Mtn Train

[tnartist05]

Years ago there was a train that ran through the mtns here.It was build in 1866 and ran the tracks from Johnson City,Tn to Boone NC. It hauled lumber and iron ore.It was called the " Tweetie" It was the ET & WNC{East Tenn and Western Noth Carolina} and the mtn people said that stood for, ::Eat Taters And Wear No Clothes::

The train was very good for the people of the mtns and not only could they work and sell their goods but the train gave them the most important thing,hope.

After the great flood in 1940 and alot of the tracks were destoryed and the train ran its last trip in 1950.

Accross the road from my house down in a ditch,theres still some of the rail road tracks.

This is just a mtn train I made up and what you might have seen along the way. Deer,bears,grist mill,cabin with a old wagon.

This was a found cut off slab of pine,thick at the bottem of 3 inches, and thins to 1/8 of a inch at the top of the mtns. Its almost 2 ft long and 14 inches wide. Its relief carved,every blade of grass to the trees. It was alot of fun but kinda hard painting it,course Ive been busy like we all are at this time of the year. Merry Christmas to all of yall.

As always your input and thoughts are more than welcome.

Forrest

[tnartist05]

Few more picts

[tnartist05]

A few more picts.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Forest...

I keep saying this but I really think you topped your work this time. What a great piece! There were quite a few lumber railroads in them there hills back in the early 1900's. Tellico Plains had one and like your tracks across the street from you there are still remenants of bridges and tracks throughout the Bald River Gorge. Your carving is representative of it all. Nice job!

[Just Carving]

MANNNN!!!!! Just when I thought he calmed down, and we wouldn't hear from him for a while, he goes and does it again!! This guy's always making everybody look bad--I mean--look at this--he carves a masterpiece in a piece of scrap pine. Doesn't it just make ya SICK?!?!? ROTFL

Forrest--ya done good. It is like I said--a masterpiece. BRAVO!!!!!

Thanks for making me "ill" (Well, at least green with envy, anyway)!! LOL

Bob L

[Dan Wegiel]

Forrest, another great story and the carving is fantastic. Thanks again for sharing them both. Its probably a good thing we don't live near each other, because I wouldn't get anything done. I'd just want to sit around and listen to all your wonderful stories.


Dan

[AlArchie]

Forrest, what an adorable piece! Immaginative and exellently executed!
Can't say more than that......except may I WANT IT!!!!!

Al

[tnartist05]

AWwwwwwwww Thank you so much Eddy! Im glad you liked this mtn train scene. My wife takes me to alot of places up here seeing she was raised in Roan Mtn and she knows every rock & mtn road that most people dont even know they are there. Theres one train track along the Doe River that runs right through the stone mtns and gorges there,You have to drive through it,one way rd and beep your car horn so another car wont hit you as you are coming through. I appreciate your good thoughts and compliments. Forrest

[GaryMc]

Dang Forrest, besides being a good carver, you are quite and artist. I love your train, the colors arefntastic!
GaryMc

[tnartist05]

Bob L,Its sure not a master piece,heck Im only the master of my mind and it fells me alot of times!! LOL But Im glad you thought this olde mtn train looked al-right. I must admire,it took alot more time than I liked,most of my carvings are smaller{one day projects} Ive got 3 things to paint and carved a bear Christmas orament for people and then Im through for this year,thank goodness.LOL I really am glad you liked this carving & I more than appreciate you and your nice comments! Forrest