And then there was three.....

            I've heard the saying.. Some things change.. Some things stay the same.
I guess there is some truth to that saying but anymore it seems not much stays
the same anymore.
            About ten years ago a few of us guys that shared an interest in model
trains starting going to local shows together.  Back then most of us only had 
small collections and we learned a lot from each other by comparing the items
we had and really enjoyed helping one another find that certain engine, car
or accessory that one of us may be looking for.  We finally stepped up our 
game and joined the TCA.  (Train Collectors of America) and started going to
the big national train meets that they put on.  The biggest in the US happens
twice a year in York Pa.   A group of six of us would make the trip together 
for a long weekend every fall.  We did the spring show a couple times also but
it was hard getting everyone together twice a year so that was kinda rare. 
         About five years ago our most avid collector fell ill with cancer and after
a fairly long battle, which he fought diligently, finally went home.  He had the 
biggest collection of us all and truly the finest.  All of his trains and his layout
still sets untouched to this day in his basement.   Still the five of us made our 
pilgrimage to the show every year as usual and continued the tradition. 
        Last summer we got another shock as the elder member of our little gang
passed unexpectedly.  He was our navigator on the trips.. he was our historian
on everything train related and he knew more than anybody I know about 
American Flyer trains.  What they made.. what parts were proper for what 
engine and how to repair all of the junk I bought at shows back to new condition.
My train hero.   He is certainly missed.  I talked to his son this past week and 
he is trying to stir up some interest in setting up a display somewhere with his 
dad's extensive collection.  But I fear the interest is no longer there these days.
     Being down to four made it easier to book rooms and make travel arrangements
but sure left a void in our hearts.  Being a bit older we seem to take a few more
rest breaks at the shows these days and those are always filled with stories of 
our lost friends and some of the good times we shared.
       Yesterday we got together again to say goodbye to another of our gang.
After only a few weeks of illness he lost his battle with cancer.  At sixty nine 
years old it seemed way too early and too fast.  He had too many unfulfilled
plans.  Being raised near the coal yards of Holloway he spent the bulk of his 
train money buying up local RR name coal cars and such with the dream of
reconstructing the rail yard that serviced the coal mines in that small Ohio 
town.  He had a replica of the coal loading tipple constructed and even 
replicas or several building, churches and such custom built for the layout
that will never be built.  We had so much fun over the years helping him find
B&O 801 coal hoppers which was the main Railroad servicing that yard.  He
bought every one we found.  He had to have over a hundred of them.  Now 
they will set idle in their boxes.
        So this morning at breakfast we made our plans for the October trip
with heavy hearts.  Only three left and no new recruits in the wings.  Makes 
me wonder if it's not time to go to sell instead of buy.  Nothing last forever
and as I see all of these collections just gathering dust I wonder if it wouldn't
be better to part with mine now and let someone else make that 'great find'
they've been searching for.  ahhh   Maybe next year........

R.I.P.  Brad, Larry and Greg..    All Aboard !