Posted by admin | Posted in Model Railway | Posted on 23-11-2009
Tags: &, layouts,model, model, modelrailroading, railroad, reference, track
Looking For Roadbed Track ? Then This is Where You Want to Be
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 Bachmann 44591 HO E Z Track HAYES BUMPERS Nickel NS EZ Gray Roadbed Train New I $10.91 Time Remaining: 5h 41m Buy It Now for only: $10.91 |
 Bachmann 44505 HO E Z TRACK 15 Radius CURVED 4 Nickel NS Gray Roadbed EZ New I $14.49 Time Remaining: 8h 17m Buy It Now for only: $14.49 |
 Model Train Track Roadbed 125 30 Roll NEW $5.25 Time Remaining: 13h 58m Buy It Now for only: $5.25 |
 10 PCS GRAY FOAM TRACK ROADBED 175 X 24 X 1 8 THICK $9.99 Time Remaining: 19h 2m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Nickel Silver Gray Roadbed 16 Curve 8 Straight $14.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 21m |
 9 STRAIGHT TERMINAL NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON GRAY ROADBED $7.79 Time Remaining: 20h 28m Buy It Now for only: $7.79 |
 1 1 2 STRAIGHT 4 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON ROADBED $6.29 Time Remaining: 20h 37m Buy It Now for only: $6.29 |
 1 2 18 RADIUS 4 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON ROADBED $6.29 Time Remaining: 21h 6m Buy It Now for only: $6.29 |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Switch Bumpers Nickel Silver w Gray Roadbed $20.35 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 21m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 12 Curve 4 Straight $10.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 21m |
 BACHMANN E Z TRACK 45 DEGREE CROSSING GRAY ROADBED $2.00 Time Remaining: 21h 41m |
 BACHMANN E Z TRACK 90 DEGREE CROSSING GRAY ROADBED $4.50 Time Remaining: 21h 41m |
 24 RADIUS 4 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON GRAY ROADBED $7.89 Time Remaining: 22h 11m Buy It Now for only: $7.89 |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 12 Curve 4 Straight $5.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 21m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Switch Bumpers Nickel Silver w Gray Roadbed $20.35 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 21m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 16 Curve 4 Straight $9.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 21m |
 9 RERAILER 2 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON GRAY ROADBED $7.89 Time Remaining: 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $7.89 |
 18 RADIUS 4 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON GRAY ROADBED $7.89 Time Remaining: 22h 33m Buy It Now for only: $7.89 |
 90 DEGREE CROSSING OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON ROADBED $14.89 Time Remaining: 22h 46m Buy It Now for only: $14.89 |
 10 American Flyer S Gauge Train Railroad Track Black Narrow Tie AF 726 Roadbed $64.99 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 58m |
 Bachmann 44530 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 1 3 of 18 RADIUS CURVES 4 Pack NIB $7.77 Time Remaining: 23h 11m Buy It Now for only: $7.77 |
 Bachmann 44513 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 225 Inch Shortie Straits 4 Pack NIB $7.77 Time Remaining: 23h 11m Buy It Now for only: $7.77 |
 Bachmann 44514 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 45 Inch Strait Tracks 4 Pack NIB $7.77 Time Remaining: 23h 11m Buy It Now for only: $7.77 |
 NICKEL SILVER 18 CURVED TRACK ON GRAY ROADBED 4 PACK $6.49 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 2m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 |
 HO LOT OF 8 BACHMANN 9 STRAIGHT TRACK NS GRAY ROAD BED 2CORRECTION $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 7h 55m |
 LOT OF 10 BACHMANN 9 NS TRACK 18 RADIUS GRAY ROAD BED 2 $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 2m |
 Bachmann HO E Z CURVE Track 18 Radius black roadbed 4 in a pack 6651 $8.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 16m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 1 3 22 RADIUS 4 PACK OF NICKEL SILVER ATLAS TRUE TRACK CODE 83 ON ROADBED $6.29 Time Remaining: 1d 15h Buy It Now for only: $6.29 |
 32 Pcs Walthers LifeLike Athearn HO Power Loc HO Tracks w Roadbed Powerpack $40.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 9m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 Model RR Trains S Scale American Flyer Rubber Road Bed 726 727 Track $11.15 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 17h 29m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 16 Curve 4 Straight $0.01 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 1m |
 Bachmann N Scale EZ Train Track Nickel Silver w Gray Roadbed 12 Curve 4 Straight $16.40 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 21m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 12 Curve 2 Straight $0.01 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 21m |
 Atlas 66063 O72 Half Curve Track Roadbed $3.95 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Atlas 66045 O45 Curved Track Roadbed $3.50 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 |
 Bachmann 44531 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 1 2 of 18 RADIUS CURVES 4 Pack NIB $7.77 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 47m Buy It Now for only: $7.77 |
 Marx HO Set 9969 NYC Allstate Westinghouse freight roadbed track + 2 extra cars $49.95 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 47m |
 Marx HO scale train track BLACK ROADBED lot of 10 straight sections vintage $9.95 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 57m |
