Rail fan trip on the Cass Scenic Railway.

Here's some picture's I took on the same trip.

Guy

Guy,  thanks for the photos.  I miss those rail fan trips.

They ran this with loaded log cars, like when the mill operated?

Colorado Hirailer

Yes they have log on the car's it was railfan trip it is two day's of riding the train up and down the mountain we go with CAL"S group it was my 24 time with the group ,they were doing it on the first full weekend of may the last time they had it was in 2011 like every thing there rider ship has went down so they haven't had for the last few year's I hope they do it again I miss going to it me and Johnny have a good time down there .

Guy

I rode it in 2003:

2011 was the last year the log cars operated.  They are out of service at the moment.

Kevin

Johnny & Wigville -

Thanks for posting the video and photos.  The video was spectacular, obviously shot with professional equipment (and someone who knew how to use it).  The photos captured a different side of Cass that was not available at the recent fan appreciation weekend two weeks ago that I attended.  Did not have much interest in Shays until I saw them operating up close.  Now I want one for my railroad.

Still working on the video, but here's some photos from the visit.

Mike

I like your video.....the cloudy day was perfect for the 'vintage' shots of the train!

If I may join in.....living a few miles from Cass....I take lots of photos!!!!

And finally after years of watching and riding WM #6.........

Cass is a great place to visit weather you are a Shay fan or not. Live steam, some 100 years old, sounding like 765 at speed but going 12 mph is fun no matter who you are!!

John, did you go with the CALS group in 2003?  If so, Guy and I were there.

Mike, thanks for the complements and the pictures.

AMCDave - thanks for the pictures.  Aren't you the lucky one, so close to Cass.

Johnny, yes I did.  I was the one getting all of the compliments on my Cabelas GoreTex rain suit!  I really needed it that trip.  Every kind of weather.

Cass is easily my favorite train place.  I told my wife I need to get back there soon.  I told my brother-in-law that I'll be dragging him there again. 

When I got retired early due to a Corp merger.....I thought 'where do I want to live' and landed here. But my family has been here since before it was a state....so I just came home!!! But yes....blessed!!!

Don't forget these guys too.....just a few more minutes north of Cass.....

During the same trip I also rode behind the "Durbin Rocket" which was the first time I saw an operating Climax. It was a real treat!

Haven't been there yet.  Anyone want to sponsor "send Farmer Bill to Cass"?  

Bill, we're thinking of going to CASS this summer to visit a friend who works there.  Want to shovel coal????

...keep the rails polished...

Hi Johnny,

Great video, looked like a great time.

Nice photo's guys

Alex

Hey John, That was the first year I rode the Durbin Rocket too.  Also, rode the Cheat Salamander (diesel rail car) down near Durbin.

Alex, thanks!  Yeah, It was a great time.  It's been a great time all eight times I went.  Me and Guy are hoping the rail fan trips will return.

I really liked it. My wife, much less.   Anyone who goes, I recommend planning the trip well, there are not a lot of other things I wanted to see or a lot of choices for hotels and all nearby, as I recall.  But the RR was a lot of fun to see and ride.

Lee is correct about sparse accommodations and convenience stops.  Hotel, gas amd fast food is few and far between in Pocahontas county. (one reason I live here!!)

We have no McDonalds or Wal Mart, gas stations can be counted and fingers left over.

But with just a little planning and it's a great get-away.

This is the most remote area in the USA East of the Mississippi so it's unlike any place else.

But if you have any idea of visiting...drop me a note and I'd be happy to advise.

AMCDave, you live in a wonderful, picturesque and quiet part of the world.  You have chosen well.  And to have a working steam scenic loco nearby . . . I can't see how it could be any better!

The last three times I went on the rail fan trips, I stayed at one of the renovated company houses.  All the conveniences you need and just a short walk to the station to pick up the train.  And as Dave said, there is not much out there.  You do have to do a little planning for food and gas.  Cell phones don't work either.  It is quite wonderful and peaceful.  A total change from the many other places I have vacationed at. 

Cell Phones do not work only because Cass is in the GBT dark zone. (Green Bank Telescope ) Now back 2003 NO cell phones worked in Pocahontas Co.......but now just south of the Cass area they will as long as they can use the AT&T network.

I do enjoy seeing teens panic look when they get here and the phones don't work!!! 

We do have a good size community of folks who move here because of 'electronic noise' of urban areas.

Very nice photos.