2009 Picnic at Olmsted Falls |

2009 Picnic at Olmsted Falls

Jerry Dietry helps himself to some baked beans as J. Gary Dillon prepares to put comdiments on his burger.

The 2009 Akron Railroad Club picnic attracted 44 attendees, which included 29 club members, on July 26 in Olmsted Falls. The picnic was held at a former New York Central passenger station that is now owned by the Cuyahoga Valley and West Shore Model Railroad Club. Norfolk Southern put 24 freight trains past the picnic site between 8:30 a.m. and 8:36 p.m.

Photographs by Marty Surdyk and Hilary Surdyk

There was plenty of good conversation between eating burgers and watching trains. Shown are (L-R) Rick Houck, Jerry Dietry, and Eli Rantanes.

There was plenty of good conversation between eating burgers and watching trains. Shown are (L-R) Rick Parise, Rick Houck, Jerry Dietry, and Eli Rantanes.

There been a train coming because Chef Marte has temporarily abandoned his post tending the grill.

There must be a train coming because Chef Marte has temporarily abandoned his post tending the grill.

The photo has formed to record an eastbound Norfolk Southern intermodal train pass the Olmsted Falls station.

The photo line has formed to record an eastbound Norfolk Southern intermodal train passing the Olmsted Falls station.

Master Chef Marte, a.k.a. Marty Surdyk, strikes a pose for his niece, who took this protrait. Amazingly, the camera survived.

(name), Paul Havasi and Todd Vander Sluis catch up on things in between eating and train watching.

Carl Kopchak, Paul Havasi and Todd Vander Sluis catch up on things in between eating and train watching.

The club's newest junior members, Lance Wood (left) and Drew Denher enjoy a burger.

The club’s newest junior members, Lance Wood (left) and Drew Deneher enjoy a burger.

Todd Vander Sluis hams it up for the camera while Paul Havasi, James Leasure and (name) are more focused on their meal.

Todd Vander Sluis hams it up for the camera while Paul Havasi, James Leasure and Carl Kopchak are more focused on their meal.

This year’s picnic was held at the restored Olmsted Falls depot, which is now a model railroad club. Shown at far right is Dave Shepherd. With his back to the camera is Todd Vander Sluis.

The chef is back at his post tending the hamburgers as Rick Houck decides which one he wants. In back is Jim Mastromatteo.

Hilary Surdyk is taking a break from her duties as the picnic's unofficial photographer.

Hilary Surdyk (left) is taking a break from her duties as the picnic’s unofficial photographer as she and her friend, Jennifer Artman, check their cell phones to see who is the latest friend to call.

The former Pennsylvania Railroad caboose was a poular spot for young children to explore.

Although 24 trains passed by the picnic site during the day, there was plenty of time to kill between trains. Shown are Tom Ward (left), Tim Krogg and Mark Ward (back to the camera).

Things seem to be winding down as (L-R) James Leasure, Jim Mastromatteo and Denny Romain wait for another train.

When is the next train going to get here? Shown are (L-R) James Leasure, (name), Don Woods, Denny Romain and Dave Shepherd.

When are those burgers going to be ready? We’re still hungry! Shown are (L-R) James Leasure, (name), Don Woods, Denny Romain and Dave Shepherd.

Watching trains and eating hamburgers and hot dogs. That’s what the ARRC picnic is all about. (Photograph by Todd Vander Sluis)