I’m very disappointed that the “Penguin” car never appeared…well, that, and we didn’t appear either. 
Looking close at the picture is documented proof Andy kept jan on her toes.
More pictures to post when I find my camera.
Bruce Chandler said:Bruce, it was too cold for the penguins.... I didn't want to get arrested for animal cruelty... :)
I'm very disappointed that the "Penguin" car never appeared...well, that, and we didn't appear either. ;)
Actually, I was too dang busy… It was always about 3:30 or 4 pm before I could even think about going outside from the Basement ““Yards””
Dennis, thanks for the comments… I’ve had this vision of this railroad even before we started building this house on the property… Without Jane’s support, it never would have been realized… The support of many friends and adopted family greatly helps one make huge headways…
It was a pleasant ,relaxing, fun weekend; with a fantastic railroad to operate on. From the plans for future track I have heard it can only get better. Looking forward to doing it again.
Looks like all had a good time Andy. Were there cupcakes served ?
Sorry I was late posting the pictures, camera was in the radio bag. Here they are - Saturday started with a briefing in the “Crew Lounge”
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20001.JPG)
Doug Matheson and Mark Godwin head out with their “Setup Train”. This is done the “American Way” by running a train, as opposed to the “Canadian Way”, which involves carrying bread racks to a location. (This has been an inside joke for years)
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20002.JPG)
Here is Robbie Hanson and Al Dahnke working their respective trains in Blufield, right outside the window to the Blufield Yard. Bob Temper is in the background and gives you a little perspective of distance.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20003.JPG)
Bob Temper is checking the position of turnouts at the Industrial Park in Blufield.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20004.JPG)
Joe Montegomery brings along the Industrial Park Local, that Bob was “bending the iron” for.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20005.JPG)
This is John Bible’s power pulling the “Blu-Mem” Train out of Blufield Yard.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20006.JPG)
and the train continues out the porthole of the indoor yard. That’s Aaron’s Shays sitting on the “ready tracks” in Blufield.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20007.JPG)
Mark Godwin and Andy “Blufield Yard Master” aka “Rubberduck” monitor another train working at the “PortHole to the outside World”.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20008.JPG)
Saturday ended about 1700 with the crews shot and 23 trains run.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20010.JPG)
Sunday began with the whole procedure starting over again of feeding crews and having fun.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/rgolding/121005%20012.JPG)
I think for the weekend 47 trains were run (if I can add). Certainly a lot of tonnage of fun was had by all. Thanks to Andy and Jane and all that came to add to the event. Wow! I’m shot.
Dave Marconi said:Hollywood, NO... I didn't think I could get any better than the pineapple upsidedown cupcakes, and you never showed up... :(
Looks like all had a good time Andy. Were there cupcakes served ?
Looks like a good time 
Thanks for all the pictures.
I can’t believe Hollywood didn’t send any cupcakes. How rude 
Ralph
Andy Clarke said:And here I thought one of your friends got the recipe last year from me on this forum, just so you would have them whenever ;)Dave Marconi said:Hollywood, NO... I didn't think I could get any better than the pineapple upsidedown cupcakes, and you never showed up... :(
Looks like all had a good time Andy. Were there cupcakes served ?
Andy thanks for the great weekend of trains and comraderie. We’re looking forward to the next one. Thanks for putting us up for the night. Dan
Andy, do you think this will be an annual event? Can I come even if I bring an RS3?
Bruce Chandler said:Bruce, actually, I'd like to do it more than annually....
Andy, do you think this will be an annual event? Can I come even if I bring an RS3?
I think, if we do it in the fall, I’ll move it to the first part of October, as I think the weather will be a little more pleasant…
And, the RS-3 is no problem, after all, we were running trains with steam engines of all types… shays, climax’s, 4-6-0’s…
The GP-40’s had no problems pulling 8-9 cars by themselves, but some of the 4-6-0’s had a little struggle, along with a few boxcabs… I think about 4-5 boxcabs, MU’d might handle it… Most freightcars were 50 footers or more… Dan’s Rock Island GP-38’s pulled in 16 freightcars during the cleanup runs, and I don’t think he had a problem at all…
Of course, all the trains were short trains, as I don’t have the rolling stock I need to operate as I would like…
I’d really like to have an OPS session once a month, or bi-monthly starting next year… Not sure If I can get enough people that want to play that often…
Andy Clarke said:Andy you forget them boys from Pennsyltucky are not aloud to leave the state.Dave Marconi said:Hollywood, NO... I didn't think I could get any better than the pineapple upsidedown cupcakes, and you never showed up... :(
Looks like all had a good time Andy. Were there cupcakes served ?
A few more Pics taken by a club member during saturday’s operations session: Jane was the dispatcher… Ric’s checking a radio…
Briefings and crews awaiting:
Train being dropped at Evansville:
Robbies BLU-EVA train departing the bluefield yards:
Robbies train working Bluefield:
setup train departing Bluefield yards:
Setup train working Bluefield:
Setup trains running the Hilltop Subdivision:
Setup train ready to cross the back bridge and head into Evansville:
A few more pictures: Dan’s engine/train entering Memphis:
John’s train entering Woodlawn on EVWR trackage:
train entering the north interchange track at woodlawn:
train working woodlawn:
a few overall shots of the railroad:
Are you going to provide golf carts for the crews at future operating sessions…or shuttle buses maybe…?
at the very least, a map and compass to find your way back…