I know this is waaaay off topic, but I think and hope you will be interested. Once again I write to remind you of the Soule Live Steam Festival, which is held the first weekend of November in Meridian, Mississippi. This year, that's Friday and Saturday, November 2 & 3.
I have no connection with this event, except that I routinely take my Model T and sit it on the midway for folks to look at. Others bring old cars and trucks as well, but it's informal. You're welcome to bring yours!
The Soule Steam Works was a working iron foundry for several generations. Besides pouring custom products, from large gears to manhole covers and anything else you can (or can't) imagine, they manufactured a couple of steam motors that were and still are widely used around the world. The foundry closed, and the State of MS took over the property and made it into a historic place, open each year for the Festival.
The Pattern Shop, where wood patterns were made and then used to make sand molds, is open and you can see how that was done. The Machine Shop, with the country's longest overhead drive shaft, is in operation, with volunteers operating the machines - for show. A "pour" of iron is made each afternoon, and you can carve your own sand mold and take home the product.
There are many demonstrations, from weaving to broom-making, etc. Of course, a gift shop.
Also, the steam engine hobbyists from all over bring their 'toys' and have them operating. Everything from tractors the size of a locomotive to miniature machine shops - all worked by steam. A whistle-blowing contest erupts every so often. The smell of cedar smoke hangs over the whole area.
Last year, the Carousel Organ hobbyists were invited to show their 'toys.' They will be there again this year. It's really spectacular.
All this takes place block or so from the Meridian Amtrak station. The old Railway Express Agency building next door has been renovated and turned into a railroad museum, with several old-timey artifacts, including an electric control board that monitored and controlled a large section of the main line and sidings (it's all done by computers now).
The local model railroad enthusiasts were given a huge corner of the museum, and they have an enormous and very beautiful layout - all operating. You can even look through windows in the table and see the inside of the coal mine -- great for the kids.
That has spawned a large area outside the museum (but under an overpass so protected from the weather) where model railroad equipment vendors and hobbyists sell their wares.
And, it's all free! Donations are accepted, but not required.
I'll be there. Look for the '23 Touring, and that's mine.
There are good motels about 10 minutes away, and good eateries within walking distance.
Actually, if you want to make it a one-day trip, a good part of Saturday is all you really need to see it all.
You can Google "Soule Steam Festival" and get more info if you'd like.
See you there!
Bump. See, I learned what that means!
I won't make the festival, but I'm a descendant of George Soule, who arrived on the Mayflower..
Ain't that something Ralph. So that's an English name?
Peter, the event is on my to Do list but not this year. Thanks