By Rich Hane

I hope that everyone has survived the Holidays. We had a very nice time visiting the grandchildren and we were even able to get some rare mileage in that I am sure Wallace Henderson and Don Clayton do not have yet. Of course, they may not count urban light rail but the rails were 4 ft 8 ½ in. apart and standard gauge is standard gauge.  We rode the Phoenix (Arizona) Metro Light Rail system about 3 days after it opened in late December.  This system is about 20 miles long at this time and they hope to add to it in stages over time. The fare was $1.25 to anywhere within 2 hours and 1 detraining.  One can get an all day rail/bus pass for just $2.50. The firm that my daughter works for (Sundt Construction, Inc.) constructed it so it was a thrill for her. It was quiet, smooth, and fast. The railcars are in pairs and receive power from an overhead catenary system using pantographs.

I am sorry that the Christmas Party did not work out but the weather just did not cooperate.  Hopefully, we will have better luck this year.

Please remember to pay your dues to Wally Watts if you have not yet done so. This will make his job easier if he doesn’t have to remind you good folks.

I am looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces at the next meeting at 7pm, Monday, January 26 at The Center in beautiful downtown Madisonville.