A/V night for FNG

Last night six of us enjoyed a diverse evening of old 16mm footage from the southwest, interesting rail-video of one of our FNG member's layout as well as an assortment of slides from "all over the map". The 16mm film showcased the earlier years of computers and how they were put to use to test the dynamics of hauling a freight train across the country from California to Chicago. The commentary was certainly humorous (for us in 2006) and the film itself was most interesting. Measuring devices were spread along the length of a long unit train and the entire consist became one Sperry Car, if you will...although most computer readings were looking at train dynamics...but some dealt with how trains "tracked" through pre-determined track locations across the continent. Again, all the boys in attendance felt just like the characters in "Station Agent" watching those old style films!
*Photo by Chris R.

The projection screen was then moved over and we were all "blown away" to see Mike's C&C layout on video from the perspective of a 44-ton crewman. Yes, Mike purchased a miniature camera...and we all know just how fabulous his layout is...well, it has been elevated another notch. The views we beheld were from locations on the layout an operator would not typically see..and they were great! Mike also brought out some of the latest Mini-Classics long haul trucks he recently picked up and they are must-haves" for anyone modelling the fifties.
*Photo by David Jones

Mike also brought along stacks of slides depicting the Claremont and Concord with all that beautiful street running...many never before seen shots for us in attendance. Some wonderful Ottawa streetcar images were thrown into the mix and we all had an entertaining time attempting to determine the exact location in Ottawa many of the old slides were from!
*Photo by Chuck Petlick

The rest of the evening was dedicated to the CV. Dave hauled out three or four "casseroles" of slides most depicting the era when the CV had those multi-coloured paint schemes of 5-6 diesel lashups. Central Vermont engines in the black and red scheme, the blue and red scheme, and those in green with yellow stripes hauled traffic across the Alburgh trestle, the Georgia High Bridge, through St. Albans, through Palmer, Mass...Brattleboro, White River Jct and many other places all over the map!
* Photo by William Klapp


We were able to view some modelling as well. David's tabletop diorama depicting the beautiful station at North Conway had never been seen by Rick and Bruce and they certainly appreciated Dave's modelling skills. Dave, the repaint of your station looks "bang on"!



The bridge scene is a shot of the span at Miller's Falls
A great big thank you to Dave for hosting last evening.
Cheers, Mike H.