Part 2
Santa's getting ready for his first ride on the Centerville & Southwestern. He picked the right car to ride in (CNJ forever!). Meg is telling Paul that he didn't make the nice list this year either. But Meg made the naughty list, too. I wonder what Santa knows about those two?
Digital photo by Rick Glosser
Paul is explaining to our passengers that they would be riding on our brand new section of main line track which bypasses the shop interior and goes all the way to the east end of our property.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
Santa went for a ride on the C&S after arriving. I don't recall ever seeing Santa with a Shillelagh before. This must have been Santa O'Claus.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
Upon returning to the station Santa spoke with our young guests. Here, dad takes a picture of his cutie while mom watches. The man in the background with the camera is a reporter from the Express-Times.... so look for a write up in tomorrow's paper. If you don't get the paper it might be online at: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/phillipsburg/
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
I wish I could report that everything went off without a hitch but there were a couple of glitches today. The first happened shortly after Santa arrived. The 1503 took a dump approaching CP Centerville. A collaborative effort (and a can of starting fluid) brought the ol' gal back to life.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
NS sent a couple of the big ones through today. Something that caught my eye was this box car which I believe might have been used by Amtrak when they still moved packages. If I'm wrong let me know. CMHX is CarMath Leasing located in South Dakota.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
Glenn Terminelli at the throttle about to take the newly installed switch at CP Centerville.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
Considering the cold weather we did quite well, coming close to filling many trains.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
Later in the afternoon Keith Muldowney took the throttle of the 1503.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
The second glitch of the day put one of the cars on the ground. Everything that might have caused it was scrutinized but no cause was determined. According to Glenn this was the first time this has happened. Let's hope it's the last.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
In the last fleeting moments of sunlight we gathered our volunteers (and the last two patrons to ride the C&S this year) for a final photo. As usual Meg was hamming it up for the camera. In French I think this is called a ménage a scarf . Sorry Meg, this isn't a good shot of you but of the 3 I took it's the only one where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. Well...except for Earle, but he never smiles for the camera.
Digital photo by Pete Blaess
So that's it for this year. Completing the bypass track was a major accomplishment. Next year I believe the focus turns to the west.Take care, "God Bless Us, Every One!" and may we all have a safe and happy Holiday season. Pete
from the entire group at PRRH.
