LCCA 2010 Convention Daily News Report - Sunday, July 25, 2010
“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” Mr. Rogers always said. This Sunday in Denver was no exception to that rule. At 9:30 a.m., LCCA volunteers boarded a motorcoach and traveled to the tracks near Denver Union Station for a safety training session aboard
The LCCA Special excursion train of the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet. The gleaming yellow cars were in position behind UP steam loco #844 on the point. The Car Captains went to their assigned car for training by UP Conductor Jim Coker about how to operate the entry doors of that car and the “trap” that opens and closes the built-in entry steps at the vestibule.
The volunteers enjoyed a short “train trip” as the UP crew backed the train along the track to the platform at the station and parked it there. The volunteers re-boarded the motor coach for the return trip to the host hotel—ready to serve during tomorrow’s train excursion run.
The registration desk opened at 1:30 p.m., and members were lined up to register and receive the LCCA 2010 Convention Early Registration Gift: a D&RGW Uranium Transport Car. This car is provided only to the first 400 registrants for the Convention.
Monday, LCCA members will board
The LCCA Special at Denver Union Station and depart at 9 a.m. for Cheyenne, WY.
A Sunday morning safety training session for volunteer Car Marshalls began aboard the UP passenger train named <em>The LCCA Special</em> for this special excursion run. It was parked in the yard area just north of the Denver Union Station platform.
UP Steam Crew Conductor Jim Coker demonstrated the door latches and “trap” entry step mechanism to all the Car Marshalls, including Johnny and Fran Ourso.
Jim Coker showed LCCA President Al Kolis the safe way to open the vestibule split entry/exit door to the Missouri River Eagle car.
After completing their training session, the LCCA volunteers left Denver Union Station and boarded a motor coach for a return trip to the host hotel.
Photos by Ed Richter
Text by Mike Mottler