The Pacific Coast Region - NMRA and the Feather River Rail Society hosted the Diamond Rails Forever 2019 Joint PCR/FRRS Convention in Sacramento, California, at the McClellan Convention Center, May 2^nd-5^th, 2019.

In addition to celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the Pacific Coast Region, we also honored the 70^th anniversary of the “California Zephyr”! Several of the clinics and presentations focused on “The Silver Lady” and we welcomed many special guests who worked the train, including a group of Zephyrettes who held their annual reunion during the convention.

As a special treat, several “meet and greet” sessions were held where attendees met the Zephyrettes and talked with them about their experiences.

WP centric presentations this year included a presentation by Ken Rattenne called “The West in Western Pacific”, a look at the downfall of George Gould in his quest to build the WP by Jeff Asay, shows that explored WP’s dining service by Loren Dunlap, Virgil Staff films featuring the “California Zephyr”, a history of the Zephyrette employees by Catherine Moran von Ibsch, a history of the Quincy Railroad by Eugene Vicknair, Tidewater's Last Years Under WP by Greg Elems and a show on Modeling WP MOW Cars by Kerry Cochran. Mark Williams did two shows: a history of the “California Zephyr” and of the “Zephyrette” RDC cars. Additionally, our co-hosts, PCR, made many fascinating presentations.

There were book signings by two authors! Jeff Asay did a signing of his new book on the Western Pacific, “The Iron Feather”, and Janet Dawson, author of the “California Zephyr Mysteries” series of books, was there signing her work. She also did a presentation on her books and research into the CZ used to create them.

 
There were two beautiful cars from Kadee for this convention, Tidewater Southern 50’ PS1 cars, road numbers 501 and 519. We had 150 of #519 and 75 of #501 available. Cost was $35.00 for a single and $68.00 for the 2-car set (plus tax).