The past few months have been busier than ever. Our Polar Express trips are becoming so popular that 70% of the tickets sold out in just one day. That was August 1st! We had a great compliment of volunteers, about 50 a day, and everything ran smoothly. Our season came to an end with a grand dinner just after the last trip, at La Bella Via in Phillipsburg Over 60 attended . Our next big trip will be the Easter Bunny Train Ride and Easter Egg Hunt, March 23,24 and 30th. Over the next few months there is much work to do on the equipment. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Gary Matthews our CMO is on site at Baer Quarry and can always use a hand. To view what we are doing and where, visit our members portal by logging on to 877trainride.com then clicking on the ‘members’ link at the top. Steven James keeps it updated with weekend work schedules and other society events such as our membership meetings. Education is one of our primary goals on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. With no railroad experience at all, you can come on down and get involved. You can start as a car host and with some basic training move on to Trainmen. From Trainmen you have two choices. Either move to locomotive service or on to Student Conductor and then Conductor. If you are interested in locomotive service you would start with Student Fireman, then, Fireman, Student Engineer and finally Engineer. Our emphasis is always on training and safety, and there is a lot to learn! Even if you aren't interested in working on the train, there is always plenty to do ,from brush cutting to mechanical work in the shop. If you have any questions just got to our web site and click on the contact link, President Stocker will be more than happy to answer your questions. On April, 6th we will be having our yearly training class. If you are interested in helping in any way, it is important to attend. The classes range from basic railroad safety to engineer training. Keep an eye on the members site for more information as the date approaches. Top both pages: Our beautiful Pumpkin Patch as set up by Bill Lammers, the “Pumpkin Master” Above top left: Dylan helps to insert conduit during the “Big Dig” to install electrical service to the station area. Above top right: Even trainmasters (Martin) can be trained to do hot chocolate service! Bottom left and right: the installation of the conduit from behind the station and up the hill. Next page top left: Tammy handing out Hot Chocolate on “The Polar Express” . Next page top right: Martin snapped this picture of the crowds waiting to board “The Polar Express”. Next page Center left: Chuck manning the Pumpkin Patch. Next page Center right: Our grill at the mine. Every Saturday night we have a BBQ where all train crews are invited. Great food and friendship, nothing better!Next page bottom left: The ticket booth beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Next page bottom right: Bev and Gary posing for a picture in one of the very few quiet moments in the gift shop during “The Polar
9 Publizr Home