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I have always been a fan of railroading with a special interest in theme park trains. It is even a part of our business. I have designed many trains for park projects and even rebuilt one for a park in Edmonton Mall.
I have also had a long time desire to build one for my own enjoyment. It was to have been a major part of Giggle Ridge phase II but that project died last fall due to circumstances beyond our control.
But thoughts of our own train took on a new life when we started dreaming of 'the ranch' as we affectionately call our latest venture. We are currently drueling over a gorgeous piece of land which is 77 acres. Only 12 minutes from Giggle Ridge but totally remote, the land is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is in a place called Columbia Valley.
Our dream is to build our house and studio/shop there, all completely themed of course. Sort of a woodsy, European antique look.... think Disney's Pinnochio. We would share the property with our daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Phoenix who have their own dreams for the land too... Rebecca is thinking horses and Phoenix wants his own recording studio... themed in a similar way of course.
It would give me a chance to have a workshop at last, after all these many, many years of going without.
It would also give me a chance to have my own private railroad. In our family it is affectionately referred to as Dan's GRAMPA RAILROAD. Now, I'm not a grampa yet... although I am greatly looking forward to that day. And hopefully it isn't too long. My daughter says not to get too hopeful yet, but I am the eternal optimist. It should be about the time I finally realize my railroad.
Yesterday, I got a call from my sister-in-law who works for a large company in the city. They were cleaning up their equipment yard and getting rid of surplus 'junk' She wanted to know if I wanted to buy some used rail they had laying out in the back forty. I took a drive today and after many serious minutes of tough negotiation shook hands with her boss on a wonderful deal. I'm sure the whole office staff will enjoy golfing at Giggle Ridge.
In return, we are the proud owners of the first 500 feet of track for the 'DGR'. I already have a very cool, antique steam whistle, and the steel stock for the wheels. The machine shop is ready to work off my credit to machine them. And other bits an pieces are slowly gathering out in the carport. The design work is done, and enthusiasm is not lacking.
I may just get it all done and ready in time to proudly take my grandchild for a spin on it's maiden journey!
Having fun as usual and calling it work.
-dan
[ February 27, 2003, 02:30 AM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8761 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Do I sense a little Dr. Seuss influence? Sounds like the energy you had cued up for the abandoned G.R. Phase 2 expansion, has found a good new home. Good luck with the dream.
posted
I know that I've just been lurking around Letterville for a few months, but I checked out your web site and I've been watching your posts. I have a big question for you...
Will you adopt me?
It looks like you really do some fun stuff! Maybe even better than the stagework that I do(Journeyman stagehand, I.A.T.S.E. local 50, Wanabe signguy/pinhead/CREATOR OF WORLDS)
If you ever need any help?...?
We have a nice rail museum down here in Sacramento and our guest room is availible.
-------------------- Mike Pulskamp Pulskamp Arts Sacramento, CA mpulskamp@earthlink.net Posts: 165 | From: Sacramento, CA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Dan, hope all goes well with the "Columbia Valley". So pretty up there, how far beyond the Winery?
Your own Railroad..... doesn't get much better than that!!!
John Lennig / SignRider
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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We found out tonight that the property we love has some major problems... easements and restrictions ans such... so that one is a no-go.
But cool dreams die hard and theres lots of land out there.
So its back to the drawing board. Back up a little and take another run at it.
Keep on dreaming. I do.
Oh yeah... the track gets delivered tomorrow.
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8761 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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