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SanNic44 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:26 am Post subject: Model Train Museum, video

Well, I finally got to see Mr. Jaap de Vries' model train museum. He was open to the public on flag day and I had a look around. I went back again, by appointment to take video. There are too many things to capture in just a few minutes, but I put together some of the highlights, which are at the usual place:

http://bentpage.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/arubas-model-train-museum-video/

While the trains are interesting, the Greyhound Bus Ticket which was bought in 1963 and good for 99 days and cost $99 for as much travel as he could do, was amazing. He certainly got his money's worth. And, of course, the original lens from the California Lighthouse, which according to Mr. de Vries, was made by Fresnel in Paris, France. Augustin Fresnel invented this type of lens which enables the light beam to be focused, and it is used in all types of applications these days including motion picture production. I use a few of this type in my video blog studio in the States.

Amazing what you can find on this tiny island.

Bon dia.

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~Amy~® · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:23 am Post subject:

Okay, it's going to be our mission on our Sept. trip to go here! We have tried for MANY years and every time we drive by...it's closed. Sad

EKBHAPPY · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:37 pm Post subject:

I agree Amy..we were by there 3 times from 2/25-310 and he was not open..wish he would post hourss in the local paper or better yet on the BB...

JohnT · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:41 pm Post subject:

Dan, a few comments....

1. Is this the place when you come up the hill out of San Nicolaas going towards Baby/Rodgers Beach?
2. I have friends who collect trains. One came to Aruba. Too bad we didn't know about it then.
3. You bring back memories of AirAruba. It had great promise! The service for two years was great from Newark. One time to Aruba. One time to Bonaire via Aruba. Then they were defunct.
4. Lastly, the mention of a Fresnel lens was probably lost on 99.9% of the population. We spent this afternoon at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. In addition to a beautifully restored lighthouse from 1887, there are exhibits that show the life of a lighthouse keeper and chronicle the time from the 1880's until the time that the light became electrified and then automated. They have a beautiful display of lenses of different orders, including a First Order Fresnel lens from the Cape Canaveral light. If you were impressed with a Sixth Order lens, you should see the beautiful art work of a First Order lens. We bring guests there with some regularity. This is in "our back yard" of Daytona Beach/Volusia County, Florida.

Best wishes and THANKS for great videos!

SanNic44 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:28 am Post subject:

JohnT,

Yes, the "Model Train Museum" is the one at the top of the hill before you turn to Baby Beach.

More video on the way, from Aruba and elsewhere. Stay tuned.

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