I Got New Wheels

Yes, the Camera Totin' Idiot has a new CTI-mobile. Yes, it's yellow, so make all the jokes you want. It's newer than my old Sport-trac, way fewer miles, and Goody Two Shoes liked the color.

It's already been called a school bus, a bumble bee, a banana boat, the Yellow Submarine, and the Steeler Mobile. Got any more good ones? Drop me a comment.

My Little Buddy & 734

Goody Two Shoes and me took our grandson to Helmstetters Curve to see 734 today.

July 20, 1969

I sat on my living room floor and watched this on television. I remember it like it was yesterday. I can still hear Walter Cronkite's voice, too.



"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

photos courtesy of NASA

Scenic Sunday

One of the Flock Comes Home to Roost

It would seem that the Western Maryland Railway is far from gone, even though they were merged into the Chessie System nearly thirty years ago. Miles of former-WMRY track is still in use, a number of WMRY train stations still stand and are in use, and quite a bit of rolling stock is still around. Also still hanging around are more than just a few diesel locomotives from the once proud fleet. Just last year, FA-2 #302 came home and is awaiting rebuild and painting in Beilington, WV. GP-9 #25was returned to service on the George's Creek Railway in a fresh coat of jet black paint with yellow speed lettering. And now, sister engine #39 is home in Western Maryland.

Here's 39 while still in service. At Elkins, WV in 1972

In tourist service at Gettysburg, PA in 1991.

Back on home rails, July 11, 2009

photos by the Camera Totin' Idiot, unless otherwise noted.

Old and dear memories die hard, as do legends.

40 Years Ago Today

Apollo 11 blasted into space 40 years ago today. It's destination...the moon. And for a kid who grew up a space cadet and flew model rockets, this was a big, BIG deal.



Photos, courtesy of NASA

Astronaut Gene Cernan said that in order to ride a Saturn V you had to fall in love with it first. I loved the thing, I still love it, and I want to ride it! Forget space shuttles and starships, I want to ride a Saturn V. Anything else pales in comparison.

Wordless Wednesday