Just a quick "plug" for IRM - today is a very good day to visit the webcams at http://www.irm.org because it's the first of IRM's five Thomas days. There's a lot happening today and during the next two weekends, so enjoy.

As usual, a good show. I only watched for about 5 minutes yesterday but saw, in addition to the Thomas train, a diesel powered passenger train on the mainline, a 2-car train of CTA 4000's, a 2-car North Shore train, and an Illinois Terminal car (415 ?). Pretty good crowd for a day with semi-questionable weather. Already a good crowd out this morning at just past 9:00 AM.

The 2-week Thomas visit begs a question, what happens with Thomas during the week ? Is it taken off-site, left on-site in a viewable but presumably non-operating capacity, or stored out-of sight on the property ?

A very good attendance today for Thomas with all 14 regular trips 100% sold out before noon. At that time we added our first extra and were considering adding a second extra when I left about 3 PM. Although incoming visitors cars were slowing considerably by then.

We were running eight different trains on three different routes, and the trolleys were basically load and go all day long with standing room only on every car. Makes for interesting dispatching but electric remote controlled track switches help keep things on schedule as the Thomas train was within a minute of 'advertised' for every trip. Note that Thomas shares some trackage with the trolleys and the main line trains, and the trolleys share both the Thomas route in one area, and main line trackage in another spot.

As to John's question, during the week the Thomas engine stays on site, but I believe the contract stipulates it be inside or tarped in an inconspicuous location. So it is NOT on display. One more weekend at IRM. By the following Monday it will be on the road to the next scheduled destination.

Bob Kutella

Bob:

I had my two sons and their wives and a total of four grandchildren down at IRM today to see and ride behind Thomas. The two grandsons (ages 2 an 5) are both "nuts" about Thomas.

The rest of the rail attractions were most enjoyable. We got to ride the diesel powered passenger train on the main line and the CSL "matchbox" streetcar on the trolley loop. Plus inspections of some of the car barns. A very good time!

Les

Two more days this Sat and Sunday so if you are in the area feel free to stop by