By Jim O'Conner

Author  Bio A life long railroad fan having been born and raised on the Colorado & Southern Ry.

A life long railroad fan having been born and raised on the Colorado & Southern Ry. My granddad, grandmother, great uncle, dad and mom all worked for the C&S in both narrow and standard gauge for over 120 years combined service. Grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming and spent my first twenty-two (22) years riding, watching and being a part of the C&S.

My dad was one of the last steam locomotive engineers on the C&S. Received my first train set (Lionel) in 1947. I retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years and from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) after 14 years, all in logistics management and leadership positions.

I stumbled into G gauge in 1987, after finding a LGB starter set and Mogul in a Williamsburg toy store. This was after spending three years being stationed in Nuremburg and didn't know LGB was located just five miles away. My outdoor layout, the Colorado & Southern (VA Div.) was started in 1995. It is a 230 ft lazy dog bone with an upper and lower level, including 75 feet of trestle work.

My indoor layout is 275 ft running throughout the basement and was started in 1987. The collection includes numerous LBG and Bachmann steam locomotives, freight, MOW and passenger cars, to include several kit-bashed/modified items. I run trains representing the C&S, D&RGW, Argentine Central, Uintah and Sumpter Valley. My wife, Kathy, collects the LGB Christmas trains.

Our dog, Bailey, a mini-dachshund, thinks he is the train's conductor and demands to be outside every time I run the trains. Our adult daughter is a fifth generation railroader working for WMATA.

Response to current "Vat Car" project

Jim....Your review was much appreciated....I was just admiring your Burlington/Colorado southern locomotives. WOW !!. Museum Quality !!. My question ? You mentioned having a vat car...the only other model I've seen is one that Lionel created back in the late 50's for their "O" gauge line. So, as I admitted, I've never seen, but knew of the car from a simple plan. Where did your model come from ? Regards, Kirke

kirke Fay - 01/23/2008 - 17:09

LGB Forney Cab Removal

This has nothing to do with your article, but you are obviously an expert on this engine. I an trying to install battery power,and I have removed everything I can find to release the cab. I cannot separate the cab from the rear of the boiler. This engine was purchased new in the early nineties and has never been taken apart. HELP!

Harold McKenzie - 06/05/2009 - 04:20

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