It's hard to believe, but it's only two weeks until the SP&S 700 re-creates its original route of Vancouver, WA to Spokane, WA and return. The locomotive is ready, business details are ready, even some small towns along the way that are creating events around our passing through them. As for the crew, Mr. Warren Scholl, Manager Technical Training and Rules, BNSF, has been out to give classes to all crew on safety and operations, Mr. Jeff Schmid, Manager Grade Crossing Safety, BNSF, will be along to observe and be a guest speaker at our nightly events. Overall train commander will be James Schwinkendorf, late of BNSF, now with Hot Rail Services, Inc. Jim has handled many passenger excursions for both BNSF and Frisco 1522, and we are happy to have his expertise and services available to us. For any technical advice, Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, will be on hand as well.
A few tickets remain, a dome has been added to cover our overflow for the first day, and is available for days 2,3,4 on a first come first serve basis. Visit the SP&S 700 website at www.sps700.org for information about the excursion. It's a big engine, a big train, and a big event. We hope to see you there.
John Cox
http://www.sps700.org
johnpcox@juno.com