You'd expect a guy who sells track to have an amazing railroad. Gary has an amazing railroad. Gary and his family hosted an open house as part of an BAGRS open day, and the BAGRS Live Steamers came out in force.

Gary's railroad underwent some major surgery in the week just before the open house, and the result is a railroad suitable for many types of running. A long (!) run can be had out to the far ends of the empire, and a wide, curving oval is also incorporated for running on a waist-high, easily accessed circuit. A large, multi-track steaming area is included... but it was quickly proven that there is not such thing as "large enough".

A fair representation of the rowdies who showed up. That's Michael O'Rourke grinning at the camera, and that might be Tom King with the shades. Sam Muncy would have been in the photo except that he was passed out on the lawn from the heat and just a little too much wine supplied by the hosts!

Gary's layout has great scenery everywhere, and with the many bridges, turns, grades, and banks you can find a scene suitable for any locomotive to steam through. The grade to the far end of the empire is probably 3% or more and is just right for working a locomotive up-grade, and for generating scenes with nice plumes.

Mike Martin's modified Billy observes the posted speed as it grinds through a halt on the main line.

Jim McDavid works out an Aster Shay on the waist high circuit.

Michael O'Rourke's Argyll pulls a freight up the grade. A year ago this locomotive took a dive off the high line on this railroad, but she ran steady and kept to the rails all day this time.

Gary has a great place for running live steam engines and it was a great day to expose new people to the sport of live steam (it hasn't been that long since you've had to sprint your guts out on a quickly calculated tangent to catch a spirited steamer...). We can only hope he invites us all back.