I got there about 11AM and found that folks were going about their jobs getting ready for the noon opening. Dan Schimmelman was putting together strings of cars for the riders and Jack Anderson was getting the food concession in shape. I met Joan Cebulla and Diane Dietel working on the T-shirts and other concession material and they were buzzing right along. I turned over my key for the concessions cabinet to Joan as it did not seem that I needed to have it anymore. I had walked up to turn on the signals power and was joined by Tom Prescott. He talked about the signals and I explained what they meant and how and why the various signals were like they were. We stopped to sit in the picnic area on the hill and after we spoke for a few minutes Tom mentioned that Tim Kirby was headed our way looking like he had a purpose in mind. Tim came up and asked if I could take pictures of the members on Sunday to update some of the old photos that we have of the membership. I said sure and then asked Tim to stand there and I took his photo then I took Tom's and as I walked back up to the depot I took pictures of everyone else that would stand still.
Tom Prescott worked on removing a "widowmaker" (a piece of a tree lodged in another tree that could fall at any moment) and soon Bob Pappa joined him and they successfully removed the large limb.
I got to the station area about a quarter to noon and brought up some radios and other supplies. Bill Schimmelman was already running with some private party folks and we knew that the track was open and ready for use. The inch line had no signs of activity and that was worrisome. They started to let folks come down to the waiting line area. I got started with my introduction and got folks feeling good. I explain the difference in the waiting lines and the trips that each one takes. I go over the rules and conduct expected and answer any questions. The group was expected to be smaller because the weather was expected to be rainy. Fortunately the rain held off and we had a good time. Dan Bissionnette joined the station crew and we had a good time with the passengers. Luckily the inch line started to come to life about 12:45 and the folks waiting for that ride were rewarded with a ride on Stewart's train. The hill trip is very picturesque and I am happy that people seem to enjoy the uniqueness of that trip.
During the day I got a chance for a break about 2PM and grabbed some chow from concessions. I bumped into Tommy Cebulla coming from the back side of the hill who reported that two more signals were malfunctioning. It is nice to have a light load day so I can get a chance to sit down and get off my feet. After going back up to the station Dan got his break and the trains we had running were able to keep the queue moving and people really enjoyed the fast turn around times for rides. They needed a conductor for a train on the inch line so I went over to help out. While we were going around the track, I noticed a signal that changed to green when it should not have so we have that signal to look at as well.
We actually emptied out the queue entirely and so I asked Dan if he wanted to run the station and I would head for the barn. He said it looked like we were not in need of two station people anymore so I headed out. I took a picture of John Hamre for the Roster on the WEB site and got my stuff then I left for the day. It was humid and hot so I really was looking forward to the trip home.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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