2017 Western Pacific Convention update

Good evening everyone!

Time is drawing near for the 2017 WP Convention in Reno, NV on May 4-7, 2017 at Harrah’s Reno.

I am pleased to announce that we have filled out last presentation slot! A big thank you to Micheal Clawson, “Chief Fish” at Big Fish Creations, the advertising and digital media company located in Graeagle, CA that has been working with the FRRS for the last year or so to improve our outreach and visitorship. Michael, a exhibited photographer and author on the topics of photography and iPhoneography, will be doing a presentation on Creative Railroad Photography during the Thursday session.

There is still time to register to attend the convention!!

While the registrations for the Depot Mixer on Thursday and the Reno Aces ball game and dinner on Friday have been closed, we layout tours on Thursday and the layout tour and operating session on Friday. These look like a lot of fun.

We are still accepting registrations for the Sunday tours and excursions. This whole day adventure includes a 1 hour ride on the rebuilt Virginia and Truckee, 2-1/2 hours to enjoy lunch and explore historic Virginia City, highlighted by a rare opportunity to tour the former home of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, the noted rail historians. This lovely Victorian is now owned by FRRS members and they have graciously offered to open their home on Sunday for us.

After Virginia City, we go to Carson City and the Nevada State Railroad Museum for a ride on restored McKeen car Virginia and Truckee 22 and then a guided tour of the museum. If you want to go on this great trip, we are accepting registrations until Sunday afternoon. There are only 10 or so spaces left.

Also ending Sunday afternoon is the registration for the closing banquet on Saturday, May 6. This will feature a talk by WP and UP engineer Greg Elems who will share his stories and photos of growing up along the Tidewater Southern then working for the Western Pacific and Union Pacific.

To sign up for the 2017 Convention, the Banquet and the Sunday excursions and tours, please go to http://convention.wplives.org. Please note you can still come to the convention and pay at the door, but the banquet and all extra events aside from layout tours will be closed.

Eugene Vicknair
2017 Convention Coordinator