I worked at a Dodge dealership in the early ‘70s and the (very) few that came with factory rear bumpers usually soon had them removed for an aftermarket step bumper. Most trucks were fitted with a step bumper as part of the prep - the parts department had a number of bumpers, with different weight ratings, ready to…

... Place your bets below on what that secret seventh tailgate feature is ...

The bottle’s empty now!

A hard hat would mess with the ‘do. Can’t allow that cause it might expose the comb-over.

In this area - central Pennsylvania - it seems to be mostly kayaks and canoes. Especially kayaks. Bike shops have also been hammered but from what I’ve read and heard, have some inventory. The first day sporting goods stores were allowed to reopen they sold their entire inventories of kayaks. We have plenty of kayaks…

Pictures? Notes? Spreadsheets? Where’s your sense of adventure, Andrew? ;-) As a tech school and factory trained mechanic (1970s, ancient history) I still use tape and Sharpies on many jobs. Cell phones are a blessing when you just have to take a lot of pics — just remember to actually take the before pic before…

Looks like a project for someone with a 3D printer. I remember the screens Rambler and AMC offered. Dad was a Rambler man!

It did.

We actually just finished dismantling an HO at my father-in-law’s house that filled the basement of a 1300 sq. ft. house. A lot of the buildings went to one of the sons, who is also advising my grandson. We have a lot of buildings and some rolling stock that father-in-law built. So, we’re several generations deep into…

Nice work, Toni! I’m helping my oldest grandson (11) with an N Scale layout. Actually, we have a layout here at Grandma and Grandpa’s that we started more than a year ago and now with the pandemic and two boys home from school, mom and dad said he can also have a layout at home. He has tons of ideas and now wants to…

Great video, Toni. I’m way too far east to get a chance to see Big Boy, but man, would I love to have a chance. I do occasionally get to see steam - when we take the grandsons to the Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg, PA. Not the same. Cool, but not at all the same.

A hydraulic press? Do tell.

Best of luck — not that you’ll really need it, with your obvious talent — but it’s the “correct” thing to say at this point, isn’t it. I’ve truly enjoyed your writing, your style and the attitude you brought to your job. From an old editor, stay fancy, Kristen!

DVR set. Thanks, Torch, I’ll give the first episode a view and see if the good stuff made it through the cutting room or ended up on the floor. If it’s gonna feature a Brubaker Box it’s gotta be worth watching!

Best of luck, Elizabeth! You have a true talent and have shown it well in the pieces you’ve written and the research you’ve put into your work. Never doubt yourself!

Great work, Max!

Could be turned into an awesome RV with loads of money, sweat and tears. Where are you going to find a new windshield and rear glass, though?

What is the belt-driven accessory on the left side of the engine compartment?

As i was perusing some of that dealer’s stock, I noticed that those cars offer front and rear A/C. Rear A/C. Why?

Fantastically interesting story, Max. There is a small Jewish community in the small city near me, but I was never familiar with this (or many) parts of the culture. Always good to learn something new!