Thanksgiving 2020

It was up until the Chinese crafted virus was sent over here that I had a place, and an extended family, to celebrate things like holidays and birthdays with, I really miss those weekly gatherings. Every year we had a big Thanksgiving party for everybody who cared to come. A custom was started there, one of going around the room with folks talking about what they were thankful for. Often it was quite emotional, while at other times just as inspirational; it was always good. It gave anybody who wanted to, a chance to share themselves with the rest of the group.

This year will be the first time in a while that little tradition will be missing, so in that vein I want to say a couple of things here about some folks I'm thankful for; thankful that they are still a part of my life, starting with my family; Lisa, Matt and Marissa. Most of my circle of friends lives a long way out from Simi Valley CA, and we don't get together as often I'd like. Friends like John G, Jon C, Juan Carlos, Mark A and Mark B (now that is funny), the modeling goddess, Bill and Rosie, Hammerman, Jaybawb, Brian and Lupe, Debbie, Erin and George, Sounddude, Leslye, Joe D, Charlie S, William V, Jim J, several different Bill's, and the list just goes on and on it seems. Thanks to all of you for being there, it really makes a difference. Know that I miss the heck out of those who have graduated from earth school too, your absence is not a source of joy, rest easy my friends.

AZSO #5913, built and painted by yours truly circa 1988.

The latest addition to our caboose fleet.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

John Huey

November 2020 Happenings

Thanksgiving is nine days away as I write this, and I'm wondering if we will even have anything to celebrate; or if it will be legal to do so. 2020 is a year which won't be missed, that's for sure, everything seems to be in confusion or turmoil. Never thought I'd miss normal or boring times before this mess started. As a citizen of California, we can't have too many people over for Thanksgiving; instead we will be holding a funeral for our pet turkey's on that day, funerals are allowed up to 50 mourners.

ON THE MODEL RAILROAD FRONT:

Been working on a couple of other things, cabooses mostly, with a few other projects getting some traction at the same time. Not much else to report anyway, not even sure if anybody is still reading what's posted on here.

Consolidated Copper Company 3183 was finally returned to service this month, it had been sitting derelict on some out of service trackage near the old mine workings for ages.

The shops removed the well worn archbar trucks and replaced them with some leaf spring Bettendorf's for a smoother, safer ride.

This car will see service on the El Cobre Branch as that serves Consolidated Copper who has reopened their operations earlier this year (Arizona Southern timeline is mid 1976).

Thanks for reading, leave a note if the mood strikes, and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

Stay safe, John Huey