Saturday, January 28, 2017

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!!!!!!


































Tuesday, January 10, 2017

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!



Saturday, January 7, 2017

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! :)