Could it happen again?

Twelve years ago this weekend we had a pleasant Thanksgiving surprise. Could it happen again?

The Station in a coating of snow

Clearing the Station Tracks

Greg clearing the High Line

Now Dad could get around in the Plymouth

The snowplow fits all the Pomona South Riverside & Elsinore engines.

Only one way to find out. See you there.

Rudy Run, November 2016

Usually, the weather breaks between the Opener and the Rudy Run. T-shirt weather the first weekend , and where did I leave my jacket weather the next. Not so, this past weekend out here at the tracks. Friday's temperature was down right toasty and Saturday was just a bit cooler. It made for some real enjoyable times for the annual Rudy Run.
The people and trains started to come in early, Thursday, the crew from Salinas showed up. The Burns and RGS 41 with their trailer full of train. And from the other direction Steve Nelson and his bevy of rolling stock and C-21 loaded in his trailer. By the time Friday afternoon had rolled around when we showed up; The Thompsons were in with C&S 13 and the Swain's had The Fitchburg, the Davenport and the peddle things out and about. Friday rolled around to Saturday.

Another beautiful day and it was not lost on activity either. My 4-4-0 polished a rail or two. Jerry McPheeters ran the Edwards Passenger Motor and Matt Z. with JT&S 7 ran and ran to add to the list. The Maywald's were out for the weekend sans engine but not without enjoying the time anyway. Mike Thompson had a few long time friends out for the enjoyment, as usual for me, I forgot their names right after introductions. The Stites' were out albeit briefly to the tracks, always good to see Gary and Margaret. His Caboose project is quite a sight to see. Allan Ratliff was out for a visit in the morning Saturday, it sure is different not having him and Lynn first in and last out around here. Plenty of other folks out for a day to see things and people.
A good time all day and into the afternoon with plenty of action to keep one entertained. With the time change the week before instead of this weekend, it was all too soon before it became Steak Night. I counted over twenty five around at one time while grilling steaks, it looked like everybody was having fun.

Sunday was a little light on operations as the Annual Meeting keeps everyone occupied for most of the morning. But it picked up a bit before everybody started to pack it up for another time. All in all a great weekend with outstanding cooperation from the weather and plenty of railroading fun. See you Thanksgiving Weekend for the Turkey Run.

Another Great Weekend. Joshua Tree Opener

This time of year out in the High Desert is wonderful. It can change in a heartbeat, but it is still wonderful. A Friday mid day departure from down below got us to the tracks in the mid afternoon and with plenty of time to decompress. A few clouds to speak of and none did anything more than look pretty up above. Friday nights BBQ kept everybody fed and nobody was expected in late, time to sit around the shelter area and catch up.

Saturday morning dawned just as nice as Friday, an inspection of the area and kicking of the ties commenced and soon it was time to fire up the engine. We had a few visitors from the Low Desert and the Pass area to show around, they were O Gauger's and looked as if they would be back to see more of the operation. We had three trains going at one time during the day. I had the 4-4-0 and Matt was running the JT&S #7 with a train and Jerry McPheeters had the JT&S Edwards Passenger Motor going as well.
 The leasing of the club locomotives to a responsible party for the operation and maintenance of each piece of equipment has done well. Instead of a piece of equipment that gets used and abused with no thought of maintenance by individuals, One person is responsible for the upkeep and operation of said, individual pride and care for the equipment is fostered and if somebody would like to operate that piece of equipment, arrangements are made through the leaseholder. Unexplained problems and issues have dropped to zero as equipment is tethered while in the car barn and new keys were issued last Fall as to reign in the unauthorized access and use of all equipment inside the building.  Now if we could get the mice to move out we would have it made.
A few projects were kicked around and should get in full swing soon, The big dirt pile East of the Station has gotten smaller, and plans to spread it around to needy places was the main topic. The railroad is a good shape and no foreseeable problems await the Rudy Run in two weeks. Hope to see you then, come on out.