the family tree, that was a conductor for one of the railroads down that way back in the 40's and 50's.

I love trains. I remember taking a passenger train trip from Alexandria down to Mississippi when I was a little kid and normally take the train if I am going up to New York. I have wanted to do the cross country train trip but it is outrageously expensive. There is blue grass song I really like, Marbletown by Blue Highway about a guy riding the trains. I need to go practice now...

"ahem... All Aboard!"

Yes, the Valley is an extremely scenic area, one of the reasons we chose it. It seems lots of fellows of a “ certain age “ have an almost mystical fascination with trains, especially steam locomotives . Been on 4 or 5 in my life, always had a grand time... despite the occasional cinder. Your right about the music too, some very good train/ railroad music out there. Bluegrass Jam in town tonight, maybe I may here a train song .... Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Yes, the Valley is an extremely scenic area, one of the reasons we chose it. It seems lots of fellows of a “ certain age “ have an almost mystical fascination with trains, especially steam locomotives . Been on 4 or 5 in my life, always had a grand time... despite the occasional cinder. Your right about the music too, some very good train/ railroad music out there. Bluegrass Jam in town tonight, maybe I may here a train song .... Slainte

I have done a few rides on steam locomotives in Colorado. I believe they were narrow gauge used for the mines. I also rode a train up Pikes Peak that used a sprocket on the engine to climb the steeper grades. As a kid I had a small train set but my mom would never let me keep it up for any length of time so I would build it and then take it down in the basement.

 

[FireStillBurning]

I have done a few rides on steam locomotives in Colorado. I believe they were narrow gauge used for the mines. I also rode a train up Pikes Peak that used a sprocket on the engine to climb the steeper grades. As a kid I had a small train set but my mom would never let me keep it up for any length of time so I would build it and then take it down in the basement.

Pikes Peak, impressive. I had trains every since I was 6 or 7. Eventually had two 4x8 boards in the basement with 2 HO
layouts on them. Kids would help when they were younger. Always had one under the tree . But when we decided to retire & move there was no place for the trains. Sold all to a collector for about 25% of what it was worth. At least it didn’t go into the trash.

 

[StarGazer58]

I had a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the basement that I would setup on sawhorses. Sometimes I would setup the train, other times the slot car race track or the hotwheels track. Other times I would setup my army men in different scenarios. I had the green ones like in Toy Story but also had some smaller ones like roman soldiers or revolutionary soldiers that I had bought from the hobby store that were more realistic, all painted up.

I had a James Bond attaché case, like the one in "From Russia with Love". It would shoot a plastic bullet from the case, had a hidden rubber dagger and exploding decoder book. It was really cool. I looked it up a few years ago and found one online that was selling for $4k. I would be rich if I had kept my GI Joes and other toys from when I was a kid.

Do you remember the ads in comic books for the "Real life" Submarine? I always wanted one but never had the $5.99 or whatever it cost. I also looked it up online one day because I never really knew what it was. I found a picture of it. It was giant card board box shaped like a submarine with a periscope that did go up and down and some fake controls. I guess it would not have lasted too long in the pond like I had planned to use it. lol.

Glad your train set found a home. I don't know what happen to most of my toys, guess got thrown away along the way. I know I shot up my GI Joes with the BB gun and blew them up with firecrackers along with a bunch of my WWII plane and tank models.

 

[Eowyn10]

I think train sets in the basement must have been a recurring theme somehow. My dad had a pingpong table in the basement, and my mom beat him regularly in games, so he flipped it over and put his train set on it.

I can't comment on boy toys, so much.

I have done a few rides on steam locomotives in Colorado. I believe they were narrow gauge used for the mines. I also rode a train up Pikes Peak that used a sprocket on the engine to climb the steeper grades. As a kid I had a small train set but my mom would never let me keep it up for any length of time so I would build it and then take it down in the basement.

Did you ever take the train from Durango up the mountain? That was an experience!