Railroadfan Spring Meet 2012 - Durand MI 6/2/12

[bnsfben]

Just to give everyone a heads up so there are no surprises, the depot parking lot is currently under construction. We will most likely have to park in the amtrak lot just east of the depot. I'm not sure how far along they will be by Saturday, but if we are lucky we will be able to park right next to the depot. I was in Durand Thursday and there was a huge hole in the middle of the lot.

Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up if the lot is still under construction during the meet.

[TomCat4680]

If you have any railroad-related books, magazines, videos, etc. that you no longer use, donate them to the gift shop. All proceeds go to maintenance and restoration of the station. It's open 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays.

[Standard Railfan]

I am a rookie to all this organized railfanning. What time will the meet begin/end/etc.?
I have another engagement on Saturday morning, but I may be able to make the trip in the afternoon.

Thank you

[MKT_fan11]

I am a rookie to all this organized railfanning. What time will the meet begin/end/etc.?
I have another engagement on Saturday morning, but I may be able to make the trip in the afternoon.

Thank you

These meets are all about coming and going as you please. There will (almost certainly) be people on the station platform throughout the day, different people at different times. At this point I have no idea what time I'll get to Durand, let alone what time I'll wind up heading for home. The only problem with showing up later in the day is that most of the goodies (like Mrs. AARR's baked goods) will probably be gone. On the other hand, if the mid-day lull still exists, showing up later in the day will probably yield more trains. The best thing about Durand is that the platform is almost always open.

[Clay320]

Does the station have wifi?

[SD80MAC]

Does the station have wifi?

No.

[TomCat4680]

Does the station have wifi?

No.

Actually the Grand Trunk Western Historical Society does but it's locked.

[Jetlink Driver]

Hey guys, I actually have Saturday off from work so I was thinking about making the trip. I would probably have to bring a 1 or 2 of my kids. They are small. Ages 2, 4, & 6. Would this be an appropriate event for children to attend? I hate to stick them in the car for a few hours and for them to be bored. I was just trying to get a feel for how kid friendly it might be in Durand. They like trains so I'm not worried about that. I'm just thinking about the rest of the time or when there are lulls. If the answer or policy is no kids that's fine I just want to know a head of time. Of course my wife wouldn't think about coming with me (I asked).

Since I'm new anything else I should know or bring? I was thinking I should show up mostly so I can finally meet some of you guys.

Randy

[TomCat4680]

Hey guys, I actually have Saturday off from work so I was thinking about making the trip. I would probably have to bring a 1 or 2 of my kids. They are small. Ages 2, 4, & 6. Would this be an appropriate event for children to attend? I hate to stick them in the car for a few hours and for them to be bored. I was just trying to get a feel for how kid friendly it might be in Durand. They like trains so I'm not worried about that. I'm just thinking about the rest of the time or when there are lulls. If the answer or policy is no kids that's fine I just want to know a head of time. Of course my wife wouldn't think about coming with me (I asked).

Since I'm new anything else I should know or bring? I was thinking I should show up mostly so I can finally meet some of you guys.

Randy

People bring their kids to Durand all the time. If they get bored between trains, let them pick out something from the gift shop, or go look at the exhibits in the station's museums, or check out the large model railroad layout in the back.

[atrainguy60]

The model railroad club is also open on Saturdays, Jetlink Driver. I think it's open from 12 to 5.

[SD80MAC]

The model railroad club is also open on Saturdays, Jetlink Driver. I think it's open from 12 to 5.

10 am to 4 pm.

[TrainWatcher]

I am starting to hear jokes about this meet already....

"A PIlot, an Engineer, and a...."

[trnwatcher]

Looks like I'll be there. See you all at the diamond Saturday AM.

[J T]

Too bad the weather is going to suck tomorrow. That seemed to the be the same for the last meet I went to in Durand. Bah!

[AARR]

I would probably have to bring a 1 or 2 of my kids. They are small. Ages 2, 4, & 6. Would this be an appropriate event for children to attend?

Dave Lang is bringing his three kids. The meets I have been too, and I have been to quite a few, have all been rated G.

[J T]

Wow, it just occurred to me...I'm finally going to meet Mr. Irrelevant.

[AARR]

Wow, it just occurred to me...I'm finally going to meet Mr. Irrelevant.

You will be underwhelmed

[J T]

Wow, it just occurred to me...I'm finally going to meet Mr. Irrelevant.

You will be underwhelmed

Will I be overwhelmed by the delicious goodness from Mrs. Relevant?

[Jetlink Driver]

OK thanks for all the info. Sounds like the kids can come OK. Made it home tonight. Planning on being there tomorrow. Coming sometime in the morning but probably not too early. Sounds like I have to bring all three of the munchkins. Will stay as long as the kiddos behave.

[TomCat4680]

Too bad the weather is going to suck tomorrow. That seemed to the be the same for the last meet I went to in Durand. Bah!

That's why they built the huge canopy in the front. I remember one Saturday night several years ago it was thunderstorming pretty bad for quite a few hours and there was still tons of guys there watching the light show. The tracks even got struck and it made the crossing lights go off. We all stayed dry as a bone and I had my scanner on the whole time.