For those of you that may be looking for something else to do in addition to riding/chasing the Chinese engines on the weekend of the 16th & 17th, allow me to suggest a visit to the Fort Madison, Farmington & Western in between Donnellson and Fort Madison Iowa. The tracks are located on the actual ROW of a former Q branchline.

If all goes well, yours truly will be serving as a conductor on a train with an authentic CB&Q waycar bringing up the markers. This is a family friendly event ... below is the press release that is being sent out to the various media outlets in the Illinois-Missouri-Iowa area.

If you can make it to Minerville, just ask for Burlington John, I'll see to it that you receive first class treatment!

Regards,
Burlington John

******************************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Douglas Beckman, General Manager
Minerville Country Village Museum
2208 220th Street
Donnellson, IA 52625
Phone: 319-754-7090
www.minermfgco.com/minerville

Minerville Country Village Announces 2006 Operating Schedule

Donnellson, IA- August 29, 2006- Visitors will be able to ride back in time to the village of Minerville on the Fort Madison, Farmington, & Western Railroad during Railroad Days September 16-17, 2006. The two day show will be open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days and will offer a look at life during the 1920’s.

Railroad Days will feature much of the Fort Madison, Farmington, and Western Railroad’s equipment in operation. Railroad equipment operating will include a 1939 steam crane, former CB&Q motorcar “doodlebug”, antique section cars and more. Antique trains will depart frequently for a two-mile train ride through the woods and across a trestle. Unlimited train rides will be included with admission to the show.

Visitors will also be able to stroll through the authentically replicated depot and see the nearly one dozen pieces of standard gauge rolling stock including cars as old as the 1880’s. In addition to the ride, visitors will be able to visit the Minerville old time village, which includes a filling station, general store, print shop, music house, one room schoolhouse, and a fire house.

On Saturday, at noon, longtime volunteer and former Amtrak conductor Virgil Lindberg will be recognized for his service and to celebrate his 80th birthday. His birthday coincides with the 80th birthday of the museum’s Burlington Route #507 motorcar. Mr. Lindberg’s relationship with a “doodlebug” evolves from the time he first hired out with the former Santa Fe Railroad where he worked on one where he would later meet his late wife. Well wishers are encouraged to attend this special event.

Food vendors will be available on the grounds and camping is available at Wilson Lake Park located adjacent to the show grounds. Visitors will also want to visit the Apple Daze celebration which will be held at the same time in Donnellson, Iowa.

More information and ticket pricing can be obtained by contacting the General Manager, Doug Beckman at 319-750-3019 or by visiting our website at www.minermfgco.com/minerville

For information: www.minermfgco.com/minerville
Contact: dbeckman@mchsi.com
Phone: 319-750-3019
###