WesternOutlaw

Unless one of you have a special skill related to mechanics or engine repair, I don't think you'll be able to remove a tractor motor to make it work on the hand car. I've got your Mississippi soup bones right here (begins flexing his muscles). These will have to do for now. Herman decides that one bear trap was not enough, so he returns to the stables to inspect (really look for a Johnson Rod) what he may have missed. By all indication, the stables are in fact empty and aside from hay on the ground, that's about it.

Schmelt starts off by checking the train painting very closely. The train yard depicted in the scene does not look like the classic town of Willoughby. After receiving the okay from Mayor Brown, he carefully takes the painting off the wall discovering a small green safe hidden behind the painting. His hunch was right. The Mayor points out that he never knew the safe was there. The locking mechanism appears to have a number combination, 5-digits long. Arin looks at the plastic yellow flowers and vase with further detail. She then checks the small table they rest on. There's nothing of special interest. Mayor Brown invites the group to check out his office, since the other office is locked. Charlie opens the door, and surprise! nothing happens. The group enter the Mayor's Office, a most ornate, and beautifully decorated room. Inside are the following items: - large desk in the center of the room with chair - small banker-style lamp on the desk - round table with four chairs - fancy wooden coat rack - teak wooden lateral file cabinet with two drawers - book shelf with a few classic novels - bar in the corner of the room with some alcohol bottles and glasses - open door that leads to a small bathroom The group wonders what to look at first. NOTE: Jim Butcher lost Life Points in the night. He did not gain any back.

David walks over to the large wooden doors at the end of the shed (doing a little skip as he sings to himself). He grabs the handle of one of the doors and pushes it open. A burst of sunshine illuminates the shed and the Crocodile Locomotive. He then swings open the second door. Greaseman begins looking for a trap door near the wall that was marked with an "X". Interestingly, after clearing the dust, he does find what appears to be a small wooden door in the ground with a worn leather handle. He lifts it up to fins a small shaft leading into the darkness. Metal spikes have been driven into the side of the shaft that may be used as a ladder. Brakes, Steve, Pete, and David search the end of the shed near the doors to not find anything of further interest.

While there is nothing wrong with multiple EB reviews of the same set (we have numerous), this set was reviewed HERE. You need only check the Comprehensive Town Review Index to see if a set has been reviewed. There is a link to it in the MAIN Trains & Town Index.

This review takes us inside the My Own Train collection with 10016 Fuel Tanker. My Own Train Fuel Tanker Vitals: Set #: 10016 Theme: Trains / 9V Year Released: 2001 Piece Count: 128 Minifigs: 0 Track: none List Price: $20 (USD) This small little 9V tanker is a wonderful addition to the My Own Train collection, originally selling for just $20 (USD). It features a nice variety of Christmas colors with Red, Green, White, and Black (as well as a splash of dark grey). Let's take a look at the box with very unique "My Own Train box art": The back of the box features the four other My Own Train rolling stock sets that includes the open freight wagon (10013), caboose (10014), passenger car (10015), and hopper (10017): There's nothing special about the instruction booklet with just plain and simple building images: Let's have a look at the build. The train starts with a typical base, but in its middle is the start of the frame to hold the tanker halves: Four 2x6 plates with tiles are created for the sides of the wagon. The Octan signs are very nice printed pieces. In fact, the set has no stickers: A separate sub-assembly is constructed to connect to the middle section: Once attached, it looks like this: Two half tanker sections are created, each using a plate layer of red (for the base), and green (on the top): A large radar piece is placed on the ends to cap off the tanker sections nicely: This is what the main tanker looks like once assembled: And a view from the side: Two simple and identical bogies create the wheel sections for the tanker: Once complete, the set looks like this: And lastly, a diagonal view in Train Town: Summary 10016 Fuel Tanker is a fantastic train set. Train cars like this (at a reasonable price) would make great additions to the new PF Hobby Train collection. While the set is missing a middle section between the wheels (my only complaint), the use of printed pieces, especially the Octan tiles make up for it. One can always modify the set to add a simple middle section if they'd like (with just a few additional pieces). I'd love to see a new tanker similar to this, but with chrome plated tanker sections. Wouldn't that be great? I should also point out that the tanker is exactly 8 studs wide, in case you're wondering. It does look rather wide. With the layers of red and green plates, this tanker makes a nice addition to the BNSF freight locomotive. I hope you've enjoyed this My Own Train review. You may even see this train wagon in a scene from Murder on the Emerald Express, for those following the mystery.

