@bluelinec4 posted:We have had the grand central board since 2009. Bill sherry started lighting it up
Very cool Ben.
Bob
Incredible, Ben. The last 9 years of my working career, I did a fair bit of commuting on Metro North into Grand Central. It was fascinating sitting on a train watching all the countless trains slowly weaving their way in and out of GS, especially during rush hour. Seeing it boiled down to a “simple” diagram is amazing - I can’t imagine how many switches are between GS and the Park Avenue tunnel!!! I really hope you can use the board in your new home.
Ben: One of the fond memories from my visit to the club in May this year. Couldn't get over how you guys "saved" that huge board from Grand Central Station, and got it all the way over to Paterson NJ, and hang it on the back wall.
I sure hope everything works out for you and the club.......praying for you all the way from "down-under" in Australia.
Peter.....Buco Australia.
WOW didn't see that coming! Will definitely try to make it up for the last one. So many changes over the last few years.
Ben:
It was great speaking with you at the October York Meet at the OGR breakfast organized by Peter!
It was shocking and very sad to hear that the NJ Hi-Railers would have to move out of the location where they have had their magnificent layout for many years. However, I am optimistic that things will ultimately work out, and that you will secure another location.
Having grown up in Hackensack, and lived in NJ for the first 31 years of my life, it pains me that I have never been to Trainstock, although I planned to be there on several previous occasions, but that is about to change. I will definitely be attending this Trainstock, along with my colleagues from the East Coast Enterprises team - Rich Roman, Stan Wisniewski, Geoff Reddington and John Ceratto.
Can't wait!
Pat
@Bill Sherry posted:Fellow Forumites,
It is now 3:00 p.m. and everyone should be awake on both coasts. If you have read this thread, you must know we have a model railroad club in need of your help. At the moment, NJ Hi-Railers is seeking monetary donations with a gofundme to help us relocate the club's layout. Any donation amount would be helpful, but a mere $5 or $10 donation would be greatly appreciated. That is just two cups of coffee or one if you are going to Starbucks! This forum has almost 30,000 members, and if half would donate just $10.00 or more, it would solve our problem. That's less than a train car would cost, and it is tax deductible ! So please help us out and support our club by making a donation so we can relocate and continue to promote our hobby.
Bill Sherry
@bluelinec4 posted:
We started a GoFund Me to try to help with the cost but it really hasnt been too active yet
I just donated, I hope to get to NJ in January.
Hi Bill,
Thank you for your donation. Hope to see you when you come by in January.
On behalf of myself and the NJ Hi-Railers, I would also like to thank each and every one who has donated so far to help us. As I stated before, any amount is greatly appreciated. I would also like to reiterate what Ben said: That every dollar donated is allocated towards the Club's move.
Thanks again and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Bill Sherry
I want to echo Bills thanks as well as all the members of the clubs thanks. I was contacted by a few forum members that indicated they dont like using GoFundme and would like to send a check. If you would like to do it send an email to either my profile email or njhirailers@yahoo.com and I will explain how We are still looking for a suitable site and working on one in particular contingent to zoning variances.
Ben
Sorry if this is late notice but I will be bringing 3 more guests
TrainGuyJoe
In case I didn't specify earlier, myself + 1.
Booked my flights earlier this week, so count me in. Can't wait to see the layout - and some of the OGR members - in person.
I'm going to try and get my work schedule adjusted that week so I can attend. If so I'd be bringing one guest.
Hoping to get a comprehensive cab view of all the loops...assuming I can craft an action-cam mount for CamTrak 
---PCJ
Really bummed to hear the layout needs to come down and be moved but I'm excited to see where you all end up and how amazing the next version of the layout will look.
Looking forward to Trainstock!
I am planning on being there. As of right now it will be myself and 2 guests.
Ben:
Looks like myself and at least 5 more train guys from 'Jersey, looking forward to the visit!
What about setting up a Zoom for those that cannot make it?
Walter
@Walter Matuch posted:Ben:
Looks like myself and at least 5 more train guys from 'Jersey, looking forward to the visit!
