What a year it has been! When 2010 started I had great plans for what was a going to do: Camp on the coast, road trips, and much more. While a number those plans didn't turn out as hoped, a few great unexpected things did happen.

First I'd like to say thanks to the person who purchased a batch of prints from my gallery. I never really expect to sell anything, so I never bother to upload the highest quality versions of my work. Maybe I'll have to start.

My involvement in railroad projects across the country continues to grow. While I lament the lack of photographic additions to my gallery (in quantity), my color illustrations have opened the door to other opportunity. I've not mentioned it yet, but I will be providing illustrations for an upcoming book or two. I can't say which just yet, but lets say the Rio Grande fans will owe me a little more thanks in the future! HEHE!
If you weren't aware, I helped fund D&RGW #487's repaint to Green jacket on the C&TS this year. I am not claiming any credit for it, the fellow who was behind the project gave 1000%, I gave probably 10%, financially.

There will be more illustrations in the future. Right now V&T Caboose Coaches 9 and 10 are taking priority thanks to a model building project over on PacificNG. If you'd like to learn more about these cars and engage in a project to build accurate models of these cars, please do not hesitate to join us! [link]

Once I've finished up the basic drawings covering 1873 to 1930ish, I will release the rest of the drawings here as I've been doing. Both 9 and 10 will now be fully covered and there will not again be a question to "What color were they in XXXX". With these two done, will be turning my attention to the Monterey & Salinas Valley/Nevada Central Ry combines and further V&T drawings. Many of these will be featured in one of the two lectures I'll be giving next year. One will be specifically about V&T paint and will feature my illustrations. My other lecture will be about logging railroads around Lake Tahoe, a subject I've been researching for nearly a decade now.

I am hoping to get a camera upgrade this Christmas. I dropped hints and ideas how my family might be able to swing it beyond tight finances. I started taking photographs with my Canon AE-1 years ago, I eventually decided to move into digital but have not been able to invest a solid amount of money towards a DSLR that does what I want. Since Photography is only one of my many hobbies, I've limped along with what I've got. After 5 years of working without multiple lenses and filters, I've had it! I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. No matter which of the many holidays you celebrate, the end of the year is a time of peace and love for us all and while we may not see eye to eye, let's be cordial to others out there. I hope everyone has a great few weeks ahead with family and friends!