Hot Pot Run
On the Queens' Birthday long weekend in June (9th - 11th June, 2012), the Illawarra Live Steamers will hold a run for members of affiliated AALS clubs (sorry, but members of the public are not admitted). 2012 will be our 18th Hot Pot Run anniversary. The aim of the weekend is to have a relaxing time, exchange ideas with other live steam enthusiasts and have fun driving our locomotives. People come from all over Australia to enjoy Winter in the 'Gong. In 2011 we had 63 steam locos and over 15 electric/diesel types. There were over 400 visitors during the four days and 53 members and visitors slept at the track. This is the letter sent to all clubs (29kb). Read it for more information on the Hot Pot Run.This is the flyer attached to the above letter (700kb). Read it for more information on the Hot Pot Run.
Letter encouraging businesses to have a trade stand (33kb).
Scroll to the bottom of this page for a link to previous Hot Pot Runs.
2011 Hot Pot Run
Over the Queens Birthday Weekend in 2011, we held our 17th Annual Hot Pot Run. The weather early in the week leading up to the weekend was wet and windy, preventing us from tidying up as much as we wanted to. Unlike last year, the weather for the weekend was very wet. Most visitors were walking around in raincoats and carying umbrellas. This meant that there were't a lot of trains on the track. This had a good side effect as we tended to talk more to each other. We had 63 steam trains and several diesels and electrics. There was very little congestion on the track and everyone had a good run when the rain eased off. Not sure of the final number of visitors, but it was over 150 on Friday, over 250 on Saturday and the same for Sunday. They came from NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, ACT and TAS. It was great getting together with old friends and chatting about the "Good Old Days". As well as hot soup and rolls, we provided cakes and other fattening goodies for morning and afternoon tea. Back to the diet this week. I dislike thanking individual people for doing a good job because someone is always missed out. However, I must compliment all our working members for always being prepared to help out when asked. Probably the best workers were the sign-in caravan and the kitchen staff who kept us very well fed.Scroll to the bottom of this page for a link to pictures from previous Hot Pot Runs.
For more information, send an email to the Hot Pot Co-ordinator - Warwick Aston, or if you would rather, you may phone him on (02) 9520 8186.Here's a general view of how things happen
Prior to the weekend, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are work days for us to make sure the track is up to scratch. Fortunately there isn't much to do as we keep on top of all the jobs with our regular Saturday Work Days. Visitors start arriving on Friday so we have a good social time. The weather is usually fine with temperatures in the high teens during the day and down to around 8 at night. Normally, ILS members don't run their locos on Friday and Saturday, just to ease the track congestion although we like to run on Saturday evening. Mostly, we make sure our guests are catered for, but there is a lot more talk than work as we greet old friends. It is unfortunate in one way that the weekend is so popuular because it makes the track congested at times, but everyone takes their time and doesn't get steamed up. We go through well over 1,000 bread rolls over the three days and I don't want to see another cup of soup for months. Oh yes, I just remembered something I overheard. One mother told her daughter "Hurry up dear or you'll be left behind. If you're female around this area, you are forgotten about".Unfortunately, this is most probably closer to the truth than we care to admit so on behalf of all the men, to you ladies I'll say "Thanks for your understanding and I promise to paint the kitchen next week."
One visitor said to me ... "I hope heaven is as good as this."
One other thing that is fantastic is the number of people who thank us for the terrific weekend. On behalf of ILS, I'd like to thank you for coming to see us. We love your company. I can't mention everyone who does a fantastic job, but special thanks must go to those who sit in the cold and make sure everyone signs in, to those who worked in the kitchen from early morning till late evening and those members cooped up in the signal boxes for 12 hours.We may not thank you, but you are surely appreciated.
Photos from Previous Hot Pot Runs
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Hugh Elsol2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Herb Nash
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Carl Grills
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by ken Foran
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Jeff Armstrong
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Lorna Richards
2011 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Peter Read
2010 Hot Pot Run.
2010 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Carl Grills
2010 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Jeff Armstrong
2010 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Ken Foran
2010 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Lorna Richards
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Carl Grills
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Hugh Elsol
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by John Seckold
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Carl Grills
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Ken Foran
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Lorna Richards
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Lou Wooley
2009 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Robbie Armstrong
2008 Hot Pot Run. Photos by Robbie Armstrong
2008 Hot Pot Run
2006 Hot Pot Run
2005 Hot Pot Run
2004 Hot Pot Run
2003 Hot Pot Run
2002 Hot Pot Run