National Capital Trackers modular Layout at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington DC, April 9, 2015
Thanks to the National Capital Trackers for the privilege of serving as Trackmaster.
Thanks to Mike Fistere for their special efforts for set up and smooth operations.
Trackers involved:
Clem Clement, Mike Smith, Bear Bailey, Bill Creech, Allan Crotts, Mike Fistere,
Glen Mackinnon, Phil Barbara, Jim McDermott
Others attending:
Sandy Clement
Janet McFarland, Beverly Tomb and one other lady from the Washington Chapter, DAR.
Carol and Chuck McGinnis. Carol is past President, TCA.
AFRH personnel:
Nicole Chappell, POC
Laura Fogerty, Director of rec. services, AFRH and several members of the AFRH staff
Event statistics:
Advertised to open: 10:30 Am
First train run: 09:59 Am
Outside 2 tracks hot. Inside track shorted. (A few minutes of extra work did not find the short.)
2 track operating began at 10:40 Am. Inside track became parking track.
AFRH provided excellent lunch
Well over 100 happy residents visited the NCT layout area.
Advertised shutdown: 14:30 Pm
Actual shutdown 14:40 Pm. Leader wanted more run time for his $50 dolla Blue Comet. During takedown, we determined that the fault was in one of our small collector tracks.
Attached flyer was everywhere in the facility plus placed on every table in the dining hall. This was a very effective flyer promoting our event.
AFRH comments: Wonderful Train operations: when are you coming back?
Comments:
Should we return /annually, semiannually?
Two days would be easier on us and perhaps get more residents to attend
Nat’s game let out as we were leaving causing a huge traffic jam in DC
Could we do the event over a weekend? (AFRH previously said no as the day staff is off duty on the weekend.)
Stories of our residents:
R “the last time you were here your trains were smaller.” A: They have grown up
R “do you have steamers? I love Steamers!” A: We sure do!
Several of the vets had most interesting stories to tell us.
It was a great pleasure to play trains with and for the enjoyment of our men and women vets who so honorably served our great nation!
Clem Clement
Trackmaster