I had to visit Utah to experience the resurrection of the Big Boy as it came to the Ogden UP station on May 12, 2019. Excitement was in the air and the crowd became ecstatic as the huge steam engine was fired-up!
The National Park Service did an outstanding job in commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad with an reenactment of the driving-in of the golden spike.
As a model train enthusiast it is my pleasure to share my photos with followers of Trainkeepers. Now it is time to add a Big Boy to our collections! I will also be on the lookout for the opportunity to acquire models of the Jupiter and 119. Stay tuned – hopefully Trainkeepers will be able to offer some great commemorative models to you soon!
Life is short, memories are long, trains are unforgettable.
What is it about a train? …the many moving parts that work in seemingly perfect harmony, the steam and heat, the smell of sulfur, its massive size, the exhibition of great power…? No, of course it’s the whistle.
Trains seem to come into our life during fun and memorable times – trips, reunions, vacations, holidays.
Travel with them into history and you will embark on a simply remarkable trip.
The models stir similar emotion and they connect the observer to a valuable memory. Memories – the joyful links of our lives.
I’ve been debating in my mind if I should buy that certain train I desire for my collection. Can I justify the purchase?
Someday, when it is much more valuable than it is today, my son will likely assume ownership. Perhaps it will be an asset to him.
But there is something even more valuable about the experience. When I bring the big new train home I am going to sit my son down and put it in his hands, ready to support them. I will tell him about the experience, and let him sense the joy of acquiring a prize. I want him to see the life it promotes – excitement and success. I want him to learn important lessons for life, lessons we can learn from attaining. This is what the heirloom represents.
These are the memories I hope to make, and this is how I want to be remembered when one day, someday in the future, he holds that train in his adult hands. I expect to be there to share the memory and see his determination for living the right way. It’s more than a tradition, it is a legacy to pursue happiness and life to the fullest.
(I know, this is a little over the top – but seize the moment – catch the vision! (Guess I should buy the train?))
What is a friend for? – sharing a meaningful experience, generating a hearty laugh, offering needed advice, taking you on a treasure hunt!
It started for me with Big John. He offered to take me to a train show. It was the middle of February with no pressing commitments, so why not?
I had heard that Lionel was desired by collectors and knew that they could be valuable. I was surprised to learn that a train made 66 years ago, and older than myself, would run on the fastrack with the CW80 transformer. I had purchased the Polar Express the year my son was born as a family keepsake. But, I had lots to learn about model trains.
John went with me from table to table and made suggestions about a good train to buy. Who said I was buying? – thought I was along for the ride. He emphasized that the castings not be broken or chipped. Then I saw the 221. I knew that I wanted it.
Unfortunately, some time later John and I had a serious disagreement (not about trains) and our friendship ended.
Then came Charlie.
Charlie was introduced to me by my pastor as one with a common interest – Lionel trains. We talked, compared notes, and egged each other on.
Eventually, we traveled together to a show. Charlie is a straight shooter. He doesn’t appease. No sympathy. Take it or leave it, but from one who genuinely cares. I like that.
Our friendship has grown, and our hunt for treasure keeps us in almost constant contact. We use each other to pace our pursuits, offering caution if one or the other gets caught up in the bidding.
A friend has made the hobby of model railroading so much more enjoyable and meaningful. Our families have enjoyed time together and our wives have no problem leaving us to “talk train.”
We have another excursion planned. Even if I don’t make the deal, it will be nearly as much fun to be standing at Charlie’s side as he empties his wallet. He drives a hard bargain, and when he says that is his final offer, he means it. Hopefully I will have enough cash left to pay for the tolls on the trip home.
Win or lose, the treasure hunt is the fun!
Lionel Lines Blue Comet 13103
Every train collector will eventually have one of these, the coveted Blue Comet. In standard gauge it is heavy metal.
I drove four hours to get mine and carried it to the car in the box. I then drove to a fast food restaurant and couldn’t wait any longer. I popped the hatch and opened the box with excitement.
My wife was observing and has recounted many times since how my demeanor quickly changed. A look of concern and uncertainty quickly came over me. “There’s something wrong with this train,” I explained. I paused in reflection. “Well, it may not be easy, but I will make this right,” I said with determination.
My 400e was made with the Lionel name in 1990, the 13103. The frame was defective. It was badly warped, and crumbling at stress points – screw holes and small details.
Hence started my task of rebuilding this great locomotive. It was a difficult and tedious job. It required that I find many parts, and purchase some special tools. Once I located a new frame, it was unpainted. How would I get that deep shine with the thick feel of “baked enamel.” The task continued.
In the end I erected a paint booth in my garage and painted with spray cans. It probably has 8 to 10 coats, and took weeks to dry with heat lamps. I achieved the high gloss and deep shine that seems substantial. Not bad for an amateur, but not as valuable as a collectible.
I did take the train to York and offered it for sale with the Blue Comet passenger Car Set 13408 (the good part of the original purchase) and I received lots of compliments on my restoration. My paint was almost better than factory work. Everyone was excited about the train that looked brand new.
I still don’t know why a train only 22 years old had such deterioration in the castings. (I had to replace the steam chest also – despite attempts to reuse the original, it cracked while trying to re-attach it.) If you are looking for this Lionel Classics, beware.
So, because I have so much into Big Blue, time and effort (and money), it is a keeper for me. It is often on my train table. Visitors are so impressed!
I recently approached a man selling a 400e at a show. “These are great,” he said. “I’ll never forget the sound of it running on the floor. My father would lay the track down on the hardwood and we’d get excited. It was something to see!”
I make new discoveries almost every day in model RailRoading.
I hear men my age saying the hobby is dying – the Train Collectors’ Association is struggling to maintain membership. “Young adults today didn’t grow up with trains like we did,” I hear them say.
Well, I didn’t either. But as I discover great models, I research the real mammoth and have a greater appreciation for steam and steel, coming the other way, from the models. They are fantastic, and fun!
It’s a great way to learn history. Sometimes I regret all that I missed: the experience of the real locos, and the youthful challenges of the hobby.
Railroading was one of the most exciting, progressive and prosperous times in the history of the U.S. The achievements during this time were mind boggling – wonders of the world!
York had the big show last month. 13,000 TCA members attended, paying $20 to get in and it was closed to the general public. It is amazing. I met the people from the Chez Republic. I love their trains!
Not all model trains are worth keeping. I offer the ones that are, and share them with you here. It’s my knowledge of model trains and discerning taste that guides my purchases. If I buy it, I’m happy to keep it. So, you’re actually shopping my collection. Browse and learn about the best in model railroading, they’re the “keepers!”
TrainKeepers 