Train Festival 2009: Update

[PAT.C]

GREGG SAID----They were all built by the Lima Locomotive Works.
Therefore, the best steam locomotives ever built were constructed in Lima, Ohio. And that is a FACT.

MAGNUM SAID---Regardless of what you think Lima was undoubtedly the leader in Steam Locomotive design

I THINK THAT MAGNUM DIDN'T THINK B 4 TYPING WHAT HE THINKS [OR THINKS HE THINKS ] .

[MagnumForce]

I was just repeating a fact, with my own assertion to anyone who cared to read. I was speaking in generalities.

To you and Gregg I was preaching to the choir so to speak.

[TSB]

When did they start selling beer to the choir?

[jkh2cpu]

Steam locomotives were designed and built for specific uses, which makes it hard to decide which was the 'best.' Personally, I like Lima Locs because of what they did with superpower, but I would not chuck Alco or Baldwin, as they also built great machines. Steam locomotive design also occurred beyond our shores. If one is interested, one should check out what the UK (England, but don't call them all that) made: compact powerful machines that often sported three cylinders. There's the French guy Chapelon who was quite an innovator, and then there's the Argentinian Porta, who turned steam design on it's ear, long after steam was dead here. Porta is the guy who revamped the Rio Turbino 2-10-2 engines so that the horsepower was doubled. He and his staff also developed a water treatment system that greatly reduced boiler deterioration so that major rebuildings were significantly reduced. There's a lot of interesting stuff that occurred long after fires were dropped in North America.

John.

[GreatLakesRailfan]

I've heard that the NKP engine is supposed to be headed to Owosso today, but why has there been so much secrecy involving this movement? Any particular reason or just the organizational differences between Indiana and Oregon/et al steam organizations?

[strugglin]

Were you the guy wearing the Ohio State jursey?

Yes, J T, I was in the Ohio State gear on Sunday, as I will be all week in Owosso since it's enemy territory. Saturday chasing from Rochelle to Chicago, I was in a Cubs hat. I met and talked with a few people on this board, but most notably Pat C who was south of Rochelle with me the first time I ever laid eyes on 4449.

[J T]

Were you the guy wearing the Ohio State jursey?

Yes, J T, I was in the Ohio State gear on Sunday, as I will be all week in Owosso since it's enemy territory.

Good, maybe I'll wear my MSU hat. That way, we'll have at least one enemy in common.

[Mark F]

Just found out that my boss is letting me have Thursday off. (He's originally from Owosso). To save time and not hunt through 527 previous posts could someone provide some quick answers. Thanks!!

Will they limit the amount of tickets they sell at the gate? I don't want to show up and find out the event is sold out if that is possible

Where should I go to park? Will I be able to leave the event and re-enter if I want to go out to the car and eat lunch etc. Can't seem to find anything on their web site.

[MH2198]

Where should I go to park? Will I be able to leave the event and re-enter if I want to go out to the car and eat lunch etc. Can't seem to find anything on their web site.

I think there is one right across the street from the SRI. They're using wristbands for folks to enter the festival, and as long as you have one on, I don't see a problem with them letting you back in.

[BerkshireKid]

General Admission tickets were sold out years ago!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Not really!!!! General tickets aren't limited and you'll be fine. Just show up with a smile, camera, a towel for da foam, and a few bucks to get into the show.

REMEMBER this is part fundraisier for the federal mandated work on 1225 so come out and help support our inspection and hopefully return to steam in 2010. If ya want to see her out and about for years to come, come on out spend $15 to get in, enjoy the sites, create a lifetime of memories and help keep 1225 steaming!!!!

[Gov. Crappo]

tis a measly tipend to help, to enjoy, and to feel a small part of something grand....

i gladly throw some dough to enjoy the show

[strugglin]

Weather looks like crap tomorrow, now I'm glad I skipped out on coming the first day, and just decided to see 4449 on Friday. I did just chase it all last weekend.

[mikekmac]

Forecast doesn't look all that encouraging for Friday or Saturday, either.

[penn central]

Will be there sometime today come ran or shine

[J T]

Forecast doesn't look all that encouraging for Friday or Saturday, either.

Weather Channel now predicting sunny with a few clouds on Friday.

[jkh2cpu]

I got to Owosso around 8:30 and scoped out parking and the like. Found a spot for two hours, grabbed the camera and umbrella and shot a few. 4449 pulled up to the 'station' at 9 am, and I left for Cass Street. She puffed by on the advertized, and I gave chase. I got ahead a few places, but there were at least 100 cars chasing, and who could blame them. I saw a State Trooper nail an AH who blew a stop sign. The crossing of M57 near Ashley was spectacular. I'm home now (Mt Pleasant) but I'm about to head out again.

Note: Don't speed, and wear shoes that will stay dry. Owosso got at least 1/2 inch of rain while I waited, and the tennies were quite soaked.

John.

[MDH]

Traffic advisory on M21 between Flint and Owosso if it applies to anyone coming that way:

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/r ... 10,1981933

[J T]

Note: Don't speed, and wear shoes that will stay dry. Owosso got at least 1/2 inch of rain while I waited, and the tennies were quite soaked.

Nothing but sunshine from GR to Lake Michigan today. I could see the huge cloud line/storms to the east on my drive back to GR from Grand Haven, but they weren't coming this way. Crazy weather!

[mikekmac]

A couple of questions for those of you who went Thursday:

--is the SRI site basically rails-in-a-field, or are there enough paved walkways/aprons/trackside platforms to keep a wheelchair or walker out of the muck while exploring?

--how many of the engines had live steam or moved on Thursday? 4449, obviously, and the you-drive-it tank engine--but what about the other 6?

[TCP]

A couple of questions for those of you who went Thursday:

--is the SRI site basically rails-in-a-field, or are there enough paved walkways/aprons/trackside platforms to keep a wheelchair or walker out of the muck while exploring?

--how many of the engines had live steam or moved on Thursday? 4449, obviously, and the you-drive-it tank engine--but what about the other 6?

SRI was a muddy mess after the rain stopped, by the end of the day (6:00 pm) is was drying out but still had puddles, rain stopped around 11 am. No paved walkways only gravel, stone.
I seen a couple of motorized wheel chairs get stuck yesterday but AAA was on standby to pull them out
No just railfans helping railfans.

All steam locomotives were fired up and I seen all locomotives move at some point throughout the day.