Large Scale Central

KVRWY November OPS WEEKEND

Conventions, Shows, Clubs and Get-Togethers
#21

The ““Ops”” weekend went rather well… Everyone Just finished breakfast up at ““Lil Nashville”” truck stop, and they are all headed on their way… Ken and Bart, running easterly, heading back home… Bruce and Jean, Heading westerly to the airport to catch a flight… Ric & Doug, back up north to Ric’s house, and I headed south, to home…

I never did get any pictures taken, hopefully, some pictures will start appearing soon…

Was a great weekend, good friends, great food, and Wonderful weather, Highs both days in the mid 70’s…

#22

I truely am worthless on the OPs Weekends at getting pictures posted. I apologize and will strive to get some pictures posted now that all have left and things are getting returned to normal. It is Saturday afternoon and this picture shows Bruce and Jean Chandler bringing their train “Westbound Lumber Extra” past Sweetwater on its way to KV Cabins at the old “Log Camp”.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/081103%20004.jpg)

At the same time, AndyC, aka Rubber Duck, aka Consolidated Yardmaster, works his string of cars as Joe Kelly looks on at Consolidated in the front yard.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/081103%20005.jpg)

At the other end of the back yard, the “Westbound Coal Turn” is backing into Fiddle with its load of outbound coal from the Owl’s Bend Chance Coal Processing Plant in the “Southern Division”. Infamous, Southern Illinois coal is mined on the KVRwy and hauled for cleaning, sorting and processing to Owl’s Bend before being sent to the outside world at Fiddle.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/081103%20006.jpg)

The “Westbound Lumber Extra” has now made it to Pin Oak, as seen behind the portable live steam track and takes on water before the climb to KV Cabins at Red Bud.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/rgolding/081103%20007.jpg)

#23

Well, we made it back. Though there were a few questionable moments at the airport. The two armed agents with dogs at our gate was a bit of a concern, not to mention the power outage. Then our plane wasn’t there at boarding time. But, we made it back on schedule. Our last planned flight. It’s driving from now on; that 12 hour wait in the airport on the way out was just no fun.

But, the weekend sure made up for it. We had a great time. More pictures in a bit.

#24

glad to hear yall got back safe and sound…

#25

We had planned to spend Friday afternoon over at Andy’s, but American Airlines decided that they’d try to fix the cockpit door, instead. So, Saturday dawned nice and clear and Andy was kind enough to let us come out. I picked up Doug over at Ric’s and headed down to his nice layout.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5489.JPG)

Jean and Jane Clarke discussed the plants. They have 34 new trees to plant.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5491.JPG)

It really is a nice layout, and I look forward to operating there soon. (None of this 10 year plan, Andy!!!) We headed back to Ric’s for the start of the session. I finally got to meet Andre! Here’s Doug, Bart, and Andre enjoying the great weather.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5495.JPG)

With two dogs, Ric finds it occasionally necessary to patrol the yard and remove offending objects.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5503.JPG)

That evening, Andre challenged us all to sip some of the nice beverages he had brought…and also managed to represent LSC rather nicely.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5508.JPG)

It’s really nice as we get to operate over two days. On Sunday, Ken and Doug decided to sit on a siding for quite some time. I think they offended the dispatcher. :wink:

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5523.JPG)

All in all, a gorgeous and fun weekend. Here’s Andy as the yardmaster at Consolidated.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5525.JPG)

Every morning, we were greeted by a gorgeous sunrise from our motel window.

(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Events/KVRY/IMG_5530.JPG)

I wish I had taken more pictures, but, once again, we were just having too much fun enjoying the good company and operating on the KV!

#26

Thanks Ric & Bruce for the pictures. Looks like everyone had a great time :smiley:

#27

Bruce,
Very glad you made it home without too much anxiety. We have given up unnceccessary flying years ago. It is just too strange of an event.

Jon,
Bob is still experiencing a problem with the number of pictures I have in the freight shed. We should get it worked out, today. Please stay tuned.