 AMERICAN FLYER GRAY RUBBER ROADBED AND TRACK LOT $45.25 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 47m |
 American Flyer 706 Uncoupler in 700 track 726 Roadbed VG NR $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 49m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 |
 12 American Flyer S Gauge Train Railroad Track Black Narrow Tie Roadbed + Tracks $20.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 59m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Steel Rails w Black Roadbed 16 Curve 4 Straight $0.01 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 6m |
 Bachmann HO Scale EZ Train Track Nickel Silver Gray Roadbed 12 Curve 4 Straight $0.01 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 21h 6m |
 Bachmann 44509 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 2 3 of 33 RADIUS CURVES 4 Pack NIB $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 26m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Bachmann 44508 EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 1 2 of 33 RADIUS CURVES 4 Pack NIB $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 26m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 American Flyer Gilbert Vintage HO Scale Curved Track w Gray Roadbed $8.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 22m |
 Bachmann HO 44594 E Z Track Expander Set Gray Roadbed Reg 9500 $69.95 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 48m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 |
 HO SCALE TRAINS MP EZ ROADBED TRAIN TRACK 14PC STEEL $15.99 Time Remaining: 3d 11h 2m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed 90 Degree Crossing 1pc N 2420 NIB $11.79 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $11.79 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed 2 Straight w Bumper Ylw 2 N 2425 NIB $5.99 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed 6 Straight 6 N 2401 NIB $9.39 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $9.39 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed Rail Joiners 24 N 2490 NIB $3.29 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $3.29 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed Terminal Joiners 1 Pr N 2491 NIB $3.29 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $3.29 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed 2 Straight 6 N 2404 NIB $7.39 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $7.39 |
 NEW Atlas True Track Roadbed 11 Radius Curve 8 N 2410 NIB $11.19 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $11.19 |
 New Instant Roadbed the Gandy Dancers Delight Great for Tracks $10.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 11h 53m |
 24001 MARKLIN HO 10 End Pieces with Track Roadbed NEW $11.99 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 1m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Bachmann EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed HAYES WHEEL STOP bumper 2 Pack NIB $11.49 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 43m Buy It Now for only: $11.49 |
 Bachmann EZ Track NS Gray Roadbed 9 Straight Track 4 Pack NIB $11.99 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 43m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Atlas 461 True Track 1 2 18 Radius Curved Track w Roadbed 4 pack HO Scale $5.25 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 32m Buy It Now for only: $5.25 |
 Bachmann HO 44540 30 Degree Crossing E Z Track Gray Roadbed $10.95 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 48m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 |
 NEW Lionel FasTrack 1 3 8 Track Section w o Roadbed O 6 12074 NIB $4.59 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 8m Buy It Now for only: $4.59 |
 Lionel Trains 6 12073 FasTrack 1 3 8 Straight Track Section with Roadbed $3.83 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 21m Buy It Now for only: $3.83 |
 Lionel Trains 6 12074 FasTrack 1 3 8 Straight Track Section without Roadbed $3.83 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3.83 |
 Bachmann HO E Z Track 2 Straight Nickel Silver With Gray Roadbed $14.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 16m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 HO SCALE TRAINS BACHMANN EZ ROADBED TRAIN TRACK 12 PC CURVE STEEL $17.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 8m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 N Woodland Scenics 1475 Track bed roadbed material 24 Roll $8.49 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 11m Buy It Now for only: $8.49 |
 HO Woodland Scenics 1474 Track bed roadbed material 24 Roll $11.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 12m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 10pcs 60 O Scale 1 4 Black Track Roadbed Atlas others Sample available $27.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6m Buy It Now for only: $27.00 |
 10pcs 60 S Scale 1 4 Black Track Roadbed Sample available $24.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6m Buy It Now for only: $24.00 |
 10pcs 60 S Scale 1 4 Gray Track Roadbed Sample Available $24.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6m Buy It Now for only: $24.00 |
 HO 1 4 Gray Track Roadbed Atlas Kato Bachmann Peco Athearn Sample Available $18.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
Key West, Florida (The Conch Republic)
Originally settled by the Calussa Indians, the Spanish conquistadors tried to take over this prime real estate in the Southwestern Keys. The beaches became the burial grounds for many of the natives, thus giving the Island the name of Bone Island; Cayo Hueso in Spanish. The English Anglicized this name to Key West.
