This is the end of a three year project.

This is a tail of horror. A horror story of THE THREE ENGINES.

I was going through the want adds of the Shelby county Tribune, oh wait that's a story about buying a bad truck and I think its a song.

I had seen an add in Model Railroad Craftsman for custom engine painting Back in September '01. I called and talked to Mark Mason about an idea I have for new ATSF engines. Mark said he could do it no problem, take maybe 6 months after he got the engines. So I ordered three undec SD-90mac and MTL couplers for them from Caboose Hobbies at the end of October '01. Sent them to Mark with a Money order for the cost of paint.

So six month go. I call Mark. I can't find the red and silver decals. ok, another 3 months no decals. Call again well I'm getting behind on some other orders. Call again well we moved our shop. I go visit him the shop is closed. Find his house, well I just haven't had time. So on, so on. After a year and half I go to his new apartment and pick up my engines. Did not get the payment back or my couplers for the engines. Considered my self lucky to have the engines. Went and talked to the guys at Engine House hobbies. They said I was lucky to get the engines back at all. They suggested I call the state attorney.

I did call the state attorney. Oh yea we know about Mark Mason, we will send you a complaint form. Send copies of any correspondence or receipts and a statement about the transaction.

I then slowly started calling around to hobby shops to see if they could recommend a good painter. Late spring '03 Changer N in Tulsa OK told me to call Engine House hobby and ask about Bill Pearce. I did and they said that Bill is usually busy but they would ask if Bill can take on the new project. Well in September '03 I took the engines to Engine House hobby got my receipt for the engines. Left the engines and instruction on what I wanted. A couple of phone calls and Bill knew what I wanted done. Six month and I started to see deiujvel. Bill can't find the red and silver decals needed. About April and Bill emails saying that he will use a set of decals he had been saving. In late July Bill emails again saying saying They are done and at Engine House. I can pick them up any time.

I called Engine house and made arrangements for the engines. Last week I paid and they mailed them. I hoped I'd get them Friday 9 17 04, but no then Monday no engines mmm. Did they mail they or UPS them. Go look at dads. Ah man there at dads that meant we did get them Friday. Oh well.

BUT I GOT THEM THAT ALL THAT MATTERS.