MAN I love my old guys!

I certainly would qualify as one of the "old guys", but without their knowledge about our hobby.  I marvel each day that I read this forum at the collective and individual knowledge of both old guys and young guys and ladies.  Bob S.

Nick, excellent point. But in reverse, I also get a kick out of the younger folks in our hobby as well. It is the mixture of ages and talents that make this hobby so great.

Well said GUYZ.  It takes all kinds of people and that makes this hobby a blast. 

Agreed. Great post.

I used to love learning from the old guys and now I am one of them.  There are still a few "older guys" but they are getting less every year.  I agree with Brian that I really enjoy the younger guys with their talents and endless energy.  Great combination.  Great hobby.

 

Art

Everyone has something to add, and that's one of the things that makes this hobby so great

For us folks in the very rural areas.....this place kinda becomes our 'hang out'.  I've only been able to attend one train show in 2014-15.....and that was in California! But I can get together with friends everyday right here.

Nick,

   Great post sir, passing on traditions in my family is very important, most of the older guys that were friends with my Father and Grandfather are now running trains with the Supreme Architect, I miss them badly.  It was hard for me to admit I had become one of those old guys, and it was now my responsibility to make sure our hobby got passed down to the next generation.  In many of my prior post you will notice how I explain to the younger people that they are the life blood of our hobby and they are more than just welcome here, this hobby is for everyone, young and old, the participation of all the different generations is what keeps our hobby alive.  I guess us Tin Plate guys are the most laid back people in our hobby, and our memories are more important to us than any amount of rivet counting.  IMO this hobby is suppose to be fun for everyone

and I try to make that happen for everyone I come into contact with, the young, the old and the middle age, are all welcome in our hobby.  Anyone driving them away is undermining our hobby big time.  For me this hobby was the foundation of an incredible engineering career, I want every boy and girl to have the same opportunity

that I had, and be able to make the same kind of incredible memories, by meeting the same kind of people I did, as they go thru life.   This hobby opens doors few others do when everyone welcomes each other into it.

 

PCRR/Dave

 

 

 Our hobby is a gate way to education and professional associations with memories that will last a life time.  Never underestimate what this hobby might do, United States Presidents have from time to time, run their trains for stress relief.  

Are you sure he did not escort B-17 bombers? B-19 was a one-off prototype that did not make it into production.

Yeah it had to be B17s.  The U.S. made thousands of them.  It couldn't be B29s either.  They were the first pressurized bombers and didn't need an escort.  They were too high to be reached until the war ended. That's what one of those old guys told me anyway. 

.....

Dennis

I think one of the greatest things about hobbies is, the more you do them, the better you get at them.  That's why I love cooking too.  A blend of art and science.  The next model I build will be my best, and my next batch of ribs will be better.  Experience is only gotten one way.  By doing it.  Until you're too old and keep gluing your fingers together.  I always appreciate young guys with brains and ambition.  Too few, but they do exist.  You're only old when you stop learning.

Great sentiments in this thread.  Much of it rings very true.

-Greg

William:  The next thing you do is usually better than the last thing you did. But when it comes to cooking, once you have found your Grail, remember how you got there, so you don't screw it up by trying to make it better.  Good food is good food, and trying to improve it usually proves to be disaster for me.  I love to cook, and, even better, I love it when those I am feeding like what I made for them.  It brings me joy.   

You can improve by simplifying.  This is true.  And this is learned.

 

Nick and Brian, I couldn't agree with you more!!

 

At 58, and loving model trains since I was a child, I am a relative newcomer to O Gauge - about 3 years.  As with 'old timers' talking about any topic there is a vast amount of knowledge that they are ready to share.  

 

As far as young modelers go, I enjoy their enthusiasm, no fear of trying the latest technology, then helping me understand it, I might add.  Also many of them have been around O gauge since they were children, and I only got here at about 55.

 

Great Topic!

B-29s were escorted by long-range P-51s in the Pacific. The jet stream made it impossible to bomb accurately from high altitude so they had to go in lower.

I haven't been there in years, but our local VFW could have been a train club all its own when I was growing up.