What about setting up a Zoom for those that cannot make it?
Walter
Or live stream it on YouTube.....
I look very forward to attending Trainstock every year. It is the annual must do event for me. What a fantastic layout, great food and most importantly wonderful people! I am encouraging others to join me. At this point I am definitely coming, and will let you know a final count within the next week.
@RSJB18 posted:Or live stream it on YouTube.....
Bummer that the webcams are off-line now, that would have been a good way to see it.
Ben, I’m going to try to bring my grandchildren, they’ve been to a few Trainstocks, and I’m hoping this isn’t their last.
I hope you all are lucky enough to find a location in New Jersey that is about an easy drive from York via Philadelphia!
I will be attending, thank you for the invite. So far, I have attended every Trainstock, since the beginning. I remember the first as the most enthusiastic. Let's see if we can top it with the last one (at this location).
While I'm sad that this will be the end of an era, I look at it this way, I realize that nothing lasts forever (except our Lord), however, what an era it has been. How fortunate am I to have participated in it. What terrific memories that I have. I am grateful for the time that I had, and the generosity of the members of club. I have been to other train shows, but alas no compares to Trainstock.
A special thank you to the benefactors who made this time possible.
For sure the layout is big and nice, and it was fascinating to see the improvements over time, but what really stands out is the members, certainly the most kindest, generous, friendly, welcoming people around (I can't say enough positive things about them). This is what truly Trainstock represents, this is what brought me back year after year (and Vinney's cooking).
I look forward to one final time (at this location) celebrating trains and the friendships that have developed over the years, and look forward to hopefully what is to come.
Thank you and God Bless
And I look forward to seeing you again at Trainstock 16.
Most respectfully,
Ed
Ben,
Over the years, Don and I have invited a few of our club members to join us at Trainstock. The ride home is always a high energy discussion of all things NJHR... "did you see...", Wow, that is amazing, especially the ...."
As always, Don and I will be attending! In addition, we have invited fellow members of the Boothe Memorial Railway Society, so the total should be 10, if that's OK!
We didn't want to cost you any gofundme fees, so we will be bringing a donation check to NJHR, from our club/museum, BMRS.
Looking forward to the visit!!!
Ed
Hi Ben,
We met a few years back at our Boston Metro Hi-Railers club, but I have yet to make it down to visit your amazing club. Well, it seems like I better get down there. So, if it's not too late to sign up, my wife Kate and I would like to come to Trainstock. Will be bringing a check to try to help with the cause.
Best wishes, Bob Boland
@Erie Lackawanna Bob posted:Hi Ben,
We met a few years back at our Boston Metro Hi-Railers club, but I have yet to make it down to visit your amazing club. Well, it seems like I better get down there. So, if it's not too late to sign up, my wife Kate and I would like to come to Trainstock. Will be bringing a check to try to help with the cause.
Best wishes, Bob Boland
Of course its not too late Cmon down
Hello Everybody
As you can imagine the planned deconstruction and relocation Of the NJ HiRailers layout is a monumental task. Along with that monumental task there will be a monumental cost so we are trying to raise money in any way possible This is a few of the things we came up with at our business meeting last night Anybody that donates $150 will get one of our MTH NYNJ gondola cars Anybody that donates $300 will get one of our MTH Fidelio 36 foot reefers
In addition to that anybody that has been to our club know we have wall art all around the layout We will be divesting all that artwork All of it is framed and ready to go This is a chance to decorate your train room with some pretty cool items They will be marked
Just checking. Is there on-site parking? Are there any recommendations if that is full? With Appreciation!
@rdg_fan posted:Just checking. Is there on-site parking? Are there any recommendations if that is full? With Appreciation!
Yes, they have on site parking but the parking lot is not that big. In the past there were times when I got there for Trainstock and it was already full. This looks to popular event so unless you get there real early I would not count on getting in their parking lot.
@bluelinec4 I sent you an email about the donation. I can't see any pictures in your last post. It just says "Image Not Found".
Just noticed your earlier post where the pictures are showing.
I would like to purchase the framed picture of the NYC Hudson an the UP Challenger.
