There were 42 "full" attendees this year for our mini-convention on Saturday, August 27.
The main element was a train ride on the NSSR from Duluth to Two Harbors. The board agreed that it would be nice to have one side of Soo 2719 lettered for a DM&IR Class P 4-6-2. Number 403 was selected (2719 is similar to DM&N Pacifics 400-402). Doug Buell used decal artwork provided by Milt Spanton and had the lettering done locally and applied the night before by Doug, Kent Rengo, Chris Rengo and myself. From a distance it really looked like a Class P (Missabe painted the tires and trim just like 2719).
The weather was outstanding and we were able to stop the train at the Little Sucker River bridge on the way to Two Harbors for a photo run-by. MRHS President Dan Mackey was at the throttle of 403 as he is training as a steam locomotive engineer. There was a long line of cars stopped along scenic 61 to watch the run-by. We placed DM&IR W-24 and 33 directly behind the 403 to approximate Train 5 to Ely-Winton (we couldn't wye W-24 but it looked good).
In Two Harbors members were able to tour the archives (thanks Gene) and also the depot museum and Edna G. Many watched as EMCO F9A switched around the train and prepared to shove the train out of the depot. We had our group photo taken under he cab of 403/2719.
Upon arrival back in Duluth we held our annual membership meeting. The group was very appreciative of Gene Clark's efforts to produce a number of items out of the archives collection. There was general membership discussion on the future of DM&IR SDM 316 with all options remaining open. Convention discussion centered around having a "full" gathering every two years on the Range and maybe a single-day mini-meet during the off years in Duluth (where hotel rates are crazy high) but nothing was decided. The slate of officers put forward by the nominating committee was unanimously approved. A number of members stepped forward with interest in filling the two open board positions. The board will discuss that at our next meeting.
After the meeting there was a reception and buffet banquet in the railroad museum. Todd Lindahl provided a very interesting Power Point update on preservation efforts with Yellowstone 229 in Two Harbors. We hope to have his presentation condensed into a future article for the OE.
The archives auction was held as usual with less proceeds due to fewer attendees but Gene and George Johnson put together a nice sampling of items. Gene continues to request items be donated for the auction.
At the end of the evening Dan Mackey and Kent brought 2719/403 down by the depot platform for a night photo session that a dozen or so members took part in.
Overall it was a very pleasant gathering and everyone I talked with was happy. Look for a photo selection in the next Ore Extra and we have some uploaded in the MRHS Photo Gallery as well.
