May - "This and That"

GT 6206 Pt Huron, Mi. Aug. 13, 1987 Glenn Courtney photo, Bob Bowes collection, Peter Mumby collection.

I did some more scans lately from the Peter Mumby collection, some being of the GTW. I am thinking of doing another book through Amazon maybe a tribute to Peter Mumby using his throwback Thursdays, some work cars or equipment and cabooses and a selection of trains from Eastern Ontario and South Western Ontario...will see. 

On another note I have had a number of visitors to the WRD in the past week. Last week Luc stopped by and yesterday my old friend Warren Dodgson stopped by. We had not seen each other in about 10 years till we had coffee a few weeks back. He used to model the Rutland Ry. and B&M years ago when he was modeling. The last time he seen the layout was maybe 15 years ago when be brought CV modeler and railfan Bill Brigham by who was visiting from Vermont. This time he had Rodney with him an O scale modeler just getting into the hobby. Interesting to learn that Rodney hired on the CN the same year as me but could not take the layoffs we were subjected to in the 1970's so moved on to another career which put him in Vermont through the 1980's working in Rutland and Burlington at times. Warren and I spent a lot of time trackside in Vermont during that time and who knows maybe we crossed paths and did not know it. Anyhow a great conversation. 

I also had the grand kids over yesterday morning also wanting to check out the train so most of a hot summer like day after a cold spring was spent downstairs. Once the dust settled it was a nap on the couch...George Dutka   

I was at the Ontario Narrow Gauge show on Saturday and was displaying some of my Maine two-footers in O and HO scale along with a number of buildings. It as a great show with lots to see. I also was working away at rusting up some signs and painting and staining cast plaster details as a kind of mini-clinic.

My table

A O scale model kit that might be in the works.

I really love Mt. Alberts tool set in O scale. A lot of nice details to add to a scene.

Mt. Albert's details

I always grab a bundle of Mt. Alberts off cut lumber at the show. A great deal for $15. They all were sold before the end of the show.

On May 6 2026 I was on my way to Strathroy after watching my grandson compete in track and field in Mt. Brydges, Ont. I crossed the CPKC overpass on highway 21 when a train was approaching. A look out the rear view mirror indicated no one behind me so I just stopped jumped out of the car and took this one shot. I was on my way to Fred's of yesterdays post. A good day all and all.

I think this is a prototype photo of the mock-up of the lake steamer model seen above at South Portage 1930's. This little engine was in St. Thomas for years before heading back to it's original line area.