Eastern Railroad Discussion > Annual Fall Trip 2012, in memory of Peter McGilligan

Hello all,
I'm catching up on posting some photos... Every October, a group of us travels somewhere where the foliage and trains are plentiful. The tradition started in 1991 with my old friend, Peter McGilligan, when he and I spent a few days on Sand Patch, including a memorable cab ride on a trio of SD60's shoving an R135 over the 'Patch. Every year since then, some number of us made a trek to places like the Mountain Sub, the WNY&P, the NY&SW, and many trips to RJ Corman and the Buffalo & Pittsburgh. Over the years, not everyone was able to attend, with new wives, new kids, new jobs, and the like.

This year, Peter fell ill and missed the trip. Fortunately, Dave Abeles and I had an enjoyable visit with Peter in the hospital, right before the rest of us traveled to Cresson for this years' trip. Unbeknownst to us at the time, that would be the last time we'd see Peter. Very sadly, Peter went quietly during the early hours of the following Sunday, October 21.

The tradition of the fall trip will continue, along with Peter's passion for photography and model trains. Thankfully, I will be able to continue to enjoy Peter's impressive collection of railroad slides, and many of his railroad books and HO equipment as well. Over time, I look forward to setting up my railroad "reading library" and Conrail-themed layout. But first, I wanted to share some of the Fall trip photos from years past along with this year...

1. The first Fall Trip, here's Peter at HO Tower on October 25, 1991.
2. Peter, myself, and Leo Ross in October, 2001 near Cumberland, MD.
3. The "whole gang", Tobyhanna, PA in October, 2011

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So, here are a few favorites from the 2012 Fall Trip.

4. We went straight from the hospital in NJ to the Rt 22 overpass in Cresson. Thanks to updates from PittsburghMike, RGDave and I were able to intercept the RDG heritage unit upon arrival.
5. A progression of coal hopper history, at Sonman Mine, near Portage, PA. Oct 15.
6. NS C47 about to start loading at Sonman.

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7. Three way meet at Cassandra.
8. NS C47 pulling hard at Cassandra.
9. The next morning (Oct 16) the CNJ heritage unit interrupted breakfast at the Station Inn.

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10. Autumn leaves along the Corman near Cresson
11. RJC-1 arriving Cresson from the Irvona Branch
12. Shadows and coal hoppers, Cresson.

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13. NS 23Z comes around the curve approaching the signals at Rt. 53, Cresson, Pa.
14. The Gang at the Station Inn
15. NS 10G at Lilly

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16. The Illinois Terminal unit at Bolivar, PA on the Conemaugh Line, 10/17
17. The last train of the trip - light helpers going away at Bolivar on the Pittsburgh Line.
18. Yes, a Polaroid, of the guys at Cassandra.

May you & yours have a warm and comfortable Thanksgiving!
Best,
-Alex

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Excellent photos and tribute to your friend, Peter... thanks for sharing them with us and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Pic #14: A "blushing" pumpkin?

NICE set of pics!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

Nice tribute Alex... photos like this (with your friends) should be considered IOTD material.

After all, what is railfanning if not for time spent with good friends?

Alex, if possible you should try and post more of your photos. Their always a cut above the rest
including these two posts today.

Thanks, fellas. Much appreciated. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile... life gets busy sometimes!

Wish there was a "like button" for this post. RIP Peter, you are and will be missed.

Very nice Alex, I am sorry for your loss.

Gary

Alex, very well done. Sorry to hear of the passing of your friend.
John

Peter is missed, already. But he'd approve of being busy - a full life doesn't come from being bored :-)

Great pics as always!

~RGDave