C&O/Chessis modelers' weekend, The

This is the first issue of Observations since 1996. The purpose of this little publication is to carry information about Society activities, administration, and member communication, so that we can reserve the main Magazine for material of permanent value. Observations will be issued periodically, as needed.

Spring is here. We hope you are getting a nice tax refund. If so, and even if not, consider a small donation to C&OHS to help us continue to pay down the debt and to enhance our preservation activities! Anything is welcome and anything helps. No donation is too small to merit our great appreciation.

Send materials for possible publication in Observations to: C&OHS, ATTN: Observations, P.O. Box 79, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

"I never met a train I didn't like," proclaimed C&O Historical Society Modeling author Gary Burdette as he started his program of "Modeling with a C&O flavor." About thirty fellow model railroaders, most members of the George Washington Chapter of the C&OHS, joined Gary at the Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia, Public Library on that hot June day in 1993. We shared models, fellowship, history, and modeling techniques along with Gary's fine presentation.

The enthusiasm and fellowship of that day planted the seed for a fantastic weekend on March 5 and 6, 1999, at Hawk's Nest State Park Lodge, the first ever C&O/Chessie System Model Railroaders Weekend. The goal of the event would be to bring together model railroaders from all walks of life and to cure cases of cabin fever.

Overlooking the C&O main line in the heart of the New River Gorge, Hawk's Nest State Park Lodge provided the ideal relaxed setting for this gathering. With 31 rooms and a central meeting room, the Lodge fit the bill nicely for the estimated crowd of thirty people. This number would change in time.

As the planning unfolded, the newly formed Chessie System Historical Society pitched in with help in advertising and participation in the sales/display area. The current president and co-founder of the CSHS, Randall Fields, along with co-founder and current vice-president Matt Foltz (who are C&OHS members as well) agreed to give seminars while other CSHS members manned their sales tables. This cooperation proved the spirit of teamwork that exists between the CSHS and the C&OHS.

Several C&OHS members were contacted to give seminars for the weekend. Phil Shuster, author of C&O Power, agreed early on to give the keynote address. Gary Burdette, Jim Butler, Jerry Doyle, Russ Hass, and Tom Dixon stepped up and volunteered to give various talks on different subjects.

By the morning of March 5th, the total of registered attendees was more than 60, from 14 states! As attendees traveled to the Lodge, the word spread about two blockages on the main line. A mud slide had blocked the tracks at Crown Hill and a derailment had occurred near Cunard in the Gorge. This would put a slight damper in the train traffic put did not dampen the spirits of those coming to the Lodge.

Attendees started arriving at the Lodge around 11:00 am. The downstairs display room began to fill with models of all scales at a steady pace. The sales room was also a beehive of activity as the CSHS began to set up, followed by Tom Dixon with the C&OHS table. Chuck Willey of West Virginia Hobby in Hurricane, West Virginia, was getting set up as the bulk of the crowd arrived. Registration opened at 3:00pm with Don and Patty Mills and Christina Crouch manning the table. Joe Vandenburg assisted in putting together the "goody" bags given to each registrant.

Things started with an open time to enjoy fellowship, models in the display room, and items for sale in the sales room. If a dollar per handshake could be generated.........

In his seminar on Modeling with a C&O flavor, Gary Burdette discussed kit building, kitbashing, casting, and various modeling techniques to obtain the C&O look. Along with some excellent slides, Gary recalled many stories of obtaining the prototype information in West Virginia coal country.

James Butler's seminar was next, showing a great way to kitbash a C&O Tavern Diner from two Athearn standard diner kits. Jim also discussed a way to execute the modernized versions of the C&O diners with the rounded, flush windows.

The keynote speaker was longtime C&OHS member Phil Shuster. Phil is author of the book that can be credited for fueling the fire that started the C&OHS, C&O Power. An excellent slide show showcased C&O motive power and operations that spanned nearly 80 years. Titled "The Changes I've Seen," this seminar was enough to inspire modeling no matter what era you are modeling.

After Phil's wonderful presentation, open time to meet and greet friends new and old was enjoyed. Both the C&OHS and the CSHS sales tables were very busy with books, magazines, custom models, and photographs being sold. Membership information and historical research requests were handled as well. Chuck Willey with WV Hobby was enjoying brisk sales of all types of models as well. Downstairs, folks were admiring the excellent model work on display (estimated at 200 individual models) in the seminar room. Model displays ranged from a blast furnace modeled after the Armco mill near Ashland to a five-footlong wooden model of a C&O car ferry. Rolling stock and motive power from the turn of the century to 1986 was represented as well. Many scales were present including O scale C&O diesel switchers and an S scale H-8 Allegheny.

