MNCircusFan

HO Products

2012-01-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

Lets take a vote, what else should I look at making for the web site? How does brake shoes sound and also chauks (spelling) for your flat cars?

Updates to the web site

2011-12-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

Check out www.crcircus.com for some more updates and the products page is growing slowly.

Thanks
Chris

chris@crcircus.com

Dont Forget the Website

2010-11-28T19:19:00.001-08:00

www.crcircus.com has lots to look at, remember I dont post much on here but am working on new stuff for the website. Check the page on the Baraboo show for 2011 the show will be great, hope you can come and visit or display!

Check Out the New Site

2010-01-04T15:12:00.001-08:00

I have been working alot on the new site and it is coming along nice I think. If you would like to send pictures of your models please do so to chris@crcircus.com I will work on getting them posted under friends models. I would also like if you wrote a small bio on your show to include with your pics.

Thanks
Chris
chris@crcircus.com

New Website To View

2009-10-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have started a website that I will keep working on and updating. I will not be updating this blog as much as I was (as if I updated it lots) but will keep you posted as to happenings. Visit the new site http://www.crcircus.com/

Do this or Be Haunted!

2009-07-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

I was instructed to post some pics here or I would pay the price. I know that's not what it said but I was reading between the lines.

Really trying hard to use some humor in this but I don't think I am doing so good! I am always learning and know that someday the "Great Peterson" will teach me more!

2009-07-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is John giving a tour of the grounds to friends. Now on my left is a blowup store and behind that is a tent!

Does anyone know where the big wheel is?

Just another exciting day guarding the costumes that came over on the mayflower. Fact check Jim Petersons blog http://poles2engine.blogspot.com/

The Queen and one of her court (not sure what court) Queen Gretchen (the lady in charge) and Katie from Minneapolis

Lot lice! Robin was sent over to talk to him and find out what he wanted! She ended up having to kick him out!

2009-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

OK this is how the Ringlings did it with fancy electric sewing machines. Another fantastic costume being made or repaired at the Great Circus Parade.

Inside one of the wardrobe wagons, everything is as it was in the 1920's even the plastic milk crate! Fact, I am sure thats what I was told!

Practise runs on Saturday lots of fun but who forgot the giraffe?!

Bill AKA "Mr Bill" to those of us who know him and his wonderful MOM!

Beautiful!!!!

Fantastic Show on a Wonderful Day

2009-07-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

All out and over!

Both shows were well attended with a lot of very happy towners! Many people in town know that I am a circus fan and have my model show. I am asked questions and have had several comments and emails last night and this morning about when the circus would be back and if I know what town is next. Have fun Waconia and for the rest of Minnesota keep your eye open as this show will be here for the next couple of weeks.

Culpepper & Merriweather Circus in Arlington MN July 8th Setup

2009-07-08T11:51:00.001-07:00

Circus Model Builders Lot 5 Gathering

2009-06-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Zellmar Bros Ring 80 of Circus Model Builders announces a Lot 5 Gathering October 9th thru 11th, 2009. Setup will be on Friday October 9th from noon to 8 PM with show hours on Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from Noon to 4 PM.

We are guests of the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum and will be open during regular museum hours. The museum is in the former car shops of the Great Northern Railroad with many activities close by for all to do.

Please feel free to email questions to me at ncshows@yahoo.com or just print out the form and mail it in. We are hoping for a good showing again this time. We did this show for 5 years starting in 1988 and it was a huge success with many displays and also attendees. We are trying to restart this and make it into a yearly show again.

Both of the below poster and registration form should be able to be printed

2009-06-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Lot 5 Gathering Registration form

2009-06-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Teo is taking pictures now!

2009-05-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Behind the library, taken by Teo

Elephant Tab, taken by Teo

Taken by Me on Teos camera, he is always a ham.

Golden Age of Chivalry, taken by Teo

On the square bell wagon, taken by Teo

2009-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Fantastic act, two brothers work this very nicely done and wow fast!

What are you looking at? Heavy making sure everything is going well, he loves getting his picture taken!

Pics From CWM's New 2009 Shows

2009-05-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Franzen Tiger Encounter!

Tigers in St Paul 2009

2009-04-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

This cat act was on Universal Circus last year.

I see a clown a really plump and delicious clown!

My favorite shot of all, got lucky when the tiger jumped.

St Paul Shrine Circus 2009

2009-04-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

Jim Berg the Potentate making Cotton Candy and John Davenport making sure he is working!

Les Kimes the producer of Circus Royal and one of his pigs. Les has done it again with a first class show for the Osman temple here in St Paul.

TJ Howel from Baraboo, working his act - "WOW HOT ACT" - TJ Always does a first class job with lots of energy.

TJ's Wife Gail, working the face painting booth. TJ is very lucky to have a wonderful woman keeping him in line and a really great family helping him out.

The cats this year in St Paul for the Osman Temple Circus produced by Les Kimes and Circus Royal.

New Jacket in the Works

2009-03-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

Working on a jacket for Fred Baisch from St Paul Minnesota. Fred is a professional magician and clown. He travels the country performing and teaching both magic and clowning. Fred is one of the staff for Moose Camp, a well known clown camp held each year in Buffalo, Minnesota with people from around the globe.

This is the start of the jacket with more to come later. Fred is working on a new gage for the Osman Shrine Circus. Music is the general theme with some very funny things happening. This is the front right side, picture is not the greatest.

Front left side being worked on, I will be adding more to this later.

The total jacket front.

Visit to Baraboo

2009-03-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Some extra props being stored in Baraboo.

Chocks ready for the next train, does anyone know anyone with 10 or 12 million dollars to get the train on the raod again?

Center poles I think from the CWM tent?!

New Elephant Spec for the C & R

2009-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a long time since I posted, I have been working lots and also sorting thru the circus stuff to get organized. I am starting to build more spec items and also working on a story for LCW on building specs and such in 1/8th or HO scale. I promise I will post more often!

Dave Lorbeske from Milwaukee WI.

2008-11-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

All of these pictures are from Dave Lorbeske. Dave is making two complete trains, one for each daughter. His models are beautiful as you can see, I am sure the girls will love them. I have been emailing with Dave for a while now and was going to meet him at Trainfest but with me having to go early we missed each other. Ned and Bob had a nice talk with him on Sunday morning and now he is joining CMB again. Great Job Ned and Bob getting him to join again, I hope we dont have any broken legs over this one!

Train Fest 2008

2008-11-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

This was My and Teo's first trip to Train Fest and hope to make every year going forward. We had a wonderful time even thou we had to leave early to make it back so Teo could get ready for state school testing on Monday morning. We spent lots of time chatting with old friends and catching up! This is the first time I realised that all of us that grew up around CWM now have kids about the same age as when we started playing around at CWM.

Bob Russell had his quarter inch train on display, WOW what a wonderful collection.

This has to be one of the most beautiful quarter inch models of America that I have ever checked out. This one belongs to Bob Russell, a true work of art!!

Ned Kronbergs RBBB setup and his street parade in the background.

Train Fest 2008

2008-11-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

Steve Flints half inch train.

Steve has some very beautiful wagons, detail is wonderful.

Another of Steve Flints wagons! He said he never gets to see his stuff unless he is displaying at a show. The Wife should let you take over the living room to have your toys out at all times! I understand I am taking my life into my hands but I am sure I was told by Steve he would pay me to put it on the BLOG!

You know for a guy that puts some much time and detail on his models you would think the engine would run! Big disappointment but I think we can live thru it!

Teo always finds the Lego group, he is in training to help out at shows. I do have a problem finding him when the girls come around?!?!

Some Wonderful Fun Pictures!

2008-10-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

David from CWM always making sure he looks the part. Here he is getting ready to do the musical instruments demo.

This is a pretty good shot of Keri Olson, she was the first rate pub dept. at CWM for many years. Keri is now working for the hospital in fund raising and doing very well.

New Spec Wagons!

2008-10-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

This one was also fun to build, 3 units the first is a jeep with the letters C I and a clown then a wagon R C and a zebra and trainer then a wagon with U S a seal and trainer. should be fun in the show when I use it. I am trying to make enough acts and spec stuff to switch them in and out when we display. I will make an attempt to catch Ned on his recent building frenzy but think it will take a while!