Two friends and myself will be there for the last of this great event.
Looking foward to a great time!! Bringing 6 of my friends and family.
I know some of you have sent alerts noting that Ben's post should be in the for sale forum. We decided that since this is a fund raising effort for a non-profit club, we are going to allow this effort to be posted here. Thanks for your understanding and help.
In case I didn't mention it before, please count me and my wife in for Trainstock.
Ben, you already know that my wife, Shawn, and I will be there.
Arnold
My cousin, Rick Bruce from the Philadelphia suburbs, and his wife, Christie, just confirmed with me that they will be attending.
Arnold D. Cribari
Ben, I plan on attending with one guest. Thx, Joe
Ben,
I apologize for the late notice, but I was finally able to get my schedule sorted out to attend this historic Trainstock. If okay, I will be attending and bringing two guests with me.
Best,
Bryce
Looks like I will be attending, along with a couple of guys from my club (as long as the weather doesn't get bad). Being our first time in this area, any tips for parking (assuming lot will be full by the time we arrive) or navigating would be appreciated.
Andy
Myself along with 2 others are going to try to attend.
Wow this looks like it will be a great turnout Thanks everybody All are welcome
Count me and one more in. Love this every year
Unfortunately my wife and I will not be able to attend. She has too much going on at work and with the wildfire issues here in Southern California we don't want to be too far from home. We'll see you all at York in April!
Have lots of fun at Trainstock and hopefully you guys will find a suitable new location. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Two for me, hopefully I can bring my dad to see this incarnation of the layout for the first and last time 🥺
Just going to be me this time, my planned ride is under the weather, so I'm going to schlep over the way I always do--NJTransit. At least I know the particulars of the trip (particularly the return trip) and will likely get there by noon this time.
Bringing CamTrak and a pair of idler gons, still hoping to get video of each loop
---PCJ
Hi all. Is Trainstock appropriate to pop in for an hour or so with a toddler? Don't want to kill the vibe of it's not meant for the very young train enthusiasts. I haven't been since the first Trainstock
@njscott posted:Hi all. Is Trainstock appropriate to pop in for an hour or so with a toddler? Don't want to kill the vibe of it's not meant for the very young train enthusiasts. I haven't been since the first Trainstock
I don't think anyone would mind. The more the merrier!
Just popped the donation to the gofundme site, we'll be leaving shortly to see you all up there.
I just can’t accept the fact that the flu has kept me from attending Train stock 16. My grandchildren have enjoyed many trips to previous Train stocks And we were so looking forward to this one. Selfishly,I want to mask up and head over, but if anybody else got sick, I would never forgive myself.
Hopefully Ben, John, Vinny, Bob, & the whole crew will find a new place and reestablish the New Jersey high railers.
Just want to say thank you for doing this special event for th O Gauge forum group. Had a terrific day. Meet a lot of folks and saw many old friends. The goddess great as always and hope it will continue in your new homeland. Thank you again.
RonH
My first ever visit. It was a pleasure meeting several of you in person and attaching a voice to your respective avatars.
Awesome facility and layout. Looking forward and thinking positive to the future ahead.
I want to thank the NJ HiRailers for the continuing love of the hobby and all the contributions they do to it. My brother and I had an excellent time chatting with Ben, Don Klose and a few others. Chef Vinny kicks butt even though the stove was removed, my brother said The food really hit the spot. I did see Gunrunner John, but I believe he probably left before I could get over and talk with him(he was by the kitchen when we came in).
I took a ton of pictures and shot some videos, probably should have took more. Tall Building Tuesday will have some new material coming from me in the future of the beautiful layout before the move. Here's a few shots from today.
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After putting it off until "next year", I finally made it. Incredible level of detail and workmanship, especially for such a large layout. Great bunch of folks - Tom made a special effort to show me around.
Just returned home after a great visit to the NJHR and Trainstock 16.
Also nice to put faces to the screen names including @Amfleet25124.
The food was great, and so was the cake.
My son and I enjoying the view.
