February marks not only African American History Month, but also the Chinese New Year. Both African Americans and Chinese Americans have played vital roles in building, maintaining, and preserving railroad pride and heritage over the last 150 years. From the early labor intensive positions to modern day technology driven opportunities, both ethnic communities celebrate a proud railroad heritage. Come and join the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club this February to find out more about their contributions to America’s railroads!
For many years, the American railroads have not only employed thousands of men but have recruited thousands of women as well. Playing a vital role during the Second World War as railroad engineers, conductors, and brakewomen, this dedicated part of the workforce helped fill a void after many were drafted into active duty military service. Thousands of women still work on the rails today and help keep trains running to move people, freight, and precious cargo all over the USA. The GGMRC honors all women that have worked and are currently working for our nation’s railroads!
The Golden Gate Model Railroad Club is moving into the 21st Century via YouTube! You can check out videos shot by GGMRC member Marvin H. Chow on his channel page here. He also posts videos of different railfanning locations in the Western USA. Stay tuned to his channel as he frequently posts updates and new videos!
Despite the holiday season, the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club members have been hard at work upgrading, improving, and repairing various parts of the layout. You can see these changes in the Stockton area just west of the main Union Station. Formerly the site of an ethanol plant, the space has been taken over by the California and Hawaii Sugar company for warehousing and storing corn sweeteners. Also new to the area is a local metal shop and the upgraded Stockton Intermodal Transfer Facility behind it. In terms of rail repairs, the Branchline Division is 90% repaired with the remaining 10% of track to be worked on this week. The GGMRC anticipates it will be open on 12/26/09. Stay tuned to our Web site for more details and further updates!
You may have seen several high profile train accidents lately in the local news. The reality is railroad tracks demand a heightened sense of awareness and anything less can seriously injure people or claim lives. The Golden Gate Model Railroad Club encourages everyone to be aware when around train stations, railroad tracks, and grade crossings. Look, listen, and live.
Find out more about Operation Lifesaver here.
We’re moving into the twenty-first century at long last. The website, languishing since 2002, was in dire need of a facelift. Even more importantly, it needed the capability for club members and fellow rail fans to contribute and interact.
panorama of our train layout
And so that’s what we’re doing, and what you’ll see here. Fear not, all the old content and history of the GGMRC website will be migrated here in short order.
Welcome, again, and when you’re in the neighborhood please stop on by!
