Its less than two weeks away, what's the best currently scheduled events, excursions, photo freights etc of ought-eight?

In the Pac NW, we're just trying to make sure there's tracks to run on after the crazy weather we've had for two straight winters now...

And with gasoline prices predicted to go right through the roof again this coming year, it might be very useful to know what participants to this forum thought were the best events they attended in 2007 as well. What events did they fell provided the best value for their time and travel expense? Maybe we need to start a separate string for that?

For your time and your money you can't top an NRHS convention....

but for me the best event of the year was a short one -- the ride on the WWF in Maine last spring.... We were only on the train for maybe an hour or so, including a runby... but what that group has accomplished can't be beat... original type equipment on a right of way that's being rebuilt and put back in service, albeit they only add about 1,000 feet of track a year.

Bob H

I vote for two major events on the SVRy (Sumpter Valley Railroad in Eastern Oregon). After several years of paperwork, sweat and apprehension, approval was granted by ODOT to cross Austin Street in Sumpter this past season. This allowed up to spot at the depot in full view of visitors entering the Dredge Heritage State Park. Ridership increased as a result of this event.

Additionally, we just concluded our first ever winter event to Sumpter, Christmas Specials from McEwen to Sumpter and return on two consecutive weekends. Local residents and passengers were delighted. Needless to say all the volunteers and OPS Mgr. Jerry Huck and CMO Scott Hutton were excited as well, even with the additional work brought on by -6 deg F. temperature. Plowing through 14 inches of snow was great!

Dan Denham, Trainmaster

http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,102695

http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,102817

At the Connecticut Eastern RR Museum in Willimantic, so far we have 2 events scheduled for this year.

Heritage Metal Festival, Sat May 3rd, 9am-5pm.
--Multiple metalsmiths will be demonstrating their skills around the site
--2 groups of wandering mistrals will be playing through the day (one in the morning and the other in the afternoon)
--Demonstrator list for 2008 hasn't been finalized but last year we had 10 Blacksmiths, 1 Engraver, 1 Pewtersmith, 1 Silver Clay artist and 2 Ferriers (sans horse).
--Multiple local museum and historical groups were on site with information also.
--This event is also our season opening event.
--2008 Heritage Metal Festival flier

1886 Armstrong Turntable Dedication, date not finalized should be mid to late summer.
--Event to celebrate the completion of the turntable installation.
--More details to follow.

Hope to see you there,

Rich Cizik
MoW Foreman
Blacksmith Shop Co-Head
Ct Eastern RR Museum
Willimantic, Ct 06226
http://www.cteastrrmuseum.org