The Gulf Mobile & Ohio Historical Society

and

The Rock Island Technical Society

BURR RIDGE RAILFEST 2007 RECAP

First, we would like to thank all the volunteers who helped set up the rooms and break them down for Saturday’s Swap Meet.  With so many hands, the large job went quickly and was a pleasant surprise.

The METRA fantrip was attended by approximately 90 persons who rode into Chicago from Joliet, IL on the old Rock Island route and then went over to catch a return train on the old GM&O heritage route.  Member Robert Schramm was a big hit with attendees, but also with the regular commuters in the car that he was riding, as he acted as tour guide pointing out landmarks and citing the history of various points of interest along the line.  Too bad we couldn’t clone him so that he could have ridden in both cars!

Another thank you goes out to member Lane Venardos (coming from Maui, HI), for sharing his now released documentary on the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train during our hospitality suite get-together.  Lane’s son, Kevin, was  Ringmaster for five years, and while visiting aboard the train during trips in 2003-2005, Lane shot some terrific footage.  He prepared a shortened version for us at Railfest Friday night, and generously provided free DVD copies to those in attendance. 

Saturday saw a well attended Swap Meet with happy buyers and sellers all around.  In order to fit everything in, two rooms were utilized with the model contest and modeling orientated dealers residing in a room of their very own.  A wide variety of wares could be seen, including the GM&OHS’s brand new License Plate Frames.  All who purchased the smart looking frame increased the value of their vehicle by at least the $5 bucks it cost—maybe more!

Another highlight for many on Saturday was the tour of the Lake Shore Model Railroad Association’s club layout.  It is quite a treat to see large club layouts, but even more so when given the chance to run on one.  Modelers in attendance got a real treat this year.

Throughout the Swap Meet’s hours, many votes were cast by attendees for their favorite models in the two Societies' modeling contests.  For a complete list of winners on the GM&O side, click the link to go to our modeling area.  That said, one of our members did poach a trophy from the RITS people with a first place finish. 

The evening banquet was very well attended, as nearly 150 persons broke bread together after a full day’s activities.  The food was good, and abundant.  Afterwards, the presentation portions of the evening suffered from a general lack of pace (and PA system), but the multi-media slide show presented by the Rock Island Technical Society was a hit.