John,

I wish that I could make it, since I've never been. Unfortunately, it is not to be.

See if you can find out when George will show us his first glimpse of this year's kit. I'm holding off on the Bar Mills kit until I see what George has this year.

OH, man - that really makes me jealous!, especially since I just finished Dexter's and loved working his system.

John

Since you're hoofing it up from PA you've got to be driving by Jimmy's house, and then mine. You should try an make it by the Pennsy at least - you can see some of Scott's handy-work. I'll see if I can arrange to be at FSM. I'm not sure how long you'll be hanging around but maybe be we can have a little sit-down after the visit.

--Rich

John,

Open House at the F&SM....!!!!???

What are the details of that event? Are reservations needed? What is the time span? Admission price? Etcetera, etcetera....???

Is there somewhere that this info is listed, or is this just word of mouth??

As you can see, I'm interested. I've never seen it other than photos, though I've been a fan for decades. I too, would like to get on the list to get 'dibs' on his forthcoming kit. I'd sure appreciate some more info regarding everything I've asked.

Stevie O'

I am happy that some of you will be able to visit George's beautiful F&SM layout this year. It is truly a memorable experience, and George is a very gracious host.

On the Yahoo group I posted the following info for those planning a visit to Peabody:

"George opens the layout to guests one Saturday a month, from 9:00 am till noon, usually around the middle of the month, from April through October inclusive. Sometime during the two or three weeks before the date of your visit, you must call him during working hours (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) Monday through Friday to make a reservation at 978 531-9418.

Introduce yourself and tell him how many will be with you. Smoking, pets, children under 10, food or beverages and cameras are not allowed. [:-hot] [:-kitty] [:-doggy] [:-propeller] [:-goldfish] [:-slug] [:-magnify] :down: :down:

:erm: [:-censored]

The layout room tends to get warm even in April and October. He charges $5.00 admission per person, and it is without a doubt, the best bargain in the hobby anywhere.

The layout is located upstairs (lots of stairs) at 49 Main Street, Peabody, MA. There is no sign outside to indicate the magic dwelling within. George is Peabody's Anonymous Stealth Modeler, and the layout is a hidden treasure. [:-blindfold]

There are parking meters on Main Street, and George said they are ticketing again on Saturday. One quarter gets you only 1 hour at a time on the meter. One of the nearby public metered lots just went to permitted parking, but Main Street should be able to handle his visitors.

George is very friendly gentleman, and is accessible for questions and compliments, which are heartily encouraged.



Rich J. [:-dopey]

George & Andy Sperandeo

Rich J,

You too, are also a fine gentleman. Thanks so much for posting such a well thought out and written update. And that's a great photo of the MAN and Andy Sperandeo in front of the layout.

I'm thinking, I could take an Amtrak NYC-Boston, and then a bus to Peabody, as I am presently without my own wheels. I'll have to do some online research to see if it's feasible schedule-wise, and connection-wise.

I don't want to let such an opportunity slip by.

Stevie O'

Hey Rich J, are you going to be there?

RichBeau....I'm taking Friday (8/11) off and I'm going to start driving up there in the late morning. Hopefully I'll be up in the Peabody area by Friday late afternoon. I'm staying overnight in a hotel. Then I plan on getting there bright and early on Saturday. According to George, the hotel I'm staying at is only a couple minutes from him. When we get kicked out at noon, I was actually planning on heading home. I only booked a one night stay. Anyway, long story short, I'd love to check things out if it's good with the others.

Hi John,

I'm going to be on vacation in Florida that week, so unfortunately I won't be there. I'm sure Rich J. will be though. If you'd like to see the Pennsy, drop Jimmy D a PM. I don't know if he'll be around either. Enjoy your visit with George.

Scott

Hi John. George lets me run his and my locos around the layout all morning. [:-bouncy] [:-jump2] [:-party] [:-propeller]

Do you think I would miss that? [:-idea]

See you there at 9:00 AM. It will be a real pleasure to meet you. [:-slaphappy]

Rich J. [:-dopey]

Ahh Rich J...I am jealous!! I'll see you there.

Hey...on a side note, doesn't George sell off some of his detail castings at his open house? I think Karl S (postalkarl) told me he sold 'em in bags for like $5 a bag (...or something like that?)?

Thanks for the update on the open house. I'll have to plan on making the very long trip (2.5 hrs) Being new to the craftsman kit building, I'm sure I will be totally blown away.

John, George does have a small box of castings available for sale at the open house. I don't remember if he sells them individually or by the bag. Been a while since I have bought some. I think they will probably be left overs from the most recent kit, (Dexters') but there might be older ones too.

George does not keep any inventory of castings from any kits. With the recent 400% increase in the cost of metal, He tosses all rejects or extras back in the melting pot like a good thrifty Yankee.

Rich J. [:-dopey]