December 30th- New Years Eve Eve

Post date: Jan 02, 2011 10:1:9 PM

This is a time of reflection and appreciation for all of those who have made this a most interesting year for the Sue Line.

First and foremost, I must thank Dick and Karen Bronson of R-R CirKits. Dick has been must understanding, helpful and encouraging during the transition. Dick has spent many, many hours correcting my misconceptions and setting me on the right path. I can never express my appreciation for all his help.

Next would be a special thanks to Keith Guiterrez and Al Lautenslager of CVP Products for their help with EasyDCC. Both Keith and Al have listened to my moans and groans and then gently pushed me back onto the pathway of getting things done. Keith believes in teaching a man how to fish not giving him a fish to eat - if you know what I mean. Without their persistence who know what would have happened.

Next to a man I have never met or talked to, Bob Jacobson for his efforts and to all those who have worked on the JMRI project, including once again Dick Bronson. PanelPro and DecoderPro have been the backbones of our transition. Again, thank you seems too little for all that you have done.

I would definitely be remiss not to thank and thank again all the members of the Sue Line Crews for their tireless work, their listing to be bitch and their suggestions for improvement of the railroad.

Next, I wish to thanks all my friends in model railroading for their encouragement and their suggestions on making the Sue LIne better.

Finally, I can never thanks my wife, Sue, enough for all that she has done. I know that many times, she has felt like pulling her hair out over one or more of my "crazy" dream or schemes. Sue is always there. On a personal note, Sue is facing some major back surgery January 10th which we hope will relieve some of her almost constant back pain. Please pray for her.

The train session.......

Tonight, we had a special quest, Paul Shattuck of Wichita, Kansas. Paul was one of the original members of the Sue Line Crew, back when dianosaurs roamed the earth. It was GREAT to have him back.

For this, the last session of 2010, Danny Garland (above) again took on the duties of the Shreveport Yard Master.

Jim Willis (above) took on the duties of the Alex Yard Master for the final 2010 session.

And, once again, Paul Harwell (above) took on the duties of the Maryville Operator (MOp) along with the E-Branch and the Lake Hamilton Paper Mill.

Jason Busey (above) was out on the mainline,

along with Ken Ellison (above), and

Paul Shattuck (above, right). Charlie DeVillbiss (above, left) took over the extra board and move many a ton of grain.

Random Shots from The Final Session of 2010

Jason Busey getting ready to put power on this mainline train before leaving Alex Yard. Jim Willis is in the background.

Ken Ellison switching his train in Jeauxville. Jason Busey is in the background.

Charlie DeVillbiss waiting for a local train to clear in Leming before moving on with his train.

Danny Garland switching cars in Shreveport Yard.

Charlie DeVillbiss (above, left) awaiting a cut of cars from Paul Harwell (above, right) as he works Lake Hamilton.

To end 2010, I can only say it has been a GREAT Year, a growing year, a year of change and a year of fellowship. Again thanks to all for all you have done.

In the words of Tiny Tim in a Christmas Carol:

'GOD BLESS US EVERYONE."