October 6th, 2013 Sunday Public Run Day Report

Wow was it a hot one! The day was clear with no wind and a very hot sun. It was reading 89 degrees at the station in the shade. I would estimate around 100 + in direct sunlight.

The crowd gathered despite the heat as the line went outside the gate and wrapped around the block. We are very fortunate to have such a loyal following, braving the heat to go for a train ride.

Before the run started, a flag raising ceremony was held by 5 young scouts from BSA Troop 586 from Redondo Beach. The flag was raised to half staff to commemorate the fallen firefighters memorial as ordered by President Obama. After the pledge of allegiance the trains were brought around and started running. A bit of a late start due to being shorthanded and some equipment failures, but we got it going great after the slow start.

First train out was Howie on his UP SW1500 with Bob Diaz as his conductor. He headed down Crenshaw to brave the heat. Next out was Jim Berryman with his RMI 70 Ton the C&P #12 pulling a long train of 10 foot E gauge cars, Tim acted as his conductor until Charlie got the #2 on line. He ran the 70 Ton until Charlie was able to steam his RMI Prairie the C&P #2. Next out was The clubs F7 which was driven by Dale with Andy, a new member, as his conductor. Due to overheating problems it was limited to the inside loops and kept off of the Crenshaw line. It was also limited to 3 cars. The last train out was Kelly with his Santa Fe GP with his son Jeff as his conductor.

We pulled 991 passengers during the 4 hour period. The Crenshaw Line was shut down around 2 PM due to the extreme heat and the movement and track expansion. It was so hot that the turn table expanded and would not rotate freely without sticking as it passed by the tracks.

The extreme heat was good for lemonade sales as we gave out more than 150 cups and dozens of bottles of water. Kudos to Robert who kept the lemonade flowing.

The station was run by Phil with help from Lonnie at the exit gate. Joanne and Roberta ran the depot store and did a good job selling T-Shirts and other goodies.

Daisy outdid herself in the SCLS kitchen once again. Lunch was BBQ pork loin that was marinated in a delicious Pineapple & Habanero Pepper marinade. Served with Italian herb red potatoes and salad. It was absolutely delicious! We are truly spoiled now. There was iced tea, iced coffee, lemonade and fruit punch to drink. Home made cookies and pumpkin scones for desert along with halo halo. Thanks Daisy for another great meal.

The run day ended a little after 3PM and a bunch of very tired club members cleaned up and left for home where I am sure a very long cold shower was the order of the day.

We were a bit shorthanded today in both the area of trains and members. Tom was at the hospital taking care of Wyatt. We all pray for Wyatt's speedy recovery. Hang in there buddy, we all miss you. Our prayers are with you and your family. Rory was out playing at his machine shop building the smoke box door for the VT Lion.  We need some help, if you are looking to join a live steam club, this is the one! Come on down!!!

Hope to see you all at our next run day on Saturday October 19th.