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Western Railway Museum Railfan Day
Author: SPC Tom
Date: 08-05-2016 - 14:53
I decided to go to Rio Vista Jct. last Saturday for the “Railfan Day and Swap Meet” because I had not been to the museum for years. I am curious if anyone else here went and what your impressions were. I ended up leaving after about 2 hours in because I was frankly bored. Not a lot was running so I am wondering if things picked-up later in the day. I could only look at the three vendor tables so many times while waiting for something else to run.
I don’t like to be critical of volunteer organizations (and I am not just disclaiming with the intent to gripe because I am active in a number of volunteer museums and know the difficulties that are faced), but I have to say it was very uninviting for a “fan” day.
The new Jensen car house was closed the whole time I was there - no viewing of the equipment. The Smith Memorial archive room was shut for a private work party, or something like that, whatever that means, with a homemade sign saying so. Last Saturday was not one of the library’s regular hours, but did nobody coordinate the event or think that fans might be interested to look in the library?
During the member/railfan days of 15 to 20 years ago, it seems that everything that could come close to running was brought out, but it seems like only things that would normally run on a regular day were out, with the exception of the SN freight train that was put together. I was hoping to maybe see some rare runners like the Key System 1011 tool car, or the 1215 Key System shop switcher (it was in the old barn covered with dust and junk), or the MUNI Boeing (also covered with dust and the interior was filled with junk and garbage).
Lastly, the old Laffin park used to be such a nice place to sit with refreshments and watch the equipment run by. It’s now overgrown, full of weeds, and somewhat run down. It seems that whole side of the grounds has lost its quaintness since the general store, old boarding platform and shelter, and old parking lot are not really used for anything anymore.
Since I left after a few hours, maybe things picked-up. Did any one else attend?
I don’t like to be critical of volunteer organizations (and I am not just disclaiming with the intent to gripe because I am active in a number of volunteer museums and know the difficulties that are faced), but I have to say it was very uninviting for a “fan” day.
The new Jensen car house was closed the whole time I was there - no viewing of the equipment. The Smith Memorial archive room was shut for a private work party, or something like that, whatever that means, with a homemade sign saying so. Last Saturday was not one of the library’s regular hours, but did nobody coordinate the event or think that fans might be interested to look in the library?
During the member/railfan days of 15 to 20 years ago, it seems that everything that could come close to running was brought out, but it seems like only things that would normally run on a regular day were out, with the exception of the SN freight train that was put together. I was hoping to maybe see some rare runners like the Key System 1011 tool car, or the 1215 Key System shop switcher (it was in the old barn covered with dust and junk), or the MUNI Boeing (also covered with dust and the interior was filled with junk and garbage).
Lastly, the old Laffin park used to be such a nice place to sit with refreshments and watch the equipment run by. It’s now overgrown, full of weeds, and somewhat run down. It seems that whole side of the grounds has lost its quaintness since the general store, old boarding platform and shelter, and old parking lot are not really used for anything anymore.
Since I left after a few hours, maybe things picked-up. Did any one else attend?
Western Railway Museum Railfan Day