Although it may be rooted in some early marketing activities, the model train around the Christmas tree is a treasured tradition in many families. In Steve’s family however the American Flyer layout was permanently installed on the underside of the ping pong table in the basement. Our kids remember our Lionel layout on two sheets of plywood during their growing up years. Then there was the great HO layout that Steve and a friend built upstairs in our Woodlawn house after our sons left for college. These days there’s not room here at the house for a permanent setup so bringing out the American Flyer is a treat and a fresh locally grown Fraser fir trimmed with our potpourri of Christmas ornaments is a perfect excuse to set up our circa 1948 set!
From London we made our way to Tunbridge Wells in Kent to dance to the strains of The Jive Aces and later enjoyed the opportunity to hobnob with the band members at The Ship and Castle in Portsmouth. Two fabulous experiences!
It’s been a fascinating two day visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. We managed to pack in tours of the HMS Warrior, the HMS Victory as well ast Victory Live: The
Big Repair, and finally the Mary Rose. All were incredibly informative and well presented.
Our last day in London this trip we ventured underground on the Hidden London Charing Cross: Access All Areas Tour for a peek into the workings of The Underground a bit of its history and the uses of the Jubilee Line Charing Cross Station that no longer serves passengers but still has usefulness including as a filming location for movies including Skyfall and Paddington.
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