TRAIN TIME: Veteran's Day Running Session On The Milwaukee North Western Train Layout

 Every year I try to do something a bit different with my tributes. Most of the time it's simply running cars I haven't run before. Such was the case this year as I put together a load of flat cars hauling Auburn Rubber Co. Army vehicles. Last years run used the same flatcars but hauling Pyro Army vehicles. Enjoy! Opa Fritz

TRAIN TIME: 2023 Veteran's Day Lionel Running Session with Payton Toy Co. Army Vehicle's

Happy veteran's Day To All That Have Served

I've been AWOL this week for a variety of reasons but it just boils down to being busy! Taking down the Halloween train layout and starting to set up the Christmas layout has been an on-going project this week. As well, it didn't help waking up Wednesday morning only to realize I had a dental appointment that morning (cleaning). Crap!

While all this was going on, I was trying to put together some kind of train and tribute for Veteran's Day. Here's what I ended up with:

The train itself includes the following:

-Lionel #6-18456 Minuteman Diesel Engine #59 (this is their Postwar Celebration piece from 2002 - not an original Postwar piece):

-Lionel #6650 IRBM Launcher Flat Car from 1959-63

-Lionel Post War #6401(A) Lt Gray (no load) (mid1960s)

The #6401(A) designation was for this flat car in light gray and without a load. The cars were apparently available in sets starting in the mid-1960s and came with a variety of loads, including Payton Army vehicles.

-Lionel #6814 Rescue Unit Work Caboose from 1959-61

Happy Veteran's Day

I'm off of work today but the grandbaby is keeping me hopping: "Opa put up the Christmas decorations outside.", "Opa, put up the Christmas tree.", "Opa, let's decorate the tree." That word "let's" usually means I have to do it by myself hahahahahaha But she actually did some decorating this year! yay

Anywho, for all who served

Happy Veteran's Day

The Final Inspection

THE FINAL INSPECTION

"The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~"

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the
freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has
given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the
politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who
serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the
flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and
appreciation for the military, please pass this on and pray
for our men and women who have served and are currently serving
our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate
sacrifice for freedom.