A pleasant visit with our friend Charlie

• A pleasant visit with our friend Charlie
  Posted by Dr.Rev.DelmarMacReady on 02 May, 2019 18:37
• I had the pleasure to meet Charlie(aka txlabman) today, and to enjoy a few hours visiting. He's a genuinely nice fellow, and I had a blast shooting the breeze. He was passing through on another of his epic adventures, and was kind enough to while away a few hours here at the Chop Shop.
  It was great to chat, and Charlie, being the gentleman he is, showed up with a gift-and a fine one at that. Thank you, Charlie.
  We did some palavering, a bit of trading and back to the blacktop Charlie went, a puff of Steam and several Empire left in his wake...
  
  Good to see you today, Charlie, come back anytime!
  
  
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 02 May, 2019 18:42
• I knew he was headed your way, but not so soon... Many of us just had the great opportunity to spend the day (or two) with Charlie only 4 or 5 days ago in Michigan, He's a busy man! And as you say, one of the nicest people out there... hope to spend many more visits with him as well 
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by Jim on 02 May, 2019 19:27
• Nice to read about a forum meetup.
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 02 May, 2019 19:34
• Quote from: Jim on 02 May, 2019 19:27

  Nice to read about a forum meetup.
  

  
  Yes, but where are the pictures and video 
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by Jim on 02 May, 2019 19:39
• Quote from: Nick on 02 May, 2019 19:34

  Yes, but where are the pictures and video 
  

  
  Yes, mug shots are always nice to see
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by St Paul Steam on 02 May, 2019 20:21
• good bloke that Charlie...heart of Gold.
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by Dr.Rev.DelmarMacReady on 02 May, 2019 20:49
• Ya know, sadly I didn't think of a camera until he was gone...i was just enjoying the moment. I reckon i need to get better about taking pics.
  
  I've been busy getting the trade goods ready for their moment in the limelight. I hope to be able to post some pics and whatnot by the weekend.
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• #7 Reply
  Posted by RedRyder on 02 May, 2019 20:56
• I know the feeling! I have also neglected the camera during visits.
  
  
  I am sure you had a great day when Charlie dropped in!
  
  
  Gil
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• #8 Reply
  Posted by txlabman on 06 May, 2019 21:27
• We had a grand visit.
  
  I only took one picture. 
  
  Benny’s Man Cave is so overwhelming. I was on sensory overload.
  
   
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• #9 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 06 May, 2019 21:34
• And you didn't help him lay all that track?!? 
  
  Did those Empires stay with Benny?
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• #10 Reply
  Posted by classixs on 07 May, 2019 10:19
• Great stuff, must be so cool being able to meet up like that...
  
  Thanks for sharing Benny !
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• #11 Reply
  Posted by txlabman on 07 May, 2019 10:41
• Quote from: Nick on 06 May, 2019 21:34

  And you didn't help him lay all that track?!? 
  
  Did those Empires stay with Benny?
  

  
  I don't do well at ground level Nick.  So, no, I did not help him lay the track.  But, the layout is magnificent.
  
  Yes, the Empire engines stayed with Benny.  I got a rare Weeden No. 43 in very nice condition and a Pericaud Press in exchange.  Here is a link to the Weeden No. 43 from Frank's website: http://weedensteam.com/unique.html#43
  
  I have been hunting one of these Weeden #43 for a while and this one is in great condition.  It was missing the burner, but I already had the burner and so I have a complete one all original.  I tested it on air last night and it runs great.  Just needed new gaskets.
  
  
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• #12 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 07 May, 2019 22:51
• Neat model with the stairway Charlie, different from the later Weeden 43 that I'm used to 
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