Today I operated from the caboose of the Winnipesaukee Scenic
Railroad as it traveled
from Meredith to Lakeport. I worked Germany, Sweden, Hungary,
Bulgaria, the Czech
Republic, Curacao, and San Marino. Who could ask for more?
The Winnipeasukee Scenic in the Lakeport yard
I've been working on the railroad for 10 years, but have only
operated from the caboose
once before. There was one train today running at 1:00 pm. My friend
Tim W3ATB was
the conductor. So I decided to take the opportunity.
I set up an Outbacker antenna on a grab rail of the caboose and ran
some coax through
a back window to a table inside. I set the Outbacker to 15 meters
and tuned up the KX3.
Right away, I worked DL65DARC in Germany. A few minutes later I
worked HA7ITU
in Hungary. Signals were strong, and I received good reports, so I
knew we'd have a
successful trip.
As the train headed out of the yard and along Lake Winnipesaukee, I
answered nearly
a dozen DX calls on 15 meters. The train left early at about 12:30
pm. My first contact
from the moving train was with Tony T77C in San Marino, Italy. Then
I worked DL1BUG,
Red in Germany. Red wanted to know my power and antenna when I told
him I was operating
from a moving train.
There's no missing the smile on my face as I worked Rune, SM5COP in
Stockholm, Sweden. Here's
my log for the trip:
Mike DF3VM was also curious about my antenna and power when I
told him I was operating
from a train. "UR doing a great job," Mike sent. "Enjoy the ride on
the train."
You can bet I did... what a thrill to work across the big Pond from
the edge of the little pond!
Thanks all for the QSOs.
Tim... W3ATB has made a beautiful video of the operation. Hope you
enjoy it:
