Hello everyone. Forgive the off list / cross posting.
We want to invite everyone to our Bertram Bash II on SATURDAY September 27,
2004. This is a combined MNRail and Cedar Rapids Area Railfan Association
(CRARA) joint gathering. If you came to the meet two years ago you will recall
the great time we all had! This year looks to be similar.
We will gather at the Bertram, Iowa township Hall anytime after 10:30am.
Join us at any time that day. Bertram is located about nine miles East of Cedar
Rapids - One mile north of Highway 30 & Highway 151 (Highway 13) interchange.
Turn east off Highway 13 / 151 just north of the Union Pacific Railroad
overpass, and the town is about a mile to the east. The Hall is right in the
middle
of town on Angle and East Alley Street. The grounds are next to the busy
east-west line of the Union Pacific (ex CNW) tracks. Average number of trains
in
a 24-hour period is about 70.
If you need a specific map, contact Darren (GEU30CG@aol.com) for an easy
downloadable *.gif file.
Bertram is a picturesque little community at the foot of the "Mount Vernon
Hill" - a ruling grade eastward as the tracks climb away from the Cedar River
Valley. There are a number of scenic curves and angles for photographing
trains
in both directions all day within five miles each direction. Bertram also
marks the beginning of the CTC section of mainline in the Cedar Rapids area so
it is not uncommon for trains to be waiting to enter the controlled section.
The Bertram Hall will be a "headquarters" for the activities of the day. We
will have TV/VCR available and running for the day. If you wish to share some
home video - please bring it! A concession stand will be available for
drinks and munchies at a very reasonable price throughout the day including
lunch
and dinner grilled meals. (To help with planning, if you could please respond
with approximate number of people for each meal to Darren GEU30CG@aol.com by
Thursday Sept 25th.) There will be tables available if you wish to display
your model projects, photo albums, memorabilia, etc.
Just to the south of the Hall, toward the UP, is a nice open area adjacent to
the Bertram Municipal Building that will be excellent for viewing trains all
day and photos later in the afternoon. The City of Bertram has given
permission for anyone to park in the city parking lot. There are large shade
trees
next to the parking lot where you can set up lawn chairs. The owner of the
grassy mowed field between the city parking lot and the tracks has given our
group
permission to use her property. Three picnic tables will be in this area.
There is a detector that gives warning for eastward movements and grade
crossings that warn of westward movements.
Radio frequencies are
161.040 - UP Road East of Fairfax.
160.890 - UP Road west of Fairfax.
160.455 - UP Engineering.
161.175 - MOW / Yard.
160.320 - Yard
As the evening draws, we will begin a marathon slide presentation where
everyone is invited to share 60-80 slides or about 25 minutes worth of
programming.
We will also have a stack loader and tray available. Two years ago the
slide program was a huge success with various subjects. We will sign up on a
first come basis. Everyone will have the chance to fill a slot.
You are welcome to bring spouse, friends, kids, etc to join in the train
watching activities and meals. There will be no charge to attend the meet.
We
will have a donation can to defray the cost of the hall.
If you wish to spend the night, there are ample motel accommodations in Cedar
Rapids, and one in Mount Vernon
The Cedar Rapids Railfan's group will welcome the MNRailers and any other
guests with an interest in railroads, so please come out for a day of train
watching, fellowship and photos. Please feel free to forward this message to
any
interested people. We look forward to seeing and meeting new friends. Join us
for Bertram Bash II. Saturday September 27, from 10:30am until the slide
program ends!
Railroadingly yours,
Darren Ferreter, President
Cedar Rapids Area Railfan Association.
319-393-4129
GEU30CG@aol.com
Allan Hunt
319-624-3132
maryal@netins.net
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