#28

I was looking at a bunch of Amtrak timetables. It is possible to take the train from Ottawa to St.Louis…which isn’t too far from Ric’s place…
It’s even easier to get there from Washington…from what I gather…Trains 29, and 301 will get you to St.Louis from Washington.
The train from Ottawa is from Ottawa to Toronto, then Toronto to Chicago, Chicago to St.Louis.
I haven’t checked connections, but there might be a few overnights in hotels…but then there is much more to see on a train, and less hassel with security. You can even walk around and buy a friend a drink. Yes, people are even friendly on the train, and make the trip most enjoyable, as part of the holiday.

#29

There is even a train from Spokane to Chicago, then on to St. Louis. From there I can walk to Ric’s.

#30

We can get you a lot closer than St. Louis by going to Centralia, Illinois. Look for routes of the “City of New Orleans”.

However, we will arrange transportation from any transportation hub. :wink: Guests are always welcome.

73 degrees at 2:59 pm CST 11/04/08 - a little unusual.

#31

Fr Fred,
If you are serious about taking the train here’s my suggestion (since you are closer to Montreal than Toronto): Go to Montreal and catch Amtrak’s #68 “The Adirondack” due out at 930am arriving in Albany, NY at 530pm: transfer to #49 “Lakeshore Ltd” due out at 705pm (suggest a sleeper on #49) arriving in Chicago at 945am the following morning. A short stay at Union Station and you can depart Chicago at 145pm on #21 “The Texas Eagle” which would put you into St Louis at 721pm that evening. This would arrive you in St Louis at a decent hour and avoid having an overnite motel stay along the way. Sure beats driving or flying! Good Luck.

#32

Arrived safely at Bart’s yesterday at about 2:30 pm. Checked some clearance issues on the big, honking Aristo Mike that Bart got in a swap with Andre(won’t make the turn on a bend), Did some errands around the town of Ft. Gay and gabbed with the neighbor accross the street.Had a wonderful dinner, watched some TV, went to bed, then back on the road to West Grove about 6:45 this AM. Arrived home safe and sound about 3, fed the dogs, ran up to vote, had dinner, yakked with the wife, and here I’m…:wink:

More pix in a bit…

Did I mention we had a great weekend? If I didn’t, well, we did!

#33

“Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans…Illinois Central, Monday mornin’ rail…”

#34

Ken, Glad you arrived safely…

I thought it was a wonderful weekend…

#35

Some pix from the weekend…

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps010.jpg)

Ric and Doug enjoying the warm weather on the Bluestone Southern

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps012.jpg)

Bart gets a picture of his Shay hauling a load of coal hoppers

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps013.jpg)

Jan, Bart, Doug and John catch the Shays progress

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps016.jpg)

Saturday morning and Andre, Bruce, Doug and Bart have a minor problem at Redbud to untangle

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps018.jpg)

Bruce and Doug discuss switching moves at KV Cabins

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps019.jpg)

Skip McKuens beautiful 4-4-0 does a turn on the Live Steam track…

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps021.jpg)

Bruce in a state of befuddlement over a switching move at KV Cabins

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps026.jpg)

Another problem at Redbud (sorry, can’t remember the names here)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/KV%20Ops%20session/KVOps028.jpg)

Ric trying to resolve the issue at Redbud Thanx to all involved at the operating session for a wonderful weekend and a special thanx to Jan Golding for the brownies…(and the rest of the food)…:wink:

#36

KV Cabins and its connection at Red Bud is an interesting part of the railroad. It does take concentration. switchbacks make you think. The picture shows me recovering my “Southern Switching List” from Tom and Kent that they were suppose to bring to Southern Division before starting their run. It is hard to get the loads ready for when they arrive, if you just have to guess. :wink:

#37

I think thats Doug’s fault…

#38
Bart Salmons said:
I think thats Doug's fault.....
I have to agree. Not because I was there to see, but because Doug has always been quick to post my numerous screw-ups in Canada :)

Perhaps if we keep bashing him over here he’ll stop in to defend himself? :smiley: :smiley:

#39

A good selection of pictures show what went on. I’m sorry to say that many of ours got farkled. We’ll see if we can post them, later.

#40

So what’s the track at KV Cabins look like that had Bruce corn-fused?