Hitachi EX-8000 Mining Shovel in 1/12th scale being built by Don Campbell., originally uploaded by Don Campbell Models.

Hitachi EX-8000 Shovel Parts- Todays picture shows the next progress picture in the construction of the big shovel. You can see the front folding stairs now built and in place and you can see the air exchanger units and the exhaust stacks now built and in place. There is still lots to do yet but now it is starting to take a lot of it’s shape. Tonight I worked on the boom walkway and railings. Monday I will take the first picture of the boom mounted to the center frame brackets. I also still have several days of work on the bucket yet. Next weekend I hope to get going on the tracks and track frames and center frame.
Cat 797F Monster Truck- The monster 797F is the next monster truck I will start building later in Dec.
Morning Running – Deb and I continue to enjoy our morning running. Deb wears a red sweatshirt and I wear a bright orange sweatshirt . I leave before Deb and we got it figured out that when I get to my turn around point, and Deb makes her turn onto the same street we can faintly see each other off a mile in the distance. It is pretty fun running towards each other knowing us two senior citizens are not giving up yet on our health . When we do meet up Deb turns around and we high five each other and then we run together a few blocks and then I run on ahead several blocks until my next turn around point. Then I see Deb again and we meet for another high five and then we stop running and walk several blocks together to unwind from the running. It is still hard to believe we are running every morning at our age. We are pretty proud of ourselves to even try to do this. Believe it or not, we have ten times less the aches and pains that we had just sitting around all the time.
Have a Great Sat. !!!!!!!!!!!

Waldon Loaders look white on Black Friday next to Don Campbell., originally uploaded by Don Campbell Models.

Waldon Loaders- We woke up this morning expecting black Friday but instead when we looked out the window it was white Friday, ha,ha. With temps around 30 degrees and a dusting of an inch or so of snow the roads were icy. The City of Gaylord Snowplow Trucks were busy spreading salt to cut down on shoppers accidents. (:>). We didn’t have much of a summer and so far we haven’t had much of a winter. The Waldons may never get used, (:<).
RUNNING INSIDE – With the roads slippery we decided to run on the treadmill today for the first time. It wasn’t too bad and at least we know we don’t have to stop just because it snowed.
HEY DEB !! What’s for Lunch ?? Deb made a pot of homeade bean soup with chunks of ham , yummy !! The beans are fresh from the farm downstate. For supper we’ll have another turkey dinner with all the fixins. yum !!
Thanksgiving Day- Deb and I just relaxed yesterday and watched a little football. Greenbay ended up beating the Lions so we’re glad we didn’t bet a lot of money, ha,ha. We are happy for the Packers they are doing just fine with out Brett Favre. We are also happy for Brett Favre, he continues to have a large following of spectators all over the U.S. He is still fun to watch as he truely loves the sport.
This has been good for the Packers and for him.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING – Deb and I will stay clear of the stores this weekend and avoid the crowds. It’s always nice to get the shopping done the day before Thanksgiving. We just have bad memories from years gone by of people like Arnold and Sinbad fighting over the last toys.
I did that route a few years fighting for a Cabbage Patch doll and for bye, bye diapers doll another year. I did fight with a lady to get Nicole a Buzz lighyear one year but Nicole understood and was alright with it not having a head, LOL
HITACHI EX-8000 PROGRESS- Today I am busy building the folding stairs and railings. Going to finish welding the vertical railing braces by tonight .
Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving !!
Have a nice Friday !!!!!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM NICOLE, BILL, DEB AND I ., originally uploaded by Don Campbell Models.

Pilgrims and Indians – Todays picture shows Nicole and Bill dressed up for Thanksgiving . They dress different in the D.C. area, ha,ha, ha. No really they were going to a party with a bunch of friends and that was the theme. They looked very cute. Although Bill would have probably enjoyed living in the Pilgrim days because he is such a outdoor , woodsy guy. Bill and his brother have now shot 14 deer so their freezers are almost full and they have helped the locals avoid 14 auto/deer accidents. (:>). Bill would not have enjoyed Pilgrim days with no hot showers , he takes Very Long showers, (:>).
CENTREVILLE, VA. – First 5K race this morning for Nicole and Bill’s good friends Andria and Brad. Nicole and Bill didn’t run and just cheered them on. We are so proud of them !! It is a puring rain morning so Deb and I couldn’t get our early morning running in today. Tomorrow we will be up hitting the pavement again.
TURKEY AND FOOTBALL DAY – The house smells wonderful with the turkey cooking away and a fun afternoon of football. We watch very little TV but today we really do enjoy our 67″ big screen TV watching football.
DRIVE CAREFUL – Last Thanksgiving Day 500 people died in car accidents. It’s the worst day of the year for drivers who have been drinking with family and friends and then hop in the car and head for home . So remember not to drink and drive.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hitachi EX-8000 Stacks and air cleaner units., originally uploaded by Don Campbell Models.

Hitachi EX-8000- Todays picture shows the rear corner view of the real machine and kind of shows the rear exhaust stacks and air cleaners units . That is what i am now working on . Should get them done on Friday. Then a small crane is mounted on the top deck yet and another box next to the crane . By Sat. night the top deck and railings should be all done. Then I will have to cut out the front left corner and build the large folding stairs. Monday i will attach the boom and bucket for the first time to the center frame . Tues. I will get going on the track frame parts.
RAINY MORNING RUNNING – Deb and I had to wait a little later this morning to get our run in because of the rain. Even though we did get a little wet before we got back, it was a good feeling we got another day outside before the snow flies.
Hey Deb !, Something Smells GOOD !! Deb is busy making cherry tarts, and fresh dinner rolls for Thanksgiving Day. I love the smell of the turkey as it fills the house with that great aroma.
FOOTBALL – Tomorrow will be a fun day of watching football !! Now the games are getting good and it is really fun watching them.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IS DONE !! – Today i took a 3 hour lunch hour and Deb and I goofed off and officially finished our shopping . Now any additional gifts will be determined by long lines and full parking lots, ha,ha.
DANCING WITH THE STARS- Deb and I stayed up last night and watched the last show of the season . We don’t watch much TV but we do enjoy that show along with the biggest loser. Deb always used to tell me I was the biggest loser she ever knew , but now that we watch that show I’m sure she thinks otherwise, ha,ha,ha.
Snow for tomorrow night – We may get some light snow tomorrow night as the moisure moves down from Canada and the temps dip below 30 degrees. So far I have not made any money plowing snow with my Waldon Loaders. I keep telling Deb they were good investments , but that look she is giving me lately suggests otherwise, LOL Just kidding, she is glad I got them and she saw how much I have already enjoyed working on them . They brought back a lot of fun memories from long ago of me puttering outside on big toys.
HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING – Deb and I hope you all enjoy THANKSGIVING DAY and get a day to relax and unwind a little bit.