Could be a crowd for eclipse at rail park

For those so inclined, April 8 will bring a double feature of history and intrigue to the Iron Triangle Railpark in Fostoria. For others, it should be a good occasion for the time-honored activity of people watching. The expected full eclipse of the sun is widely being treated as an opportunity for a long weekend. And with the railpark being a destination for railroad enthusiasts around the world, it's expected that many will consider it a good place to be both to indulge in a hobby and to witness a literal once-in-a-lifetime experience. According to ABC News, the narrow band of visibility for the total eclipse will trace from southwest Texas to Maine. The news outlet says locations between Toledo and Cleveland will experience darkness for 2 to 3 minutes, shortly after 3 p.m. Of course, it means the local area will see an influx of people. And with many area hotels and motels boosting their rates for that time period, some may opt to visit the railpark, which is open all day, every day and regularly draws campers who watch train traffic day and night. Ellen Gatrell, secretary/treasurer of the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, which oversees the 5.6-acre railpark, said visitors on April 8 will, during a stretch of the afternoon, be able to look around inside the 1966 B & O caboose that sits adjacent to the parking lot. The caboose typically is open only from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m., on Saturdays in May through September or whenever a member of the rail preservation society is at the park and visitors are interested looking inside. Those who check out the caboose will be advised of information regarding its history. But while Gatrell's not heard actual talk about a crowd gathering at the railpark, through which about 80 trains pass each day, "I'm certain there will be," she said. "They'll just appear," she said. "It looks like the weather's going to be in the 50s, so that's not too bad. That's better than the 30s of today. I just hope that it's a nice enough view, without a lot of clouds, so people can see it." She noted that if organizations who have been selling eclipse-viewing wish to have the rail society sell them on April 8, it will do so. Gatrell said that other than opening the caboose, no out-of-the-ordinary events are scheduled. "If they give us donations, that's wonderful," she said. "But we're not out there saying, 'You must give us money.' No. But if you want to be a member, that's a good thing. We appreciate that. "We're painting the caboose this summer. Painting isn't cheap, and the commercial paint that's used for this is not cheap. It'll take us a little while to get this done, but we're going to do it one wall at a time." The city of Fostoria, in anticipation of the eclipse-induced influx of people, has posted a notice at www.fostoriaohio.gov to inform residents of some helpful hints for making it through April 8 safely and conveniently. The notice reminds citizens not to look at or photograph the actual eclipse without the protective glasses or a special camera lense. Residents are also advised to fill their gas tanks, be prepared for heavier traffic and buy provisions in advance to avoid potential lines and shortages. "It's going to be crazy," Gatrell said. "We are blessed to be in the area, but we can't count on who, what when and where." She said that, fortunately, visitors to the railpark typically pick up after themselves and keep the peace. "Railfans pick up their trash," Gatrell said. "Most of what we get is stuff that blows in here; it's not stuff that railfans drop. Railfans are respectful people. They always tell their kids to pick up stuff; they pick up stuff themselves. We have very little trash." Phone calls made Friday morning found that, in Fostoria, Best Western Inn and Suites, 1690 N. Countyline St., has some eclipse-period rooms available at $395 per night, with a two-night minimum stay required; and Country Club Inn and Suites, 737 Independence Ave., also has rooms available, at $75 per night. A person who answered the phone for the Fostoria Motel, 345 W. Lytle St., declined to answer questions. Visitors who opt to camp at the railpark certainly are not guaranteed a silent night. But to many of them, it's music to their ears. "They come to watch trains," Gatrell said. "And if they don't want to sleep with trains around here, they'd better not come here. But that's why they come. A North Carolina group that's here were talking about the (website) Virtual Railfan cameras that are on top of the caboose. They can watch our traffic whenever they want. "It's around us. We don't think anything of it. That's like somebody living on the beach. They say, 'Yes, it's nice. We're just used to it.' In addition to www.virtualrailfan.com, www.railstream.com has two cameras located in the railpark. For more information about the Rail Preservation Society and its activities, visit www.fostoriairontriangle.com.