Strangely, when one plays these mysteries for a while, very odd things sometimes occur. They seem to happen every time I host a mystery... :skull:

Just as a fun thing for those of you reading Murder on the Emerald Express, are you interested in building one of the scenes? We did this with Mystery Ship, and there were some fantastic creations. So, try building a scene from the mystery. Your creation might even be pictured in the mystery. Share them here!

The knives are different.

A few of you do decide to take a peek inside the wood shed. Aside from a large work bench and misc tools, there isn't anything of interest.

Eleanor and Mark begin inspecting the truck very closely. Mark notices some knife markings next to the right rear tire where the knife was found. It looks as if someone may have attempted to cut the tire, but never completed the job. The tire is not flat, but you're not sure if the cut has caused more serious damage. Mark picks up the knife carefully placing it in his shirt pocket. For those of you who inspected the knife found on the Emerald Express, it does appear to be a different knife, this one a switch blade. Further inspection of the large truck doesn't show any "trip wires" or "booby traps", but one can never be too sure. The truck's two large gas tanks seem okay. Well, since the gas shortage, perhaps last year. I don't remember but it has been a long time.

After some rest in the Engine Shed, you awake to conduct a further inspection of the train engine. (+1 Life Points for Brakes) As the day light begins to shine through the cracks in the boarded windows, the group examines the Swiss Crocodile and whether or not she may run again. The middle or main section of the unit has two cabs that each have a single drivers seat, a most interesting configuration. The train may run with some diesel fuel, but a look at the under carriage reveals a critical missing part. Steve and Dave point out that it appears that the trains's "Crocodile Rod" has been removed rendering the main drive train inoperable. Toward the end of the shed, a large set of doors open to the outside (judging by the day light shining through the archway above).

You decide that you've seen enough in the hotel before grabbing a small first aid kit in the lobby (and some of Schmelt's Insta-Eggos©). A return back to the town hall finds you in the upstairs area. Within a small hall, there is an ornate painting of a steam train above a small stand with plastic yellow flowers. There is a door to the right and to the left. The Mayor points out that his office is behind the door to the right, but "is presently a bit messy".

Let's just say that some people want to keep us here, dead or alive. :skull: Daft as he is, I suppose. The boy is my 'kin.

My Grandpappy who some knew as "Old Rivers" use to tell me a story about how there use to be an old train that ran through the woods not fer from here, some sorta 'logg'n train. I even reckon I heard it once or twice grown'up. Never done saw it though. Yep I do. It's not quite a garden shed. I gots a one room wood shack in the back. I'll even show you what I'been building over the last few years. I'm gonna drive it out of Willoughby one day. The group follow Jeb out to the wood shed where you discover what he has been building. It's a train handcar. Everyone helps lift it on to the hidden tracks as you wonder if this may be your ticket out of Willoughby??? A strange song begins playing in the distance.

Nice try Mystery Crasher - perhaps next time. I'll keep you in mind next mystery. You are welcome to follow the story and discuss it in this thread, if you'd like. I'd also invite you to create any of the scenes depicted in the story.

Eleanor has a hunch that the group should go to the train crossing marked with an "X" on the map. Others consider whether or not the main line with the Emerald connects with the town line. By all indication on the map, the two lines don't seem to connect. There is one line leading out of town to the south that splits where the map is ripped. Mark takes a peek through the binoculars looking toward the Emerald Express and surrounding areas. There's not much to see aside from the town, and the forest and mountains that surround the town. He realizes just how remote Willoughby is nestled between the steep mountains, then tucks the binoculars into his pocket. While the group tries to figure out which is closer, Lorraine's "Big Rig" or the train crossing, Lorraine interrups. My big rig is just behind the station... come on, I'll show you. The group leaves the station to check out Lorrain'e Big Rig. It's a large 10-wheeler with a separate trailer. An ornate billboard is prominently displayed on the side of the truck, obviously the work of a nice graphic designer. Lorraine begins filling the truck's fuel tank with the two small gas cans she put down before entering the station. She then points out that the gas isn't much, but should get them to the crossing. Interestingly, she does notice something on the ground near the right rear tire. It's a small switchblade knife. Interesting, you think...

