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The Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club held its First Annual Picnic and Train Meet on Saturday, August 16, 1997. Over 100 train enthusiasts attended the grand event that was hosted by the Club’s President, Herb Koch, in his own backyard.
An enormous big-top tent, with a dimension of 30 feet x 45 feet, was erected with the assistance of many Club members on Thursday evening. The tent housed the Club’s operating train layout, 36 feet x 18 feet, which was available for all to enjoy. The children, as well as the adults, were able to operate the various accessories on the layout. The trains were run throughout the day and a twilight train session was enjoyed under the tent while it was raining outside.
There were many planned events for all ages. The children had fun being railroad engineers and feeding coal (charcoal) into a train’s firebox. Others stood around the one-quarter scale mile drag race. Steam engines from all eras and diesel engines battled it out for the fastest times. The winner of the Steam Engine Drag Race was Nathan Bross. Bob Gleason’s Prewar Electric Engine won over-all.
A water balloon toss was also held. This allowed the participants momentary cooling during the heat of the day.
Over $1,000.00 worth of prizes were given away throughout the day. The lucky Grand-Prize Winner was Peter Jilbert. He took home a GP9 Milwaukee Road Lionel Command-Equipped Engine. Ted Cwik won a Lionel Train Master Command Set.
The Club supplied the food and beverages for all the attendees. The feast included: two roasted pigs, hamburgers, hot dogs, various salads, and a variety of taste-tempting desserts.
Many thanks to all the individuals who helped the Club in a variety of ways to make this event a success. And a very special thank you to Herb Koch, Mrs. Koch, their neighbors, Bob Ciolino, Jeff Mills, and Peter Jilbert-- without them, this event would not have ever taken place.
Photos by David Groh.
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Back to the Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club Home Page
Revised 9/04/97