The Business Car Alaska with the Prez standing on the Observation platform.
How it all Started.
The car was sold by Walthers as an Oscar and originally owned by the late Ed Laux where for many years it entertained the Laux children and grandchildren. In October of 1996, the Consolidated South Western Railroad (CSWRR) acquired the car as a basket case, from the Ed Laux estate. Early in 1997, it was rebuilt, assigned the designation of RR-1 and for the next year used for special celebrity tours during operating sessions. Then in March of 1998, it was again upgraded with the designation of Alaska and assigned as the private business car of the CSWRR, Prez. The car is now assigned to the travels of the Prez for which it is well suited, as the barge tariff is based on car length. Hosting CEO’s and Prez’s are asked to add/provide the information of the Alaska’s visit.
The CSWRR is a imaginary Consolidation of the Santa Fe Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad into a representative HO simulation from Barstow to Los Angeles, California. The railroad relives 1985 with 350 feet of double track main line, on 3 levels with a flavor of Southern California and features Cajon Pass. The CSWRR is located in a 30 by 40 foot basement near Palmer, Alaska and hosts an operation session on the second Saturday evening of each month. Visitors are welcome at any time, please call ahead (907) 746-6414, or e-mail patrick@alaskamodelrrnews.com.
On July 10, 1998 the Alaska visited the Northern lights Model RR Club in Anchorage, Alaska.
On July 11, the Alaska visited Van Vanatta’s, Bendt, Bustid and Broken River Railroad (BBBRR) in Wasilla, Alaska.
On July 13, 1998, Alaska departed by barge to Ted York’s, Cajon Pass in Alpine Utah for a UPHS open house and a golden spike ceremony, returning to home rails on August 19, 1998.
You may Visit Ted’s Railroad at
http://www.tedyorkphotography.com/teds-cajon-pass?page/264123/model-photographs
On September 19 and 20th, the Alaska was operated on home rails for the third annual CSWRR Open House.
On November 14, 1998 the Alaska departed via the BBBRR for the Granite Mountain Railroad in Longmont Colorado and returned on April 10, 1999 via the BBBRR. As yet, no details of this trip have been made available to the CSWRR Management.
On the evening of April 10, the Alaska was operated on a Boomer Bob Funtime Steam Tour train over the CSWRR. The special train consisted of 2 coaches, a Party Car with many figures representing visitors and the Alaska.
While The Prez used to travel quite a bit, he is retired now and no longer goes on adventures outside of the CSWRR. He had a great time travelling in his day, and is grateful for those that helped him visit those many wonderful places.
Go to Part 2 of the Story, The Early Years.
Return to Model Railroading in Alaska.
Related Parts
Part 2, The Early Years.
Part 3, The New Century.
Part 4, Back to California.
Part 5, Far, Far from Home, Prez 5.
Part 6, Fall of 2002.
Part 8, The Prez Gets Married and the Winter of 2006 - 2007, Prez 8.
Part 9, The On the Road Again, Prez 9.
Part 10, The Prez’s Visits Cordova, Alaska then a Trip to Canada, Prez 10.
Part 11, The Prez Gets Married Again.
Part 12, The Prez Goes to Australia.
Part 13, The Prez Visits Southern California Again and Dallas Texas, Prez 13.
Part 14, The Prez Visits Utah and Wyoming, Prez 14.
Part 15, The Prez Visits Kelowna British Columbia, Prez 15.
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Return to Model Railroading in Alaska.
Additional Legacy References
Bob Sanchez | The February 2000 Incident | The Party Car