The next time I came to see him, you guessed it. He would hear nothing less than I was to have that set on my layout, as a gift from him!
Rest in peace, good friend. You will be missed.
Jim, what a great story! It is always sad when such amazingly wonderful people pass away. I've always enjoyed watching videos of the great Misty Mountain. Hopefully his grandsons will carry on the fine family tradition and find a way to keep the layout open for people to visit.