Sunday Oct. 16 we had a preview trip on the Metro Orange Line. Due to mechanical problems a replacement for our original coach had to be procured, but at last at 10:26 a.m. we departed North Hollywood in #9204. Members riding included Mike Baron, Dave Snowden, Kirk Schneider, Nate Zablen, Charles Hobbs, Kent Landfield, Steve Crosmer, Joe Dunn, Lionel Jones, Ed Buckley, Charles Powell, Robert Meinert, Craig Barnes, Perias Pillay (+ guest), Mark Strickert (+ guest), Woody Rosner, Bill Vallow, Fred Gurzeker (+ guest), Chaffee Yiu, Armando Avalos, Guillermo Merino, Hank Fung, Paul Castillo and Carlos Osuna. Guests included Paul Dyson, Curtis Raymond and Eugene Salinsky. Approximately 50 people joined the ride, 20 of whom were invitees from the Electric Railway Historical Association.

During the trip we sight-seed the extensive landscaping and sound walls, noted the architecture of the Orthodox Jewish community, kept an eye out for the adjacent bikeway, enjoyed the open spaces of the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin, noted passing neighborhoods and business districts and cataloged key destinations served (Van Nuys government center, Valley College, Pierce College). Approaching Warner Center we left the rightof-way, then had a 10 minute layover at the terminus. This provided an opportunity for a group photo. On the return trip there was an atmosphere of enjoyment and animated conversation. Everyone seemed to be having fun.

After arriving back at North Hollywood we posed once more for photos before dispersing to various points to enjoy the rest of a bright, beautiful Sunday.

Our thanks to Director Ken Ruben for arranging the trip and Anna Mercaldi of MTA for being our contact person at the agency.