Yes I heard this statement today many times. The Easter egg train was a complete success. Well not exactly true. But over 600 plus paying passengers rode the Easter
Express today. The day started out clear an cold, with frost on the ground and an almost a full moon still hanging in the western sky. Temps did not rise very fast as the first train to English Lake on the open air car was chilly. The depot was well staffed and ready for the crush of people that would pass thru the doors. It did not take long for the riders to board the train and the LIRR coach was toasty warm, in fact by the 2nd run the doors on each end of the car were opened to permit a breeze to blow thru to cool everyone down.
After a quick lunch in the kitchen car, at 12:30 everyone was ready to go again. The
EL310 performed as normal to English Lake. After crossing the bridge, the train stopped, reversed direction with a jolt and stopped. After some investigation it was
determine that the Interlaken Steel #11, that was on standby at the shop area, was called for duty. John LaOrange an Fred Boyer got it fired up and with the helpers
on the ground the derail was thrown clear an the switches lined for the C&I mainline.
After what seemed like an eternity with many anxious children waiting to get to the
egg hunt an the Wabbit at the park along IN 10, a headlight was seen in the distance.
The #11 arrived, coupled up, had the air cut in and off to the races we went, approx
45 minutes behind schedule. The #11 performed quite well and was working hard
pulling the train with 310 in the consist.
Much to the amazement of riders waiting on the platform at the depot, we blew by
with little time wasted to the park. A quick unload of the train and line up for the
"Wabbit"s" goody bag, we loaded and arrived back at the depot at almost 2:30.
Departure for the 3rd run occured just 20 minutes late. The 310 was cut off the
train and put on the caboose track. #11 returned to the train, coupled up, built up
air and we were off again. The GE sounded good and actually dug down an put
some strain on the engine. The 3rd run had no problems, only a later return.
The Alco had some issues last weekend and thought that they were cleared up by
Wednesday. But a relay had gone bad again and after some contact cleaner, all
seemed well again. More work to be performed in the coming month before startup.
In summary, things went as well. Everyone had a good time, an not one complaint
about the wait at English Lake. Gift shop sales I would say was good, more from Bob
Barcus when the total is added up.
Everyone worked hard and some pre-planning prevented a real crisis.
The troop car crew was working hard inside the shop, I never got that far, but did
know they were there.
So "Are we there yet" yes,we did get there eventually.
Have a good week and Happy Easter wishes to everyone.
Tom Travis
Express today. The day started out clear an cold, with frost on the ground and an almost a full moon still hanging in the western sky. Temps did not rise very fast as the first train to English Lake on the open air car was chilly. The depot was well staffed and ready for the crush of people that would pass thru the doors. It did not take long for the riders to board the train and the LIRR coach was toasty warm, in fact by the 2nd run the doors on each end of the car were opened to permit a breeze to blow thru to cool everyone down.
After a quick lunch in the kitchen car, at 12:30 everyone was ready to go again. The
EL310 performed as normal to English Lake. After crossing the bridge, the train stopped, reversed direction with a jolt and stopped. After some investigation it was
determine that the Interlaken Steel #11, that was on standby at the shop area, was called for duty. John LaOrange an Fred Boyer got it fired up and with the helpers
on the ground the derail was thrown clear an the switches lined for the C&I mainline.
After what seemed like an eternity with many anxious children waiting to get to the
egg hunt an the Wabbit at the park along IN 10, a headlight was seen in the distance.
The #11 arrived, coupled up, had the air cut in and off to the races we went, approx
45 minutes behind schedule. The #11 performed quite well and was working hard
pulling the train with 310 in the consist.
Much to the amazement of riders waiting on the platform at the depot, we blew by
with little time wasted to the park. A quick unload of the train and line up for the
"Wabbit"s" goody bag, we loaded and arrived back at the depot at almost 2:30.
Departure for the 3rd run occured just 20 minutes late. The 310 was cut off the
train and put on the caboose track. #11 returned to the train, coupled up, built up
air and we were off again. The GE sounded good and actually dug down an put
some strain on the engine. The 3rd run had no problems, only a later return.
The Alco had some issues last weekend and thought that they were cleared up by
Wednesday. But a relay had gone bad again and after some contact cleaner, all
seemed well again. More work to be performed in the coming month before startup.
In summary, things went as well. Everyone had a good time, an not one complaint
about the wait at English Lake. Gift shop sales I would say was good, more from Bob
Barcus when the total is added up.
Everyone worked hard and some pre-planning prevented a real crisis.
The troop car crew was working hard inside the shop, I never got that far, but did
know they were there.
So "Are we there yet" yes,we did get there eventually.
Have a good week and Happy Easter wishes to everyone.
Tom Travis
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