An excellent example of the "World's Greatest Hobby." While attending my local Junior College, my art class took a trip to Huntsville. AL. My professor was an uppity young lady who was into modern art. I asked her this question, "What do you see in modern art?" That didn't sit too well.

My most memorable project was a three dimensional model of the "Monarch of Glen" by Landseer. The students were impressed with the imposing statue created with paper and flour (paper mache). I got a "C" for all the hard work. Till this day, I appreciate the realism produced which boggles the mind when determining, "Is this the real thing or a model?"

My interest in railroads and an eye for accuracy led to some exciting results. The accompanying photograph serves well as an example of the "perfection" I seek. Is it a model, or is it the real life-sized boxcar? This picture represents the kind of modeling that "cranks my tractor." It's a representation of a modeler who doesn't take shortcuts in achieving museum pieces. There's enough sloppiness in the world. Let's bring out the best in ourselves and others in every area of our life. Thanks to Gene Deimling for leading the way!

The model shown here is one of my collection. It is a Proto 48 brass hand-crafted model imported by Protocraft www.protocraft.com. Lee Turner applied the paint and lettering. The car represents a plywood sided double sheathed boxcar from the late steam era. The dead giveaway to classify the boxcar as a model is in the incomplete and out-of-scale background.

Pictured is a project underway for the ACL (Atlantic Coast Line) ventilated boxcar. As you can see I go for detail not ordinarily included in the mass production of cars in this (1.6 inches to the foot or just over 1/8 the size of the real thing). I intend to post a picture of the prototype (the real life-size car) shortly. Stay tuned for more posts.

Judson's amazing art can be viewed by typing his name, "Judson Portzer" into your browser. He is a specialist in stained glass productions.  

Re-decked flat car floor. The oak planking is ship-lapped like in real life. Individual planking looks better than the original scribed (cross-grain) plywood. You can see the 2 incomplete cars in the upper background and trestle bents stored under the table to the upper left of the flat car. The 15 foot track section can be viewed in the "Personal Handiwork Share". Click on any picture to enlarge. Click the > by placing cursor on center right of the enlarged picture to scroll. Click x in upper right to exit enlarged picture.

Pictures of some samples. Yes, I'm in the process of perfecting techniques in a life-long area of interest and business possibilities. What is this? This is a miniature (1/8 actual size but large enough for adults to ride on...go to www.midsouthlivesteamers.com  for how this works.) railroad track section to be placed on a trestle being built to market some items to the public. The track is the scale Walt Disney chose for his personal yard layout. He was a dreamer and loved trains. Watch for more samples of my work. What is your specialty? 

Pictures of some samples. Yes, I'm in the process of perfecting techniques in a life-long area of interest and business possibilities. What is this? This is a miniature (1/8 actual size but large enough for adults to ride on...go to www.midsouthlivesteamers.com  for how this works.) railroad track section to be placed on a trestle being built to market some items to the public. The track is the scale Walt Disney chose for his personal yard layout. He was a dreamer and loved trains. Watch for more samples of my work. What is your specialty? 

Just decided to call attention to something special that's sure to enhance the six major areas of life listed for my Center for Whole Life and Wellness. When in school early in my academic education experience a dreaded question plagued me when filling out applications, "What is your hobby?' or something to that effect. It dawned on me as an adult that this too is important. Well, as mentioned on my "Coming Soon!" page one of my interests is model railroading. About 18 years ago an advertisement page drew my attention. You can go to www.Kohs.com and begin to experience some of my "perfectionist" interest findings. It's listed as one of the best Websites...on that page as well. It's always interesting to see real life in miniature with productions you'll discover. 

Whatever clean life-enhancing interest you have you can be sure life gets more interesting, breaking monotony and lending itself to creativity. Relaxation and hobby experession simply makes live's work more tolerable. Now I recommend a clean hobby if your life of service needs a power boost!