NTS&B 2012 Third Piedmont Pilgrimage Open House

My third Piedmont Pilgrimage turned out to be just as enjoyable as my other two. Kathy was not able to be home, so I had 4 full time helpers, and 2 additional club members came about half way through and helped.  All told, I had 57 people plus myself, which is the biggest crowd ever.  We had 2 families come back for the second year.  The furthest visitor drove 67 miles, unless you count the couple from PA (700 miles), which was already in town visiting family.  Snacks consisted of pre-Halloween candy and drinks, and very little of that was gone.

A good friend who helped also brought me a nice addition to the train room.  One of his hobbies is carving pumpkins.  He carved this pumpkin for me using a Dremel tool.  I believe he said it took him 8 hours, and his hands were still vibrating !!!  Its even more special since its a picture (sculpture?) of the Polar Express, which is the main train reserved for the helix loop.

I also took a little time the week before and worked some more on the new bridge.  Its not complete yet, but it looks a little more like a bridge with the moorings attached, and the NTS&B letters applied.  I've been told I may see something similar on another layout in the near future.