Sunday, September 20, 2015

Convention Showcase

 The combination of the ATRRM Convention and IRM's annual Showcase Weekend (Member's Day) can only be described as a huge success, we think.  There were lots of people doing various things, and everybody seemed to be having a great time.  I was too busy to take many pictures, but I'm sure other people will take up the slack.  All four of us (Al, David, Frank, and I) were there for the festivities.

On Thursday and Friday we ran a couple of two-car trains for the convention throttle-twisters. 


And there were many seminars on a large range of subjects in various places.



For instance, our experts can show you the best way to replace ties.  







On Saturday, we ran the four-car CA&E wood train for capacity crowds in the morning.


Of course, there were many other trains operating.  Both the 1630 and the 9911A were pulling nine-car trains.  It was extremely impressive.





And on Saturday night, we had our annual night-time extravaganza.  The 309 ran as a single car, along with the Zephyr, the steam train, the bilevels, the North Shore cars, and there were photographers everywhere.   I'm sure Chuck Amstein will have some great photos for us shortly, and other submissions are welcome, as always.  It was a real blast!

Update 1:  See this nice photo collection by Tim Fennell.   Thanks!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's nice to see that IRM's Zephyr now has sleeping car service.

-Hudson

Randall Hicks said...

You too can enjoy our popular new overnight service to Kishwaukee Grove, so you'll arrive relaxed and refreshed.

Unknown said...

Yes and there is an electrically powered service so you arrive clean and fresh with no dirt or soot to soil your clean shirts!

Unknown said...

An absolute pleasure riding with you as always. Wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

I always thought an interesting special event would be "IRM Bed-And-Breakfast." Several serviceable sleeping cars are on the property, and diners. The IT train would be especially interesting to experience.

Joel Ahrendt said...

I had about 20 people at my seminar on Street Car inspections. It was pretty cool. I think some of them actually got something out of it.

Unknown said...

My wife and I walked through the barn and saw the 36 yesterday. It is a beautiful job of restoration that you have accomplished. Thanks
C Kronenwetter
IRM member

Unknown said...

Hi, I didn't know where to post this.
My dad Glenn Prow, a frequent visitor here, passed away on September 21. He was an avid rail fan who loved the lines of the midwest. We miss our sweet father.

Here is his obituary.
http://forest-park-east.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Glenn-Elliott-Prow-102867692