Bob
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I too just got home. We had a great time seeing friends, a gargantuan layout and great food Thanks Ben, Vinny, Chris, John and Alex and all the NJHR members.
Our club and Eddiem and myself donated to help with a future move.
We wish them all the best.
no
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I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…
P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18
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🎼 And the trains on the tracks go round and round… 🎶
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And on the whimsical side… Kevin (aka @Amfleet25124) when he has to transfer to the bridge bus when his commuter train gets discombobulated…
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@Apples55 posted:I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…
P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18
I was looking for you too Paul. Guess you were an early bird..
We didn't get there till about 12:30.
Bob
@Apples55 posted:I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…
P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18
Great pictures Paul.
A good time was had by all. I was surprised there weren't more people there, but we did have plenty. Company and food were great, it's a sad day for the layout. The good news is, they're already in negotiation for a new building for the revival of the NJ-HR.
John that’s great news, they are gone for now like Ben posted not to long ago
@gunrunnerjohn posted:A good time was had by all. I was surprised there weren't more people there, but we did have plenty. Company and food were great, it's a sad day for the layout. The good news is, they're already in negotiation for a new building for the revival of the NJ-HR.
Yeah John. My brother and I got there just a little after 12, I saw you were over by what was the kitchen and Done Klose was seated where we came in. I said hi to Don(and got to chat with him a bit later), and we made our way to the can. We started our tour after that, got called to lunch(red tickets) not far after that. I didn't see you after so either you were back looking at the layout, or popped out. We left around 2.
We (my son and I) joined after a show last year. We are in the DC metro so we cannot go as often as we would like, but each time we go we enjoy the great layout, friendly membership, and the wonderful hospitality. While change is never easy, I am confident that this great group of people will make it work in a new location.
Safe travels home everyone.
@Apples55 posted:And on the whimsical side… Kevin (aka @Amfleet25124) when he has to transfer to the bridge bus when his commuter train gets discombobulated…
Paul, thank you the diecast 1964 New York World's Fair bus. Here is the photo that we took together today. At least I remembered to take this one. Forgot to take photos with @RSJB18 and others.
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So my club was not able to attend today but we arranged for a visit in a few weeks to say goodbye to the largest O gauge layout in the country and hearing encouraging words on their future location. We are their “ little brother-sister” train club in Central/South Jersey.
We have something to give you for your club but that check was for our 50 year lease agreement with the town. Lol! You cannot have that one but we have one for your club.
See you guys soon.
The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders Lakewood,NJ.
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I had a great time at today's event and I am thankful that I got to see this layout one last time and as always I enjoyed Vinny T's good food that he served for everyone.Hopefully the NJ Hi Railers will find a new place for their layout so that we can continue this tradition of Trainstock.
Thank you to the NJHR for their hospitality today. Finally got my grandson, 17, there today. He spent hours taking everything in, making mental notes. Talking with members about what he was seeing. On the way home, he thanked me for taking him and discussing how we could incorporate some things he saw into our layout. Been wanting to get him there for years, finally did. Although now, he really wants to add a Big Boy to the stable of locomotives 🚂…
@Ted Bertiger posted:So my club was not able to attend today but we arranged for a visit in a few weeks to say goodbye to the largest O gauge layout in the country and hearing encouraging words on their future location. We are their “ little brother-sister” train club in Central/South Jersey.
We have something to give you for your club but that check was for our 50 year lease agreement with the town. Lol! You cannot have that one but we have one for your club.
See you guys soon.
The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders Lakewood,NJ.
Hmmm, it’s a bit suspect if that signature is any good! Being a Rangers fan and all. Tsk.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:A good time was had by all. I was surprised there weren't more people there, but we did have plenty. Company and food were great, it's a sad day for the layout. The good news is, they're already in negotiation for a new building for the revival of the NJ-HR.
Sorry I missed you John. Hopefully next time. The place was pretty packed when we got there shortly after Noon.
Ben said the new location is a little further west off of Rt 80. And much easier to get to than snaking through the lovely neighborhoods of Patterson.......
