Took the boys to the yard today to kill some time. It was a nice enough day to spend a little out of doors time. Jason is a big train fan and even a bunch of dirty, in & out of use trains in the yard was worth a look to him. Sam is always up for a junket. I got no pics any different than others here so I'll spare you.
Oh.... that dog isn't a pitbull, or not a fullbreed by a longshot. He is pretty intimidating though. David, in the caboose/house if you will was quick to quiet him on our passing.
The other partially concealed Blue Comet car is completely in view for now.
No one bothered us and we just strolled wherever within practical reason.
There is another caboose in stage of repainting/restoration hooked now to the really nice one. The owner of the restored one is doing it for another fellow.
For me the highlight was the yardman, Bob Stetser, rolling up to us. He pulled up hard and fast so I was ready for a scolding perhaps but just my luck, in seconds we were off on a talk. I'm not really a train guy so what EMD he owned and ran and what needed the least filters changed and which had a 2000 H.P. engine and what he was doing with his old caboose, etc. wasn't lost to me but not my fancy.
The little sparks in my mind did light up though when he began to tell me some tales of the Blue Comet cars and from where they came and went when he was just a little one. His story of his son David, living in the caboose was interesting. The almost 40 years he spent on a tug aside from the rails had me wanting more. Two fascinating and challenging lines of work. He was proud to show me a new book he just got on Tugs and which he had actually been on. Aside from Kevin who has spent time there, if any of you has actually stopped to talk to anyone there, (some do, some don't, I am guilty of the former) you would recall Bob as he only has but one eye. Funny, but I believe he and I have crossed paths before.
Loving details in a story, this next was a treat. All here may not think so. Yesterday, Friday the 13th, yesterday, the thirteenth of February if you will marked the 75th anniversary of the loss of that eye in a sledding accident involving an axe. Yep... I love a good story. we'll save that one for another time.
This 78 year old man was a blast to meet and in ways not on forum, rather colorful. My son Sam thought he was pretty cool. Jason, being six kinda lost interest in the old fella quick. Well, for reasons of interest to the boys, and to myself, we will be back. There's good stuff in this fella 'cause he's spent a little time in them pines hisself.
I fear though if this 78 year old soul were to know of my curse and what becomes quickly of those elders that would hold palaver with me, he'd run away as fast as his legs would carry him.
Let's hope he doesn't find out. I need him to stay on a bit. I'm not done with him.
g.
