Robert’s Ramblings

Robert's Ramblings

Thoughts and musings on the hobby of narrow gauge model railroading from editor Bob Brown.

Two Tales

Two Tales

Editor Bob Brown rambles on about early Great Western Model Locomotives and other old friends in the hobby.

Truly a Last Run

Truly a Last Run

Jim Vail passed away January 28, 2018. He told his daughter, Kate, that he did not want a memorial service – but did want his operating crew and friends to gather and run his layout one last time.

Remembering Jim Vail

Remembering Jim Vail

Jim Vail, MMR, passed away January 28, 2018: he was 83. Jim was a close friend, and a long-time GAZETTE author. Irene and I will miss him greatly.

Some Memories

Some Memories

While reviewing Charles Given’s new book From Main Lines to Logging Lines, I was struck by how similar his and my rail fanning experiences have been. I also remembered Charles’ major contributions to the founding of the GAZETTE.

Narrow Gauge Inspiration

Narrow Gauge Inspiration

The January 1948 issue of Model Railroader was special to me. It was a good year for a teenager interested in narrow gauge model railroads.

Operating Sessions

Operating Sessions

While talking with Jim Vail about his column for this issue, I mentioned that I would like to visit his layout during an operating session. Jim holds ops sessions every other month, alternating with Dave Adams’ magnificent On3 Durlin Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western.

Memories

Memories

Seeing the late Ted Wurm’s photo of Motorcar #23 in our January/February 2017 issue brought back memories.

No Changes

No Changes

I hope you will agree that the magazine you are holding is little changed from the GAZETTE that you have become used to. However, there are a few small changes.