Once again they came from far and near, Chesapeake and Ohio modelers in every scale. They came from as far away as Canada to meet in the heart of the old C & O at Hawks Nest, WV. They came for the view, they came to see old friends, they came to learn something new and this year, they came to echoes of the past!

Co-chairmen Greg McCartney and Russ Miller put on a weekend of fun and informative talks and events that left attendees with huge smiles on their faces.

Speakers this year included well-known names in the C & O modeling community and some new faces. Frank Bongiovanni started the weekend with a history lesson on the Van Swerigen brothers. Not a modeling talk, rather an enlightening history lesson, and, if you model the C & O it helps to understand why things happened the way they did as history unfolds.

Ross Jack and Dave Sepos both returned to demonstrate their well-respected Chessie modeling technics. Everett Young took us on a tour of the Coal River Sub via one of his always-fun slide presentations.

Dave Sepos and Ross Jack displayed an impressive lineup of Chessie era power

Karen Parker gave an in-depth presentation on the C & O’s L1 Hudsons. The presentation featured great photos as well as some high tech computer aided comparisons. Russ Hass, always bringing something a little different to the table, this year talked about building a C & O G1 using an MDC model as a starting point.

Jerry Doyle gave a slide presentation on detailing the C & O’s and Chessie’s General Electric locomotives. This year’s keynote speaker, Mike Burgett, gave a detailed look at

C & O signals and a PowerPoint presentation on the progress of his HO scale Clifton Forge Division.

Members of SACOM made the first presentation of the "2700 Award" at the 2006

C & O Modelers Weekend. Intended to recognize individuals who’s devotion to collecting or saving the Chesapeake & Ohio’s history, and selflessness in sharing their knowledge, make this hobby richer for everyone.

Named for the C & O’s K-4 2-8-4 locomotives, the name was chosen because the K-4 is probably the most recognizable of C & O’s modern steam locos and because SACOM members claim a kinship with 2700, since it was displayed in St. Albans for several years.

Bill Sparkmon presented the award to Philip Shuster. Few C & O enthusiasts have studied a railroad more or been more willing to freely share everything he has learned than Phil.

A fixture at the C & O Modelers Weekend, Phil has always been glad to answer any question he can and share stories with all that want to learn.

From everyone at SACOM, congratulation Phil, and thank you for all you have given the hobby.

Bill Sparkmon presents the first "2700 Award" to longtime C & O fan and author, Phil Shuster

Another first at the 2006 Chesapeake and Ohio Modeler’s Weekend was the whistle blow in the New River Gorge.

Ernie Clay, Jim Mullins and crew towed a large compressor to the foot of the gorge and set up at the Hawks Nest end of the C & O bridge. Between each session the "Whistle Gang," as they became known, would sound a whistle or horn for the benefit of attendees and anyone else within several miles.

8 year old Ariel Goodwin inspects the varied array of whistles to be tooted during HN ‘06

Even though the weather was less than kind, the Whistle Gang put on an audio treat that thrilled and sent chills down the backs of many attendees. Musical notes not heard echoing in the New River Gorge for over 50 years included whistles used on the C & O’s modern freight locos such as T-1s, K-4s and H-8s.

Matt Schaffer hauls a whistle to be blown at the first C & O Modeler's Weekend Whistle Blow.

Mike Mullins readies a Leslie 3-chime horn, like those installed on some early C & O second generation diesels.

C & O single chime whistle, recorded by Mike Mullins at Hawks nest, WV.

Mixed in for good measure was whistles from the B & O, Northern Pacific and Norfolk Western as well as some horns of historic interest.

The Whistle Blow seemed very popular with attendees and the Whistle Gang endured cold and wet conditions to present an experience not soon to be forgotten.

As in past years C & O modelers were treated to the opportunity to see and buy C & O informational merchandise and models. The Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society had their large display of books, photos, models and historic C & O specific information on hand. The C&OHS is embracing technology and making much of their information and large collection of photographs available on CD ROM. A boon to enthusiasts and modelers unimaginable just a decade ago.

West Virginia Hobbies, of Scott Depot, WV had a huge selection of models in N, HO, O and even G scale on display and for sale. Chuck Willy always makes a point to bring the latest C & O, Chessie and CSX models and accessories for attendees to see up close.

An event as great as the C & O Modelers Weekend would be impossible without a great deal of help and support. SACOM would like to thank the staff at Hawks Nest State Park and Lodge for, as always, making the weekend snafu free. Once again, everyone agreed Hawks Nest is "the" location for this event, and it should remain. If we could just get the West Virginia Legislature to approve funding for about 30 more rooms....hmmmm.

The following companies support the C & O Modelers Weekend. Please tell them you appreciate the support when you purchase their products.

Matt Crouch is chairman for the 2007 C & O Modelers Weekend. Watch this site for dates and details soon.