Thursday, June 20, 2013

VIAlogue


Thanks to the Seaway Valley Model RailRoaders for their hospitality, friendliness and interest in my presentation last Saturday.  We had some fun with triVIA questions, had an informal dialogue (VIAlogue?) about subjects like: what else we'd like to call the Renaissance scheme, just what colour is that, and  interest from club members and spouses regarding self-publishing.  

As I said in my presentation, one positive outcome of creating a book is meeting people you wouldn't have met otherwise, plus the opportunity to learn and share knowledge.  This kind gift from the club is not what I normally think of as a club car, but it certainly is one:
Thanks again to Gary and the seaway crew!
(Brockville VIA station top photo, looking east. The site of much to-ing and fro-ing in the early VIA era)
Highball,
Eric

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Let's Talk VIA!


Next Saturday I'll be attending the annual banquet of the Seaway Valley Model Railroaders in beautiful Morrisburg, Ontario. I've been asked to speak at the group's annual banquet about my VIA Rail books, plus some of VIA's history and modelling challenges.  

One message I'll be sending loud and clear is that this is a golden age for those who model the Canadian passenger railway scene, particularly VIA Rail.  Never has there been such an abundance of high-quality locomotives, rolling stock, books and information to assist the modeller.

I'm proud to be able to be part of this.  I'm looking forward to meeting the group and their spouses, to a great time together over dinner and a fun, informal presentation, including a triVIA challenge!

Thanks, Gary for inviting me.  I'm really looking forward to the trip and the possibility of seeing a few ships (oh, and trains) on the drive down from Kingston!
Eastbound VIA behind FPA4 6778 at Brockville, Ontario's VIA station in 1986 (above) D.J. Gagnon photo.

Highball!
Eric