LCCA 2010 Convention Daily News Report - Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thanks to a great front page news story about the convention in today’s edition of The Denver Post, a large and steady stream of visitors came to the host hotel to see the Lionel train layout and the local club’s layout. Families with kids came out to enjoy the spectacle. Lionel and T W Design staffers served as “coaches” to kids who showed an interest in operating the trains.
We welcomed a special guest, Ethan (age 4), with his Make-A-Wish family to the layout. He received a Lionel train cap and a Lionel train set from the club as a memento of the occasion.
The club provided four “rug layouts” at the atrium for hands-on play by youngsters during the day. The action never stopped.
Today’s train tour was an excursion aboard the Royal Gorge Route, which parallels the Arkansas River and goes under the famous bridge over the gorge.
In the evening, at the Get Acquainted Party, LCCA recognized John and Kathy Flinn, who met years ago at an LCCA convention and recently married. They are celebrating their honeymoon at the convention.
LCCA conventioneers aboard the Royal Gorge Route train respond to “Ticket, please” from the conductor.
The RGR train rounds a curve. The tracks run for miles parallel to the Arkansas River.
Riding in an open car is the best way to experience the Royal Gorge, where much of the scenery is up above.
Club members stand on the Royal Gorge Bridge suspended over the Arkansas River.
John and Kathy Flinn are celebrating their honeymoon at the convention with a toast of champagne.
The entertainment at the GAP was a singer/songwriter who performed John Denver tunes as well as his own songs.
A U.S. map showed the distribution of LCCA members across the country. Members placed a pin at their hometown.
Photographs by Ed Richter
Text by Mike Mottler