* Playing with Trains: A Passion Beyond Scale *

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 30 Jan 2007, 16:24

I've just read a great book: "Playing with Trains: A Passion Beyond Scale", by Sam Posey, Random House, 2005, ISBN 0812971264.

As a railway (and model railway) enthusiast myself, I find this book really enjoyable. But even for non-enthusiasts (and long-suffering spouses!) it gives some insights into a hobby which often becomes a passion or even an obsession, and it does so sympathetically and with a touch of humour and self-deprecation.

Cheers!
John

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 04 Apr 2007, 18:04

Where did you get this?

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 04 Apr 2007, 18:10

From http://www.kalahari.net, which is where I order most of my books since Tom put me on to it. It's a sort of South African version of Amazon.com.

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 05 Apr 2007, 10:52

Thanks. Have ordered.

Try http://www.amazon.co.uk/ as well - got it much cheaper there (and even more so if you order more then which reduces the potage costs). Get most opf my books from here - takes around 10 days.

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 05 Apr 2007, 11:01

Thanks. I also use Amazon quite a lot but the advantage of Kalahari is that it's local and the post is generally a bit quicker and more reliable. I'm still waiting for a book ordered from Amazon which was sent on 23rd February. I enquired yesterday and they said it can take up to 60 days to arrive - that must be cattle class postage.

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 05 Apr 2007, 18:01

That sounds extreme - sounds like surface. Have never had anything take l onger then about 12 days. The book incidentally was 3 pounds fromthe Book Depository via Amazon. I have bundled a couple of other books and should get it for around 6 pounds with postage.

Steve Appleton · Post by **Steve Appleton** » 10 Apr 2007, 11:58

Another source of railway books is Motor Books in London.
http://www.motorbooks.co.uk/
I have ordered from them in the past, no problem. They did however refuse to send books to SA by ordinary post (airmail or surface) because of the postal losses they have suffered too often in the past. They did however send via certified mail (at extra cost) and the books arrived in about 5 days!

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 10 Apr 2007, 17:08

Ah Motorbooks. Have'nt been here for years! And what a nice site it has now turned into!

Thanks Steve!

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 11 Apr 2007, 09:47

I was there two weeks ago looking for something for Nathan. A great little shop near Leicester Square...

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 11 Apr 2007, 10:32

"it may be rare on the Rio Grande, but not on Leicester Square...."

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 11 Apr 2007, 10:55

In the version which I used to be able to recite off by heart (all 53 verses thereof) it was Berkely Square...

But it does have a railway connection:

"Have you seen the giant pistons of the mighty CPR,
with the driving force of a thousand horse? Well, you know what pistons are -
or you think you do, but you've yet to learn the ins and outs of the trick,
of the work that's done on a non-stop run by a guy like Dead-eye Dick."

And I suspect that's all we need of Eskimo Nell on a family orientated website!

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 11 Apr 2007, 14:13

Ahh - when a man grows old.....

I had a gut feel you may know it!

Now supply the next few words to this..... !

"In days of old there was a maid....."

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 11 Apr 2007, 16:41

The only one that comes to mind is the Tinker's Lament - I'll need to check my song file when I get home...

John Ashworth · Post by **John Ashworth** » 28 Apr 2007, 18:33

Ah yes, "Hi Ho Cathusalem, the Harlot of Jerusalem"

Kevin Wilson-Smith · Post by **Kevin Wilson-Smith** » 03 May 2007, 18:44

Did you check or did you remember??????