Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy your column very much and it has helped a lot of people, me for one. Now, I need help again. I would like to know where I could purchase a string of tiny streetlights like the guys have in their train display. I think there are 10 in a string. Thank you for your help. – No Name, West Paris.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Peter, owner of Maine Modelworks, 417 Route One, Falmouth, ME 04105, (207) 781-8300, who says you can contact them about your needs. It appears there are many different kinds of lights, platform ones, station lights and more, but any of the model train enthusiasts Sun Spots spoke with did not recall the type you are seeking. The business is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. It can be reached at the above address and number or via e-mail at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also check out their Web site at www.mainemodelworks.com.

In the meantime, you and other model train enthusiasts might be interested in attending the Great Falls Model Railroad Club Train Show being held Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auburn Middle School, 610 Court St., Auburn. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for young people under 15. You might also be interested in checking out this club online at www.greatfallsmodelrrclub.org.

In addition, try contacting Terrence King at (207) 933-2477 (after 5:30 p.m.) or at P.O. Box 509, Monmouth, ME 04259-0509. You may also e-mail him at [email protected]. He’s involved with the Great Falls Model Railroad Club.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m from upstate New York and my brother is from Colorado. We’re formerly from Rumford. We recently were visiting the Boothbay region and tried to purchase some Needhams, which were made by Seaveys of Lewiston. We were told that they went out of business, and this item was no longer available. We would like to find a recipe to make them. Can you help? Regards. – Joseph E. Gamache, Malta, N.Y.

Answer: You and your brother might like to try the following recipe from “Cooking Downeast” by Marjorie Standish and featured in several columns here:

Best Needhams from “Cooking Downeast” by Marjorie Standish. Ingredients: ¾ cup mashed potatoes (not seasoned), ½ teaspoon salt, two 1-pound packages confectioner’s sugar, 1 stick margarine, ½ pound flaked coconut, 2 teaspoons vanilla. Method: Pare and cook potatoes to make ¾ cup mashed potatoes (not seasoned). Add salt. Using a double boiler, place margarine in it and melt over boiling water. Add mashed potatoes, confectioner’s sugar, flaked coconut and vanilla. Mix well and turn into a buttered jellyroll pan. Spread evenly. Place in a cool place to harden. When hard, cut into small squares and dip in the following chocolate mixture.

Chocolate dip ingredients: 1 12-ounce package chocolate bits, 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, ½ a cake of paraffin (2½ by 2½ – the same paraffin that is used on top of jam and jelly). Method: Use a double boiler again. Place paraffin in top over boiling water to melt. Then add the two kinds of chocolate. Allow chocolate to melt. Stir well to mix ingredients. A toothpick or cake tester may be used to dip the Needham squares. Hold each square above chocolate mixture after dipping so the squares drain well. Place on waxed paper to harden. Recipes will make 66 good-sized Needhams. Recipe halves easily.

You may also purchase Needhams locally at:

Maine Gourmet Chocolates, 66 4th Street, Auburn, (207) 783-8972, made to order to assure freshness and open by appointment only; Mary’s Candy, 238 Main St., Lewiston, (207) 783-9824; and Sweets and Treats Inc., 550 Center St., Auburn, (207) 783-7993 and Bob’s Peanut & Candy Co., Lewiston (207) 783-1731.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].