Bob
I don't know as many people as some who have posted but enjoyed the conversations and my last visit to this space. This club has to be the most welcoming group around. The streets of Paterson remain a challenge I will not miss. I do hope the one guest who discovered his car missing was able to work out something.
@necrails posted:I do hope the one guest who discovered his car missing was able to work out something.
Didn't hear about that one, that's a bummer! I too hope they don't leave with that as their last memory of a great club! I came with several other people in one car, we parked in the fenced parking lot around 9:15. The car was still there when we got out, so I guess that model of Honda is hard to steal. 
I confess, I was actually a little reluctant to park my 1 month old car in Patterson, so I'm glad I had a ride to the location this time.
I'ts bittersweet for me. I remember when the Nortwest Jersey Highrailers were at the Dover. NJ show recruiting people for this club. I was there for the first Trainstock and now the last Trainstck in Patterson. I herd from Alex M the big NYC landmark buildings may not all be on the new layout which will be closer for me to visit.
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@RSJB18 posted:Sorry I missed you John. Hopefully next time. The place was pretty packed when we got there shortly after Noon.
Ben said the new location is a little further west off of Rt 80. And much easier to get to than snaking through the lovely neighborhoods of Patterson.......
Yep, by noon everyone was packed into the eating end, it was pretty crowded at that point. I agree about getting to their new location, I did hear that they didn't have much parking, I hope they can deal with that issue.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Didn't hear about that one, that's a bummer! I too hope they don't leave with that as their last memory of a great club! I came with several other people in one car, we parked in the fenced parking lot around 9:15. The car was still there when we got out, so I guess that model of Honda is hard to steal.
Driver was on the street around the corner, mine was a few spots behind where his would have been. There were no signs prohibiting parking. Hope it worked out.
Thank you Highrailers for being great ambassadors of this hobby!!! And a great trainstock did them all!!
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Hi Ben, Vinny, and all the rest of the NJ Hi-Railers,
Thank you all for an outstanding Trainstock 16 yesterday. As we have at all of them in the past, Kathie and I had a great time (even though she had to sit some of it out due to her hip replacement three weeks ago). If this is to be the last Trainstock, you folks sure went out with a bang! Fellowship, food, trains, and music to boot. Nothing compares to Trainstock.
We wish you the best in whatever the future holds for the club; hopefully, that former rec center in Boonton will pan out. Regardless, I'm sure you'll make the best of your new home.
Stay well and happy training.
Chris (and Kathie, too)
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If it is, they will need a parking garage.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:
They can get the Twin Towers in there, I'm sure if it. Even if they don't have them on the new layout. Maybe they can get them in there somehow.
So I'm not the only one who googled Booton Rec Center?????😂😂😂
I want to thank everybody that came out yesterday. And thank everybody for your generosity.
fyi. There isn’t any new building yet. So complaining about parking and where the World Trade Center is going is pure conjecture. All I can say is trust that we are working hard to make it happen
@bluelinec4 posted:I want to thank everybody that came out yesterday. And thank everybody for your generosity.
fyi. There isn’t any new building yet. So complaining about parking and where the World Trade Center is going is pure conjecture. All I can say is trust that we are working hard to make it happen
Ben, we know all of the club will do what most of us see as impossible. We all will just have to wait for official updates and announcement.
It was great seeing everyone and meeting some new friends too. Ben, I want to thank you and the Hi-Railers for being such spectacular hosts!
Arnold, thank you and Shawn for providing the live music!
Best,
Bryce
P.S Ben, as discussed, if you need any help with that Christmas stuff, my email is in my profile.
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@pennsyfan posted:Great pictures Paul.
Thanks, Bob. Were you there??? Would have loved to meet another Brooklyn ex-pat.
@RSJB18 posted:I was looking for you too Paul. Guess you were an early bird..
We didn't get there till about 12:30.
