Mike McGrattan Memorial Train - Photo Thread

[wm3798]

I was waiting for that...   I better finish building that grade crossing and re-shoot that view!
 

Lee

[wm3798]

Finally, the train eased around the curve and into the short stretch of street running on South Collington Ave, and crossed Boston Street to glide into the depot.



Earlier, the Laurel Valley, our parent company, sent one of its office cars, along with a car provided by Railwire Express.  This car was providing support to Mr. Mann’s barbecue operation.  Sacks of something he called “Weathering Rub” were heaped at one end, and a large bank of refrigerators were at the other.  Amidships on the starboard side, a series of beer taps penetrated the car’s flank, and a line of revelers had begun to gather now that the train had arrived.


Across the street, the National Brewing Company had draped an enormous banner on their tower in honor of Mr. McGrattan’s memory.  All around town, the Canadian flag was being flown from balconies, window sills, and flagpoles to commemorate the occasion.  On the platform, Dr. Vollmer’s Lederhosen Five beat out a bizarre Klezmer version of “Oh Canada,”  followed by “Go Leafs Go”, and eventually the commemorative train was opened to the public.





The most popular exhibit of Mr. McGrattan’s contributions to the hobby included a floor to ceiling cabinet displaying all the passenger cars produced in N scale since 1960, with a placard next to each describing, in Mike’s own words, what’s wrong with them.



Another was the Proclamation presented to Mike in 1993 by the Canadian Parliament, acknowledging his many contributions to the paperboard industry, chief among which was his innovative counter-clockwise toilet paper tube, which revolutionized his employer’s market in Australia.



Finally, the crew tied down the train in Penn Mary Yard for the night.  As the sun set over the Fells Point waterfront, crews carefully welded the hubcaps in place on the cars in order to ensure that they would still be there in the morning.



And as night fell, the railroad went back to work.


In the yard, though, people over-nighting on the Canadian National sleeper reported that a new crew member stopped by their roomettes to make sure they were comfortable.  In full CP regalia, he apologized for the austere nature of the CN's accommodations.   "Four thousand miles of subway cars" he chuckled.  They hadn't seen him on the train before, and he had a sort of mysterious way about him.  He was kind, friendly, and offered to do anything for them.  Then he was gone.



Lee

[Philip H]

The most popular exhibit of Mr. McGrattan’s contributions to the hobby included a floor to ceiling cabinet displaying all the passenger cars produced in N scale since 1960, with a placard next to each describing, in Mike’s own words, what’s wrong with them.

Best Line Ever.



If he's not howling in laughter by now . . . .

 

[Dave V]

Well done, Lee.  Every bit of it.  You and Mike both share a gift when it comes to storytelling.

[Lemosteam]

In the yard, though, people over-nighting on the Canadian National sleeper reported that a new crew member stopped by their roomettes to make sure they were comfortable.  In full CP regalia, he apologized for the austere nature of the CN's accommodations.   "Four thousand miles of subway cars" he chuckled.  They hadn't seen him on the train before, and he had a sort of mysterious way about him.  He was kind, friendly, and offered to do anything for them.  Then he was gone.



Lee

Beautiful and thoughtful, Lee.

[davefoxx]

Wow, Lee.  Wow.  It's a shame that I can only give you one upvote for that.  That's a tough act to follow.  Puddy would be proud.

DFF

[Kentuckian]

Thanks, Lee.

[mu26aeh]

The most popular exhibit of Mr. McGrattan’s contributions to the hobby included a floor to ceiling cabinet displaying all the passenger cars produced in N scale since 1960, with a placard next to each describing, in Mike’s own words, what’s wrong with them.

Pretty sure this wins hands down, best comment of the topic/thread/category etc EVER !

[peteski]

Lee's post would have been perfect as the closing tribute at the completion of the memorial train run - I don't think anybody can top what he wrote about Mike.

[glakedylan]

Lee, your art of storytelling along with your modeling is excellent.
Thanks for the words and photos you've shared.
Sincerely
Gary

[OldEastRR]

Lee's post would have been perfect as the closing tribute at the completion of the memorial train run - I don't think anybody can top what he wrote about Mike.

