First run across the completed "Lewis & Clark" Division

On Sunday March 19, 2006 the inaugural trip over the new Lewis & Clark division was successfully completed by Bruce R ad his trusty Atlantic. Bruce pulled 18 cars and 5 adults. That old Atlantic was talking up a strom, but had no trouble pulling the loads. It was fitting that Bruce should pull the first train over the bridge bearing his name. It was a very rewarding event. (I am not sure who'se smile was bigger, Bruce's or Pete's!)

^ Bruce, starting out with the heavy consist.

<------Jim Behnke inspecting the freshly laid trackage on the bridge.  The upper superstructure is yet to be added. Jim was to add some excitement later in the day, when he lost his balance and fell off the bridge and landed on the other side of that palmetto bush on the left. Fortunately the only thing bruised was his pride. Jim's landing area, is now named "Behnke Bayou" in his honor!

OK, Here is the big moment! Bruce pulling the first train over the Bruce Raykiewicz Bridge. Fortunately eveything went perfect thus negating earlier fears by some that we might have to add "memorial" to the name of the bridge.-------------->

Another shot from "up top" showing Bruce going over the bridge yet again. In all we made about 8 trips around the entire track going in both direction, before the light failed. A perfect end to a very productive weekend!

A special word of thanks from Pete to all he crew for their tireless efforts; Bruce Raykiewicz, Brian Masters, Ron Apt, Jim Behnke, Don Pierson, William (still waiting on a last name) and Bobby Timson.