y mini purred down tree-lined Lakemont, the recent session behind me. I drove quietly, no radio, no jumble of thoughts, but the wind rippling through the open windows. My mind was still as a pond, no plans or formulations. I wasn’t even thinking of a blog. Flatline.

It was funny but the session didn’t disappoint me or thrill me. I didn’t consider the things I should have done (or words I shouldn’t have said).

It comes down to one thing.

That session was perfect.

This comes on the heels of Kyle and me running over at the West Virginia Northern the day before where we were informed of our status as the “A-Team”. And run it we did. Oh, there were little goofs but nothing beyond the level of subtle comedy.

Extra Black, a long run of seasonal coal, roars through Cheney. (Photo: Dan L)

But the WAZU. After several years of trying things and adjusting things, the session was perfect. All the trains ran on or ahead of time. Nobody really waited more than a minute or two. Watching the cameras, I had orders up and out as many of the trains rattled over their approach turnouts.

And the crews were all spot on. Look, ONT gets invited to a lot of sessions. And it’s not just because we can run trains but because we make sessions better. When you run on as many layouts as we do, from the tiny Tuscarora to the huge LM&O, you get polished.

But today went beyond that. Unlike my last WAZU session (where I pushed and shoved to keep trains on their numbers), this time I was clinical about it, giving quick orders that were instantly obeyed by the crews. I don’t think I had to repeat myself more than twice, and every train ran dead on their issued.

Think about the traffic levels and folded complexity of the WAZU, and think about how it all came together after years of trail and error (especially error) and what we achieved.

I was silent on the drive because this felt like a high water mark. I don’t know if we’ll ever have another session this great again. I’m getting older and a bit slower, and there is always the possibility of loosing crew. And in a way it’s sad. Topping it will be hard, if not impossible.

Doc’s Groucho Marx impersonation, using engines for a cigar, falls flat. (Photo: Dan L)

I’m not just saying this: this might be the best session I’ve ever been a part of.

For the record, the gold crew consisted of Zach Bischoff, Mike Donikowski, Leonard Jungck, Doc Andy, Greg Wells, Dan Lott, Jeff Chisholm, Chris Strecker, John Christensen, Bob Klauck and Kyle Sarnik.

I hope Bill saw it.

>>>BOOKS<<<

Heavy steam rounds the Attalia curve where the Lumber Jack waits for the run back to Seattle. The sawmill boys are out looking to put out any falling cinders. (Photo: Leonard L)

Three trains round the peninsula, two on Cheney topside, one below in Walla^2 (Photo: Dan L)

The session ran so smoothly, Doc comes back to see if someone else is dispatching. In the background, Robert stares into space. Check out all the marker tags! (Photo: Chris S)

The Krew, looking pretty damn hip. Either the session is starting or maybe ending, based on the display time. (Photo: Chris S)