Hotel Belvédère du Rayon Vert

I love love love his hotel in France.

From the WiKi:
The Belvédère du Rayon Vert was a hotel in Cerbère, France, designed in the art deco style by the Perpignan architect, Léon Baille, and built between 1928 and 1932. It has the overall appearance of a ship. It had its own cinema and a tennis court on the roof. It closed in 1983.[1]

In 1987, the building was protected under the list of historic monuments (inscription).[1] Part of the building has been brought back into use as apartments, with some original features. The building is open to visitors most afternoons.

So cool!!!!!!

Trains running N•RAIL video - January 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ok...that's the last time I'm going to say that this year.

It's over. Let's move on! :)

I broke out the REAL camera and shot some footage of my trains running the other night after work. Not that the iPhone camera is bad - not at all. It's a great camera, but doesn't compare to the big and beautiful footage I get from the Sony. :)

I made an effort to have a little narrative going this round we well. Not quick, music video cuts, but longer cinematic cuts so the view can take in the scene a bit more. It also shows the trains moving along the routes a bit more this way. Let me know if it's working for you folks!




I'm still amazed when I see these videos, to be honest. When I look at the start of my hobby time and see where I am now, I'm happy and thankful for what I have here.

Cheers!

Fantastic Gift from my Boss

I was pleasantly surprised when a box from my boss arrived this vacation. I opened it and found a wrapped gift. Within that, a....cigar box.



"Did he buy me cigars?"

Then I saw the cord. I opened it up and found a little treasure within. This fun little Christmas train!



 It turns out that my boss knows someone that creates the inner workings for these. (Luis - correct me if I'm wrong in the comments!) Luis - my boss - worked up this piece for me. I watched it go round with a huge smile on my face. I wasn't sure what it was about it besides the obvious - it being a great gift. But, then it dawned on me. I reminded me of the old Lionel rain I had as a kid.

It was grand. It had a chuff that was a wheel found in the tender. The little train here reminded me of it for some reason.

It's a wonderful gift that I'll keep out all year and will highlight at Christmas time. I love it! :)

The simple look of it is grand. A sparkling paper, the candy canes, and a small tree in the center of it all. So grand.

The train itself runs with magnets. I still need to pry it up and take a look at the internal workings.

Thanks again, Luis! :)