January 2017 Work Planning

[Mike Fox]

Zack worked on 67, cutting a brace, but was unable to finish it due to a broken table saw.
I did a little work on the equipment car, started removing decking.

I talked with a few guests during lunch, and they were very pleased with the day so far.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

It was quite a day with the "Monson" train being a big hit. South to north the consist was a flatcar, Monson #3, another flatcar and coach #8.   This is a replication of a train seen in a photo on the MRR in the 1930's.  There were numerous run-bys at Albee's and AC with the Monson set up as well as our #9 with a nice mixed train.  Albee's field was a great setting for the early to mid-day scenes with later run-bys at AC and Humason Brook trestle.  A number of guests came into AC depot to warm up during the shoots and there were many good comments.  The night photo session went well with #9 on the turntable and #3 staged next to the freight house platform.  Expert lighting by Steve H. and crew made the scenes really pop.  The night session ended at 6:00 with everyone happy with their photos and talking about tomorrows trains.

[Ed Lecuyer]

"Bar none, the best event of this kind I have ever attended."

Just one comment at the end of day one. I heard nothing but accolades all day. I think we made a lot of new friends today. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and next weekend too.

[Joe Fox]

Operation Winter Steam Weekend 1 was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. We all had a part in a gear this weekend, rather it was the hours of dedication prior to the weekend and sleepless nights thinking about what would make it fantastic, or manning the trains, photo lines, kitchen, and much more. This was an absolute great event. 16-18 people had never seen a two footer, and want to come back.

Again thank you to everyone involved. Rather it was one day or one hour, all the help paid off to make things go so smooth. A few minor glitches here or there but we pulled through and everyone had a really good time. (I even saw Jason smile today.)

[Mike Fox]

Without all the dedication and planning Joe spoke of, I would not have been able to get these shots. The departing train today.

[Ira Schreiber]

From far "away", I say thank you all for making it possible.

Ira

[Joe Fox]

While #3 had to take on some water, #9 pushed the 7 car train ahead for some switching moves.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TqM0pnoEwR0

Video credit goes to Tom Gears, one of our guests during the event.

[Bob Holmes]

With the cold temperatures (lots of steam) and the lingering snow on the ground, this has been a superb portrayal of winter Maine narrow gauge railroading as it once was.

Congratulations to all of you who made this event so successful ( but esp Joe and Mike).

I can't wait to see other pix/films...

Bob

[Mike Fox]

Don't give me any credit. I just helped. Jason and Joe did the majority of the planning. Jason made an operating plan, and revised it several times. In the end, I think everyone enjoyed doing it, participating in it, and photographing it.

One added bit of info. On a normal operating day, Maine Narrow Gauge uses radios for signals and communication. We do not. These guys were able to take a quick rules review and adapt to our operating style. Just like they had always been running like that. It was great.

[Joe Fox]

Here is a video link of the flying cut off at Alna Center from one of our guests.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy-OM02fo4o

[Wayne Laepple]

A hearty Well Done to all who made this happen! I wish I could have been there to help out.

[john d Stone]

Looks like a fantastic event! I'm especially impressed by the pusher sequence. Cutting off on the fly takes some coordination and can be bungled easily.
Congratulations on yet another well executed event! 

[James Patten]

Anticipated work for weekend of Jan 21, 2017

Basically a repeat of last weekend, minus a board meeting.

[Mike Fox]

Plus a little more snow, to hide the ice..

[Greg Klein]

temps in the double digits?