On December 24th a number of years ago, I sat with eager anticipation while lifting the box open of a Christmas gift from my bride. What would appear was completely unexpected, a Berkeley Locomotive Works (R.I.P.) Cricket, my first "production built" live steamer. Later in the day I had a crude loop of LGB track down on a heavily sloped patio and around and around it ran. Oh the joy.
Last night, the final section of track was screwed down to complete a 160' raised loop around the perimeter of our back yard. It was only proper that Cricket #106 do the honors and within minutes was happily steaming along. Ahh, what a feeling to finally be operational after 18 months and three design changes later. I have so looked forward to coming home from work, pouring a glass of cabernet and relaxing with my toy trains. I still have the passing sidings to cut in, minor adjustments on leveling and one spot slightly out of gauge, but I'm FINALLY operational. The whole crew was quite excited. Oh, the joy. Jon Bloom, President Orinda R&R Railway
