Rooster, you might consider bringing your fat wallet tomorrow and embrace some steam.
Was good to catch up with Cliff, and we’ll see everyone else tomorrow morning.
Got a later than planned start, made a wrong exit choice on the interstate and a gas stop that took almost an hour. We landed at the campground around 3. By the time we were set up things were winding up, so we hung here. Ric and Jan stopped by and we got caught up. See everyone else in the morning.
If my wallet was that fat I would be retired and would have been there Thursday with Ric and Hollywood.
Kids say the dangdest things 
What a great group !!! A number of gents (friends) showed up at Ken’s today. Not only did a fair portion of the railroad get sold to the group, but they willingly assisted getting the track off the layout and helped take down a shade tent. I would like to thank all those who did show and assist. I’m sure you have given to Kens’ memory as he himself would have given to any of you who needed assistance… And a well deserved thank you to Ric and Jan Golding for coordinating the endeavor.
Sorry I didn’t capture any pics but I do know that a number were taken.
Dave
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Yes, what great people! Thanks to Ric and Dave for setting things up and calling the shots.
It was great to get to know Bev a bit more, and several others. Wow, I so regret not having made KOPS a priority a long time ago! And now, it’s no more.
I was in awe though, seeing how things fell into place today, people buying stuff, the track being taken up very quickly. A major solution came with Gary from Buffalo (forgive me for not getting your last name, Sir!) volunteering to take all the track and unsold rolling stock, to sell on Ebay and give the proceeds to Bev. To me, that was the bow on the whole package.
But here’s the big news item: Rooster finally fell in with the dark side (where he belongs, mind you) and bought one of Ken’s big steam locos! So soon, he’ll be able to say “Amtrash” and finally mean it!
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I personally see no proof of that Cliff?
I heard it from the highest possible sources there today, who will perhaps provide the more conclusive evidence you are requesting.
Anyone get a pic of Rooster sneaking No. 20 into his truck while everyone else was having pizza?
Nice group shot now if I could learn how to upload the thumbnail size pic that you can open to full size I added names to the group
Back row going left to right as you look at it:
Bruce Chandler, Kevin Brunt?, Roger, Marilyn Radder, Ric Golding at shed doorway
Front row from left:
Jean Chandler, Jan Golding, John Radder, Gary Buchanan, Bob McCown, Dave Marconi, Cliff Jennings, Gary, Bev Brunt, and Dave.
And can’t leave out Boh on the leash.
Please add last names and or corrections as needed
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I was really hoping I could make my way up there to see everyone. However, I was getting some work done at the house and time got away from me. As I have moved further south, it’s now pretty much a two day drive.
It’s been almost 7 years since I last saw Ken. We were chasing the N&W 611 in VA. The second day Bruce Chandler joined us.
I got together with Jon Radder last November up in Essex, Connecticut. It was a good day of watching the steam engines there. But our time together was much too short.
Hopefully, there will be another opportunity to see some of you in the future.
Ralph
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Would have been great seeing you Ralph. You were mentioned and missed by most of us there
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Rather than post all the pics I took I just decided to do this. If you don’t want the (music/NOISE) then turn down your, you’re speakers.
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Was good to see everybody yesterday, just wish it was under better circumstances. Im glad we could help Bev get his train stuff in order.
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Wow! Great job Rooster! Tell me you can be a human and watch that with dry eyes. Way to go, Rooster(read with some disgust). This had to be hard to even put together. Fantastic job on the music. Really worthwhile and sets the tone. Your talents always amaze me, in kind of a strange way. Thank you.
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Many, many thanks to Ric and Hollywood! Great work guys.
I was tasked with taking pictures and mostly forgot, but I did get a few. Quite frankly, that was a VERY tough day.
Bob (drinking AGAIN!), and Gary.
Gary & Jon.
Gary, but Jon IS off to the left, examining a car…
Hollywood is taking up some track, while Bob is headed off somewhere.
The buildings seemed to go rather quickly.
Gary (Rooster is in the background) in the “barn”. I. was amazed that Ken owned so many engines.
Ric and Hollywood take up more track. There sure was a LOT of track!
Ric getting ready to take down the canopy.
Ric & Rooster figuring out how it all comes apart.
Gary with the canopy…
It got harder as more of the railroad disappeared. Cliff takes a picture while Roger looks on.
Cliff (probably trying to NOT be tempted to get any more stuff as his vehicle was MORE than filled to the brim!)
It wasn’t all work, of course - we did get a chance to socialize. Here’s Hollywood talking to Bob, while Roger looks on.
And now we see Hollywood, Rooster, Bob and Roger.
Hollywood worked all day - and two days before!
Wow, does THAT look empty!
The ladies got to sit! Jan (and Bo) talk with Bev while Marilyn and Jean sit by…
The tractor was used a lot, hauling items back and forth…
The barn sure emptied out quickly - here Hollywood and Bob look over one of Ken’s engines, checking out all of the chargers.
Empty…
Bev, Jan, Marilyn & Jean.
Cliff, Dave, and Gary, check out the cart hauling cars.
Gary and Bob reflect on a job well done!
Then it’s time to get ready for the group picture.
The strange group…
It sure was good to see folks again, but what a way to see them. Thanks to Ric and David Marconi for doing so much to help Bev…
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Nice job on the pictures, Bruce. Between you and Rooster, KOPS22 was well documented. I don’t think I, or anyone else, could ask for more. The Operations was certainly a success and I I feel a good closer for all of us. It was easy to be goal oriented and do the job, when we started, but as the end came closer it started getting harder. Truly a job well done to everyone involved. I think we succeeded with what Ken would have would have wanted us to do. THANK YOU!
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I agree, amazing job Rooster. Perfect song, too. Got me choked up for sure, with all your great photos and how you composed them – especially the last set with the bench. Atta boy Dude.
And thanks Bruce for your photo essay, wonderful job.
Can’t add much, but here’s a couple more pics for additional flavor…
This was before my car got full:
Rooster was complaining about having dry eyes, dude, get some Visine.
Jon and Bob…
Here’s the BD surrounded by supporters offering him the finger of fellowship:
And yeah, here’s Rooster working the remote of a steamer, as he’s working out which one to buy (so no one’s gonna back me up on this??!)
All kidding aside, it was great to remember Ken with his family and long-time friends, and learn more from everyone about just how great a guy Ken was. It was a true privilege to be there.
Cliff
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