-- Having corresponded with Erich Thomsen "The Master Railroad Builder" in 1990, and then finally visiting his incredible gem, the 15-Inch gauge 5/12 Narrow-Gauge scale "REDWOOD VALLEY RY"; first in August 1992, and meeting Erich in person, we became instant friends. Erich and I shared a railroad career background and similar steamy interests, so I offered my humble assistance at the RVRY. "E.T." gave me a tour, and immediately put me to work. Elbow to elbow we worked on several tasks for a few days. What a vacation! Words cannot describe the RVRY!!
-- In the Spring of 1994, On a temporary transfer to Sacramento for four months (!), I was able to spend 2 or 3 days per week (!) visiting the RVRY and assisting E.T. once more. The "ANNUAL SPRING MEET & BARBEQUE" over Memorial Day Weekend was a magical, enchanting, steam & pleasure filled three days! There were two visiting "CLAN Railway" 5/12 NG locomotives and over 30 cars on the railway, all of which follow Erich's basic design concepts in "Construction and Wheel & Track Standards", hence a "Clan" of friends had grown. A spiritual energy pervaded the camaraderie! Good times with new friends.....
-- A few days later, I had to return home to Colorado..... and about nine months later was informed with the terribly shocking & sad news that Erich had suddenly passed away in March 1995. May you rest peacefully in Grand Scale "Steam Heaven" my honorable friend!
-- Although I had a standing cordial invitation to visit the RVRY anytime, I was not able to return to the RVRY until May 2000. I made the trip to the RVRY for the "ANNUAL SPRING MEET AND BARBEQUE" held on JUNE 3-4, 2000. By then, heavy sorrows had given way to a common heartfelt determination to honor Erich's memory in the best way..... by joyfully and energetically carrying-on with the RVRY!! The old spirit and enchanting magic was still there! This meet saw a total of six 5/12NG scale steam locos, 3 were from two "Clan" private railways, lots of cars & equipment, and more friends than ever. The event was a great celebration of friends sharing the pure pleasure of fellowship, whilst amiably collaborating in a grand manner, in the enjoyment of messing-about with 5/12NG Steam Trains!
-- In those exciting days of June 3-4, 2000..... many hours were spent shooting Hi8 VIDEO TAPE, which has finally resulted in this amateur "Re-captured & Digitized" Production. This is not a perfect work, it is a bit rough in spots, being subject to the vagaries of Photographic & Video Technology. However, it is the only Video example of the magnificent Redwood Valley Railway that I possess. I do hope that any other viewers of this Video Production will also derive some entertainment and enjoyment from it here on RU-vid!!
-- I was happily able to return to the RVRY in May 2002, to share in the "50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE REDWOOD VALLEY RAILWAY" scheduled for JUNE 1 & 2, 2002. The "Clan Folks" had grown in number. An amazing total of 10 (!) 5/12NG Locos were there representing 5 (!) different "Clan Railways", as well as over 35 various cars, and bits of other equipment. Without any doubt, this Celebration-Event was the largest gathering to-date, of 5/12NG Scale Railways the World has ever witnessed!! The enchanting magical spirit pervaded all, it was a great honor & privilege to attend that Grand Scale Celebration!!
-- As it turned out, that was sadly the last time I have visited the RVRY. My memories of those golden bygone days and shining faces, are some of my most chershed! I know the RVRY is being operated wisely and well, and has since grown in "Clan" participation. There now seem to be three or four major 5/12NG "Clan" Railway Enterprises, active either Commercially or Privately, and I do give them my very best wishes & regards! My contacts with members of the "Clan" have been irregular, and have now dwindled to only one or two people..... "Vaporo In Fraternitate!"..... LONG LIVE THE REDWOOD VALLEY RAILWAY !!
7 сен 2024
