NRHS Convention 2010 & WV Rails

[Train-a-Mania]

I'm curious to know if there will be any fellow RP.net contributors who plan on attending either Scranton's NRHS Convention or West Virginia Rails 2010.

I'm planning on chasing CN 3254 on Thursday, walking around Steamtown on Friday, and chasing R&N 425 on Saturday.

For WV Rails, I'll be at the Saturday night photo shoot, and I'll be chasing the train to-from Romney on Sunday.

Is there anyone else planning on attending either one of these events?

[PLEzero]

I'll be attending WV Rails.

[Tgranville]

I too, will be attending WV Rails.

[Miketherailfan]

I've found it's not worth driving all the way out to Scranton for a members-only convention and only chasing, so I'll be going to West Virginia Rails. I'll be chasing the Friday and Sunday all day steam specials, and hanging around the grounds Saturday. I will be doing the Saturday night photo shoot as well.

[Chase55671]

I'll be tucked away in the New River Gorge shooting with Loyd do-it-in-the-dark Lowry.

Chase

[cassfan3]

Originally Posted by Chase55671

I'll be tucked away in the New River Gorge shooting with Loyd do-it-in-the-dark Lowry.

Apparently what happens in the NRG stays in the NRG!

I'll be at WVRails, maybe chasing at Scranton too, who knows, I'm a last minute person.

[PLEzero]

WM 734 will NOT be at WV RAILS. It was just announced today. Smells fishy to me.

[Train-a-Mania]

That's quite unexpected. It sounds like CSX wasn't willing to play ball.

At least passengers can get a free ride behind 734 on her home rails.

[bigbassloyd]

Originally Posted by cassfan3

Apparently what happens in the NRG stays in the NRG!

You're jealous aren't you?

I couldn't justify the cost to attend, as I have doubts about how legitimate the event would be.

Loyd L.

[JRMDC]

Originally Posted by Train-a-Mania

At least passengers can get a free ride behind 734 on her home rails.

What does this mean?

EDIT: found it - buy a ticket, get a voucher for a free ride on WMSR

[KevinM]

Given the number of events that hinged on the presence of WM 734, one would have thought that the final decision on allowing it's transport over the CSX line would have been made before now.

Not sure what all of the hemmin' and hawin' is about. Either the RR will allow a steam engine over their rails, or they won't. The answer shouldn't be different from one day to the next. Any business considering a serious deal with this particular Class 1 should keep this little last minute decision in mind.

[Chase55671]

Shame to see this happen.. It's really unfortunate for the Lerro crew, the South Branch folks, and everyone who has put a lot of time and effort in arranging this event.

WMSR 734 was the main attraction and with the announcement that she will not be present, who still has plans of attending?

Chase

[JRMDC]

I'm still waiting for new details, but as of now I am still attending a Lerro charter on Wednesday. Wasn't planning to go on the weekend.

[Chase55671]

Originally Posted by JRMDC

I'm still waiting for new details, but as of now I am still attending a Lerro charter on Wednesday. Wasn't planning to go on the weekend.

I could be wrong, but from what I was told, CSX isn't transporting 734 at all, meaning both WV Rail weekend and the Lerro week day charters are both cancelled.

Again, I'm not 100% certain.

Chase

[cblaz]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Given the number of events that hinged on the presence of WM 734, one would have thought that the final decision on allowing it's transport over the CSX line would have been made before now.

Not sure what all of the hemmin' and hawin' is about. Either the RR will allow a steam engine over their rails, or they won't. The answer shouldn't be different from one day to the next. Any business considering a serious deal with this particular Class 1 should keep this little last minute decision in mind.

The final decision and all the necessary paperwork had been signed, sealed and delivered in April. Last week, the organizer of WV Rails received a call from CSX telling him the move was off. Even a call to the CSX CEO from WV's governor didn't help.

- Chris

[cblaz]

Originally Posted by Chase55671

I could be wrong, but from what I was told, CSX isn't transporting 734 at all, meaning both WV Rail weekend and the Lerro week day charters are both cancelled.

Again, I'm not 100% certain.

