More on Saturday

 When I got out to the property on Saturday morning, I discovered that a post at the east end of Barn 8 had broken off and was lying on the ground.  These posts hold the barn doors open, and with one missing, getting cars in and out is a problem.

But with everything else going on, by the end of the day the B&G guys had installed a new post, and when we got there, Al Choutka and Tom Opolony were just finishing the hardware, so it's even better than before.   Thanks!!!

The 309 and 36 were pulled outside and parked on 82 for the day.

And here we are on the west ladder tracks behind Wheaton Shops:

Two 4000's were running.  Seen here along the low-level platform at Oak Park:

Max was installing new light bulbs for the night-time operations.

And a huge toy train layout was running all three days.

My favorite, of course, is CA&E 308.  Some of the roof boards are coming off and need to be fixed.  Don't worry, I'll get to it soon.

On one trip we collect some rare mileage on Station 2.  

Walter Unglaub does an excellent job as the station announcer.  This is a big help on busy days.

 As mentioned before, Zach volunteered to be a trainman, which was much appreciated.  Ron Seavers was doing his line training on the wood cars and was qualified.

And here a couple of interested visitors are getting a detailed explanation of  what's under the car.  IRM is an educational organization and we're always glad to expound on the many mechanical mysteries involved with the equipment.  And by the way, notice the mirror-like reflection off the tongue-and-groove siding.  

Operations went very well, and our passengers all seemed to be enjoying the ride.  I met some blog readers, which is always nice, and I met Trevor Palcynski.  He's a member at Mt. Pleasant, and had worked on the restoration of the 320, so naturally he wanted to ride the 319.  We talked about the various differences between the cars, and so on.  He knew the late Fred Perry, for instance.   After the 320, he had switched over to the steam operation there, and now wanted to move up to standard-gauge steam, so he was enrolled as a student fireman on the 1630.   There are always interesting people to meet out at the Museum!