National Model Railroad Ass'n Charters the Essex Clipper Dinner Train July 6, 2009

The 2009 National Convention of the National Model Railroad Association is in Hartford, CT.
On July 6 and 7, the convention chartered two steam-powered Essex Clipper Dinner Trains for
the conventioneers' enjoyment. Trains, hauled by Mikado 40, departed Essex 7:00 PM, and
returned about 9:30 PM. Here is some footage of the Monday evening train.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Valley Railroad
• Essex Steam Train
• NMRA
• Steam
• Train
• Connecticut

[ebtmikado]

If you understood the operations of the railroad, you would already know the answer.

[WhyAyeMann]

Hey ebtmikado, how come they are only doing 4 trains a day?

[ebtmikado]

It's been that way for the past several years.

Early and late trains never got much patronage.

On busy days, when the boat connecting with the 2:00 train is sold out, a 5th train and 4th boat are operated.

[WhyAyeMann]

Very well done. I was up in conway riding the scenic railroad up there for my birthday. If was fun in all that rain and wind, and it was nice to try something new. However, I do miss essex and old number forty. Good times.

-phil

[ebtmikado]

Thanks.

[dwkcamman611]

NICE!!!

[CherieADG]

This was a very enjoyable clip~ thank you for posting it~

[WhyAyeMann]

mmm probably more like 5 trains a day. My memory isnt that good, for this was when I was a mere child (around 7 yrs-im sixteen now.) But I remember taking a 5pm train at essex one time. And yes, if there is patronage for more trains (within reason) then yes, I think there should be some extra trains.

[PRR4000]

The Valley RR used to do 6 trains a day???

You mean: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 / 7:00 PM?

Wow I never knew they had six trains a day. I sure wish they would still do that! And it would make sense.

I remember when I went to Essex on Sept. 6, when I was waiting for the 3:30 train to come back there were plenty of cars coming in and the conductor there said: "Sorry there are no more trains."

If there's demand for more trains, there should be more trains!

[ebtmikado]

That is a private crossing. You don't signal for them, just public crossings.

[WhyAyeMann]

...maybe perhaps why the engineer took the train so slow on monday. Usually we do a good 20-25 mph. At the max we did around 16. Then again, it was REALLY hot that day and the engineer was proabably making sure the heat didnt screw up the tracks or something, I dunno. I sure do hope they go back to the old six trains a day. If I could go every week I would but I live too far away ):

[PRR4000]

I just did explain the operation to you!

Look at the comment below yours that said the engineer wasn't blowing the whistle very long.