I went up to Heber today and found NNRy #93 slowly building steam up getting ready for what might be her last call in Heber this weekend before returning to her home in Ely, NV. #618 and #75 were just being put back together after boiler washes and some minor maintenance jobs. All three will operate this weekend, so if you missed it before, this might be your last chance, with fewer crowds!
It was nice to have a brief break after the whirlwind 24hr ops during the Olympics, but I must say that everyone is a bit melancholy thinking that this Cinderella dream is coming to an end. I add my thoughts to Doc's below, this has truly been a priceless opportunity to work with the Nevada guys and other railroaders from all over the country, exchange ideas, and learn new techniques and info all around. At a post-olympic crew party, there were reports of crusty old railroaders getting misty eyed, but I'm sure it must have been the coal smoke or some ashes blowing around.

I heard you guys did a spectacular job, wish I could have been there to witness this incredible event. People like you folks who did such a wonderful job keeping the trains running are more than just skilled railroaders and outstanding preservationists. You and your trains were ambassadors. You did a fine thing for America and I hope I speak for everyone on this board when I tell you how very proud of you we all are.

-Angie

Ladypardus@cs.com

As former NNRy volunteer and employee, I must say that I am so proud of my freinds at the NNRY for making this happen. I can't forget thank to the Heber Creeper people too, it wouldn't have happened without them and they run an A-1 First Class operation over there in Heber City.

It's hard to believe that things were looking pretty dark for the NNRy only six months ago with financial diffeculties and the such. Both some good people like Lance Hunt and Scott Lindsey stepped up to the plate to keep the dream alive. Hats off to all invovled!

> I heard you guys did a spectacular job, wish
> I could have been there to witness this
> incredible event. People like you folks who
> did such a wonderful job keeping the trains
> running are more than just skilled
> railroaders and outstanding
> preservationists. You and your trains were
> ambassadors. You did a fine thing for
> America and I hope I speak for everyone on
> this board when I tell you how very proud of
> you we all are.

> -Angie