Hi NJ Hi-Railers folks.
Sorry I didn't reply yesterday but I was beat after a somewhat challenging trip home to Long Island after the show; it's hard to believe how only a few inches of snow can turn drivers into meatheads on the roads--there were about ten fender benders, almost all of which had a police and/or ambulance presence, so there were massive rubbernecking delays most of the way home.
But Trainstock itself was terrific as usual; peace, love and trains, or trains, fun and food--however you wish to describe it. Though the turnout was light--undoubtedly due to the threatening weather--those of us that got there had a great time. I know Kathie and I did! There was plenty of non-stop subway action, a scale Big Boy was running all day long, and there were numerous recent-vintage diesels and some other steamers running throughout the day. There were a few teens running trains, too, which was great to see! For much of the day, there was a variety of organ music being played creating a pleasant background sound. In the morning, there were salads, a six-foot hero, hot hors d'oeuvres and shrimp cocktail available. Just before lunch, there was a short but poignant presentation by Chris Lord, the current president of the NJHR, including a tribute to a long-time club member's passing and to Marty Fitzhenry's passing as well. Not long afterward, Vinny and his kitchen helpers put out their customary, fine Italian lunch. Snow started falling just before lunch, so we cut our visit short and left the show about 1:45, earlier than our usual departure. The trip that in the morning took us an hour and twenty minutes instead took us two and a half hours. Ugggghhhh!
Hopefully the weather next year will be better so that more of the OGR Forum folks can get to Paterson for Trainstock 13. In the meantime, there are only about three months 'til the spring York Meet. (And for those willing to make a road trip two weekends in a row, there's the Amherst show at the Big E in West Springfield, Mass.)
Be well.
Chris and Kathie