John Simonton, and American businessman, purchased the island from Juan Pablo Salas and developed the island with the help of Greene, Whitehead, and Fleming. They encouraged the Navy to open a base to combat piracy in the area.
The island prospered because the coral reefs brought many ships to Davy Jones Locker. Many became millionaires from salvaging the numerous shipwrecks. At one point the people of Key West became the richest city per capita in the United States.
Henry Morrison Flager, against all odds and better judgement, built a railroad from Homestead to Key West. The first train arrived on January 22, 1912. This connected the mainland with Key West. From Key West, Havana Cuba was only ninety miles away. Considered the Eighth Wonder of the Modern world, the Overseas Railroad spanned 42 stretches of sea with causeways and bridges, the longest being seven miles. From 1912 to 1935 Key West exploded as a tourist and business center. A major Class five hurricane destroyed much of the tracks in 1935. Once again Key West had been cut off from the mainland.
The State of Florida purchased the Overseas Railroad right-of way and turned it into the Overseas Highway in 1938, using the roadbed and bridges Henry Flager built.
World War II brought new prosperity to the island with the Naval Base. Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams resided and visited the island. Cuban tobacco became hand rolled cigars.
In 1981 the Us Government set up road blocks near Key Largo, cutting off the tourist trade to Key West. Not too sure why this happened. The citizens of Key West decided to secede. They formed the Conch (Pronounced conk) Republic. Many still fly the flag today. They demanded billions in reparation and foreign aide. The US Government ignored their wishes; but they did remove the roadblocks.
Today Key West thrives primarily on tourism. Arrive by driving the 128 miles along the Overseas Highway on the old railroad bed, or fly into Key West Airport, or take the Key West Express ferry from Marco Island or Ft. Myers Beach. To acquaint yourself to the island take the 1½ to 2 hour Conch Tour Train. Tickets can be purchased at the booth at the Flager Train station or at The Old Town ticket booth near Mallory Square. The guided tour travels just about every street in Key West: a great orientation to the island. Other forms of transportation on the island are electric cars, bicycles, mopeds, taxicabs, and bicycle carriages for two. Walking the streets, perhaps, is the best way of seeing the island, which is four miles long and one mile wide. Traffic can be a real challenge, especially along US 1, which has its terminus at mile marker 0.
Looking for action? Duval Street is your goal. Stop and have a beer at Hemingway's watering hole, Sloppy Joe's bar and restaurant (the original bar is ½ block away at Capt. Tony's Saloon). If your interests lean toward Jimmy Buffet, go to Margaritaville, only four short blocks down the street. Up and down Duval restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and people watching beckon everyone to the narrow sidewalks. You might even come across one of Key West famous chickens strolling the street.
Other highlights include Hemingway's home, with guided tours running $12.00 at this time. Views from the exterior are free. Across Whitehead Street stands the old lighthouse and keepers quarters. The lighthouse was moved inland to protect it from hurricanes. A couple more blocks down the street is the Truman White House. President Truman used this resident and the many outbuildings during his time in office. Other dignitaries also followed his lead: John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Colin Powell. Talking about President Truman, not to be missed is the Margaret Truman Laundromat. Rumor has it that it was named for Margaret Truman, the president's daughter. Its location is at the corner of Margaret and Truman Streets. Thus its named.
Along Truman Street sits the convent of Our Lady of the Sea. Many survivors of the hurricane of 1935 were treated there. The nuns erected a grotto next to the church in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. When hurricane season approaches many candles light the grotto as a prayer to keep Key West free and safe. A marker designates the Southernmost spot in the Continental USA. Tourists love to have their picture taken by it.
We ate lunch at Pepe's Restaurant on Caroline Street, near Flager Station. This eatery, established in 1909, features American food in abundance. I had a hard time finishing my open faced meatloaf sandwich.
A trip to Key West is taking in the numerous water sports: parasailing, jet skis, snorkeling, riding glass bottom boats, deep sea fishing, or just relaxing on the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side. A day trip to The Dry Tortugas National Park (Fort Jefferson) leaves daily from Key West.
Above all people-watching, the climate, and the laid back atmosphere draws people, young and old, to the Conch Republic. It beckons you too.
About the Author
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.