Tue Sep 20 2016

Tuesday, September 20th

The morning started off bright and early with Steve Eckman's "Legal Issues". Steve talked about the human side of railroading including the sometimes contentious relationship between the operating unions and management.

Next up was David Snyder's talk on the GN's Hillyard Shops.



Third on the morning's topics was Tyrone Johnsen's treatise on the Hillyard shops of WFE.

Rumors had been sweeping the convention since Sunday about a 20-car train of private cars over at the ex-NP Erie Street yard (just west of Yardley/Parkwater). This is part of the serendipity of GNRHS conventions. You go expecting one thing and find something else just as amazing. Ben, Mike and I had to check it out.

Sure enough, two Amtrak locomotives were coupled to 1,800 feet of beautifully turned out passenger cars of every color and type. A happy coincidence had landed the AAPRCO (American Association of Passenger Rail Car Owners) convention in Spokane -- at the same time as GNRHS!

The consist was as follows: NRPC #822/186, City of Spokane (ex-GN International observation and host car of their convention), J. Pinckney Henderson, Wisconsin, Cimarron River, Caritas, Berlin, Dearing, Birch Grove, Moonlight Dome, Oliver Hazard Perry, Northern Dreams, Northern Sky, Puget Sound, Sierra Hotel, Federal, AT&SF 33, Burrard, Tioga Pass, Pacific Sands, and Pacific Sunset.

Amtrak engines 822 & 186

first five cars - City of Spokane, J. Pinckney Henderson, Wisconsin, Cimarron River, Caritas.

next five cars - Berlin, Dearing, Birch Grove, Moonlight Dome, Oliver Hazard Perry.

five more cars - Northern Dreams, Northern Sky, Puget Sound, Sierra Hotel, Federal.

the last five cars - AT&SF 33, Burrard, Tioga Pass, Pacific Sands, and Pacific Sunset.

Being a private car owner himself (Old Saint Nich), Ben struck up a conversation with Tioga Pass caretaker Norm. To our delight, we were invited onboard for a look around.

All aboard!; AAPRCO convention floor mat; in the lounge.

Well-appointed kitchen; dining room; saying farewell.

Thank you Mister Norm!

After the private car visit, Ben, Mike and I were running a little late. A quick stop at Zips! for a sandwich took care of dinner. Then it was off to the first of two model layout visits.

The first stop was Jerry Quinn's Evergreen Railroad Club out in Spokane Valley.

The second and final layout we visited was the close-to-downtown River City Modelers Club.