New Band Wagon Finished!

2008-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this one for a while and am now happy. I do think I will still be adding to it when I put it on the display.

Ned is always taking out his tape!

2008-10-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ned was checking to see if the wagon he built from memory is right. How did you do Ned?

I have known Ned for over 25 years now I think he has had the same tape for all that time. Ned just got back from the National CMB convention in Texas and turned around and left for a whirlwind trip to Baraboo a couple days later.

CWM is working on wagons again! Need everything ready for the Great Circus Parade next summer!

2008-10-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wagon 82 being worked on, looks like pretty big project.

More of #82 "anyone have the instructions???"

Some of the wheels after they have been repaired now waiting for paint.

Putting away the Museum train cars, this one is being slid into the center of the car shops.

Here she is entering the shops for the winter.

Crack Reporter Ned is back from the National and sent these pictures!

2008-10-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ed O'Neils cookhouse from New Jersey.

Goodchilds cookhouse, I think they had a lot to eat!?

Don Kovels truck show.

Sparkling Star Models display, looks and sounds like lots of great stuff coming out soon.

Jim Stegall's layout.

New Camera had to try it out, what else would you use it on?

2008-09-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of Neal Rabe's beautiful wagons on display at the show.

Another one of Neal's wagons.

Kids enjoying Gene's display at the show. Don Johnson and Rick Hibbard watching the kids!

Don Johnson's display at the show, many sizes of Sells Floto.

Neal's display at the show.

2008-09-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ned Kronbergs HO scale Great Circus train on display at his house.

Some of Ned's street parade and over 50 new acts he has been building.

This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. Damon Swanson built this using what looks like a watchman and also used a little canvas and people. Love this and how real it looks, the picture does not due it justice (this is in HO). Really great idea and very well presented by Damon.

Bill Klamerus from Iowa came up for the Fall ring show, very fine building and lots of fun stories.

The inside of Gene Arlandsons big top, always lots going on with Gene's display. A big Thank You to Gene for setting up the show again this year!!!

New Wire Act for the C&R

2008-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

New wire act all brass, first attempt at working with brass! From the ground to the platform is 30 feet the length from platform to platform is about 25 feet.

Going to have to paint it and see how it works. The railings may be a little low but I am happy with it and as Ned has always said it's my show. Maybe I could have one of the first midget wire acts!

Ned is making more acts!!!

2008-08-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Neds new pig and clown act!

Brown Bears sitting pretty!

Always a wonderful act if elephants are included!

This should get your seal of approval! LOL I am just trying to be like JP with some humor, maybe I will try something else.

Liebling Elephant and the Mystry Show

2008-07-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Very nice elephant act with Franciszka Liebling and his family!

Some wonderful tricks that I have not watched in a long time. Very fast moving and very entertaining. You could tell that Franciszka is having a great time!!!

When was the last time you watched this?

She finishes up with getting a little treat and with a little comedy she wont leave until she picks up the bucket and walks out! I have to say this act is really nice, reminds me of the days at CWM with Buckels.

2008-07-29T20:49:00.001-07:00

Purple or Pink Top very nice and in really nice shape. Not sure what the show name was but was told it is owned by one of the Davenports, (not Gopher).

Teo's first time meeting an elephant up close and personal. Teo is now a member of elephant snot on everything (LOL) he couldnt stop talking all the way home about it!

A first for me, I have never watched a Liberty Percheron act! I was very impressed with the act and the young man presenting! The act moved great, and was first class in presentation and costume! This act with a little more pollish could very easly be on a much bigger show!

Teo always checking out the ladies, must take after his grandfather!

Inside the tent very clean and colorfull, pink and yellow trim and stars along with the poles painted pink on the bottom quarter.

New wagon in the shops of C & R!

2008-07-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

The two sides painted and ready to glue up. This is one of the wonderful products from Jo Yow!

Detail of the rear of the wagon waiting to be glued.

Chris in the shop with a little old tent!

2008-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Horse tent always under construction any ideas? I am working on several wagons hope to have pics soon.

