2017 Convention

 

2017 Convention Update

April 22nd, 2017

 

April 22, 2017 Update:

We have some more information for the 2017 WP Convention that we would like to share:
- The itinerary for the Sunday V&T / NSRM Excursion and Tours is now set.  It is as follows:

8:45 AM We are picked up by tour bus at Harrah's Reno.  Please assemble by 8:30 AM.
10:00 AM Departure from the V&T Depot in Virginia City for excursion to American Flats and Return
11:00 AM Return to V&T Depot.  Attendees now have 2-1/2 hours to explore Virginia City and have lunch.
During this time, two FRRS members have generously offered to open their home for tours.
They live in the Piper-Beebe House, a Victorian home designed by A. F. Mackay and built 1876.
It was owned by many years by the well-known rail historians Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. 
1:30 PM We depart for Carson City and the Nevada State Railroad Museum
2:15 PM Approximate arrival at NSRM.  Shortly after arrival we will board restored Virginia and Truckee McKeen car 22 for a ride around the museum.  Following this, we will have a private guided tour of NSRM.  After the tour, we are free to explore the museum.
4:30 PM Board the tour bus to return to Harrah's Reno.

- We also have the buffet menu for the Saturday night closing banquet:
  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Rotisserie Chicken
  • Grilled Top Sirloin Steaks with Teriyaki Glaze
  • Mango Glazed Salmon Fillets
  • BBQ Baked Beans
  • Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
  • Roasted Red Potatoes
  • Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob
  • Mixed Greens with Assorted Dressings
  • Honey Butter
  • Corn Bread Muffins
  • Cole Slaw
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Tiramisu and assorted chocolate cakes/desserts

We still have seats available for the banquet.  We must close the banquet list on April 30.  Some convention attendees have not yet signed up for the banquet.

- We have added photos of the two new layout tours for Thursday to the website.  So that is 3 layouts tours on Thursday and 1 layout tour / operating session on Friday.

If you have not signed up for the convention yet, there is still time!  We will be closing pre-registration tomorrow evening (Sunday) and also close reservations for the Reno Aces ball game and dinner on Friday.  PLEASE NOTE you will still be able to register for the convention and banquet, but prices WILL GO UP by Monday morning.

Reservations for the Depot Mixer and Tours will remain open until Wednesday.  On April 30, Sunday, we will close the banquet and V&T / NSRM tours.  To see pictures of the Depot Craft Brewery, go to http://thedepotreno.com/depot-gallery/.

Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you all in Reno!

Eugene Vicknair
2017 Convention Coordinator, April 22, 2017
(minor update/correction May 1, 2017)


April 17, 2017 Update:

We have reached the minimum for the V&T / NSRM tours and excursions on Sunday, May 7th, so this trip is now a sure go.  We still have room for 18 more, so be sure to sign up if you wish to go.  Remember this trip will include a 1 hour excursion on the restored Virginia and Truckee, a private tour of Lucius Beebe's former home in Virginia City, a ride in the Nevada State Railroad Museum's restored V&T McKeen car, a little over 2 hours to enjoy exploring historic Virginia City and a private guided tour of NSRM.

The mixer and facility tours at The Depot Craft Brewery are almost to the minimum.  We just need a few more! Housed in the beautifully restored depot built by the Nevada-California-Oregon narrow gauge and formerly owned by the Western Pacific, this building still features many of its original architectural details.  You get to visit with other WP fans over appetizers and discount drinks while small groups are led on a guided tour of the building and the brewing facilities.
Finally, we still need some more for the Reno Aces WP Night on Friday evening.  Convention goers get private seating and a freshly prepared BBQ dinner while watching two teams from WP towns (Reno vs. Salt Lake City) play ball.  Plus you get some free gifts from the Aces.

We need to close out these special events by Friday, April 21, so if you want to attend them, please sign up soon.  And any event not making its minimum will be cancelled.

Also, don't forget to bring your models for the model railroad contest held during the convention!

Eugene Vicknair, April 17, 2017