That tea saved your life boy! It's my old grandpappy's secret recipe for scorpion bites. Got it from an old Shoshone Indian we nicknamed Puking Bull, Never knew what happ'ned to old Puking Bull. You ever met'em?

After taking a closer look at Jim's ear, you discover a few drops of some dried liquid around the lower lobe, almost as if it dripped out while sleeping. Fortunately, by throwing up early in the morning, he actually seems to be feeling a little better, although a bit disorientated. The group decides to take Jim with them to have a closer look at Room #6. Entering the room slowly, you discover that Room #6 is filled with numerous paint cans, ladders, sheets of dry wall, and sheets covering the furniture (the same items contained in the other rooms). This room is definately under renovation, but you do not discover anything of special interest. You decide to go to the lobby. In the hotel lobby, you check out the guest register. The last person who checked into Room #6 was a person by the name of Albert Ginney. It appears that he stayed in the room in 1974. More recent is the name Jennifer Chamberlain who stayed in Room #1 last year (2008). There are no other names that you recognize nor find interesting.

David and some of the group look closely at the locomotive's dual engines. "Most interesting", David states as he inspects the engine closer, "I'm not a train engineer, but this engine appears to be no ordinary ELECTRIC crocodile locomotive. The 9V electric system has been converted to a diesel Power Functions system. See, just look at how the wheels lack the nickel plating. In addition, the top or roof of the loco seems to be missing the traditional electric wiring system. Seems it would not have fit in this shed with the electric system connected to the top. Let's see if this train has a diesel fuel tank (finds and turns gas cap marked DIESEL ONLY). Interesting indeed. The engine is definately a diesel, but it hasn't seen fuel in a long time. I wonder if it would run"? While David and a few of the others walk around the loco, a few of the group sit inside where they begin to doze off. The group is getting rather tired from their long day, but the thought of another way out of Willoughby is most exciting! David begins to reminisce.

Okay, four updates and almost three hours later (minus one short bathroom break). I'm going to eat dinner now at the advice of some of the mystery participants. Thanks!

Eleanor is ready to leave the station to see Lorraine's "Big Rig", but Mark insists, "just wait a minute..." Mark begins peeling off the train poster from the wall. Surprisingly, he discovers a small map with a train route. The map is difficult to read, but Max quickly looks at it and helps explain: The train route is not connected to that of the main line where the Emerald Express passes by the town. This map appears to have a few switch tracks that branch to different lines throughout the town of Willoughby and surrounding area. The map also connects what appears to be a train engine shed to some sort of crossing (marked with an "X"). Unfortunately, the map is ripped where there are two lines that run out of town, both toward the south. You wonder what to make of this interesting map??? Lorraine goes outside to look around the balcony. As she sees the Emerald Express in the distance, she finds a small set of binoculars. There is nothing more of interest on the balcony. Max and Eleanor discuss what to do with her gun. He tells her that if she promises to only use the gun for self defense, he will return it to her. She also realizes that she does not have additional ammunition for the gun, with just four bullets remaining. The group discuss what they would like to do next...

The night began with a camp fire and some interesting ghost stories (+1 Life Points to Herman for bringing up Mystery Ship - just kidding). After some more claps of loud thunder, the rain begins to fall; lightly at first... then small buckets... then by the kettle. The group quickly enters the barn where the dampness can be felt inside. Getting cold, each person grabs a thick wool blanket from Jethro. A number of you quickly fall to sleep with not much on your stomach except some marshmallows and barbequed iguana that Jethro was able to "whip up" on the camp fire. With pounding rain on the tin roof of the barn and the eerie green fog in the sky, some of you sleep, while others lay awake waiting for what may come next. Around 4:30 am, Austin jumps out of bed feeling a severe stinging pain on his right leg. He looks down on the ground to find a small scorpion that has bitten him. He suffers 2 life points damage before saying, I'm gonna be sick"... The heavy rain begins to subside. Some rest and strange tea that Jeb cooks up in a dutch oven over the camp fire (that seems to taste like TimTams) brings Austin back to life in the morning, although his color is a putrid green. Interestingly, the heavy rain during the night has uncovered something shiny in the distance. The group walks over through the muddy grass to discover a train track leading through the woods.