Pacific Theater on one side of the bar, European on the other all trying to out boast each other. More divided by theater, than the usual Army/Navy/Marines groupings.

More stories than I can remember. Likely more Hhhwhisky bull pucky too

I've learned many things by listening instead of talking. There is a lot of information in people's heads that hasn't been written down.

A lot to be said about new heads and old heads. I have one Uncle remaining on my fathers side who was a marine, part of the occupation force, Japan.  He doesn't talk about the War.  Last summer his daughter took him to Camp Lejeune. He was treated like royalty. He will be 94. 

Surprisingly you can find the B 17 in 1/48 scale.  Same applies to the B 29 but it is much larger. Revel/Monogram and others either new kits or old kits still in the box on E-bay.

   

This was my final landing and last time in taking a B17  into the air and on tours. I was surprised that my wife along with a ground crewman allowed her to film this. My vacations were scheduled many times so I could sit in the pilot seat and take this magnificient aircraft aloft. I miss it, yes.

What was unexpected was that it was my turn to sit in the right seat, but he said he didn't feel that good and for me to sit in left seat. Also that they had picked the wife up, and had a farewell party for me afterwards.

Thank you for posting this. I am one of the beginner "old guys" and I am always awestruck being this close to a piece of history like the B17, let alone hearing the stories of the people that served in them. 

I was once in a group of fellow employees who were standing around a small airport hangar, bored and waiting for a short-haul commuter flight and enjoying the sunshine. To our complete shock and surprise, one of the Canadian Lancaster bombers suddenly taxied around the end of the hangar slowly and parked right in front of us. We were all slack-jawed and there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Thank you again, sir.

I live near where the Yankee Air Museum flies its B-17 very often over our golf course.  It is fun to watch it and imagine what it must have been like in Germany seeing hundreds of them coming over to bomb the heck out of you.

.....

Dennis

Also had the pleasure of piloting B24 and B25s. But my greatest thrill was Flying in a Sabre F-86 which had been converted to carry a passenger. I wasn't the pilot, but what a thrill.

you are absolutely correct Nick, there is a reason they are called the "Greatest Generation", learn all you can, for soon they all will be gone

I guess I am a young guy, (not retired yet) but I sure miss my "Old Guy friends". Most all  are gone now, and I could listen to their stories about the good ole days for hours....Appreciate them now cause when you lose your mentors you definitely feel alone...

 

“There is nothing I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travelers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom I ought to inquire whether the way is smooth and easy or rugged and difficult. Is life harder toward the end, or what report do you give it?”
― Plato

 

I'm not sure the XB Douglass B-19 was even used over Europe? Quite a bomber, but it was an experimental type...

 

Yes…it was the B-17.Nick

I'm a beginner old guy too.  LOL  

Nick, it's funny you should mention the B-17.  

 

I was getting my hair cut a few weeks ago when I heard an elderly gent talk about his missions over Europe in the left seat.  As he was leaving I noticed his USAAF emblazoned cap.  I snapped to and gave him a crispest salute I could muster.  

 

He asked "What was that for?"  

I said.. "Sorry I'm late sir."

 

He got the joke immediately.  His smile was worth a million bucks.

 

 

 

My Dad flew on B-25 strafers in the Pacific Theater - the Air Apaches.  He was 21 when he went over.  He is 92 now, I try to talk to him as much as possible about everything - his childhood, my childhood, his military career (he stayed in, retired 1970 from USAF).  He tires pretty quickly though.  Don't put off talking to your Old Guys!

 

 Restored Air Apache B-25 Strafer at 345th BG reunion 2012.  My Dad was onboard for the flight.

 

The Jet Age, 1953.

 

I don't have any WW2 pictures scanned yet.

 

At 72, I'm a old guy, but only a expert on how to make Wild Beach Plum Jelly.

Great post, Nick.

 

I'd like to make 2 points.....

 

One of the sad things about the demise of our LHS in 2013 (retirement) was that it was a local hangout and the exchange of imformation was fantastic.....Friday afternoons all of us "old guys" would meet there and hang out till dinnertime.

