463 stretched her legs to Lava Tank and back

[Rich Murray]

Today 463 is making a shake down run to Lava Tank and back. She is pulling 3 coaches for this first run with a load and, the first reports say she is running really well! More news and pictures will be posted as they come in.

[Steve Forney]

Thanks for posting, Rich.

According to data embedded with the photo, it was taken about an hour before you posted it here. Fast work! Who's the photographer?

[Rich Murray]

Steve , these were taken by Craig McMullen. In my haste to get the goods news up I neglected to post the photo credit. They were taken with his cell and I'm impressed with the quality when considering that. (how do you like the new Tuscan red on the coaches?)

[Steve Forney]

Tuscan is much better than Chinese.

[Rich Murray]

Tuscan is much better than Chinese.

Indeed!

[Rich Murray]

Here are a few more from Craig's IPhone.

[Rich Murray]

Two interesting excerpts from some messages;
Max and Jake in the cab. Ronnie acting as conductor. There was one other whose name I don't know.
The train crew is happy with the performance of the engine. We stopped to check bearings twice along the way. It is snowing and cold. Craig

[Blake Bogs]

Best news I've heard all day!!!
Enjoy
Blake

[Warwick Mcintosh]

Good news! even if 12 months late (refer C&TS Dispatch Spring 2012)

[John Cole]

Hi Warwick, in a perfect world no mistakes are made nor are problems found, but the Friends under Tim Tennant kept at it and finished the job with Marvin and his crew's help. One year from now do you think the delay will matter to most folks? For example, how many people are bothered by the fact that the Lobato trestle rebuild was late and they missed their projected date?