WesternOutlaw

Clap of thunder in sky before the sound of a NO!

A map has been posted if it helps.

Before meeting the other groups near Main Street, Eleanor attempts to switch some of the buttons. Nothing seems to happen. Back on Main Street, Eleanor has another look at the map with the notes she jotted down from the Switching System:

Murder on the Emerald Express Chapter 7: Piecing Together the Clues Although just a few minutes past 10:00 in the morning, the four groups have discovered a number of new clues. The "Farm Group" now meets with those looking to "Get Out of Town", while those "Looking for Parts" find themselves in the heart of Main Street. Deciding that it may be best to bring all the groups together to "piece together the clues", Lorraine offers to use her truck and little remaining fuel to transport those now at the Switch Tower to Main Street where all the groups can converge. The groups agree, and after about a half hour drive, everyone is together again on Main Street. Who is the mysterious Jennifer Chamberlain and what does she mean by "piecing together the clues"? Who is the one person among them that Jessica warns about? Will Herman ever find the real "Johnson Rod"? Has anyone been murdered yet? Perhaps these questions will be answered in this next exciting chapter of Murder on the Emerald Express... (ALL participants are now free to post in this chapter)

Damn he's good! How can Arin not like him? Actually, not HEARING you whine so much about "this and that" would be nice too. Seriously, I was just waiting for someone to bring up the fact that they'd like to SEE the map. My money was riding on you. EDIT: I will point out that you have been doing pretty good over the last few days. Are the meds wearing off? Strangely, I never heard this defintion, and can't believe you found a definition. I thought it would make a funny term. Train part? you don't say. -another Murder on the Emerald Express mystery.

Hey look! It's a hand car, and is that...? yes, it is... It's Herman (and I don't mean Munster). There's our farm friends, and Bulldog, and the other dog. Why's he got a kettle? (perhaps its a clue). (begins smudging nose up against the glass in excitement)

The group stop the handcar outside a small switching tower where the tracks cross a road. There's a sign on the right side of the road that points to Willoughby. As you look toward the switching tower, you can see some glowing red and green lights coming from the 2nd floor.

Realizing that there is probably little more to see in the jail, the group decides to leave and walk toward the Town Hall. In the distance, they see some of the townies climbing out of a man hole...

The others catch up with David and Hans as David lifts the grate. They climb out of the shaft realizing that they are beneath the main street area. They can see a hotel, a municipal-type building, and an old wooden structure that looks like the Constable's Office across the street.

The hand car continues to move along the track eventually leaving the forest and farm land. It looks like there is a railroad crossing with a small switching tower ahead, with Willoughby in the distance.

Max conducts a very detailed examination of the switching system. Pulling out the map that was found in the train station, Mark attempts to match the seven "switch points" with those marked on the map. It appears that five of the points parallel one another (please note that the picture of the switching system does not depict the actual configuration mentioned below). 1 - A point toward the back of the train engine shed. 2 - A point near Main Street. 3 - A point near the Rail Road Crossing (marked with an "X" on the map). 4 - A point near a farm marked with some sort of sign. 5 - Another point past the farm. 6 - Torn off the map (but maybe before something that looks like a tunnel). 7 - Torn off the map. Max continues studying the configuation closely, then says with excitement, "I think I've got it"! Someone has programmed the Switching System with the seven coordinates. We must switch each of the seven points to the correct configuration. When this happens, the four lights on the unit will most probably turn green indicating that we have selected the correct configuration. This system must control the switch tracks within the town and surrounding area, and may lead to a route out of Willoughby. Now, we just need to figure out the correct configuration.

With a little more participation, things will come together very soon.

Who said anything about the Emerald Express coming to Willoughby?

Arin pushes the brick etched with an "X" discovering that it is loose. Wiggling the brick back and forth, she is able to pull it out of the wall revealing a small piece of folded paper. Unfolding the piece of paper, it appears to be a note: If this letter shall find you, I have been locked up in jail where I now plan my final escape from this wretched place. I believe that I have successfully devised a plan to leave Willoughby. I have hidden clues in each of the four corners of the town, for you to follow. The difficulty will be for you to piece them together while some will attempt to stop you. Also realize that there may be one among you who has helped them bring you to this horrible place. I wish you luck in getting out alive. -JC Not to mention The Mange.

Ya, like that's gonna work...

Obviously some sort of clue to discovering the true secret of the old Johnson Rod.

The hand car continues to pick up speed.

(cough!) There's an X (cough) on one of the bricks (cough!) (cough!) Jeez guys - what do you want the clue to do, reach out and bite you?

Austin begins yelling as he runs faster, followed by Jethro... The rail car continues to increase speed. Austin yells, "I'll geeeeeeeeeetttttttttt y.........." Faint screaming can be heard in the distance.

The ones outside on the porch do creak - there's nothing under them however.

The floor boards are not movable.

WPT - Willoughby Public Television

A thorough search of the cell does not reveal anything other than a small "X" chiseled in one of the bricks. There is nothing unusual about the toilet in the cell or the desk and chair within the office area. The cell key does not unlock the gun cabinet.

I remember it from when I was a kid - that's the sad part. That's not what she says?