text and photos by Steve Binning
Thursday, May 20, 2010 was a rainy day in Pacific, Missouri. The St. Louis Chapter National Railroad Historical Society (NRHS) President Ron Gawedzinski had arranged for a group of railfans and friends from St. Louis Chapter NRHS and Gateway Division NMRA to ride Union Pacific’s Operation Lifesaver train from Pacific to Washington, Missouri.
An estimated 60 people were present and rode. There was a group of school students that planned to be on the train for the Operation Lifesaver program, but scheduling complications caused them to cancel. Despite the rain, all seemed to enjoy the ride and many cameras and camcorders were busy. Umbrellas and rain gear were in heavy use. The major problem the rain caused was getting good pictures through the rain drops on the dome and other car windows, but that didn’t dampen the spirits, it just provided special effects.
After the return to Pacific, the train stayed a while and more photos were taken. Ingenious methods were used to protect the cameras and camcorders from the rain and still get good pictures and video.
Thanks to the Union Pacific Railroad, their crews, police, and especially Ron for arranging the trip.
