Just got an e/mail today from CMO at McCloud and the #18 which has been under overhaul since its return a couple years ago from Yreka Western, passed its Federal inpsection yesterday 2-15, and is on shake down runs in preparation for the Snowflake Special this Sunday. Yours truely will be leaving bright and early in the AM as I got tickets early. #18 & #25 will be doubleheading from McCloud to Birney with a snowplow. Weather looks like lots of snow coming this weekend so should be a blast.

Jeff

McCloud Railway

btflco@aol.com

the Snowflake Special this
> Sunday. Yours truely will be leaving bright
> and early in the AM as I got tickets early.
> #18 & #25 will be doubleheading from
> McCloud to Birney with a snowplow. Weather
> looks like lots of snow coming this weekend
> so should be a blast.
Jeff:
I will see you there. I will will the one dressed in dorky Hickory striped bibs singing train songs! You can't miss me!
Derick "Train Singer" Sturke
(PS per the threads about threads a few weeks ago, I do choose to wear the hickories as that is what is expected from train people...at least to the general public...does add to the "show".)

fwsturke@pacbell.net

> Jeff:
> I will see you there. I will will the one
> dressed in dorky Hickory striped bibs
> singing train songs! You can't miss me!
> Derick "Train Singer" Sturke

I will choose not to wear the hickory stripes but will don the traditional blue Carharts. Look for Grizzley Adams with the SPC Railway hat with sooo many pins my neck will need Chiropractic services after the run.
C-Ya,
Jeff Badger


btflco@aol.com

I think that Jeff and I will agree we were party to something truly historical.
The McCloud excursion could not have been better. McCRy #18 was in fine form, on the point and in the hands of Maylon (never heard last name) a vet of the McCloud since 1959(!)
Plan everything you can and the one uncontrollable variable was in our favor. Almost a constant dump of fresh snow for the leading plow to shove off!
even a Photo-runby on a non-cleared siding to appease the shutterbugs of the actual work of the plow.
Despite the weather, the double decked open-air obscar was on the consist, and was in use most of the trip. Yes the true railfan/historian/preservationist braved the elements and shot photos, chucked snowballs or just enjoyed the liberating car. In fact no camera could properly capture (what I consider) the best visual of the trip: twin stacks belching exhaust into the near freezing air curling on itself in a somewhat coriolous effect framed by the stands of tall trees along the ROW.
Truly a memorable day.
Derick

fwsturke@pacbell.net