Matt Leistico's ARR Open House 2007 Report

by Matt Leistico

Went out to the AKRR's annual open house (5/5/07). Parked under the C street bridge.

First saw three old tank cars adjacent to the warehouse, all with their numbers marked out, and labeled as “Retire”.

View looking back to the station. Weather was clear and in the low 50’s, but also breezy so you needed a jacket.

A flat and ballast car also along the warehouse.

New little park area with benches and such, will probably see a lot more action when summer hits.

View towards the station

AKRR police department. I think this used to be a credit union previously.

Temporary luggage structure is set up.

Sign on the parked equipment pointing to the ever popular free train rides.

Depot interior shots – looks like they just added a new wall behind the ticking counter to separate it from the office behind. Also added a wall to surround the gift shop merchandise – just makes it kinda cramped around there now.

Also in the depot was customary free balloons, engineer hats for the kiddies, and free raffle for train tickets (that I never win no matter how may events I attend – sort of like the raffle entry box at Caboose hobbies…)

View from the display engine looking back.

View of the storage yard with ties and rail – looks like a fair amount of track work will be done this year.

Looking at #31 with the office in the background, and the bands sound control in the foreground.

Mooselip RR and project displays in the baggage building.

USAF Pacific band playing at the event.

Pick up my signed copy of “Ol' 556” by Shannon Cartwright.

Everyone loves to tour the engine.

Nothing beats a free train ride, used one of the new Macs on the front and then four coaches. The train went to Westchester lagoon and back – probably around 15 minutes or so. Seemed to be enjoyed by all.

Back

	First saw three old tank cars adjacent to the warehouse, all with their numbers marked out, and labeled as “Retire”.



	View looking back to the station. Weather was clear and in the low 50’s, but also breezy so you needed a jacket.
	A flat and ballast car also along the warehouse.
	New little park area with benches and such, will probably see a lot more action when summer hits.
	View towards the station
	AKRR police department. I think this used to be a credit union previously.

	Temporary luggage structure is set up.
	Sign on the parked equipment pointing to the ever popular free train rides.

	Depot interior shots – looks like they just added a new wall behind the ticking counter to separate it from the office behind. Also added a wall to surround the gift shop merchandise – just makes it kinda cramped around there now.
	Also in the depot was customary free balloons, engineer hats for the kiddies, and free raffle for train tickets (that I never win no matter how may events I attend – sort of like the raffle entry box at Caboose hobbies…)
	View from the display engine looking back.
	View of the storage yard with ties and rail – looks like a fair amount of track work will be done this year.

	Looking at #31 with the office in the background, and the bands sound control in the foreground.
	Mooselip RR and project displays in the baggage building.


	USAF Pacific band playing at the event.
	Pick up my signed copy of “Ol' 556” by Shannon Cartwright.
	Everyone loves to tour the engine.
	Nothing beats a free train ride, used one of the new Macs on the front and then four coaches. The train went to Westchester lagoon and back – probably around 15 minutes or so. Seemed to be enjoyed by all.