Arrived yda. afternoon after driving through heavy rain all the way from Buffalo NY.

Found the site to be well layed out and a nice crowd of 5-7 thousand people having a great time. A good sized crowd was assembled awaiting the return of 4449 from its all day trip.

Wonderful to see all those large and small engines under steam and the publics excited reaction to them. Especially encouraged to see so many young families with tons of kids. Struck me as having the look of a Thomas event without the little blue guy.

On a personal note it was great meeting many old freinds I haven't seen in person for years, and to witness once again the magical fascination that live steam has for most folks, young and old!!

Well today I get to ride the observation car behind the 4449 and see how the upper crust do it!!

More later!!

Ross Rowland

Thank you for the heads-up, Mr. Rowland! My father and I are heading there forthwith to "scope out" the scene for our Sunday ride behind 765.


Well, if I gather your meaning, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of steam railroading. That you, who has done so much for and with steam... still considers a steam train ride to be a great way to spend a day.

FoamFest - how true, how true...I figure you could take just about any point in the general vicinity, pick a time, and find at least one person with a picture/video from within 2 feet and 1 minute of that point. :)

Lots of fun though. Loved watching the Leviathan on the turntable. One of the highlights of the trip. Walking through the crowd, you could tell that it inspired a lot of curiosity about how steam power worked, etc. Fun listening to peoples' questions about the steam from the cylinder cocks. Even had some folks from New Zealand there.

Lots of fun. Planning on going back tomorrow.