John,
IRM does a Thomas weekend every year with the same results; large
crowds. Of course, those crowds get to experience other equipment in
operation the same days, including some Q equipment. This year, a
"Day Out with Thomas" occurred on both the weekend of August 13
(three days) and August 21 (two days). Electric and diesel trains
were also operated. Thomas, while a child's toy, is an excellent way
to introduce young people to our world of trains.
Thomas. of course, wasn't around when I was a kid in the '40s, but I
had a dad who was interested in trains, the Q and was also a skilled
wood worker. He built an entire trains set for me out of wood. They
were scaled slightly smaller than HO and, best of all, were all
modeled after Q equipment of the day. Included was a hudson, pacific
(#2816 as shown in this month's Zephyr) and a O-1a mike. There was
also a 4 unit diesel with A-B FTs and F3s and a diesel switcher. He
built a heavy weight passenger train, complete with an open platform
observation and a streamline train. There was a wooden yard complete
with roundhouse, diesel shop and turntable. There were also freight
cars and a run through station complete with lights inside. All the
cars were coupled together with hooks and eyes. The wheels were fixed
with metal brads driven in the bottom so that the models would not
wear and they were pulled along the floor.
Unfortunately, over the years and generations of kids, the trains
were heavily damaged. I have a few pieces left, but most are now in
poor shape, but those trains certainly started my interest in
railroads and the Q. The hudson was my favorite. Guess that is why I
own to O scale Q hudsons today, plus a couple in HO.
Bill Barber
Gravois Mills, MO
On Sep 9, 2010, at 5:27 AM, CBQ@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> Re: BRHS vitality
> Posted by: "John Manion" railbass@comcast.net manionjohn68
> Wed Sep 8, 2010 7:45 pm (PDT)
>
>
>
> Two items in which I am involved might help to get younger people
> interested
> and involved here in Colorado. I am a foundation member and
> volunteer for
> the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. We have many activities which
> appeal to the younger set, starting with these next three weekends in
> Sept. We are one of the most active groups sponsoring the Thomas
> activities. Before you complain about toys or cartoons, consider
> that this
> is a very family event. Last year, we brought 23,000 additional paid
> admissions to the museum in the six days of the Thomas events. It
> is well
> publicized and marketed and draws much attention to the museum. I'm
> not
> sure if IRM does Thomas, but it should. Other museums in the
> midwest do,
> and it is an incredible fund raiser for each sponsor. I hosted last
> year,
> and the youngest passenger on my car was a 7-month old in a
> stroller. What
> could he get from this experience? His parents will show him tons of
> pictures, and he may remember some strange sounds and motions. If they
> show him video, even better.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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