What I did on my summer vacation

[Anonymous]

Visited Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe, WA). Its website (http://www.mrsr.com/) boasts, "All trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives," and their roster includes 5 engines, 3 of which are geared (Shay, Heisler, Climax).

Imagine the disappointment upon arrival at Elbe to see, "We are having a Diesel Day."

A very scenic ride, the relatives loved it, and we turned the trip into an opportunity to explore Mt. Rainier National Park. But I wouldn't have driven 2 hours from Seattle for a diesel. Should I have called ahead to check? Possibly, but the website says ALL trains are steam powered on one page, and "Every train" on another. No mention of the possibility of a diesel, so I didn't think it was an issue, especially with the variety of power on the roster. Not only was the train diesel, but the steam locomotives were nowhere in evidence, so no chance for even photographs of them.

I really felt blindsided. [:(]

[Anonymous]

Visited Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe, WA). Its website (http://www.mrsr.com/) boasts, "All trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives," and their roster includes 5 engines, 3 of which are geared (Shay, Heisler, Climax).

Imagine the disappointment upon arrival at Elbe to see, "We are having a Diesel Day."

A very scenic ride, the relatives loved it, and we turned the trip into an opportunity to explore Mt. Rainier National Park. But I wouldn't have driven 2 hours from Seattle for a diesel. Should I have called ahead to check? Possibly, but the website says ALL trains are steam powered on one page, and "Every train" on another. No mention of the possibility of a diesel, so I didn't think it was an issue, especially with the variety of power on the roster. Not only was the train diesel, but the steam locomotives were nowhere in evidence, so no chance for even photographs of them.

I really felt blindsided. [:(]

[Anonymous]

all 3 features on the DURBAN AND GREENBRIER VALLEY RAILROAD --- the SALAMDER (BOTH RIDES ) is best; the DURBAN ROCKET , well restored Climax gear steam engine, was worth the effort. The TYGART FLYER was OK. Also rode the CASS SCENIC RAILROAD. SUPER- met people who rode a dozen times and I can see why. Wil ldefinately do again with recording equipment next time. All 4 rides are close by and visit Greenbank Radio Telescope facility while there- impressive[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

all 3 features on the DURBAN AND GREENBRIER VALLEY RAILROAD --- the SALAMDER (BOTH RIDES ) is best; the DURBAN ROCKET , well restored Climax gear steam engine, was worth the effort. The TYGART FLYER was OK. Also rode the CASS SCENIC RAILROAD. SUPER- met people who rode a dozen times and I can see why. Wil ldefinately do again with recording equipment next time. All 4 rides are close by and visit Greenbank Radio Telescope facility while there- impressive[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

My wife and I went to the New Hope and Ivyland, Gettysburg Railroad, Northlandz Model railroad, Steamtown, Altoona in Oct (Railfest 2003), Mt Ranier Senic RR AND took the American Orient Express Train fron Salt Lake City to Seattle. Visited Yellowstone Natl Park, Grand Teaton Natl Monument and Glacier Natl Park. That trip was fabulous. It was a GREAT TRAIN SUMMER.

[Anonymous]

My wife and I went to the New Hope and Ivyland, Gettysburg Railroad, Northlandz Model railroad, Steamtown, Altoona in Oct (Railfest 2003), Mt Ranier Senic RR AND took the American Orient Express Train fron Salt Lake City to Seattle. Visited Yellowstone Natl Park, Grand Teaton Natl Monument and Glacier Natl Park. That trip was fabulous. It was a GREAT TRAIN SUMMER.

[pleach]

I visited the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington 2-footer museum in Maine. (Also stopped at Red's for the "Best Lobster Roll in New England".)
I have volunteered to go back to WW&F in October to help lay track! How cool is that!

[pleach]

I visited the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington 2-footer museum in Maine. (Also stopped at Red's for the "Best Lobster Roll in New England".)
I have volunteered to go back to WW&F in October to help lay track! How cool is that!

[Anonymous]

Viseted the Sumpter Valley Railway.

[Anonymous]

Viseted the Sumpter Valley Railway.

[Anonymous]

Visited Strasburg and Valley R.R.; Rode Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern, Steamtown, and Cape Cod Central.

[Anonymous]

Visited Strasburg and Valley R.R.; Rode Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern, Steamtown, and Cape Cod Central.

[JEIERMANN]

During a visit to Chicago I had a chance to visit the Museum of Science and Industry and check out their new monster model layout with my grandson Joey. It is an outstanding representation of what can be done in HO. The only negative about the whole thing was that the trains ( and there are many running at the same time ) seem all be moving at a scale 70 mph or faster. That might be ok for the country scenes but it sure wasnt' for the urban scenes.

Joey got a big kick out of all the animation that was on the layout, especially the scenes that were activated when he pushed a button.

[JEIERMANN]

During a visit to Chicago I had a chance to visit the Museum of Science and Industry and check out their new monster model layout with my grandson Joey. It is an outstanding representation of what can be done in HO. The only negative about the whole thing was that the trains ( and there are many running at the same time ) seem all be moving at a scale 70 mph or faster. That might be ok for the country scenes but it sure wasnt' for the urban scenes.

Joey got a big kick out of all the animation that was on the layout, especially the scenes that were activated when he pushed a button.

[delalla]

Managed to make it up to the Cumbres and Toltec in Colorado. Nice to see it running - even with only one engine and no funding support from Colorado. Beautiful ride and we only started a few spot fires - not to mention getting an extra three hours of running since due to a bad bearing and bad traction up the grades.