I just wanted to extend my public thank to the Rose City Garden Railway Society for opening the homes and railroads to my family and others during their annual “Railroads in the Garden Summer Tour.” I especially want to extend our thanks to LSC member Warner Swarmer and his friend TJ for opening their railroad to us before the tour to allow for some in depth “train talk” absent the crowds!
We were all impressed by each individual’s or family’s choices in balancing desires against resources of space, microclimate, and topography, and CINCHOUSE even noted how each railroad was tailored to favor its owners’ personal emphasis, be it realistic operations, scale plantings, or access to finicky throttles and fuel valves. More importantly, we all enjoyed the company of fellow garden / train / garden railway enthusiasts, and the kids in particular saw that this was a hobby that they could grow into and possibly even take with them. We left with a lot of ideas, a new injection of enthusiasm, and hopefully some renewed and new friendships, all of which are priceless gifts.
On behalf of Clan Mueller, thanks again to the crew in Portland, and good luck hosting the convention!
Eric