Lull Before the Storm

Today (Saturday) was fairly quiet but everything went well.  We're all waiting eagerly for the next two Thomas weekends, and I was told that ticket sales have been up to their highest level since about 2017, so that's superb.

Before we get to the serious stuff, today (I was told) saw the first operation at IRM of what I'll call the Root Beer Diesel, A&W 30.    

If you know one Diesel from another, you're better informed than I, but at least I know that root beer is the official soft drink of Hicks Car Works, and A&W is top shelf.

Be that as it may, ridership was moderate today, and mainline trains were limited to one electric and one steam.  CA&E 319 and 36 were in operation again, and everything went well.

Our tireless track gang was out finishing up their work on the 7-8 switch.

The CA&E crew consisted of motorman Chris Buck, trainman me, and conductor Josh Reynolds, a relatively new member I hadn't worked with before.  But of course we got along well, everything went smoothly, and again, no dewirements.  It's almost spooky.

The ever-popular 1630 was pulling the coach train.

Running on a reduced schedule, the two cars were nearly full on every trip.

Finally, in building news, the Lean Zero is indeed insulated.

And the ceiling over the track space in the extension is being installed.

So every day in every way, things are getting better and better.

Of course, there's no substitute for coming out in person and seeing it for yourself.

Finally, I can highly recommend our friend David Sadowski's two most recent posts on his site of the 70 for 70 pageant.  They provide excellent coverage of nearly everything.