Toy train operating and collecting

I don't know how many people attended this event (that are online via the forums) but I thought it was a disappointment. Highs included actually seeing steam locos that are NOT in museums, touring cabooses, free parking, ease of staffing and location, and looking at model set ups and such.  Lows included the high entry fee, trains were NOT moving and somewhat museum-like, the lines for the locomotives (to look at interiors) was so long it wasn't worth waiting for, also, we could not view the interiors of the passenger cars that were on location.  Since I went on a day it rained, many people were crammed in places that were covered (so it was difficult to view the model layouts) and I often was bumped into with dirty feet and dirty strollers.

Although the show was somewhat interesting, I don't plan on returning to the show in the future unless things change.  I could spend that $$ somewhere else (and I won't be crowded).   I am glad that vintage steam came together for a week thou- especially the daylight (which I've never cared a whole lot for albie is neat) so people can keep the hearitage alive.   

I had a great time.  Beautiful Michigan weather.  Cool and sunny all day.  Loved the crowds and the joy on the faces of the little kids as they stared in amazement of the steam driven beasts of the the past. (You have not seen a crowd until you attend an OSU - Michigan Game at the Shoe.)  Notice the guy in the Buckeye jersey below.

Of course, since I have worked around a track or two in my day, I expected it to be dirty, but it wasn't as bad as the wheel greasers on the southern Ohio serpentine curves.    The smell and taste of the black soot reminded me of the open air cars on the tourist trains. 

Had a great time talking with the staff of TRAINS magazine.  Purchased a copy of the 100 Greatest Photos as my souvenir of the show. 

NKP 765 is a beautiful locomotive.  I remember seeing it as a kid in Fort Wayne behind a fence going to rust. 

Of course no one was interested in the SP Daylight.......................

The Michigan Lego Club's layout is better than any I had seen before. 

I found it ironic that the largest three rail layout was being controlled by TMCC and MTH's booth was just a few feet away from their mainline track. 

We rode behind this beuatiful fireman on our short train ride through the countryside

Of course, some of us are not welcomed back.........

Thanks Buckeye for the shots of the festival...mine are all still in the camera.  I thought the event was great, and did not mind paying the price of entry - keeping in mind that this is a major fundraiser and targets proceeds to keep the steam alive.  I didn't mind the crowds, even though I'd rather not have "people" in my pictures of these great steamers of the past.  While I did not take the excursion, We ( son and I) found great fun in chasing the train from Alma to Owosso taking pictures at various country-side grade crossings - both the Daylight and NKP.  Overall, I hope that the huge crowd made the event a super success for the benefit of the Pere Marquette 1225.  Just think of all the work that these dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers put in,  Great Job guys and gals!  This from a loyal Spartan and his father.

Thanks for the pics, Buckeye. (Now, please get back to your full-time job bugging his Honor, as I am not very good at it.)

Taking pictures with crowds of people around can be challenging, and nothing new.  I have plenty of books that have photos of such gatherings, and I view them as period pieces, noting the style of dress and cars around.  However, folks dress so darn "frumpy" these days, I have to modify my "people filter".  I always look for places where I can be elevated above the throngs.

I attended the event and loved it. I rode behind the 4449 on friday and photgraphed the 765 on saturday. This was a wonderful event, well planned and executed. The planners at SRI should give themselves a nice round of applause for their efforts.I took 236, count'em, 236 photographs with my Nikon D60. I traveled 10 hours by car up there and 10 hours back and it was worth even minute of it. Thanks SRI, you did an excellent job. We need more organizations like yours in the preservation side of the hooby.

Thanks,

George