The Chemist, the Cat and the Time Machine: Stop #7

We're on to the seventh stop in the Mad Chemist and Lab Assistant's epic journey through space and time, and this week they've found themselves in the midst of a famous period from America's past. Having gulped down some travel sickness pills and braced for a rocky ride, the crew have touched down in a land they've only ever seen in the movies - it's the Wild West!

Overview of Stop #7: Wild West

And wild it most certainly is! The expedition appear to have landed upon an area filled with so many of the characteristics we associate with the Wild West, be it steam engines billowing as they charge across the desert, tricky cowboys playing a tense game of poker, or outsiders shooting pool aside the bar. It's a quirky place, and the travellers were keen to get out and about.

As students of engineering it will come as no surprise that the Chemist and Cat naturally gravitated toward the train tracks.

Train tracks including Golden Spike and Locomotive

And here they were able to do something they'd not done once throughout the entire trip - put an exact date on their stop. History states that the Golden Stake which represents the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad was driven in on 10th May 1869. And here the travellers are witnessing the ceremonies, with Mr Moustache dropping the giant mallet that brought an end to six years of tiring work.

But it appears there's already a train on the tracks! Someone couldn't wait to try out the shiny new railway, and so the Locomotive is puffing out steam as it chugs its way along the tracks. It's a beautiful machine with its golden trim and big red bumper - a fitting way to open the route. There's even some fine views to be had for the first passengers, with the Haunted House standing eerily in the middle of a desert devoid of life except for a few sturdy Cactuses and Hay Bales.

And of course no railway is complete without some stations.

Train station

Built with a City Sidewalk floor, this train station is kept lit by French Lanterns, while the Maple Bench and Vegetable Display offer a seat for those waiting for the Locomotive's arrival. Speaking of the train, it looks like the Train Conductor is in his element. He's been voyaging with the Chemist and Cat since the very first destination and has looked to assert his authority in a range of locations, but this is where he's really at his best.

The whistle is being blown and the Railroad Crossings are flashing as he attempts to bring the runaway train to a halt. The question now is this - will he want to stay at the station and enforce the law rather than return to the Time Machine and continue on the extraordinary journey?

Even if he does go, it appears the squad's number won't be reduced, since the Cat has apparently made a new friend at the station. The Perro must be the pet of the guy opening the railway since he's also got an outstanding moustache on the go. The Cat has certainly taken a liking to him, and appears to be offering a refreshing beaker of acid. As long as he's willing to leave his home behind, I'd wager that the Perro will be joining the ranks of the time travellers.

Speaking of wagers, there's no shortage of money being exchanged in the saloon, where the Saloon Card Tables are in full swing.

Saloon including Saloon Card Table and Cider Bar

There are two tables in action, with a trio of players engrossed in games of poker. In both cases there appears to be an ace of spades about to be laid - like me the Chemist has no idea how to play poker, but he feels it could be a crucial moment in each respective game.

In between hands the players take a stroll up to the Cider Bar where a pretty girl with rosy cheeks is making fresh cider. She's got all the apples she'll need stacked, and has earned quite the reputation for producing a seriously tasty brew.

But if cider's not your favoured poison, there's still scope for a boozy afternoon. The Saloon Bars are open for business.

Saloon including Pool Table and Swing Dance Floor

You may wonder why there are two such bars, but the sight of the Lounge Lizard soon explains that. Upon seeing that the lizard was coming the staff at the saloon no doubt brought in a second bar, knowing that the lizard has the capacity to drink one dry all on his own. Their foresight was clearly well founded, with the Lounge Lizard in full flow. Considering that this reptile has already consumed every drop of alcohol the Middle Ages has to offer, it can't be long now until his world is spinning around even more than the Spinning Wheel...

If the lizard ever sobers up he might join the Pool Shark at the Pool Table. It looks like sharky is the boss of the baize, with all the money he's won being spent on a snazzy outfit which includes a regal top hat. He certainly takes the award for most well dressed local, although those sharp teeth may prevent any of the crew from making another chum.

 The Chemist, the Cat and the Time Machine

 02/05/16 Stop #6 - Middle Ages
 25/04/16 Stop #5 - Ancient Asia
 18/04/16 Stop #4 - Ancient Egypt
 11/04/16 Stop #3 - Ice Age
 04/04/16 Stop #2 - Animal Kingdom

Beyond the Pool Table is the Swing Dance Floor which is the home of the best saloon entertainment. Four groovy folks are swinging to the beat of Gran's Phonograph, which is blaring out some proper Western tunes. The Cowboy Greeter is doffing his hat with approval, although there is a distinct possibility that he is simply wiping his brow of the sweat incurred from working among the Cowboy Stoves.

And those naked flames have played a key role in preparing the dish the explorers are returning to The Garlic Tree with.

Time Machine including addition of Cowboy Quesadillas

The Cowboy Quesadillas look delicious and are sure to go down a treat back in the present day. The banquet which will be up for grabs when the adventurers return is shaping up nicely, with eight counters now occupied, including the comparatively dull Biscuits and Gravy that were brought along for the ride. With just two spaces left, we're approaching the climax of this enduring tale, but with the Time Machine low on fuel we may have to travel forward a little less far next week.

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Given the volume and quality of Wild West content available in the market, a Western scene was something I was keen to do right from the outset. I've actually done the Wild West before as a mini section in my restaurant, but it was great to have the increased freedom of doing it on the grander scale. There's so many good decorations to be had, including the stuff from the Old West goals in September 2013.

Then there's the Cowboy Crate which I was determined to give a go. For my money (and gems) it is one of the best boxes in the game, with not a single shocker to be had. As it is I did have to settle for a couple of fourth prizes.

Fourth prizes from Cowboy Crate

The Saddle Up is probably the weakest decoration in there, but I was prepared for the possibility. The Cowboy Greeter on the other hand had me very happy, and he does a great job of overseeing the cooking of the quesadillas!

Before I sign off a brief update on the Dinosaur Nuggets situation - as those who have been following closely will be aware, I've been worrying about the ever decreasing number of portions remaining of this particular recipe, and this week I decided to take action. Twice I've packed away the Cowboy Stoves and hauled out the Kids Kitchen Set to make a batch of nuggets. It looks a mess while its out, but I desperately need the nuggets, and this has helped ease my concerns!

Next: Stop #8 - Olympics