Bob
Yep… I got there around 9:30 and got a spot in the parking lot. While, as a retiree, I don’t like early rising, in this case I made an exception since they were talking about some tricky weather in the afternoon (and I did get some rain, frozen precipitation, and finally snow on the way home). I just missed you as I left a little after noon. If you’re ever in the Poconos, give me a ringy-dingy
To Ben and the rest of the NJ Hi-Railers, thanks for everything. My group arrived late (around 3pm) due to some of the group's desire to see Northlandz as well. And even though we missed the food, we all still had a great time and got to talk to a lot of people. After 3 previous attempts that were prevented by weather or other circumstances, I'm glad I finally made it! For us it was a 19+ hour round trip that took us just over 750 miles, and we enjoyed every minute of it!
Andy
Just want to say thanks to all the NJ Hi-Railers members for providing so many wonderful times and memories over the years. You guys literally are the best train club in the history of the world!! THANK YOU!!
I enjoyed seeing GRJ, and it was great to meet Kevin @Amfleet25124 and @Andy Hummell. I would have liked to meet Bob @RSJB18 too but I didn't know you were there Bob. I also met Scott Miller (a NJ-Hi Railer member) who explained to me in great detail what is going on with the new location. I won't say anything here because (my memory sucks) I don't want to get my facts screwed up nor do I want to say anything the club doesn't want me to say. As Ben said things are still up in the air. However, I am hopeful that this location will work out for the club. Yes, it is smaller but IIRC if they get it, it will be a situation where the club won't ever have to face moving again.
@Hudson J1e posted:Just want to say thanks to all the NJ Hi-Railers members for providing so many wonderful times and memories over the years. You guys literally are the best train club in the history of the world!! THANK YOU!!
I enjoyed seeing GRJ, and it was great to meet Kevin @Amfleet25124 and @Andy Hummell. I would have liked to meet Bob @RSJB18 too but I didn't know you were there Bob. I also met Scott Miller (a NJ-Hi Railer member) who explained to me in great detail what is going on with the new location. I won't say anything here because (my memory sucks) I don't want to get my facts screwed up nor do I want to say anything the club doesn't want me to say. As Ben said things are still up in the air. However, I am hopeful that this location will work out for the club. Yes, it is smaller but IIRC if they get it, it will be a situation where the club won't ever have to face moving again.
I'll catch you at Trainstock 17!
Thanks Phil.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:I'll catch you at Trainstock 17!
Thanks Phil.
Bob
Sounds great Bob! Looking forward to it!
The High Plains 3 Railers have returned to Colorado after attending Trainstock. Thank you N.J. Highrailers for hosting this great event. We got to meet Irving and many members of the O gauge forum. The food was wonderful !
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@Hudson J1e posted:Just want to say thanks to all the NJ Hi-Railers members for providing so many wonderful times and memories over the years. You guys literally are the best train club in the history of the world!! THANK YOU!!
I enjoyed seeing GRJ, and it was great to meet Kevin @Amfleet25124 and @Andy Hummell. I would have liked to meet Bob @RSJB18 too but I didn't know you were there Bob. I also met Scott Miller (a NJ-Hi Railer member) who explained to me in great detail what is going on with the new location. I won't say anything here because (my memory sucks) I don't want to get my facts screwed up nor do I want to say anything the club doesn't want me to say. As Ben said things are still up in the air. However, I am hopeful that this location will work out for the club. Yes, it is smaller but IIRC if they get it, it will be a situation where the club won't ever have to face moving again.
It was a pleasure meeting you Phil
@CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:The High Plains 3 Railers have returned to Colorado after attending Trainstock. Thank you N.J. Highrailers for hosting this great event. We got to meet Irving and many members of the O gauge forum. The food was wonderful !
Mike, my fellow long distance traveler to Trainstock 16, looks like we both had fun.
@Arnold D. Cribari , having never met you before I didn’t realize that was you and your wife providing the musical entertainment until I saw your photo posted above by Bryce ( @Oscale_Trains_Lover_). Thank you for the music!
@CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:The High Plains 3 Railers have returned to Colorado after attending Trainstock. Thank you N.J. Highrailers for hosting this great event. We got to meet Irving and many members of the O gauge forum. The food was wonderful !
...
Congrats on making such a long trip. I traveled from central Indiana, and thought that I came a long way.
It was great to meet a lot of folks, but I missed a few.
