Faithful readers remember when CCCGRS members came together to complete the construction of Dennis Cementina’s garden railroad in time for his daughter Rachel’s wedding. Now, two years later, Dennis and Kay’s youngest daughter, Julianna, is preparing for her wedding celebration dinner, and we were asked to make the Atascadero garden railroad operational for this special occasion. After two seasons of heavy rainfall, some of the trackwork and tunnel clearances have been affected, and a few buildings need minor repairs to restore them to their previous condition. Our members contributed several hours over multiple workdays to rekindle fond memories while helping a very appreciative family.
This is not an abandoned tunnel. There are actually rails, ties and a roadbed hidden beneath a few inches of silt and decaying plant material (Mark Edwards, image).The farm house and adjacent structures were ready for a fresh look following a few years of exposure (Mark Edwards, image).This church was in need of some attention before it would become the focal point of the celebration within the railroad (Mark Edwards, image).Following several seasons of rainstorms, the amount of silt which accumulated in the tunnel entry completely covered the tracks (Mark Edwards, image).Approaching the descent, this short consist traverses rocky terrain during the final test run before the big event (Mark Edwards, image).The bride and groom depart the ceremony as well wishers celebrate their new chapter in life (Mark Edwards, image).Rolling stock of the Cementina Family Railroad are customized and converted to battery power with remote control (Mark Edwards, image). Family and friends expressed their gratitude in seeing the “garden railroad they remember” restored and operating again (Mark Edwards, image).This diesel switcher is one of several kit-bashed pieces thoughtfully created by the late Dennis Cementina (Mark Edwards, image)Prominently sited between the live band, dance floor and seating area, the restored and operating Cementina Family Railroad was a shining tribute to Dennis Cementina for this special occasion. CCCGRS was honored to contribute in a small way in his memory (Mark Edwards, image).
