The Sun, the Moon and the Stars just lined up...what are the chances?

John C. posted:

Yesterday, a crew member called overly excited about the MTH 2017 Catalog GREAT NORTHERN R-2 2-8-8-2 challenger!

Be advised that a 2-8-8-2 is NOT a "Challenger"!

 He tried to convince me to split the cost of this engine.  His proposal was I would pay a third, my wife, Connie, would pay a third and he would gift us $500, because he wants to see this engine on the Glacier Line.

I told him that I would love to have the engine, but it costs a ton of money and I think Connie would go ballistic as I have purchased more than my share of train stuff.

This crew member called me AGAIN tonight and implored me to talk to Connie.  I said: "No way" and I've been married to her over 25 years and this is NOT a good time to ask her.

Thirty minutes later, I'm sitting here looking on the OGR FORUM and I see Connie coming up the stairs with the MTH 2017 Catalog.  She asked me: "Is this our catalog or one of the crew?"  I said: "it's ours."  She walks into our computer room and said: "I need to get a part-time job (she has a full-time job).  WHY?  Connie: "I want to buy this engine and it costs a ton of money!"  She shows me the R-2.  What are the chances? 

Good God Almighty!

Better buy lotto!

Amen!

You have a great wife.

Mikey

Yes there is a God!!!!!!!!

Wow! Nice engine!

I got to show this tread to the wife...then run.

This is an awesome engine, I think you will love it.  I have the first release of this engine, used part of my "bonus" at the time to buy it.  It never fails to impress, my wife who is NOT into trains, even likes it.  The real engines were quite impressive with more starting tractive effort than the Yellowstone and Big Boy. 

You certainly must be living right! I would have probably gotten a cast iron skillet to the side of my head or the solid maple rolling pin.