 

another one is that you can never go back......I have recently been interested in the centennial of WWI.....I wish as a young doc in the VA from 75-83 that I had chatted more with the WWI vets about their experiences....

 

Peter

Old guy? I'm not old. I'm just 34...for the second time.

 

Born too late for WW-II, but steam was still "King of the Hill" when I was a kid.

 

Absolutely Nick,

And something I wish more of us would pay attention to.

We should remember as people age they fall into a minority as their friends pass on and by the time a person reaches their 80’s its likely the number of friends they have still living can be counted on just one hand and even fewer who actually share the hobby.

If they’re lucky by the time they reach their 90’s they’re still able to drive short distances and even luckier if there’s a train show with in driving distance. But even then fewer and fewer people they actually are familiar with attend the show. Fewer people engage them and those that do sometimes dismiss their conversations with condescending attitudes and some only to take advantage. The lack of camaraderie they once enjoyed at a train show causes them to leave feeling somewhat unwanted unneeded and depressed.

Some, because of their lack of fellowship with others who share a common interest and their desire to feel useful will allow themselves to be taken advantage of. It’s unfortunate for so many of our older compatriots in the hobby all they have left are their trains to keep them engaged in life. Even then they have difficulty when they start needing repairs and maintenance. Not due to lack of knowledge but because of physical capabilities. I try to believe the best in everyone but there are some people who would target such an older person and through the guise of charity take advantage of their circumstances for personal gain.

 

I agree with your advice Nick. And if may add: Treat our older generations respectfully without being condescending. Be aware of their needs and encourage others to join you in engaging with them.

 

 

Thanks for sharing the pictures. Brought back many good memories, especially when veterans that flew the Warbirds in combat, come to pay tribute. Many times family members relate how its the first time after a tour they would open up with the stories of their missions, their crew members, and the planes that endured unbeliavable damages, yet still able to bring them home safely. I've heard the stories also, and many times the tears that would flow and wet their cheeks as they touched, or sat in the positions they had aboard.
The jacket in the picture brings back a story when we had a tour in South Carolina. We had free tours through the craft, and sign ups for flights which of course cost. A WW2 veteran who in conversation I found was a Co-Pilot in a B17, he was wearing his jacket. He returned the next day, again with his wife and son, wearing the jacket to make the free tours. Inside, outside, looking, not touching, but rather patting her. In talking with son, I suggested he take the flight. Son wished he had the money, but hard times they couldn't afford it. I checked the sign up sheet, and saw we had still 2 empty spots. 15 minutes before takeoff, I saw we had 1 spot left, and told the son that I needed a full plane load and to tell his father, the flight was on me.

After we landed, and all systems down, the paid passengers off, checking the outside of the plane. The son came up, and giving me the jacket, I refused, but he said his father wanted me to have it. I was truly humbled. I saw his father salute me as his son handed me the jacket.

Sorry to say, several cities later, I forgot to take the jacket off the plane, and it dissapeared. But I will never forget the time, place, and moment. Nor the Veterans I have met over the years.

Matthew,

Extremely well said!!  I agree wholeheartedly!

 

 

Everyone else was at the South end of the field, but the CAF never launched or landed at that direction. The North end of the field has no fence and has a tall berm overlooking the overrun. Made for some sweet shots coming in (taking off was going away from the sun so those shots were kinda, "Meh"...

I caught the B-17 taking off and landing twice, so the second time, I took video instead:

[url]https://youtu.be/QJxc9-gn4SE[/url]

[url]https://youtu.be/8IaTzsYKYLs[/url]

So sad that very few spectators showed up. When I went there in Sunday morning, I was alone with the crew for a short while. Even for the flights, there were very few people taking photos really, and tis field runs right alongside I-5... Standing on that berm at the field, there were only two other people there near me!

p51,

   Great stuff sir, simply fantastic, the last remaining fly boy of the DoLittle mission turns 100 years old this month, now there is an young guy to look up too.  

May he have many more!

PCRR/Dave

I just came back to this thread after a long while.Wow what wonderful posts have been added.God bless the greatest generation that ever lived!Nick