Just wondering who is planning on making the trek to galesburg in June. I will get back with the date of this years festival. Maybe we can have a trainboard reunion of some sorts.
Sounds good Jack! I will be there..every June for the rest of my life, that place is awesome! Bring this back up top, anyone else comin'?
well i will be along with ed pinkley from the bn forum and also max plant and royal blue all from the bloomington n scale club. maybe we can all get together up there one day during the weekend. mitch
When and where is it? How do I get there from Minneapolis/Saint Paul? It sounded like allot of fun last year
There is some info on my website about RR days from a reliable source. There is a posting of the train show flyers there with directions to the train show, and therefore Galesburg (my mecca). Just click on the picture of the flyer for a bigger copy! You can even see what this year's RR days poster will look like. Its really cool! And there is also some info on what "1/1th" scale items will be on display at the depot courtesy BNSF! I think the rotary snowplow might be pretty neato! Check out: http://www.billselleck.net Scan down the intro page to get the info. Look for the picture of the RR days poster. See you there! [ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: galesburghead ] [ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: galesburghead ]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by galesburghead: There is some info on my website about RR days from a reliable source. There is a posting of the train show flyers there with directions to the train show, and therefore Galesburg (my mecca). Just click on the picture of the flyer for a bigger copy! You can even see what this year's RR days poster will look like. Its really cool! And there is also some info on what "1/1th" scale items will be on display at the depot courtesy BNSF! I think the rotary snowplow might be pretty neato! Check out: http://www.billselleck.net Scan down the intro page to get the info. Look for the picture of the RR days poster. See you there! [ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: galesburghead ] [ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: galesburghead ]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> dead link.....is the url right?
I haven't seen any literature out for Rairoad days yet. So I don't know what they have planned for us this year. I do know this though I am taking in the Train Show at the college this year. And and every year thing with the metra train tour of the yard. I might even go on the excursion this year. I haven't heard what going to be on the point though. And also on tap LOTS ANDS LOTS OF RAILFANNING
Jack, You will not see the usual flyer out just yet as I am told they have not even been submitted to the printers. My information comes from someone who, let me say, has one "ear" trained on the RR days staff. Therefore, I feel the information is reliable and is safe to post. I'm curoius as to what may be on the point too of the excursion too. That would be up to the BNSF. Perhaps we can hope for one of the exec units form the IRM as they are "all" scheduled to be there AND the fact that there has been no mention of any steamers featured this year. I think all of us who enjoy the RR Days events NEED to write a letter to the editor of both of Galesburg's papers. We need to voice our enjoyment of the events. The people who work on this event need our support! I am told that they face growing negativism each year. Everyone please consider it.
I don't know it is hard to stay positive about the Festival And the entertainment point. There is lots of stuff for us railroaders to do out here for railroad days. But the problems have come with the city council and the merchants of main street about the carnival and other things that are going on down town. They want to move the carnival to some place else. I have a problem with this just because this moves everything away from the depot. People usually will stop from the carnival to the depot take the metra train ride around the yard and look at whats going on at the depot and go to something else. I am afraid that if they move everything away this will cause a decline in the attendance or interest around the depot and give the railroad a reason to pull out of the festival permanently. Thus causing the festival to die out. That is what the reason for this festival is the railroad what is the since of having it if they want to move everything away from the actual cause of the festival.
Like I said Jack, You need to "post" your comments in one, or both, of the papers in town. They will not have as much of a direct impact here. Lend your comments where they will provide the most feedback for those who are trying to keep it alive!
Please excuse the ignorance of someone from 'over the pond', but what actually happens at these 'railroad days' and who runs/organises them, and what is the motivation? We do have the occasional open days at some railway installations, but nothing like your RR days, I think.
Alan, You need to email "Little giant" for the most accurate answer. Email me if you cannot raise him. My understanding is that it got it's start years ago as roundhouse tours given by the then CB&Q. It evolved into a "town festival" as local businesses got involved. There is a "RR Days" comitee who coordinates the events which take place here. Their motivation, I think, is to promote their town, it's commerce, and tourism. Local museums are all open. The BNSF arranges for the display of some equipment and yard tours - given aboard commuter coaches. The train show is run at a local college to benefit a scholarship fund. Events are designed to showcase the town in general, as well as highlight it's rail heritage. For some more info try looking at the phamphlets posted on my website. http://www.billselleck.net Scan down to the "RR days" page link.
Bill, I have perused your site, and now know why you all get so excited about Galesburg Railroad days! It looks like a wonderful event to visit, just wish i was a few thousand miles closer! Thanks for the information, I look forward to reports of the event
Alan, If you find yourself suddenly wealthy, you will have free lodging with me for the weekend. You have a standing invite! There was some kind of busload travel trip of touring brit railfans last year who were touring different rail spots around the USA. I thought they made a good choice in making Galesburg RR days one of their featured stops! But then, I am biased a bit! Harry Grossman was delighted to be able to brag that folks came all the way form the UK for a look!
Bill, I don't see me becoming wealthy in the near future (if ever), but thanks for the invite I may make it one day! Brits do often tour the States in groups, we know the best places to visit!
No I just thought I would give you a clue to what all the negativity is about here. I do plan writing my paper to the Galesburg Registered Mail. Harry Grossman used too be part of the Commitee on the railroad days council. I thought he might be listening on this forum. Shoot he use to be my bisness teacher at Carl Sandburg also.
So noted Jack, and thank you! I have been hearing about this for a while from several sources. Yours is another voice of confirmation. I plan on writing to the papers as well this year as I am fearful that things are getting worse. "See" you on the letters to the editor page!
I don't want to see Galesburg Railroad Days become dried up and blow away like a forgotten memory. After all I did move up here because of the Railroad. To watch and some day to work for. [ 17 May 2001: Message edited by: Jack Doran ]
