Sad Note - B&O Bob

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Bill Shields
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Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Bill Shields »

For those who were not aware, Bob Thomas (Philadelphia area -> Penna Live Steamers) passed away last week at the age of 95

A long, life-time live steamer - he was infected by his father when he was just a child -> and remained so all of his life.

He started 'ground flying' (laying chest down on a riding car' behind his fathers 2.5" gauge steamer before becoming a teenager, and continued to do so on the PLS 2.5" ground track until well into his 80s behind his own B&O 10-wheeler.
young bob.png
I was truly blessed to know him as a friend.

We will miss him greatly.
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

I talked to him once or twice. He seemed like a really nice guy. The article about his dad's railroad that the picture above was taken from is a really interesting read.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Bill Shields »

You do not know half of it.

I am going to really miss him. I got a lot from his mentorship over the decades
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8thscale
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by 8thscale »

Bill, Nice article in LS&OR magazine!
Bill Shields wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:07 pm He started 'ground flying' (laying chest down on a riding car' behind his fathers 2.5" gauge steamer before becoming a teenager, and continued to do so on the PLS 2.5" ground track until well into his 80s behind his own B&O 10-wheeler.
That first photo is quite amazing ... laying prone while running his 2 1/2" gauge steam locomotive! It makes my neck hurt!
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Bill Shields
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Bill Shields »

As the article mentioned...think he was doing that with a recently removed kidney. Bruce took the picture.
.none of us were aware of his recent medical procedure until he was packing up to go home.

It is actually not that uncomfortable. I tried it (stationary) once for giggles. Being some 5" taller than Bob, made his setup unworkable, but I could see where it had advantages .

I just sit cross legged on the riding car and reach the throttle and fire door without problem since it it a relatively short tender
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Odyknuck
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Odyknuck »

So sorry for the loss of your friend Bill.
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JBodenmann
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by JBodenmann »

Hello My Friends
Could someone perhaps post the article.
Jack
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Bill Shields
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Bill Shields »

I think the author can find it...
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

It was about 15 years ago that it was published in the Home Railway Journal. I have it and will post it.
Article-mag front cover.jpg
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

Next two pages:
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Article-pg 18.jpg
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

I really like 1/2" scale 2 1/2" gauge locomotives. They are a fascinating size to me.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Sad Note - B&O Bob

Post by Bill Shields »

Unfortunately, the full article will not fit - chaski complains about it being too large.

anyone who wants it, e-mail me....bshields at mehrs dot com

or subscribe to LSORR :D

or go to penna live steamers www site and look at the last 2 Gazettes - the article is there, split into 2 sections.
GROUND FLYING.pdf
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