It turned out the Engine 557 Restoration Company board meeting was a ruse. I was surprised to see a large number of people gathering around me inside the depot.

"On May 27, 2017 an informal meeting of the Engine 557 Board of Directors was convened at the Historic Anchorage Depot.  Only one item was on the agenda, to welcome and honor John Combs the creator and web master of alaskarails.org. John is a member of the Engine 557 Restoration Company board of directors and hosts our No. 557 Info page at alaskarails.org.  He is celebrating the 20th year of alaskarails.org. Without challenge, alaskarails.org provides a depth of coverage of the Alaska Railroad, history, rosters, personalities, and current operations that is not enjoyed by any other railroad. I do believe that John was overwhelmed when Doug Engebretson, ARRC Vice President for Operations, and a 557 board member, stepped forward and read a letter of congratulations from ARRC President, Bill O’Leary. Doug then presented a gold nugget encrusted switch key to John Combs.  This is usually reserved for employees with extended service to the Alaska Railroad.  In John’s case it is certainly appropriate. While unofficial, alaskarails.org is the touch stone for rail fans, the general public and employees in search of information on their favorite railroad. Board members, Patrick Durand, Maria Keffer, Dick Morris, Jim Posey, then joined Doug in an enjoyable exchange with other attendees and John Combs, the official #1 Alaska Railroad fan." - Patrick Durand