The Franklin & South Manchester Traveling Hopper Car

[ACL1504]

I look forward to seeing the F&SM hopper on Bagman's layout.

Tom

That's extremely generous of you to say that Tom but don't get folks expectations built up.

There's a whole lot of layouts out there way better than mine, starting with the layout that the hopper car originated from !

Once I return from my vacation in Greece at the end of September, I'll send out a shipping request.

Again, kind words and thank you.

David

David,

Don't sell yourself short. I've seen pictures of your layout and it is wonderful. I really liked what little I saw.

However, you are quit welcome.

Tom

[postalkarl]

Hi Art:

Nice photo. Thanks for sharing.

Karl

[Mike Engler]

Art

The F&SM Hopper looks great on your layout.  Beautiful layout!  I hope you will be open when the Narrow Gauge Convention comes to that part of the country.

John-  Art is our chairman for home layout tours and modular layouts at the 2018 NNGC in the Twin Cities so his will be one of the stars of a group of about 30 high quality layouts. And Seth Puffer's great layout is also included.

[S&S RR]

Art

The F&SM Hopper looks great on your layout.  Beautiful layout!  I hope you will be open when the Narrow Gauge Convention comes to that part of the country.

John-  Art is our chairman for home layout tours and modular layouts at the 2018 NNGC in the Twin Cities so his will be one of the stars of a group of about 30 high quality layouts. And Seth Puffer's great layout is also included.

Mike


It sounds like you guys are going to have a great layout tour. I already have it marked on the calendar.

[ACL1504]

There are certainly some superior layout in that part of the country.

Tom

[Mike Engler]

After a brief stay in Minnesota, and a trip to Maine where it didn't make any layouts (sorry James- you will have to get on John's shipping list), it will soon be heading down-under. It visited the Renner City and Western, and actually wound up on an HOn3 siding for a while. Stay tuned to see how we pulled that off. Only the sharpest viewers will notice.


Note in the foreground of the second photo what Postal Karl's real job is- he is an entrepreneur.


A few more tomorrow.

[pbltrains]

Mike,

Nice pics   I look forward to seeing more!

Seth P.
Monticello, MN

[postalkarl]

Hi Mike:

The F&SM hopper looks especially good in front of the Karl Scholz Truck Repair. Thanks for naming a building after me. It's an honor.

Karl

[ACL1504]

Yes, it does. Great diorama also.

Tom

[S&S RR]

Great pictures Mike.  You guys did a fantastic job implementing the HWAB technique.  In your case it was hide it with a fence, a shed, and you pulled it off. The term HWAB was invented by Howard Zane - it stands for Hide It With a Bush.

[S&S RR]

I just got off the phone with Mike Engler - the F&SM Hopper is in the Yard ready for shipment to "the land down under"  (at the postoffice). The yard master (post master) estimates 2 to 3 weeks for delivery which should be perfect timing for the work that is scheduled for it. I have been informed that I owe Mike a drink at the next Narrow Gauge Convention to help with the cost of shipment.    Mike we promise to keep you happy at the next narrow gauge convention.


Looking forward to the pictures from down under.

[Mike Engler]

I just got off the phone with Mike Engler. I have been informed that I owe Mike a drink at the next Narrow Gauge Convention to help with the cost of shipment. 

Thanks John. I hope a few others join in as a one-way fare on the USPS raft to Australia was $22.75.

[Mike Engler]

Here are a few more of the getting-more-beaten-up-all-the-time hopper car, before it was boarded onto the raft for Australia. Hope it survives the storms, pirates, etc.

[S&S RR]

Mike


The hopper sure looks great on your layout. Very nice work.

[deemery]

FSM 155 Old Time Coal Dock (it's great to see that kit on someone's layout.)


dave