Red River Valley Railway
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History
M. G. Winslow submitted the following to "The Miniature Locomotive" magazine, Jan-Feb 1953 edition:
- Greetings to all Brother "Live Steamers".
- By the time these few words appear in print, our season will have drawn to a close and winter workshop programs will be in full swing.
- The past season has been a good one on the Red River Valley Railway with the usual good turnout when we ran our engines. As usual, our passengers were in greater numbers than "power" was on hand to handle. Of course, our tariff is still the same "No Charge" which probably accounts for the goodly numbers of small fry lining up for rides.
- We did one thing this season which might be an idea for all "Roads" operating like ours. We put up neat signs which stated that all passengers would ride at their own risk. Even though we make no charge, an accident resulting from an injury to a non-revenue passenger could prove embarrassing to the members as a whole.
- The highlight of the summer was our annual "Meet" which was held Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd and 24th (1952). The weather was good although a trifle too warm but which resulted in the Locomotives steaming with very little fire. We were also delighted to be hosts to visitors from Minneapolis and St. Paul. We welcomed Hugh Brakke and "Bill" Goesch and their wives who showed up on Friday, August 22nd. Hugh showed up with a 3 1/2" gauge Pacific while Bro. Goesch had for display a 2 1/2" gauge 4-4-0. This job is nearing completion and is a fine piece of work. Saturday the track was reserved for the visitors to use. Sunday, all members, their wives, offspring and friends joined with the visitors in having the "Meet". The turn-out was estimated at around 125 persons with additional visitors coming and going all day. We had on hand a number of engines for working purposes while our more recent members put up a display of work that was most interesting to all. Two chassis of Hudson in 3 1/2" gauge were on view as well as a completed 2 1/2" gauge "Northern" type. A beautiful chassis of 3 1/2" gauge 4-8-4 was also shown as well as a 5" gauge Diesel which is under construction.
- We arranged with one of our members to take movies which we hope will be good. These will add zest to our winter meetings.
- We all joined in having a basket picnic at the proper time which was enjoyed by all. The entire affair went off extremely well.
- In September we also had a visitor from Denver, Art Wegne, who showed up with his wife to see our "Road." We were able to give him some entertainment at the track and show him some of our Red River hospitality.
- Next season we feel it would be a good idea to have an International Meet in Winnipeg. What do you fellows think about that?
- We all appreciate our Magazine and certainly hope it keeps on roaring along on schedule.
- In closing we hope that in all your "Live Steam" activities, your lights be always "Green" with no dead ends anywhere