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NERF: Final thoughts


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#1 KevinKorell

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 01:05 PM

Share your final thoughts here about New England RailFest 2013. Overall it was nice meeting the new people who joined us, and as always seeing the usual faces. Always much appreciated that people travel from afar to be with the group for all or part of a weekend, especially this time of year. And of course we also are happy to have local folks along who we can turn to for answers to our questions. 18 is an impressive total even though some Fests have surpassed 20. We did luck out with the weather, as things could have been a lot worse. Many subplots to this Fest, including a Floridian experiencing her first snow, 24-hour delays in getting to town, and me doing what I now know is called a Mattress Run -- switching hotels all but one night to maximaze both hotel points and AGR points. What were your memories, good or bad, of this event?


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#2 pennyk

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 08:05 PM

My final thoughts are all positive. There were many firsts for me. It was my first OTOL Fest and it was my first (non-points run) January train trip. Although I have seen snow previously, I threw my first snow ball in Wells, Maine and was on the receiving end of my first snow ball also. It was a lot of fun, and I thank everyone for tolerating my juvenile behavior. Thank you Steve for helping me with my aim (and suggesting that I put down the shopping bag prior to throwing the snow ball). :lol: Although I heard some remarks about my attire (silly hat, bag lady, too many layers), everyone was very nice to me and helpful. Thank you. I enjoyed meeting lots of new friends and seeing some "old" ones. :lol:

#3 steve4031

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 10:32 AM

Lots of good memories. Hanging out with the guys and riding trains. Hanging out in wells was fun. I enjoyed the Sunday morning ride on the mattapan line. I never tire of riding pcc cars. The ride back on LSL was great, but I caught something on the trip and was sick. I'm sitting in the doctors office now awaiting the outcome. And the afternoon tea at the drake was great. Rosalyn's friend showed me a lot of care and encouragement. This person can really help Rosalyn and myself.

#4 KevinKorell

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 12:08 PM

The ride back on LSL was great, but I caught something on the trip and was sick.

I'm no doctor, but you did catch the Lake Shore Limited. :)


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#5 steve4031

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 01:40 PM

Don't make me laugh. My lungs hurt. Lol

#6 KevinKorell

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 10:39 PM

OK here is the Fest by the numbers.

We had a total of 19 people involved over the weekend.

By gender: Female 3, Male 16.

By state: Out of the 19 people, New Jersey by far won by sending 6 people. Second was the home state of Massachusetts with 3. The other ten were one each from the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, Rhode Island, Florida, and Texas.

By day: We never had all 19 together at one time. On Friday, we had a maximum of 16. Saturday we peaked at 18 on one segment, and on Sunday we had as many as 12 in the morning.

Breaking each day down by segment:

Friday

Entire BOS-Kingston-Plymouth-BOS round trip: 11
BOS-PVD on Amtrak #137: 14
From Providence down to Wickford Jct and up to Back Bay on MBTA: 16
Joe's American for dinner: 14

Saturday

BON-Lowell-Woburn: 17
Woburn-Wells on Amtrak #693: 18
Wells-BON on Amtrak #694: 17

BON-Government Center on Green: 15
Government Center to Wonderland on Blue: 14
Wonderland to State on Blue: 13
At State we split up -- 2 went for nighttime tour of Green Line, 4 took BOS-OSB-BOS points run, and 7 went to Faneuil Hall for dinner.

Sunday

First trip on Red Line was "rolling meet", which topped out at 12.
JFK to Ashmont to Matappan on Red: 12
Matappan to Ashmont to JFK on Red: 12
JFK to Braintree on Red: 11
Braintree to South Station on Red: 11
South Station to Alewife on Red: 9
Alewife to Park on Red: 9
Entire Green Line travels: 9
Group split quickly at Government Center and Park, but 4 (edit) remained together to Amtrak #169 for combined going home/points run.


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#7 nashscan

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 03:35 AM

I really regret not being able to join y'all this Winter. Hopefully in the future, the cost of moving and lodging people will be more in line with an average American budget. Glad everyone had a safe trip and hope anyone afflicted by the nasty viruses, etc lately recovers well.
Preston from Nashville

Nashville needs Amtrak!

#8 jis

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 08:02 AM

Group split quickly at Government Center and Park, but 5 remained together to Amtrak #169 for combined going home/points run.

Minor correction. I believe it was 4 on 169. Will, who would have made it 5, was not on 169

In general I am sure glad I could make it at least to one day of the Fest, even though it was not exactly the day on which there was any new ground that was covered for me. but hanging out with friends at least for a day made it worthwhile anyway. Looking forward to the next one....

#9 KevinKorell

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 10:12 AM

Minor correction. I believe it was 4 on 169. Will, who would have made it 5, was not on 169

Thanks, edit made.


Kevin Korell


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