SOUTHWESTERN LIVE STEAMERS

 

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Track Reports

 

 

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April 2009, AVW RR, North Texas

This year's Spring Meet was the best ever!  There were 14 steamers and 19 diesels in

operation, and 80 people were in attendance for the wonderful-as-always Saturday

night trackside dinner.  The weather cooperated all weekend, with moderate days and

cool nights. 

The AVW crew did an outstanding job preparing for the meet.  The track was in excellent

condition, the facilities were great.  The new transfer table and yard lead for rolling stock

made loading and unloading a breeze.  A big round of thanks to the AVW crew.

Lots of coal (and oil, propane and even wood) was burned.  Lots of folks rode and enjoyed. 

And of course, the bull was as good as ever.

 

March  2008, RD&D RR, South Texas
After two consecutive years of Mother Nature not wanting to play trains, this year she said

"Come on Down."  The weather was great, though on the WARM side.  The weather man said mid

90s, but the sunburn-o-meter said HOT.  Three steamers and several diesels had a fun time on the

track.  Several people braved the South Texas sun and had loads of riding fun.  Most took

opportunities to take refuge in the shade.

The Saturday trackside meal was another Marty's Masterpiece.  Everyone had a great time and

the bull was rampant.  Then, on Sunday morning, it was so chilly that even Robert Chambers had

to put on a jacket...And though I didn't think to get a photo, I do have a witness!

All and all, it was a great kick-off meet for 2008.

 

October 2007, AS&NT RR, North Texas
A large turn out of members attended the Fall Meet at the AS&NT.  Excellent track conditions
were the standard.  The new block signal system allowed bi-directional running...I didn't hear
about any cornfield meets.  I don't even know how many locomotives were there, but a couple
fired up in the yard because the steaming bays were full!  The weather cooperated for the most
part, except when Jack, our host, just got up a head of steam on his recently reworked Atlantic
and headed out, just in time to get drenched by a downpour.  No one melted from the rain,
everyone dried off, and continued having an excellent time. 
Lots of info and ideas were discussed in the business meeting, and the trackside dinner left
everyone full and very satisfied.
Ya shoulda been there!
 
May 2007, Memorial Day Weekend SWLS/HALS Meet at the Cypress Creek & Southern RR
Lots of people attended.  I lost count after 46 locomotives!  As has become standard, the food was
excellent, with HALS folks serving breakfast daily, and the onsite catered lunch and dinner on
Saturday was its usual feast.  The weather either cooperated, or not, depending on if you brought
your raincoat.  But it was cool because of the rainy weather, with plenty of breaks in the rain to
get in plenty of running.  A big thanks to the HALS folks for an excellent meet, a track in very
good shape, and a good time was had by all.
 

April 2007, Boggy Bottom RR, Southern Oklahoma

The front blew through, the thermometer took a dive, but those who braved the weather had a

grand time with lots running, lots and lots of bull sessioning, and excellent chow, thanks to

Harv and Rita and family and helpers. 

Gary McCoy brought his steamer, as did James and Nick Hitzfelder.  Harvey, Jack, Ed, Jim,

Richard, and others had diesels adding to the running and riding fun. 

All in all, everyone in attendance had a fun kick off to the 2007 SWLS season.

 

March 2007, RD&D, South Texas

Mother Nature didn't want to play trains this weekend.  As of last report, over 8" of rain had fallen,

leaving the ground saturated, the lower sections flooded, and mud everywhere.  Unfortunately, the

meet had to be postponed.  Rumor has it from RD&D that we might have a reincarnation of the

Cornfield Meet in June or the Hot Box Meet in July.

More news when available.