Very much thanks has to be extended to members and guests at this years swap meet and soiree held on the 4th of October.  Everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves whether selling, buying or simply looking.  This garage sale style format may be the future as the demographics and the economy change.

As a group we were able to pick up a new pair of  C-liners as ours are on their last legs.  They have been the work horses of the public display for 20 years and have past their useful life.  So many new and modern engines are available in todays market but we have tied ourselves to the 1965 era so there you go.

Further to the hobby show topic, our club, though pretty active and running in the black, has trouble these days affording the use of our Community Center and as the average age of the members goes up the desire to spend long days setting up and taking down has diminished.  My own recent trip down to the Chilliwack event seems to support that feeling.  It was 1/2 the show it has been in recent years.

Parking was ‘right at the door’ at about 11:00 on Saturday.  Super helpful and friendly volunteers made it easy to find a space.  They asked if I was a senior.  Made the trip worthwhile.

In side ‘the barn’ the layouts were excellent as usual.  Not as many perhaps, and not nearly as many dealers, but those that did attend were some of the best.

I hung around the G gauge layouts so I could see the BIG trains running.  The Vancouver group shown here even had a live steam big-boy.  Quite impressive.  For readers unfamiliar with the Chilliwack facility there are two buildings like this side by side.  Pretty big.

Now we can get ready for Christmas. Thomas will need to be oiled, washed down and put to work on the main line. Perhaps I can also put a nice Christmas tree in Summerside or Greenwood.  Also, the Yardmasters should be back from Oceanside CA next week.  No rest for the wicked.