Chiloquin, Ore. – Over a thousand train buffs from around the world are riding the rails at ‘Train Mountain’ near Chiloquin this week.
Michael Goi says he was bit by the train bug growing up in Chicago…
“I always dreamed in our apartment building that we had train tracks around it. I would draw tracks with chalk, and pretend I was a train.”
About 1,100 people have registered for this year’s Triennial at Train Mountain.
“We have approximately 370 trains showing up for this event.” Notes Train Mountain Railroad President Tom Watson. “Which is about 30 percent more than we’ve ever had in the past.”
Jerry Smolyk of Edmonton, Alberta says the hobby gives him a pleasant break from his ‘day job’ as an undertaker…
“Everybody that comes on this train has got the biggest smile on their face – and the happiest people in the world.”
Ernie Beskowiney of Edmonton built his ‘Canadian National’ train from scratch…
“I’ve got over 35 thousand hours from the time i started until I finished it, September of last year.”
Over 36 miles of track make it the world’s largest 1/8th scale railway.
“Last year, we were over here building a lot of new track.” Says Gordon Eastaughffe of Brisbane, Australia. “And this year we came back to enjoy the triennial.”
The Train Mountain Triennial will continue through Sunday.
“And for anybody who loves trains, this place is like nirvana.” Adds Michael Goi. “There’s nothing else like it.”
Train mountain opened in 1987, and the first triennial event was held in 2000.
You can find out more at: www.trainmountain.org
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