A #15 Kind of Weekend

[funnelfan]

I spent the 3-day weekend riding and chasing the #15 along the newly reopened line. This past weekend was the first public trips along the entire line since it was restored after the December 2007 floods and some further minor damage from the January 2009 flooding. There was a high level of excitement among everyone involved after doing some very short trips last year. I even had my brother and 3-year-old nephew up for a cab ride and fireworks on Sunday. It helped that we had perfect weather all weekend long. The steam train kept running this week with a series of school trips. Here are my photos from the weekend.

[funnelfan]

I always find it amusing that Centralia-Chehalis RR has more and better views of Mount Rainier than the Mount Rainier Scenic Rwy.

[funnelfan]

Ridership was pretty good for the start of the season.

[funnelfan]

Many of the crew members got a chance to run, and I even got to fire for a few miles on one trip - that was a blast. It was great fun for all involved.

[funnelfan]

There was a car show along Twin Oaks road next to a crossing. Those people were busy photographing something a bit more vintage than their cars. I also got to enjoy the fireworks show from atop the tender of the #15.

[funnelfan]

wrapping up with two more shots.

[RRShutterbug]

Very nice Ted!