I received my books today as well!

In the very near future, I will be writing an extensive review of both volumes in my MiceAge column. But I wanted to get this out now:

I have only just had a chance to thumb through them (I'm at work!), but it's apparent even on a cursoy examination that these books are EXACTLY what fans of this railroad have been looking for. It's apparent that this is THE definitive history of the Fort Wilderness Railroad. The photos are amazing, but even more so are the numerous drawings that can be found throughout the book (this is SURE to make Roy happy!). There are drawings of the engine, the cab, the frames, detail drawings of plumbing and piping, many with callouts showing exactly what is what. Simply incredible.

I really like the detailed look at the equipment, and if you have ever wondered what you're looking at when you study a steam locomotive, you will now know.

Again, I will be writing a far more extensive review after I've had a chance to read the books--I just couldn't wait that long to share my impressions with you! From the looks of things, these two books are sure to be treasured by anyone who's ever been interesteed in the FWRR specifically, and in the operation of a steam locomotive in general.

Fantastic work, David!

Looking forward to your review, Steve.

I'm looking forward to the reviews as well! Wish you guys could offer up a discount coupon*. I was at the bookstore, my wife insists I get a book with her latest coupon. I told her there wasn't really anything I wanted. I ended up with a book on the former bassist of Korn. It'll do until I can drop another subtle hint to her again. Maybe creating a quick page with links to the websites for the books and making it her opening page...


*This is not a solicitation for a discount, just seems like I get books when she has a coupon!

What are the dates for the un-meeting?

I believe it will be October 1 - 3 but that is all I've seen.

Send the exact dates soon for the un-meeting.
I will be there!
Great books DL!

Hi Folks,

First, Steve D....thanks for your offer to review the books and your kind words.

Second, the Un-Meeting begins with dinner on Sept 30th and ends Sunday, Noon, Oct. 3. If you plan to attend, you should drop John Bailey a line as he is the organizer/coordinator. He is at train_trek@bellsouth.net.

It's going to be a fun time!!

Thanks again to everyone with supporting the book project. The journey to create the books was terrific!

David

Hi Folks,

I received a couple of emails asking for the dimensions of the water tank. I don't have exact measurements, but the following should be accurate to within about 6 inches:

Ground to top - 18.6 feet
Concrete pads - .8 feet
Wood pillars - 8.3 feet
Spout - 4.1 feet
Diameter - 7 feet
Tank Height - 6 feet
Capacity - 1500 gallons.

David

I just ordered my 2 books last night so I am excited to get them!

Hi! I've just joined but have been lurking here for some time. I've been a member of CPHS for a number of years, and have been to a couple of Un-Meetings. I'm just starting to fool around with some large scale stuff, and have ordered a FWRR engine with coaches. I worked in DACS in the WDW MK in the early seventies.

I just wanted to add to the praise for David's FWRR books. I got mine earlier this week and had to immediately go to the Fort and check some things out. (I live near-by.) Unfortunately, It's not as easy to get in now that they are blocking off the access to the overflow lot. Anyway, I love the books and am really looking forward to this year's Un-Meeting!