posted 05-07-2002 11:06 AM                  

I was a little curious since he was sending everyone else to the left and the train store I was heading to was on the opposite side of the town... Ends up that he thought I was a part of the car show... CAR SHOW! I drove up to the registration table and they immediately took down my information... The judging was not going to start until 11:30 so I asked if was alright if I could just run home to pick up a few things and be back within the hour... Good thing I had almost everything still together from the last show I attended. I got back to the show and still had plenty of time to set up and dust off the Kat with the California duster I just bought the day before!!! How did I go this long without one??? WOW!

They had me set up between a chopped and dropped 53 Merc and an IROC... and not too far away from a trophy winning Super Bee. He must have had at least 6 trophies in his back seat... Besides myself and the IROC, all the rest of the entrants were pure classics and beautiful... Cars I have only seen in magazines. So many rods & a big Mopar showing too! CJ & Bob would have been happy There were 75 to 90 cars there and since it was "peer" judging I knew I would not have a chance... No matter what, I was still going to have wonderful time. I met many interesting people and many were very interested in the Kat and the mods that I have done... Thanks to the two CAAP visits, the many posts on this site, (especially from CJ - thanks again!) and the research I have done on my own... I was dubbed the ambassador of the Prowler...

I got a lot of sun, made new friends & made some great contacts from people who insist that I do work on their cars (neon and metal fab). Much to my surprise, I walked off with a nice 12" trophy for 6th place overall and a free oil change! I guess it made up for not attending the Louisville event, especially when I placed well ahead of the three classic Vettes It was a great day even though I never made it to the train store...

posted 05-07-2002 12:10 PM                  

CONGRATULATIONS!!

posted 05-07-2002 04:17 PM                  

Jay

posted 05-08-2002 12:45 AM                  

Just 'celebrated' 32 yrs railroadin' day before yesterday!

posted 05-08-2002 02:44 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by YELLER CAT:
What were you doing @ a Train Store... collector, operator, toy or scale? Just curious.

Jay

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Mainly a rail fan of any scale... I have loved trains (& cars) since I was a kid. My Grandfather gave me my Dad's sets when I was in High School. All Lionel O-27 gauge trains, structures, water towers etc... I still collect O-27 and started on N-scale trains while I was in college... I could fit a bigger layout in a smaller space... I always had trains under the tree at Christmas and wasn't about to stop the tradition... I also collect signs and train paraphernalia where ever I go just to decorate the room around my layout... I don't really collect the trains for the monetary value, but mainly for the memories I had when I was younger... My Mom's parents lived on a farm near some railroad tracks and I could always see them in the distance from the top of their hill. Since I can remember, my dad & I always end up down at the tracks waiting for a train or two to go by as we walk the tracks and just talk about life or just stare up at the stars... No matter where I am at, the sounds of the rails and trains always remind me of my grandparents and the special time we shared together...

How about you Jay?

WildBill

posted 05-09-2002 06:28 AM                  

How about some pictures from you and Dave Mills?

Best Wishes, Jay

posted 05-10-2002 07:43 AM                  

My wife, Nancy, this past Christmas gave me 2 cartons (12 total) LIONEL flat cars with Yellow Prowlers attached. I am currently re-painting these (one for each color produced) for a Prowler Train, pulled by my S-2 MOPAR switcher, ending with the MOPAR caboose. Pictures will follow... in a year or so whenever I get the time to paint the 11 other Prowlers.

The pictures of my office are just some of my toys... lots more displayed @ home and lots stored in boxes.

I am only allowed to visit the Train store in the Prowler... can't put too much in the trunk!

Hope to see some of everyone's collection soon.

Best wishes, Jay

PS... regarding the Yellow Neon Cat, I still have a couple of Yellow ones left. If you are interested, just give me a call @ 800 669 3540.