Well it's over, and what a GREAT show it was. Nearly 40,000 attendees over the 4 days,decent weather, well organized, no injuries and a SPECTACULAR showing of the absolute magical power that steam holds for folks of all generations.

All involved deserve the heartfelt thanks of everyone who loves railroading and particulary steam. From my unscientific observation of the crowds I'd say the the vast majority were family groups vs. serious foamers/foamettes.

Particular praise is deserved for Jason Johnson who spent 24/7 for the last many months quarterbacking the event, Steve Sandberg whose many years of ultra professional operations have earned him invaluable credibility with Amtrak and the Class 1's which enabled him to save the Daylights move the final few miles into the event when clearance issues around Chicago threatened to abort it at the last minute,to Rich Melvin and his accomplished crew on the NKP 765, to Doyle and his team from Portland and of course all the folks from the SRI who allowed their beautiful campus to be invaded by the hoardes for the event.

I was particulary heartened to witness the many young people in the crews of all the participating engines, including a sprinkling of ladies!!! I'm now at peace that we'll have many good folks to pass the torch to.

One of the MANY memorable scenes I witnessed was on Saturday afternoon when the 3 tank engines labored mightily as a triple header pulling the disabled ( leaking flues) 1225 from its display location up to the edge of the turntable to be in position for the night photo shoot!! It so enthralled the huge crowd who witnessed it that when they got it there after a spectacular show of slipping and pulling with all they could muster,the crowd broke into a lengthy round of applause!!!

To put it simply, steam put on a spectacular show and made itself MANY new freinds!!!

My thanks to all who helped make it the great show it was!!!

Ross Rowland

Thanks for the update Ross.

For those like myself who were not fortunate enough to be there and witness the tripleheader, for your viewing pleasure. This is not mine. Just found it after reading Ross's comments above.

0-4-0T triple header on YouTube

-Chris

Outstanding report Mr. Rowland,

"I was particularly heartened to witness the many young people in the crews of all the participating engines, including a sprinkling of ladies!!! I'm now at peace that we'll have many good folks to pass the torch to."

I wish to ditto Ross' comment here and recognize our own Railroad Museum of Long Island student member, Anthony DeBellis, who is toiling at Ely Nevada RailCamp this week to hone his knowledge on the steam beast!

Kudos and a "Tip O' the Hat" to all the young men and women that are working so hard to keep our stream history alive and well!

Amen
de Don n2qhvRMLI

Great to see you sent someone to RailCamp?

Did he receive a scholarship?

Bob H

Good evening Bob H.

Yes. Last year we were fortunate to have Anthony sponsored by the Long Island Sunrise Trail Chapter NRHS to attend Steamtown Rail Camp. This year, the Railroad Museum of Long Island along with the Twin Forks Chapter NRHS joint sponsored Anthony to go to Nevada Railcamp.

de Don n2qhvRMLI

I had a great time on Friday from open to close. I wonder what the residents of Owosso thought of the Rail Festival. I have noticed a bunch of Rail Festival visitors (and crew) filtering down to Greenfield Village, even today. This whole deal is great for the State of Michigan!

First off, I know I am dreaming hear... but without dreams there can never be realities!

Was it ever considered to work out a deal with The Henry Ford to have the 4449 moved down to the museum for display? Sitting next to the 1601 maybe? My logic for it is this, the locomotive is a rolling piece of art designed by a renowned artist. Was this thought of? Was it explored?