You awake at 6:00 in the morning as the bright sun shines through the unclean windows of the Willoughby Hotel. It has been an interesting night. Backflash 11:00: The night moves began at 11:00 pm. Jim Butcher begins looking through the drawers of his 6-drawer dresser finding ony sock lint, a pair of dirty underwear, and a black Gideon Bible. He unplugs the lamp of his dresser to use as a weapon and sneaks into Room #6. The door is hard to open, but after pushing extensively, he is successful. Upon entering the room, he hears a strange rumbling sound above. As he looks up wondering what the noise is, a large piece of drywall comes crashing down on his head. The accident inflicts two Life Points damage. Jim is able to stand up, brushing off all the white powder from the dry wall, and stumbles back into his hotel room. He passes out on the bed. 12:00: Peeking under her bed slowly, Arin does not find anyone waiting to "pounce on her". She is; however, a bit hungry and sneaks out of her room looking for the hotel kitchen. With an insatiable appetite for some Ritz Crackers, she desperately walks up and down the stairs and through the halls looking for the non-existent kitchen. Finally giving up, she returns to her room where she falls to sleep. 1:52: Mayor Brown examines his bathroom, realizing that his toilet is clogged. With no plunger in the nearby vicinity, he walks through the hall looking for a public restroom. Unfortunately, he does not find one, nor a bathroom, and returns to his room. 2:00: Constable O'Reilly checks his 6-drawer dresser to find a small piece of paper in one of the drawers. It appears to be a letter that reads: The Town Council suspects that I am attempting to leave Willoughby. They are trying to kill me and will stop at nothing! If you find this note, know that I have left clues for you to follow my trail. Must go now! Good Luck. X. The Constable then tucks the letter into his shirt pocket and sneaks into Room #6. 2:00: Schmelt stands on his bed to look at the light fixture thinking that there may be a hidden camera within. While he struts and smiles into the light as if making a home-made adult film, he doesn't find anything of interest. There is; however, a small piece of paper that says "WhiteFang was here". (NOTE: this is not a clue ) He then sneaks into Room #6 where he runs into Constable O'Reilly. The two men nearly scare the "crap out of" one another as both stand in the entry way. After a quick inspection of the room, they do discover a lot of white dust and a mysterious piece of drywall on the floor. They return to their rooms. 3:00: Charlie Williams goes to his bathroom where he checks out the back of the toilet. Finding nothing of interest, he sneaks into the Constable's room to see if there are any clues that link him to the town council. He doesn't find any clues but he does find a rather nice shiny "Town Moderator Badge" that he decides to leave alone. 3:30: Jim Butcher feels a strange tingling in his ear, followed by a more painful ear ache. He starts to feel extremely nauseous and runs to his bathroom where he vomits profusely. After hugging the toilet for nearly an hour, he passes out. When he awakens, he is laying on the bathroom floor and has suffered three Life Points damage. He stumbles out of his room at almost 6:15 where the others find him lying on the ground. Everyone is now in the lobby with poor Jim white as a ghost.

The group slowly walks into the darkness fearing that the worst may be ahead. A trap perhaps? The manifestation of evil waiting in the darkness, as if ready to jump upon your souls... What hides where the flashlight doesn't shine? Step... Step... Step... Into the darkness. Sweat begins to form on your foreheads as light shivers seem to run down your back. The track is rusting and unused, but something shines in the distance. It seems to be a large object covered by a dusty canvas tarp. You procede with caution, slowly approaching the large object on the track. Some of you begin envisioning a shining dark green and orange BNSF locomotive, while others see a creature hiding under the large cover with sharp fangs dripping as it waits in the darkness. You arrive at the object, bigger than what you expected. Pete and David grap the tarp pulling it away from the object. It is a... it is a... It is a rusting red train engine that some of you recognize as a Swiss Crocodile locomotive. Will this be your ticket out of Willoughby? You can only hope as the group decides what to do next...

Thanks Dragonator! And the next person that bitches opens up a can of woop @$$!