I agree, and it would be the perfect final installment for the series N-Scale is going to run.

[wm3798]

The second morning had our train heading out of town, starting with a stop at the B&O's historic Mt. Royal Station.




Thanks to the gracious hospitality of Baltimore Area N Trak, our train proceeded to tour around the area, visiting numerous local landmarks.  Our mysterious conductor appeared on the rear deck of the observation car, taking in all the sights.


Domino Sugar's refinery in Locust Point


A Christmas carnival


The brightly decorated Laurel Valley engine house


The busy industrial district...


The passengers admired the dedication of the city's public safety forces...


and eventually, the train headed out of town.




Eventually we pulled into the depot in the suburbs, where the Laurel Valley's portion of the trip would come to an end.


The Memorial Train cars were set out, and the rest of the train returned to Baltimore.



It was a memorable trip, to celebrate a very memorable modeler.



One of the guests invited the conductor into the club car to enjoy a refreshment, but he politely demurred.  "I think I'll enjoy the rest of the journey out here." he said, then turned his attention to the headlight approaching from the north.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I got a few more of it too, while it was tied down in the yard.

[DeltaBravo]

The second morning had our train heading out of town, starting with a stop at the B&O's historic Mt. Royal Station.




Thanks to the gracious hospitality of Baltimore Area N Trak, our train proceeded to tour around the area, visiting numerous local landmarks.  Our mysterious conductor appeared on the rear deck of the observation car, taking in all the sights.


Domino Sugar's refinery in Locust Point


A Christmas carnival


The brightly decorated Laurel Valley engine house


The busy industrial district...


The passengers admired the dedication of the city's public safety forces...


and eventually, the train headed out of town.




Eventually we pulled into the depot in the suburbs, where the Laurel Valley's portion of the trip would come to an end.


The Memorial Train cars were set out, and the rest of the train returned to Baltimore.



It was a memorable trip, to celebrate a very memorable modeler.



One of the guests invited the conductor into the club car to enjoy a refreshment, but he politely demurred.  "I think I'll enjoy the rest of the journey out here." he said, then turned his attention to the headlight approaching from the north.

Well done Lee!

[RockGp40]

Note: Following Lee's posts about the M3T, I am not sure I can follow up with nearly as good a story or tribute to our friend. So here goes my first installment:

The M3T was successfully interchanged to the B&O by the Laurel Valley Railway in Grovemont, Ohio. The train has been set off on a passing siding to allow the LRV power to depart via the mainline. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

There seems to have been some mix up and there is a slight delay. A local is getting ready to make a setout at the Grovemont depot while the power for the M3T is inbound. Little does our conductor know, this was done intentionally to send them off with good libations for all on board.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

So, here's the story with this train. These cars belong to my dad and were my inspiration to getting in to N scale when I was a youngster. There's no real rhyme or reason for these cars other than the selection was limited in the 1970s. These cars were bought at Klein's well before I was born. I'll tie them in to the story in that my father survived his bout of cancer 14 years ago. I only wish all afflicted could be so fortunate.

And here comes our power for our trip to Chicago. B&O GP7 TT #748 is inbound with B&O RPO #2003 (again, my father's car) [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Backing down the passing siding is the power for the trip west and the layover during Christmas [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The train is now coupled and building air. Seen here are CP Baggage Car #2016 and CP Coach #1964  [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Here is the back end of the special train featuring CN Sleeper Glace Bay and the CP Observation car, "Michael McGrattan" [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Remember when I said the setout was done intentionally? Well, the Baltimore and Ohio are supplying the M3T with an ample supply of Blatz Beer while they enjoy the countryside en route west. In honor of the deceased, the same crew has raised the Maple Leaf in his memory. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The train has received the highball signal, and is preparing to enter the mainline. The mysterious conductor Lee spoke of is taking a glimpse out of the back of the train and enjoying the passing view of the wheat that is nearing harvest. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The next stop will be along the right of way well outside of Chicago. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, or simply the Rock, will be taking over the train on its next leg in grainger country to honor our friend.