I was working under the Mapes Curve (soldering and tying up wires) when I heard moans and children crying. I checked...and no trains were running. Opening three panels didn't help resolve the problem. So Trouble Shooter Bruce (the notorious n-scale web master) was called in. There were hidden switches...once Bruce threw the switches one train went backwards...then we discovered to our horror...

A locomotive had crashed into a caboose and there were frieght cars on top of a whole bunch of convicts working near Lloydtown. The convicts were lucky, they were checked, found okay, and then went back to work. Trouble Shooter Bruce then found the correct switch to run the trains forward.

BUT WAIT...where is the Thomas engine...and where is the Thomas train? I will not be able to sleep tonight until this is resolved.

The wheel bearing boxes wore out on the passenger cars. Replacement cars have been ordered along several freight cars. We should be back running shortly.
Richard Atwood

Having witnessed the horror of the carnage that ripped through the chain gang I was surprised that the first report stated that the boys in stripes were all OK. What wasn't mentioned was the condition of the two guards! All I can say is after a loaded hopper falls over on you that 3030 rifle turns into a squirt gun that can only dribble.


For whatever reason, both the (hidden) main power and track switches were still off. Once activated, the upper loop was running in reverse but the inner lower loop train was OK. Couldn't find the outer lower loop train until... From the evidence it looked like there was a mid train disconnection/derailment and on the engines return, plowed into the back of the caboose. BLAM!

Things were put back in running order except for the poor chain gang guards. I think they are still laying down on the job.

__________________
Bruce (McToots) McElhoe
KAMRI President
and Web Site Moderator