Flagstaff, Coconino and Western Railroad: March Narrow Gauge Meet

April 15, 2009

March Narrow Gauge Meet

Went to Joshua Tree for their Spring Narrow Gauge Meet. Spent time with good friends and great weather.

Jeff Tolan and Erin Swain doubleheading up the hill. We added 8 more cars after this run and barely made it up the hill.

Taking a break with Alex up on the High Line.

Taking a break at the depot with everyone.

RGS 41 and Rio Grande 278 waiting to depart up the hill.

RGS 41 heading up the high line.

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About Me...

Erin Swain

I have been involved with trains since my dad took me to see the American Freedom Train at Anaheim Stadium in 1976. Fast forward to the early 80’s when we took a trip up to Portola,Ca to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle.While we were there my dad and I found out that there was a railroad museum that just opened up and we went to see it. For the next 5 years I flew up there and spent a week at the railroad museum and got to run pretty much every WP diesel they had. While there I met a gentleman by the name of Jim Boynton who had just got done restoring a 1907 Baldwin 2-6-2. Jim took me by the hand and taught me about the locomotive and had me firing it by the age of 13. In 1996 I was asked if I wanted a job on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City, Nevada and of course I couldn’t say No. I spent the entire season running and firing the 45 ton 2-6-2 and a 65 ton 2-8-0. In 2001 I got a job as a conductor for the BNSF and got promoted to Engineer in 2006. I got into the live steam hobby 20 years ago. Bought my first steamer at 18, a 1" 0-4-0, and built my first locomotive about 10 years ago with help from my good friend, Jack Sessums, a Gene Allen 2-6-0 fitchburg northern. I have visited a lot of clubs in the western parts of the United States and have made a lot of friends along the way. I have always wanted to have a railroad of my own instead of loading everything up to take to a club and run. In January of 2006 I purchased my first home in Flagstaff,AZ on 2 1/2 acres. When completed all I have to do is pull my engines out of the roundhouse and fire them up, and best of all, all my live steamer friends can come and visit me.

In memory of my steam friends...

Jim Boynton
He was the first one who got me involved in full size steam. Let me help restore the FRSL 8 in the 80's and taught me how to fire and run steam locomotives.
Jack Sessums
I met Jack through a friend one day and we became good friends. He taught me a lot of his tricks on how to build and operate live steam locomotives. He helped me build my first steamer that is has been completed for over 10 years now. Had fun going on several road trips together 4 3/4",7 1/2", and 15" gauge meets.he was a great mentor and I miss him greatly.
Ollie Johnston
I got the chance through a friend of mine to go down to Ollie's place in Julian for a steam up with his porter. I helped fire it up(with wood) and got it ready for the days operations. I even got to run the full length of his railroad which was a real treat. Fast forward a couple of years when I was invited by Ollie to help run his 1" steamers at his house in La Canada. Had great memories of being involved with Ollie and his trains.
Bruce Ward
Met Bruce when I became a member of LALS in the early 90's. Bruce was always nice to me and was one of the few members who would talk to junior members and get them interested. He was an excellent craftsman and his engines were very nice.
Doug Alkire
What can I say about Doug? He had a heart of gold and loved to talk to people and share his knowledge. He always said hi to me when I was at the club and gave me pointers on how to improve my steamer. His model of this B&O pacific in 1" was amazing. The level of detail on his 1" scale engine can only be duplicated by a handful of live steamers today. He was a great guy and I will miss seeing him.

Flagstaff, Coconino and Western Railroad

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April 15, 2009

March Narrow Gauge Meet

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