Thomas the Tank Engine is at IRM again this year, and the first day went off without a hitch. By now everybody knows what to do, it seems. I wasn't signed up for anything, but on call, so I had some time to walk around and take pictures.
As usual, Thomas has a long train to pull, in order to hold all his friends and their families:
That's a hard job, so this year the IT Diesel was helping out at the other end.
This is the main part of our fantastic sound system, which broadcasts announcements and music over most of the property. The announcers' tent is located behind it. I hadn't realized it, but our old friend Andy Chmura supplies all of the PA equipment for the DOWT festivities each year. You can't get away from it. It can only be considered a good thing that my tastes in music are ignored, I guess.
Al Reinschmidt just can't stay away. He does a great job as an announcer. Behind him, Harold Krewer is giving instructions to Kevin Brown, part of the train crew, while Andy looks on. Harold and Al sit there all day and keep the festivities going -- I can't imagine how they do it.
Up at the station, this is Percy, an 0-4-0, who is new this year.
And just yesterday, the Santa Fe sign was installed. Isn't it impressive?
The 1630 passes by on its way to couple onto the Percy train on Station 1.
Here it is coming east on the main.
And here's a video: