Some years ago, I found this railroad maintenance of way speeder shed on Duluth’s lakeside

This shed was located somewhere north of Leif Erikson Park and south of the junction of South 26^th Avenue East and London Road.  I took this picture with a film camera.  I suppose that this location is now the northbound lanes of Interstate 35, the North Shore Scenic Railroad, and the Lakewalk.  If I could locate the plans for this shed, I could write up a nifty model railroad magazine article about it.

My proposal for President Vladimir Putin

After attending the Duluth Depot museum's inaugural Festival of Steam that happened on July 19-21, I thought that the Russian Federation should have the largest and most powerful operating steam locomotive.  Putin’s locomotive builders should base this locomotive on the Mallet-type, 2-8-8-8-4 "Triplex", with two super efficient boilers, one in the engine and another in a trailer car where the tender car normally is, to keep high pressure in all six cylinders. This locomotive’s fuel oil and water would be stored in two separate tender cars.  Vladimir Putin would be the name for this engine and this type of engine.

I have updated my Buy a Basket Co-op poster

I have already eaten most of my July Buy a Basket Co-op food.  I am now looking forward to paying for my Buy a Basket Co-op food order this August fifth.  I am sure happy that Whole Foods Co-op is a participating partner to bring healthy food to King Manor residents.

Duluth, Minnesota Festival of Steam 2019 Sunday, Part Three

At least I got one good photo of this locomotive engineer waving at the crowd and looking in my direction.

The 4014 slowly steams away, being very photogenic for the nearby crowds of railroad fans.  My father would have loved being at the Festival of Steam and seeing the UP 4014; so I’m the one who will enjoy this sight for the both of us.

As I saw the Union Pacific 4014 travel out of sight, I hope that I can see the 4014 at least one more time.  This was one of the best weekends I’ve had in my entire life as a dedicated, railroad fan.

Duluth, Minnesota Festival of Steam 2019 Sunday, Part Two

This young boy is having hearing problems dealing with the loud, Big Boy locomotive’s whistle, which I can tell you is really loud!

Duluth, Minnesota Festival of Steam 2019 Sunday, Part One

The enthusiastic, midday crowds of railroad fans gather as Union Pacific 4014 starts to travel to an event in Superior, Wisconsin.  I saw many happy faces in these crowds!

Having UP 4014 visit Duluth, Minnesota is an event that as far as anyone knows will come just once in a lifetime.

The youthful train crew volunteers walk by the train.  I’m happy knowing that here will always be people who support these live steam events.

I found Union Pacific steam locomotive 4014 lubrication grease stains on the asphalt.

The lubrication grease, combined with hot water, makes this beautiful rainbow image on the asphalt. Similar to many artists that I know, I tend to seek out beauty in unexpected places.

Here is one more unintended and spontaneous rainbow image created by grease and hot water that most people would overlook, as their attention is focused on UP 4014.