Ned is in the shop!!

2008-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Ned has been in the shop again making more scenes!

Working on some more half inch flats!

Mixed act elephants and horses!

And too seal the deal, get it seal! (My attempt at humor)!!!

2008-06-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ned is busy again with some fantastic cat acts. Not sure what has gotteninto him but he keeps cranking out more acts for his show.

Yeet another cat act by Ned for the "Mighty K"

2008-06-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

C&R At our first show back from, lets just say we are back. This show was in Menominee Wisconsin (spelling) My son and I had a wonderful time at this show back in 2006.
Special THANK YOU to Ned Kronberg for not forgetting about me and his encouragement.

My son Teo now he is 11 WOW how the kid has grown, here he is 8.

Unloaded and watering waiting to walk to the grounds.

2008-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Building one set of runs for the C&R Circus a few years back! I really enjoyed this project ment something special as I have wonderful memories of Ed Lester telling us to set the runs in Baraboo and Millwaukee. I miss those days, "OK Kiddies lets move it over"!!!!

2008-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ned has been busy in the wagon shop again here is his newest HO parade wagon.

2008-06-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a performance jacket that I did for a ringmaster on the east coast. All 4 of these pictures are of the same jacket as the performer is a large man. This one shows some of the stone work including some of the star shaped rhinestones. I use Swarovski Rhinestones only and small mirrors.

Back of the jacket it was very large could not find a hanger big enough to hold it so had to lay it on the ground to take pictures.

Back center of jacket, I used just over 2000 stones on this jacket and it looks empty to me. I think it was a size 56 if I remember right.

The big story of the week!

2008-06-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Our back yard with water and over a foot of hail, still raining!

The City Fire deptment has arrived to sandbag and punp water

Sandbag fillers, shortly after the guys arrived a load of sand was dumped at the end of our street and they started filling bags.

More of the backyard and the hail as the water is slowly going away.

More of the River

2008-06-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

All this water is heading towards our house!

A Short Movie! Here comes the snow, no its water and hail!

2008-06-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

The storm 6-5-08

2008-06-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

2008-06-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ned has been busy in the shop starting his new half inch horse car.

Another pic of the new car for the Mighty "K" circus.

Another new item for the Mighty "K" in HO.

2008-06-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

New Elephant and Lion act in the works for the C & R Circus

Tables for the dinning tent on the C & R 30 pluse built more to build still. Ned thinks I am nuts, well I bet a few of you will agree!

Wyzata Model Show 2008 Spring

2008-05-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

The guys and our gal from Zellmar Ring 80 Circus Model Builders with C. Sterns Jr. wagon wheel.

Gene Arlandsons first class display with a running train and many beautiful HO wagons, very detailed and hand lettered by Gene

Damon Swansons display again a very beautiful detailed parade. I can here the RBBB bells ringing now (oops I am listening to a CD from CMW with the bell wagon on it) still pretty cool

2008-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Wonderful weekend at CWM, I escorted Gunthers Daughter Tina and her family around the grounds. A wonderful family and a true joy to be around. Tina was the guest speaker at the banquet on Saturday night.

This year CWM has a wonderful lineup of performers, you must check them out sometime over the summer season. I will be adding more pics as I visit and as more are sent to me.

The begining to a very nice cloud swing.

2008-05-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Two Pics of the new paint on some of the RBBB Gold unit, very very nice.

2008-05-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ned's dishwasher wagon working hard. A very new addition to Ned's show.

2008-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

One of Neds displays RBBB Seat wagons a really great project that took a little bit of cutting to complete.

2008-05-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Inside of the Side Show also under construction and always changing.

2008-05-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

The Rail Yard still under construction, an always changing project!

2008-05-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Water the Elephants

2008-05-13T16:49:00.001-07:00

A look into the Side Show.

2008-05-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ned "K"s cookhouse. Ned is a first class modeler and GREAT friend, I have learned a lot from him!

2008-05-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Front of the C & R sideshow

New Spec started for C & R Circus

2008-05-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hollywood stars spec wagon

Performing Bear spec wagon

2008-05-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Funny Faces spec wagon