Glad to see your the spokesman for both events. Neither are canceled. A simple check of the WV Rails website would have told you that. All participants of the Lerro charter are also receiving an email detailing the contingency plans. Thanks for your help in getting the word out though.

- Chris

[Chase55671]

Originally Posted by cblaz

Glad to see your the spokesman for both events. Neither are canceled. A simple check of the WV Rails website would have told you that. All participants of the Lerro charter are also receiving an email detailing the contingency plans. Thanks for your help in getting the word out though.

- Chris

Chris,

Never claimed I was the spokesman for both events and neither did I say my information was correct. A better look at my post would've told you that. I'm aware the WV Rails event is still taking place and I'm aware they'll be sending in their GP30 in place of 734. Many other attractions will be on display for the WV Rails weekend, so for it to be cancelled all together would be ridiculous.

Chase

[PLEzero]

I've canceled my plans to attend WV Rails and they won't be getting money from me ever again. My only interest in the event was to see 734. I'll be spending my time watching real trains instead.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by cblaz

The final decision and all the necessary paperwork had been signed, sealed and delivered in April. Last week, the organizer of WV Rails received a call from CSX telling him the move was off. Even a call to the CSX CEO from WV's governor didn't help.

- Chris

Hey, I suspect that CSX Management believes that the key to power is flexibility and the key to flexibility is indecisiveness.

[cblaz]

Originally Posted by Chase55671

Never claimed I was the spokesman for both events and neither did I say my information was correct. A better look at my post would've told you that. I'm aware the WV Rails event is still taking place and I'm aware they'll be sending in their GP30 in place of 734. Many other attractions will be on display for the WV Rails weekend, so for it to be cancelled all together would be ridiculous.

If you were aware that WM is sending the GP30 to WVRails, then why did you write this:

Originally Posted by Chase55671

meaning both WV Rail weekend and the Lerro week day charters are both cancelled

Why not let the organizers handle contacting participants instead of prognosticating what you think will happen?

- Chris

[Chase55671]

Originally Posted by cblaz

If you were aware that WM is sending the GP30 to WVRails, then why did you write this:


Why not let the organizers handle contacting participants instead of prognosticating what you think will happen?

- Chris

What I meant was that anything involving the presence of WMSR 734 was cancelled, but the photo charters and the event itself will still take place with an alternative plan. In other words, I suppose "The WMSR 734 charter has been altered" would be a more appropriate statement, meaning the charter itself will remain, just with a different subject.

Again, in my original post, I never implied my information was correct and I stated on two separate accounts, that my information could be wrong.

Chase

[cassfan3]

Originally Posted by PLEzero

I've canceled my plans to attend WV Rails and they won't be getting money from me ever again. My only interest in the event was to see 734. I'll be spending my time watching real trains instead.

From all appearances and sources the WV Rails folks are certainly not to blame here. This is a big blow to their event, but I'd hate for everyone to bail on them because CSX changed their mind last minute. A lot of folks have worked very hard on this event. I know the guys from the NHV 17 steam crew, and while she's small, the work they put into her would certainly qualify her as a "real train." I'm sure the same can be said for all the other crews at the event. There really is no wonder why so many folks I've talked to - from steam folks to the shortlines - have such a dislike for CSX upper management.

[PLEzero]

It is a little over a week away. Most of their tickets have already been sold. The only official source of information is from a press release from WV Rails. Do you really think they would admit to any blame for WM 734 not coming? I'm certain there is more to this story than CSX changing their minds at the last minute.

Also, it was noted that riders of trains that were to be pulled by WM 734 will be getting a voucher to use at the WMSR. What about those attending the night photo session? How come they will not be receiving anything? That is an $82 ticket.

[Train-a-Mania]

Two things worth mentioning:

1) #734 will be running on the weekend of the 25th-27th on her home rails in Cumberland. I confirmed this with the WMSR ticket office.

2) There's new photos of the recently repainted B&O F-unit here. They did a very nice job with this, and it's clear that they've put a lot of effort into this event.

[Miketherailfan]

Originally Posted by PLEzero

What about those attending the night photo session? How come they will not be receiving anything? That is an $82 ticket.

I would imagine we'd get a refund if the night sessions were cancelled.