AUGUST  TRACKS   by Mary Walther

Most everyone knows the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Those who don’t know can venture down to the train room and admire the beautiful art work of the backdrop for the new section being painted by one of the members who is an artist and a teacher in real life.

This member is almost like Santa Claus. He works very quietly, available when needed, also very visible during the Christmas Train Show. In his spare time, he has painted and repainted the club’s changing skyline scenes. Many visitors have ooh’d and aah’d over the skyline in the hot air balloon area and the storm cloud corner, a big hit in the past. But, this year, the circus is coming to town! If real circus items are not available, then this talented young member will quietly enter the train room (ah, he has a key) and paint the necessary items on the wall (that’s backdrop in MRR language). 

Anyway, back to my recognition story about Dan Crusie, the silent artist- that’s the mystery man’s name. Visitors are welcome to visit the train room on Saturday from 9 to 12 and admire the art work by Dan and the new scenery created by some of the other model train buffs. There are circus animals, tents and people, a real roller coaster, but the Ferris wheel is not real, it’s painted on the wall behind real stuff. They can’t fool me. But, tell the members how you like their handy work and imagination, they love feedback. Gotta go now, I have some painting of my own to do----see you `round the bend.