Saturday morning arrived with blustery winds, gray skies, and a mix of snow and rain. The folks going on the field trip assembled in the main lobby and were instructed on where we were going and what routes we were taking. Soon after, the 12-car motorcade left the lodge and made its way to Prince, WV.

As the car pool entered Prince town limits, a clear signal could be seen eastbound at Stretcher's Neck Tunnel on the main line. At Prince station, longtime C&O/Amtrak station agent Marvin Plumley was able to break away from his paperwork and maintenance duties to answer questions about Amtrak service and Prince station. Not long after the station's interior was explored, the eastbound train burst from Stretcher's Neck Tunnel with a blast of its 5-chime horn. A coal train led by CSX No. 7666 headed through Prince and around the curve toward Quinnimont, much to the delight of the photographers. After giving folks a few more minutes to explore and photograph this historic C&O town, we bid farewell to Agent Plumley and the Town of Prince. Our carpool headed around the hill and dropped down into Quinnimont, West Virginia.

In Quinnimont, the group was able to photograph several pieces of equipment including a set of modem CSX power in the yard, a C&O snow plow still in Chessie paint, a Chessie System caboose, a camp car, and two buildings preserved by the National Park Service.

As the afternoon continued our group found its way to Thurmond. Last October, the water tanks at Thurmond were dismantled, along with all unused tracks and all but one railroad building. Attention was focused on the coal dock and the wellknown Thurmond store fronts. As a New River Gorge mist descended on the explorers, many comments were made about what this area was like in the Forties. Walking back across the bridge to our cars, our group could still see a few white letters on the side of the high bridge on the Minden Branch high up on the hillside that once proudly said CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO. As the mist turned to drizzle our group headed back to the Lodge to rest up for the evening events. Some folks decided to continue exploring the area at Stone Cliff, east of Thurmond.

Back at the Lodge, we discovered many new models in the display room along with several new faces who were waiting for our return. Registration closed around 3:30 with a total of 82 people in attendance at one time or another throughout the weekend. We were fortunate to have many notable people at the gathering. Faces in the crowd revealed rail photographers, authors, and historians including Phil Shuster, Everett Young, Jay Potter, J.J. Young Jr., Todd Atkinson, and Bill Sparkmon along with noted Charleston historian Richard Andre.

After dinner, Jerry Doyle presented a remarkable slide show on C&O, B&O, WM, and Chessie System second generation diesels. Jerry discussed the different uses, classes and variety of paint schemes involved in the "Chessie roads." Jerry is also the author of a forthcoming book on Chessie System diesels.

An avid student of Chessie freight car history, Randall K. Fields presented an excellent slide show covering many classes of Chessie freight cars. Randall showcased everything from auto parts box cars to safety cabooses with rare slides of the Chessie System exhibition train. Randall is nearing completion of a color Chessie System freight car book. Chessie System Historical Society Modeling editor Matt Foltz began his seminar on painting Chessie diesels by saying it is not hard but takes patience and good preparation techniques. At the end of his seminar, Matt hosted several questions concerning painting and preparation methods. I think many folks now have inspiration to tackle this challenging paint job thanks to Matt.

C&OHS modeling editor Russ Hass gave an enjoyable slide show on Thurmond and how to model many of its historic buildings. Focus was given to modeling the famous Thurmond engine house. Russ described in detail how he is scratchbuilding this structure, using drawings available from the C&OHS. His project engine house was on display as well.

COHS President, Chairman of the Board, and founder Tom Dixon closed out the gathering by reminding everybody to help teach the important history of railroads and their impact on American history. The group was also reminded that we as modelers are also historians, recreating in detail elements of the past. Museums in the future will depend on models to help tell the story of railroads to generations to come.

After Tom concluded his talk the door prizes were given out, including N scale Kato covered hoppers and a video on scenery techniques. The final event was the raffle of a Badger Crescendo Air Brush. Closing remarks were met with applause and enthusiasm for the past weekend and talk of another weekend next year.

The group checked out of the Lodge on Sunday morning, exchanging goodbyes and handshakes. Many folks decided to go railfanning before heading home.

THANKS to everyone! See ya next year folks!

Copyright Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society, Inc. Apr 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved