January 16, 2015 Dear All

January 16, 2015 Dear All:

As announced earlier this week: David Benjamin drew the winning names for the: 2014 Drawing Item ‐ Blue Comment and the winner is: Shawn Craft AND $100 Gift Certificate new member winner is: Don Hands AND $100 Gift Certificate for payment of 2015 dues by December 31, 2014 was Charlie Reynolds. Congratulations to all three winners!

We shortly will be announcing our 2015 drawing item(s), so stay tune! We will, as we have been, have a limited number (500) of tickets for sale for each of the items so we hope you will take a chance on both.

We will also continue with our gift certificate drawings and encourage everyone to participate by paying your 2016 dues prior to the end of 2015 and if you have not yet paid your 2015 dues we hope you will be shortly so that you don't miss out on all the upcoming fun we have coming up.

I would like to thank John Buxton for opening his home to us all and the education we had on his Dorfan Collection and Trolley items. For those of you who were able to attend, I think you’ll agree it was a rare treat and for those that could not attend, you missed out. However, feel free to reach out to John if you have any questions regarding Dorfan as he is certainly one of the most knowledgeable individual around on this subject as was evident while enjoying his collection.

As a reminder, the eblasts and attachments will be placed on the WB&A website under the “About” tab for your viewing/sharing pleasure http://www.wbachapter.org/2014%20E‐ Blast%20Page.htm along with the WB&A Facebook page.

The attachments are contained in the one PDF attached to this email in an effort to streamline the sending of this email and to ensure the attachments are able to be received. Click on the Ribbon on the Left and you will see an “index” of the documents and you can click on them to go to them. If you need a PDF viewer to read the document which can be downloaded free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrviewer/acrvd nld.html. To retain a copy you may want to save the file to a folder different from your temporary files (downloading and use is in your discretion).

2015 TCA CONVENTION

See http://tcaconvention.org/ Please also see the invite from Stuart Rankin as he sends his personal invite to the members of the WB&A and to the Eastern Division as a whole! I encourage you to support the Convention and to attend and have some FUN.

OPEN HOUSE INVITE – Sandy and Clem Clement See the attached invite from Sandy and Clem, they hope you can make it.

REMINDERS: If you did not pay your 2015 dues in 2014, please click on the link and forward your dues to Dave Eadie. (http://www.wbachapter.org/wbna%20stuff/wba_ap plication_2014.pdf)

UPCOMING WB&A EVENTS March 14, 2015 – WB&A Annapolis Armory Train Show, details attached and mark your calendars. May 9, 2015 – Joint VTC & WB&A (aka NORTH MEETS SOUTH) Great Train Show and Sale at the Eagles Lodge at 21 Cool Spring Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 contact Colleen Hall [email protected] for more information, it’s never too early to start planning. We

3 are pleased to announce that Allen Crotts will be the Train Doctor at the show.

WEBSITES/LINKS OF INTEREST/THINGS TO DO/BOOKS Newsletters courtesy of the VTC: Cod Dispatch; Blue Ridge Dispatcher; Piedmont Flyer; The Shortline; The Highball; The Feedwater Heater; The Green Block and The Susquehannock; Interchange

Check out New Oxford Train Station/Museum & Lincoln Highway Interpretive – New Oxford, PA – Lincoln Highway on Waymarking.com http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMA1R6_ New_Oxford_Train_Station_Museum_Lincoln_Highway _Interpretive_New_Oxford_PA and http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.aspx?f=1&g uid=a3aee7c3‐fdb1‐4aca‐9f24‐6f283157a6b3&st=2

YORK TRAIN SHOW I learned that the Holidrome has a new owner come January 28th, but I hear on good authority, that if you had reservations, the TCA rooms are being honored. https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/ home.action?variant=

O GAUGE STUDY GROUP – January 24 O Gauge Study Group, Saturday January 24, 2015, 10‐2 p.m. Location: 5233 Bessley Place, Alexandria, VA 22304. Buffet lunch served. Topic: Early O Gauge locomotives, 700 series and 150 series. Also passenger and freight cars that came in sets with these locomotives. Join fellow train enthusiasts as we learn more about these fascinating locomotives. Experience not required! Hosts: Clem Clement and Bruce Greenberg. For more information call Bruce at 703‐ 461‐6991 or write him at [email protected]

ADVERTISE/PROMOTE YOUR TRAIN SHOW Check out: http://modelshopsusa.com/ (one of the places we’re promoting the Annapolis and VTC/WB&A Train shows). Contact Adrian Hall with any questions that you may have at: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/wba.chaptertca?f ref=ts&ref=br_tf

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS (please send me items to include on the calendar) – if you like to see 5 some other dates from around the country, check out: 1. Check out trains.com calendar of events at: http://trc.trains.com/events.aspx?page=list&type =1&cat= 2. Schedule for Trackers can be found at: www.nattrackers.org 3. 2015 Schedule for World’s Greatest Hobby can be found at: http://www.wghshow.com/index.html 4. 2015 Schedule for Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show can be found at: http://www.greenbergshows.com/schedule.html 5. Link for various train shows can be found at: http://www.greattrainexpo.com/ and http://trainshowinc.com and also http://www.modeltrainshows.com/ 6. January 17, 2015 – Atlanta RR Show North Atlanta Trade Center in Atlanta, GA www.gserr.com 7. January 17‐18, 2015 ‐ WGH in Raleigh, NC visit www.wghshow.com 8. January 18, 25, 2015 – Antietam Station RR Museum Access and Model train Layouts contact: [email protected] or 301‐800‐9829 9. January 18, 25 and February 1, 2015 – Model RR Open House at 423 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frederick‐

County‐Society‐of‐Model‐Engineers‐ Fcsme/266885386669323 10. January 18, 2015 – TTCS Annual Train Show at Utica Union Station in Utica, NY https://www.facebook.com/TTCSUticalTrainSho w 11. January 18, 2015 – Train Show German’s Villa in Vermllion, Ohio www.norwalkandwesterrr.com 12. January 18, 2015 ‐ Virginia Train Collectors, Tidewater Train Show, Nansemond‐Suffolk Academy, 3373 Pruden Blvd. Route 460, Suffolk, Va. 23434. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission $6.00 for non VTC members, Info: Russell Youens, 2019 Floyd, Ave. Richmond, Va. 23220, {804} 342‐6023, http://www.vatraincollectors.com/who‐are‐ we#!__who‐are‐we/vstc3=page‐3 13. January 24, 2015 – TCA Raleigh, NC Meet contact Charles Alford at [email protected] or 252‐756‐ 7842 14. January 24‐25, 2015 – RR Hobby Show at Eastern States Expo in Springfield, MA www.railroadhobbyshow.com 15. January 25, 2015 – Catalog Auction Golden Spike Enterprises Mail Bid Railroadiana Auction www.gserr.com 16. January 25, 2015 ‐ Annual Winter Train Meet 8A‐ 1P Clarion Essington PA 76 Industrial Highway

Essington PA 19029 $5.00pp Admission, Children under 12 free w/Paying Adult 17. January 25, 2015 ‐ Toys and Trains Show/Sale 9A‐ 3P Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave White Plains NY 10606 see www.westchestertoytrain.com 18. January 31‐February 1, 2015 – The Great Scale Model Train Show Makin’ Tracks! Cow Palace – Times Sat. 9‐5/Sun. 10‐4 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093 http://gsmts.com/ 19. February 7‐8, 2015 ‐ WGH in Columbus, OH visit www.wghshow.com 20. February 8, 2015 ‐ New Hope – Solebury Township Train Show and Sale New Hope‐Eagle Fire Company 46 North Sugan Road New Hope, PA 18938 $5.00pp Admission, Children under 12 free Future Shows (All in 2015) –May 3, Oct 4 21. February 14, 2015 ‐ Hagerstown Model RR Museum, Inc. Trainfest Winter 2015 Model Train sale re: railroading and model railroading at Washington County AG Center 7313 Sharpesburg Pike 9‐2 p.m. contact info: Email: [email protected]; Phone: 301‐800‐9829; Web Site: www.antietamstation.com

22. February 14, 2015 – Jacksonville Rail Fair at Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, FL www.gserr.com 23. February 14, 2015 – SP&S Railway Historical Society Swap Meet at Airport Holiday Inn in Portland, OR www.spshs.org 24. February 14‐15, 2015 – Greater Buffalo Train Show at Erie County Fairgrounds Even Center in Buffalo, NY www.wnyrhs.org 25. February 14‐15, 2015 ‐ WGH in Louisville, KY visit www.wghshow.com 26. February 21, 2015 – Greater Houston Train Show at Stafford Center in Houston, TX http://sanjac.leoslair.com 27. February 21‐22, 2015 – Allentown Train Meet Associates Spring Thaw Train meet, see www.allentownmeet.com 28. February 21‐22, 2015 – Spring Thaw Train Show at Allentown Fairgrounds Ag Hall in Allentown, PA www.allentowntrainmeet.com 29. March 8, 2015 ‐ Earleigh Heights Shows 9‐2 30. March 14, 2015 –WB&A Annapolis Armory Train Show, details attached and mark your calendars. 31. March 14, 2015 – RR Show & Collectors Market 9‐ 3 p.m. at I.W. Abel Union Hall (Steelworkers Union), 200 Gibson Street, Steelton, PA 17113 phone 717‐732‐3867

32. March 15, 2015 – Gilbertsville Train Show at the Gilbertsville Fire Hall, 1454 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 33. March 15, 2015 – Jersey Central NRHS Train Show in Mother Seton High School in Clark, NJ www.jcrhs.or 34. March 15, 2015 – Winterail at Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Stockton, CA www.winterail.com 35. March 20‐22, 2015 ‐ 3rd Annual M.A.G.M.A. Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show at Camp Stephens, Asheville, NC www.wncrocks.com/magma/fieldtrips3.htm 36. March 22, 2015 – Arbutus Shows from 9‐1 37. [CORRECTION] March 29, 2015 – 9:30‐3:30 p.m. Great Batavia/Clarion Hotel Train Show in Batavia, New York www.gsme.org 38. March 28‐29, 2015 ‐ WGH in Edison, NJ visit www.wghshow.com 39. April 11, 2015 – Railroadiana Consignment Auction at Brookline Auction Gallery in Brookline, NJ www.tagtown.net 40. April 11, 2015 – Florida Rail Fair at Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand, FL www.gserr.com 41. April 11‐12, 2015 – The Great Scale Model Train Show Makin’ Tracks! Cow Palace – Times Sat. 9‐ 5/Sun. 10‐4 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds,

2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093 http://gsmts.com/ 42. April 11, 2015 – Arkansas RR Museum Railroadiana Show & Sale in Pine Bluff, AR www.arkansasrailroadmuseum.org 43. April 16‐18, 2015 – NRHS & ATRRM Joint Conferences in York, PA www.atrrm.org 44. April 18‐19, 2015 – Super Train RR Show at Genesis Centre in Calgary, AB www.supertrain.ca 45. April 23‐26, 2015 – Katy RR Historical Society Convention in Dalls/Ft. Worth, TX www.katyrailroad.org 46. April 23‐25, 2015 – Eastern Division/TCA York Meet 47. April 25‐26, 2015 – Ottawa Train Expo. At Ernst & Young Centre in Ottawa, ON www.ottawatrainexpo.com 48. April 30‐May 3, 2015 – PA RR Tech & Historical Society Meeting in State College, PA www.prrths.com 49. May 1‐3, 2015 – NY Central System Historical Society, Inc. 2015 Convention & Meeting visit www.nycshs.org 50. May 3, 2015 ‐ New Hope – Solebury Township Train Show and Sale New Hope‐Eagle Fire Company 46 North Sugan Road New Hope, PA

18938 $5.00pp Admission, Children under 12 free Future Show – Oct 4 51. May 9, 2015 ‐ Joint VTC & WB&A (aka NORTH MEETS SOUTH) Great Train Show and Sale at the Eagles Lodge in Fredericksburg, VA ‐ contact Russell at [email protected] and/or Colleen Hall at [email protected] 52. June 4‐7, 2015 – Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, 2015 R&LHS Convention in Altoona, PA 53. June 20‐28, 2015 TCA 2015 National Convention http://www.metca.org/2015convention.html 54. June 7, 2015 – 9‐1 p.m. Spring Hamburg Dutch Train Meet at the Hamburg Fire Co, File House – Pine Street, Hamburg, PA 55. June 20‐21, 2015 – The Great Scale Model Train Show Makin’ Tracks! Cow Palace – Times Sat. 9‐ 5/Sun. 10‐4 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093 http://gsmts.com/ 56. July 20‐26, 2015 – 12th Annual WNC Roundup http://wncrocks.proboards.com/#ixzz3Jd1YzWs H 57. July 26, 2015 ‐ 9‐1 p.m. Summer Hamburg Dutch Train Meet at the Hamburg Fire Co, File House – Pine Street, Hamburg, PA 58. August 8, 2015 – Lynchburg Rail Day 2015 www.crewerailroadmuseum.org

59. September 13, 2015 – 9‐1 p.m. Summer Hamburg Dutch Train Meet at the Hamburg Fire Co, File House – Pine Street, Hamburg, PA 60. September 18‐20, 2015 – ATRRM Fall Conference in Union, IL visit www.atrrm.org 61. September 20, 2015 ‐ Gilbertsville Train Show at the Gilbertsville Fire Hall, 1454 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 62. September 27, 2015 ‐ Arbutus Shows from 9‐1 63. October 4, 2015 ‐ New Hope – Solebury Township Train Show and Sale New Hope‐Eagle Fire Company 46 North Sugan Road New Hope, PA 18938 $5.00pp Admission, Children under 12 free 64. October 24‐25, 2015 – The Great Scale Model Train Show Makin’ Tracks! Cow Palace – Times Sat. 9‐5/Sun. 10‐4 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093 http://gsmts.com/ 65. December 13, 2015 – Earleigh Heights Shows 9‐2 66. December 19, 2015 ‐ Arbutus Shows from 9‐1

As always, if you prefer not to receive these emails, please let me know. All my best, Colleen

As a reminder to all, I gather my information from all sources, lots of it comes from the membership who includes me on their emails. I respect everyone’s intellectual property rights and do my upmost best not to infringe on anyone’s and to give credit when I am aware of whom to give the credit to. This eblast is an informational newsletter and my intent is to share with you information you may find of use or interest.

WB&A CHAPTER TCA TOY TRAIN SHOW

March 14, 2015 SHOW OPENS AT 9:00 AM and ENDS AT 2:00 PM (Opens 8:00 AM to WB&A Members )

At the Annapolis Armory!! 18 Willow Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Admission: $5.00 Children Under 12, Military, and WB&A Members Admitted Free.

THE ONLY TRAIN MEET IN THE ANNAPOLIS AREA THE SHOW WILL BE ADVERTISED FOR THREE DAYS IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS New This Year: National Capitol Trackers O Gauge Modular Layout

Directions: Going U.S. 50 East toward Annapolis, take Parole Exit (#23), left onto West Street for ¼ mile, left on Hudson Street, and proceed to the armory. Going US 50 West, take Parole Exit, bear left (away from Jennifer Rd), left on West St. and follow the directions above.

All vendors selling repro parts, etc. must have a Certificate of Compliance and display it. Sorry, No refunds. ------detach here------

PLEASE contact John Buxton at [email protected] OR (410) 665-3330 to reserve your table(s) AND send this reservation form with payment to:

Send Reservations to: All Tables: $25.00 each $ ______Dave Eadie Admission: $5.00 $ ______7825 Wintercress Lane Non-WB&A Helper (s): $5.00 Each $ ______Springfield, VA 22152 Total Due: $ ______Number of WB&A Members Attending (Free Admission) ______

Make check payable to WB&A Chapter and mail reservation, by March 01, 2015, to guarantee a table. Badges and table assignments will be distributed at time of Show. Tables not occupied by 9:30 AM March 14th, 2015 may be resold. No refunds.

Name: ______TCA# ______WB&A# ______Address: ______City: ______ST: ____ ZIP: ______Day Tele: ______Eve Tele: ______EMail______Name of Helper (s)______Name of Helper(s) ______NOTE: Set-up starts Friday afternoon (Mar 13th) and at 7:00 AM., Saturday, March 14th, 2015. Free coffee & donuts for tableholders 7 AM until 9 AM Saturday.

I agree to abide by all rules of the Association, including those of its Divisions, Chapters, and Committees.

Signed______Vol. 22 January 2015 No. 1

Rick Johnson-2 brings us the January program: Railfanning Oregon and Washington: BNSF Style. Join Dash-2 on his journeys around Oregon and Washington State as he covers the BNSF Fallbridge Subdivision between Vancouver, WA, and Wishram, WA. Lots of great railroading in spectacular scenery. Be sure to come out for a great meeting.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015. 6:00 p.m. Charley's Restaurant. 707 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

If you have not renewed your NRHS dues for 2015, please note the renewal form included in this month's issue.

Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Minutes of Meeting December 10, 2014

President Rick Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:28 pm at Charley’s Restaurant and welcomed 23 members and 8 guests, including Donna Duval, George Hamblin, A.H. Franklin, Tex Carter, Jerry Hampton, Jim and Andrew Cox. Minutes of the November meeting were approved as distributed. Treasurer John Tanner then reported. Greeting cards were passed around for Ed Fielding, Gene Campbell and Galen Wright. Under old business Rick reported on the Christmas banquet and thanked Norris for arranging the food, John for beverages and Rick Dash-2 and Tayler for their program. He announced that the Kemper Street Station gathering is scheduled for December 20, 9 pm ‘til. No alcohol is permitted. Under new business, Rick announced that a chapter director’s meeting will be scheduled for sometime in January or February since it has been some time since the chapter has held one. Vice President elect Gail McKinley explained dues collection for 2015. There are two preferred ways to pay: on line via PayPal or by check given to Gail that she will forward on to National. There will be no membership cards this year and no paper mailings of any kind, only e-mail. She urged everyone to renew their memberships this year to show their support for NRHS. Dues are due by January 31. She then announced that a National board meeting would be held in Roanoke at the Hotel Roanoke and local members may attend; there is a registration fee. With that President Rick Johnson formerly presented Gail with a key to the Blue Ridge Chapter Post Office Box. He noted that Norris had a key and there was another one out there, asking anyone who knew of its whereabouts to contact him. Rick also noted that the chapter had 50 members and 4 family members in 2014. Gary Quale requested that the current membership roster be circulated. Member Ship Hansberry reported that the Amherst Train Station project was making real progress. Work was nearing completion on the stabilization phase and attention would be given to the interior as soon as funds became available. He also announced that Charlie Long had correctly guessed the location (Altavista) of the mystery photo in the December newsletter. Charlie won a free dinner for his geographical acumen. National Representative, Bob Leslie reported on the recent NRHS director’s meeting that he attended in Johnson City, TN. He announced that the lawsuit against the NRHS had been settled and that the NRHS Fund had received its 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS. Consideration of a new business plan was tabled until the January meeting in Roanoke. The spring meeting is scheduled for York, PA, and tickets are now on sale for the National Convention in Rutland, VT. Rail Heritage Regional Director Norris Deyerle reported that negotiations with the Boonesboro Ruritan Club were completed and that Rail Day could continue to be held on the second Saturday in August for the next two years. He moved that the chapter approve this contract, seconded by Gary Quale and passed with one dissenting vote. He recommended and moved that part of the proceeds from Rail Day 2014 be distributed as follows: $1,000 donation to the NRHS to help with the current financial crisis, $250 each to Norfolk & Western Historical Society, Roanoke Chapter for the Virginian Station restoration project, the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the South Boston caboose project and the Boones Mill Station preservation project. Earl Guthrow seconded the motion. Motion passed without dissent. Norris announced that the Roanoke Chapter Holiday Gathering would be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Thursday, December 18. He also noted that the Lionel display at Bevell’s Hardware Store in Blackstone would be open into the New Year. There were no other reports and newsletter Garland Harper was thanked for another excellent issue of the Blue Ridge Dispatcher. Skip Hansberry presented the evening’s program, which featured photographs from his recent trip through Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. Norris Deyerle won the 50/50. The next regular meeting is January 14; Rick Johnson, Sr. will present the program. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.

- Thomas G. Ledford, Secretary

2 NRHS Dues Renewal Notice

This is your 2015 dues renewal notice for both “local chapter” and “National” dues of Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Your current annual NRHS membership ends December 31, 2014. You must be a current National NRHS member in order to be a current local NRHS member.

You should have received an invoice from National for National dues only; please pay either ONLINE (preferred method) at www.NRHS.com or by using this form. PayPal will administer the online payment, but you do not need to be a member of PayPal. If you pay by either of these methods, please disregard the invoice from National.

Name: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State:______Zip: ______

Home Phone: ( ) ______Cell Phone: ( ) ______

E-mail: ______

Please provide an email address as at this point forward ALL National correspondence will only be sent by email, and it is the goal of this chapter for everyone to receive their chapter newsletter by email in order to save on postage.

Check box if there are changes to your information above from last year.

2015 Blue Ridge Chapter annual dues - $13.00 ______

2015 NRHS National annual dues - $50.00 ______

National allows additional family members to be added to your membership at $7.00 per person. (The Blue Ridge Chapter has no extra charge for family members). Please list any additional family members to be added to National Roster below:

Family Member #1 ______@ $7.00 ______

Family Member #2 ______@ $7.00 ______

Voluntary Donation to Blue Ridge Chapter ______

Voluntary Donation to National ______

Total amount submitted $ ______

Please email me if you plan to pay or have already paid your National dues online.

Please make checks payable to: BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER, NRHS and mail your check with this completed form to:

Gale McKinley Membership Chairman - BRC Post Office Box 11731 Lynchburg, Virginia 24506 [email protected]

3 Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS 2015 Calendar of Events 57th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Chapter, A Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region Partner. Compiled By Norris Deyerle, BRC, NRHS, Chairman of Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region Partners Newly updated or added events since last month printed in “Bold Italics”. Notice: I urge our friends with the other railway historical groups and museums to take advantage of www.trainfinder.com or www.trains.com. There is no cost to promote your train show on these websites. It’s simple to add your event to their websites and your event approval is fast and efficient. These are websites that will help us all get the word out about our events! Are you interested in learning more about the historic Norfolk & Western Railway “High Bridge” in Farmville, Va.? Please check out the following links for more info: Friends of High Bridge Trail: https://sites.google.com/site/friendsofhighbridgetrail/ High Bridge Trail State Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hig.shtml http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/HighBridgeTrailStatePark/ Historical USGS Topographical Maps: A great research tool for locating abandoned railroad lines, etc. http://nationalmap.gov/historical/ Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation – Free Official State of Virginia Railroad Map, 600 East Main Street, Richmond, Va. 23219 Phone: 804-786-4440 www.drpt.virginia.gov Tennessee Valley Railroad/Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam Train Excursion Schedule Info: http://www.tvrail.com/pages/21st-century-steam Note: Find more railroad related info on other websites at the end of this Calendar Of Events.

JANUARY 2015 1-14-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Rick Johnson Dash 2 Presentation, Railfanning Oregon and Washington: BNSF Style 1-18-15: {Sunday} Virginia Train Collectors, Tidewater Train Show, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, 3373 Pruden Blvd. Route 460, Suffolk, Va. 23434. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission $6.00 for non VTC members, Info: Russell Youens, 2019 Floyd, Ave. Richmond, Va. 23220, {804} 342-6023, www.vatraincollectors.com 1-28-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” FEBRUARY 2015 2-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Dale Diacont Presentation MARCH 2015 3-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Jean Raas Presentation 3-25-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” APRIL 2015 4-08-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Charles S. “Dutch” Tubman, Train Trip Across Canada Presentation, digital MAY 2015 5-13-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber Presentation 5-27-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” JUNE 2015 6-10-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Derek Wimberly Presentation JULY 2015 7-08-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Wayland Moore Presentation, Dick Myers’ slides 7-22-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting”, Michael E. Jones Presentation, Author of “Lost At Thaxton”, Michael will present a program/talk about the 1889 wreck of N&W passenger train #2 at Thaxton, Va. and discuss his book which he will have on hand for purchase and signing. For more info, see http://lostatthaxton.com AUGUST 2015 8-08-15 {Saturday} Lynchburg Rail Day 2015! 8-12-15 {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Dale Diacont Presentation SEPTEMBER 2015 9-09-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Norris Deyerle Presentation, slides 9-23-15 {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” OCTOBER 2015 10-14-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber Presentation NOVEMBER 2015 11-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Wayland Moore Presentation 11-25-15: NO NOVEMBER “FUN MEETING” DUE TO THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY! DECEMBER 2015 12-05-15: {Saturday} Annual BRC Christmas Banquet 12-09-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Open Program Slot 12-19-15: {Saturday} Annual BRC Kemper Street Station “Holiday Gathering” 4

“Lynchburg Rail Day 2015”, Saturday, August 8, 2015 Check Out This New Addition! High Bridge Railroad Club, Farmville, Va. Info: www.sites.google.com/site/hbrrclub Modern Day Railroading: Norfolk Southern Locomotives – The Diesel Shop, NS Loco roster with professional quality photographs. NS Heritage Locos included. www.thedieselshop.us/NS.HTML “Fallen Flag” railroad of local interest: Franklin & Pittsylvania Railroad, “The old fast and perfect” railroad that ran between Gretna and Rocky Mount, Va.: www.fandprailroad.org Locomotive Search Tool And Railroad Photos Link: www.railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net Railroad Related Events Information: Visit: www.varailheritage.org, www.vmt.org, www.linkmuseum.org, www.nctrans.org, www.roanokenrhs.org, www.dcnrhs.org, www.odcnrhs.org www.nwhs.org, www.cohs.org, www.csxthsociety.org, www.thecrhs.org, www.theruralretreatdepot.com, www.srha.org, www.rfandp.org www.vatraincollectors.com, www.traincollectors.org, www.railroadcollectors.org, www.nhvry.org, www.norfolksouthernhs.org, www.RailServe.com, www.gsmr.com, www.trains.com, www.TrainFinder.com, www.gserr.com, www.wghshow.com, www.drpt.virginia.gov, www.crewerailroadmuseum.org Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS Website: www.blueridgenrhs.org Norfolk Southern/TVRM Steam Excursion Website: http://www.21stcenturysteam.com OR http://www.tvrail.com/pages/21st-century-steam Steam Train Events in the United States and Canada: www.diary.svsfilm.com Steam Locomotive Locations: www.steamlocomotive.com Railroad Historical Information and Related Photos: www.hawkinsrails.net Railroad Photos: www.railsinvirginia.com, www.railfirephotography.com Key Lock & Lantern Railroad History and Preservation Organization, www.klnl.org Danville & Western Ry. Website: Railway operated in Southwestern Virginia between Danville and Stuart. http://southern-railway.railfan.net/dw/ Trains & Travel International: www.traintrips.biz Additional links to other NRHS Chapters, Railroad Historical Societies and Museums available at www.blueridgenrhs.org Virginia Museum Of Transportation Rail Cam: http://www.nwhs.org/cam/vmt Roanoke, Va. Rail Cam: http://128.173.197.94:443/RRCmov

Kemper Street reopens! At last! Kemper Street is open once again for through traffic. Portions of the street have been closed since March 2014 when work began to reinforce the Belgian Block pavers which were initially placed in 1912. The block was taken up, a concrete slab was then poured and the block returned. All this was done in preparation for the operation of Greater Lynchburg Transit Company busses over the street between Park Ave. and GLTC's new transfer station located across the street from the train station. The relaying of the stone has been a real headache for train patrons trying to access the station. It is interesting to note that the laying of the stone, or rather, the delay in placing the stone originally might have resulted in a delay to Kemper Street Station's opening. A line from an article in the Lynchburg News Aug. 21, 1912, reads, "The new Southern station at the foot of Kemper street has begun to bear the appearance of a finished structure, and but for the delay incident to laying the white stone driveway which leads up to Park avenue it might be in service today."

Above: March 2014. Right: January 2015

5 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND STAFF

President Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434‐660‐1113 [email protected] Vice President Gale McKinley, 1186 James View Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434‐534‐2051 [email protected] Secretary Dale Diacont, 220 Chantilly Dr. Waynesboro, VA 22980 540‐941‐2451 [email protected] Treasurer John Tanner, 209 Pocahontas Dr., Forest, VA 24551‐1235 434‐525‐1318 [email protected] National Representative Bob Leslie 3844 Peakland Pl. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434‐384‐9062 [email protected] Editor Garland R. Harper, 3920 Harbor St. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434‐384‐7210 [email protected] Historian Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434‐660‐1113 [email protected] Webmaster John Siegle 1225 Krise Cir. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434‐384‐6951 [email protected] BRC Chairman. VA Rail E. Norris Deyerle, Jr. 744 Chinook Pl., Lynchburg, VA 24502 Heritage Region Partners 434‐237‐4912 [email protected] Rail Day Chairman Barry Moorefield [email protected] 434‐821‐2174

The BLUE RIDGE DISPATCHER is published by the Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society. Opinions expressed are those of the editor and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blue Ridge Chapter or the National Railway Historical Society unless otherwise stated.

Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS P. O. Box 11731 Lynchburg, VA 24506‐1731 www.blueridgenrhs.org

Lynchburg Rail Day 2015. Saturday, August 8, 2015. 6 Cape Rail

Dispatch

CAPE COD CHAPTER, NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Volume XXIX, Number 5 www.capecodnrhs.org January 2015 Happy New Year!

The West Barnstable train station looking splendid in holiday lights December 26th. Our depot served as Christmas Town for this year’s Cape Cod Central Train to Christmas Town. Note the post at the northeast corner of the station has been replaced, thanks to a nice job done by contractor Scott Crosby. — photo by Doug Scott. West Barnstable Train Station Insurance Fund Drive ur Chapter’s fund drive is now on to fund the renewal of our liability insurance for the station. We have been fortunate, as the cost has remained at $1,000 for the last few years. Donations of any amount will be O greatly appreciated and don't forget, it is tax deductible. Make check payable to “Cape Cod Chapter, NRHS” and make notation on the lower left of the check, “Insurance Fund.” All donations should be sent to Mr. Christopher Harvie, Chapter Treasurer, P.O. Box 831, West Hyannisport, MA 02672. Thank you for your support! Chapter Monthly Meeting, West Barnstable Community Building  Wednesday, January 21st 7 p.m. Tyler Varnum, John Kittredge and Doug Scott will present a digital show featuring the 2015 Mass Bay RRE “STEAM in the SNOW” event held at the Conway Scenic Railroad. This was the last run of 0-6-0 CN #7470 before she is taken out of service to under go her 1472 day FRA mandated inspection tear down.

Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capecodchapter.nrhs.1 ! PAGE 2 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 Thank You Randy Hunt! Rep. Randy Hunt has been a good friend to our Chapter over the years, a familiar face appearing in support of our many activities at the West Barnstable depot. Recently, he generously donated the proceeds from the sale of his 1997 528 BMW to our Chapter. Thank you, Rep. Hunt, for your long time support and your kind donation.

Donate Your Old Car, Boat or Vehicle Today!

Our Chapter has linked up with the Donate for Charity folks who manage a program that enable donors to make a significant contribution to their favorite nonprofit through an easy process and it is free. The IRS allows vehicle donors to receive a tax deduction on their vehicles. They handle all of the tax paperwork on behalf of our nonprofit partners. Their national network of auction and salvage houses ensures you receive the highest possible tax deduction, based on market conditions and the condition of your donated vehicle or car. When donating your automobile to charity you can avoid the anxiety and hassle of selling to a private party and dealing with used car salesmen in a haggling over a trade-in. Donating your vehicle also avoids the potential repair costs of unused cars, boats or trucks, and with free door-to-door for all donors, their vehicle donors are never out of pocket when donating. They even can pick up your vehicle at the auto repair shop or by the side of the road! Please remember and consider this option. You will find the Cape Cod Chapter under Charity Listings, Arts, Culture and Humanities on their web site. Thank you!

http://www.donateforcharity.com/donate-car-to/cape-cod-chapter-national-railway-historical-society/ CAPE COD CHAPTER, NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY West Barnstable Train Station, P.O. Box 1912, West Barnstable, MA 02668 508-362-WBTS (508-362-9287) ● www.capecodnrhs.org ● www.facebook.com/capecodchapter.nrhs.1

2014 - 2015 OFFICERS ● DIRECTORS ● APPOINTMENTS

President Linda Z. Pegnato 508.759.3451 [email protected] Vice President Richard Boberg 508.333.9151 [email protected] Treasurer Christopher Harvie 508.367.3481 [email protected] Secretary Tyler Varnum 508.428.5683 [email protected] National Representative R. Douglas Scott, Jr. 774.722.2538 [email protected] Chapter Director Carl Harrison 508.888.0241 [email protected] Chapter Director Fred Pegnato, Jr. 508.759.3451 [email protected] Chapter Historian Bill Reidy 781.255.7922 [email protected] Station Master Carl Harrison 508.888.0241 [email protected] Cape Rail Dispatch Editor Bill Reidy 781.255.7922 [email protected] Cape Rail Dispatch Publisher R. Douglas Scott, Jr. 774.722.2538 [email protected] Membership Chair Kenneth Shaffer 508.394.5042 [email protected] Assistant Membership Chair Carl Harrison 508.888.0241 [email protected] Entertrainment Chair R. Douglas Scott, Jr. 774.722.2538 [email protected] Chapter Photographer John S. Greene 914.557.2220 [email protected]

To contact the Cape Cod Chapter by mail, please send correspondence to:

Cape Cod Chapter, NRHS, P.O. Box 1912, West Barnstable, MA 02668.

The Cape Rail Dispatch is a monthly publication of the Cape Cod Chapter, National Railway Historical Society. Opinions expressed represent those of the authors and do not portray those of the Chapter, its Officers, or its Membership. Submissions for the Cape Rail Dispatch can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Bill Reidy, 73 Fensview Drive, Westwood, MA 02090.

The Cape Rail Dispatch may not be reprinted/electronically distributed without written permission of the Cape Cod Chapter, NRHS.

Deadline for the February issue: Wednesday, January 28th. Articles/photos needed/welcome! Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 3 Congratulations Barbara! The winner of the Quilt this year was Mrs. Barbara Seacord from Vienna, Virginia. She was so happy when I called her; she stated “Oh my goodness, I never win anything and I loved that quilt!” She was a visitor this past July with the Vermont Sugar Tours Road Scholars bus group. She will be receiving the Chuggington Quilt soon. Thank you Maryanne Boberg for your special donation and making this lovely quilt for the Chapter. — Linda Pegnato.

17 December 2014 Cape Cod Chapter, NRHS Monthly Meeting Minutes The December meeting of the Cape Cod Chapter next year; like more decorations; holding it at 2:00 pm NRHS was called to order at 7:10pm by Chapter for everyone to see Santa arrive and some other President Linda Pegnato at the West Barnstable details. Trailblazer sign: President Pegnato will look Community Building on December 17, 2014 with further into the state regarding the trailblazer sign. eleven Chapter members present. President Pegnato Barnstable Mini Grant- due Jan. 15, 2015: We will brought cookies left over from our Meet Santa & Mrs. be filing a request for their grant to match the money Claus event. The minutes of the November meeting and use for advertisement next year. were accepted as printed in the December Cape Rail A motion was made seconded and approved to Dispatch. The Treasurers report was received. request $500 that we will match. We also made The following communications were brought before another motion to join the ATRRM American Tourist the meeting. The Tower Operators Reunion article in the Railroad Museum for $100, which was seconded and December issue of the NRHS News was written by John approved to help provide us more exposure on a Garofalo and not by Roberta Ballard. Randy Hunt called national level. the President regarding donating his 1997 BMW 528 for New Business: Station Post repair-Update: The a gift to us. President Pegnato will look into Donation trackside post has been replaced and all of the work is for Charity website link. Pres. Pegnato reported that the completed. Membership Renewal: John Brennan: station cordless phone in the ticket office was missing The Chapter voted to pay for his local and NRHS dues and probably fell into the trash barrel off the desk. We for all of the work he has done for us. Local Chapter will swap out the other one in the baggage room. Family dues: The Chapter voted that $7.00 would be Membership: Ken Shaffer reported that we currently the fee for family members that live in the same have 53 members and 10 Railfriends of the station. He household as the individual member. Amherst will work on the 2015 Membership Form to attach to Railway Society Railroad Show: We have applied for our monthly newsletter and link on the web site. their grant. The show is going to be on January 24 and Membership dues are due by December 31 and are 25 of 2015 and several Chapter members will be being sent out separate from NRHS this year because present. Quilt: we raised $82.00 from the Quilt Door NRHS. Station Master: Carl reported that the tent Prize. The winner of the quilt was Barbara Seacord heater we used to heat the lobby for the Christmas event from Vienna, Virginia. President Pegnato will call her worked our very well and what began at 44 degrees in in the morning and mail it out to her home. Chapter the morning heated up to 68 in the afternoon. He Meeting Dates: January 21, February 18, March 18, returned it to Taylor Rental. National Rep.: Doug and April 22 at the West Barnstable community Scott reported that the NRHS Board of Directors building, large room is reserved. meeting will be held in Roanoke, Virginia in January President Linda Pegnato announced the deadline for which he will attend. Entertainment: John Greene is photos and articles to submit for the January Cape Rail going to provide entertainment for the January meeting. Dispatch is due December 26, 2014 to Bill Reidy, our Old Business: Water Tank Repair: we have not Editor. The next business meeting is scheduled for heard back from David Anthony regarding the town’s Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the West Barnstable help for the repair made to the water tank. Christmas Community Building in the large room. The business Event Dec. 13 Update: We discussed the first annual part of the meeting ended at 8:29 pm after which Doug event we held and President Pegnato thanked Scott gave a wonderful slide show presentation of his everybody for their wonderful teamwork and volunteer recent trip to the Pacific Northwest. support. We discussed some changes to the event for — submitted by Tyler Varnum, Chapter Secretary. PAGE 4 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 John Twohig We regrettably pass along news that John Thomas Twohig passed away on December 21st, 2014. It was primarily through the efforts of John, along with Howard Goodwin, that our organization became a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1986. At the time John was our group’s president, and under his leadership membership boomed. It was because of John your editor, who had recently published a history of the Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge, learned of our group. After reading the article, John contacted me and asked if I would be interested to join. John also worked for the Cape Cod Railroad in the 1990s, providing historical commentary to passengers. Our condolences to John’s family and friends.

Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus was a lot of fun for all the children who visited with them on December 13 at the West Barnstable Train Station and Museum. The station was kept nice and warm using a tent heater. There was plenty of cookies and cocoa for all. A very heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers who worked the event to make it a success. — Linda Pegnato, photo by John Greene. January Dates in Cape Cod Railroad History

1848: January 26th — The Cape Cod Branch Railroad is opened, Middleboro’ to Wareham. 1848: January 31st — The Cape Cod Branch Railroad is opened, Wareham to Agawam village (today’s East Wareham village at Depot Street). 1873: January 17th — The Cape Cod Railroad Company deed is accepted by the Old Colony Railroad, and the merger is made effective. 1899: January 1st — The new South Station in Boston is opened to Old Colony Railroad and New England Railroad passenger service, including Cape Cod trains. 1989: January 13th — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Construction informs the Cape Cod & Hyannis Railroad the contract for passenger rail service between greater Boston and Cape Cod will not be renewed. The CC&H folds shortly thereafter. 2008: January 1st — The Massachusetts Coastal Railroad takes over Cape freight rail operations from the Bay Colony Railroad. Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 5 Cape Cod’s Railroad Depots - #11 by Bill Reidy Parker Mills

Parker Mills station, as seen in the early 1900s. The view is from the easterly side of the tracks, with the recently- constructed Wareham town offices building on the right in the background. The town offices building, 505 Main Street, is now home to Wareham Community Television. eaving South Wareham, the railroad proceeded eastward on a broad S curve, cutting through the ridge at the head of Wareham Neck before coming out near the lower dam on the Wankinco River, providing an L easy route from that point down to the harbor. This bit of excavation, some of the most extensive on the original route between Middleborough and Sandwich, was necessary to line up the railroad with Wareham Narrows, the easiest place to cross the upper harbor and continue onto Agawam (East Wareham) and Sandwich. This route also brought the railroad close to Parker Mills, at the head of tide water on the Wankinco, which would become an important customer. By the late eighteenth century a dam had already been established on the Wankinco where today’s Elm Street crosses the river. In 1798, a fulling mill was opened on the site. A succession of industries followed, including a cotton mill that was partially burned by the British in June 1814 during the War of 1812, before cut nail manufacturing would be established on the site sometime between 1819 and 1822 by Isaac and Jared Pratt. A succession of iron industry owners would use the site until John Avery Parker and associates took over in 1845. With new ownership, significant improvements were made to the mill, including construction of the current main building (circa 1848). The complex was naturally renamed Parker Mills. One of Parker’s associates was Thomas J. Coggeshall, one of the incorporators of the Cape Cod Branch Railroad. Not surprisingly, the Cape Cod Branch’s charter required the railroad to pass near the “Parker Lower Mills.” Nahum Stetson, prominent in the iron industry and the history of the Cape Cod Branch Railroad and the West Wareham/Tremont station (see the August 2014 Dispatch), was an early investor in Parker Mills and became its agent in 1847. In 1882, Stetson’s Bridgewater Iron Company purchased Parker Mills. In 1886-7, the once thriving Massachusetts nail industry went through a severe contraction, which in part led to the takeover of the Parker Mills by the Tremont Nail Company in 1887. John Avery Parker (1769 - 1853) (continued on page eight) PAGE 6 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015

ABOVE: 1857 map showing the Parker Mills area. The station was located between the Tihonet and Elm street crossings, at the northeast corner of the village green. The Parker Mills plant is depicted on the map east of the station.

— “1857 Map of Plymouth County Massachusetts,” Henry F. Walling, D.R. Smith & Co., Library of Congress collection.

RIGHT: 1879 map of the Parker Mills area. This map shows a side track in place extending next to the mill.

— “1879 Atlas of Plymouth County, Massachusetts” Geo. H. Walker & Co.

The 1857 map is a digital copy courtesy of the

Library of Congress.

The 1879 and 1903 maps are digital copies courtesy of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library. Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 7

ABOVE: 1903 map of Parker Mills. The Cape Cod main to Buzzards Bay had been double-tracked about 10 years earlier, and the tracks of the Middleboro, Wareham and Buzzards Bay Street Railway Co., are now present, running along Main Street. Tihonet Road has been shifted eastward to eliminate one of two crossings by the station, depicted as the small building just east of the new town office building.

— “1903 Atlas of Surveys of Plymouth County and Town of Cohasset, Norfolk County, Mass.,” J.L. Richards Co.

LEFT: 1974 USGS map of Parker Mills. The siding to Tremont Nail is still in place and connected to the Cape Cod main. By the time Bay Colony took over Cape freight service in June 1982, Tremont Nail was no longer using rail freight. Bay Colony management tried to woo Tremont Nail back, performing some maintenance work on the siding, but little came of the effort. When the main line track was rebuilt for Amtrak Cape Codder service in the mid-1980s, the switch for the siding was removed. PAGE 8 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015

LEFT: Another view of the Parker Mills station. This view is shifted very slightly southwest from the view on page five, with the Elm Street crossing just out of view on the left.

RIGHT: A view up Main Street looking toward the station in the distance. We’re looking northward from the lower village. Elm Street curves off to the right just before the station. Barely visible are the trolley tracks crossing from one side of the street to the other, as depicted on the 1903 map on the previous page.

LEFT: A circa-1910 view of the Tremont Nail Company mill at Parker Mills. Note the boxcars

behind the mill.

— Conditions Assessment & Feasibility Study, Tremont Nail Factory, June 2009, Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc.

(continued from page five) Wareham did go ahead and build a new town offices To serve Parker Mills a small station was constructed building next to Parker Mills station in 1902. This by the junction of Tihonet Road, Elm Street and the building served as Wareham’s town hall until 1939, when village green. This station was located 48.31 miles from the present town hall building opened on Marion Road. Boston’s South Station, or 1.16 miles from the South It appears Wareham’s strategy did little if anything Wareham station. While the station appears on maps as to improve Parker Mills station’s status. While New early as the 1850s, it was noticeably absent from Cape Haven timetables of the early 1910s might suggest one Cod and Old Colony railroad timetables, unlike other or two more trains stopped at the station, by this time smaller stations like Rock and South Wareham. After all trains that stopped treated the station as a flag stop. the New Haven takeover in 1893, Parker Mills appeared In his May 1987 Dispatch article on Parker Mills, on timetables but was notably bypassed by most trains, Howard Goodwin noted “the depot was closed and with some others treating the station as a flag stop. moved in 1925.” A review of New Haven timetables Abishai Barrows, after serving as Wareham’s station for the period confirms the closure year - Parker Mills agent for 30 years, took over as Parker Mills’ agent in appears in many 1925 timetables but is gone from the March 1883 to enjoy a less rigorous job and to be closer Form 201 Lines East timetable of January 17, 1926. If to his home. In the early 1890s, Edgar L. Crocker the building was moved, does anyone know to where, served as Parker Mills’ station agent for five years, and if the building survives today? before becoming the agent at Onset Junction in 1895. Tremont Nail Company survives to this day, but The March 18, 1901 issue of the Barnstable Patriot unfortunately is no longer located in Wareham. In noted: “Wareham wants to move its jail from the 2006, Acorn Manufacturing Co., parent of Tremont Centre to Parker Mills, based upon the belief that a jail Nail, moved Tremont Nail’s operations to Mansfield, will add to the business of Parker Mills station, thus MA. The town of Wareham purchased the old Parker securing the stopping of more trains at that station. Mills plant with community preservation act funds and Court officials object to the removal.” is now looking at ways to preserve the historic site.

While court officials might not have been happy, Next stop: Wareham Village! Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 9 From Your President: 2014 in Review

he years seem to fly by. Is it because I am getting Sold set of Joseph Lincoln books on Ebay. older that I can reminisce more? Many members Sagamore Rifle Club held their meeting at WBTS. T have worked tirelessly this past year. They are CapeFLYER rail fan trip from Hyannis to South dedicated to maintaining the train station and committed Station. to make sure everyone who visits the depot enjoys the Sold CapeFLYER promo hats and WB Station T Shirts. history and all we have to offer. As you read the list September below, you will see it is the reflection of their endeavors. Held 2nd Annual BBQ Social at the train station. I wish you all a very happy, healthy, peaceful and Added new Rail Friend family names to station plaque. prosperous New Year ahead. — Linda Pegnato. Purchased engraved five name tags ID’s for station January volunteers.

Memberships: West Barnstable Rail Friend Families – October 11. Chapter members – 53. Paid our annual station insurance bill. Grant awarded January 2014 for $1,500 from Amherst US Route 6 Cruisers Rally pit stop held at WBTS all Railway Historical Society. day. E-Filed IRS 990 Non-profit organization form. Historical presentations held for 3 Road Scholar Chapter re-joined Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Groups of Vermont Sugar Tours. Maintain our Chapter web site and updates for Installation of new hot water tank in baggage room Calendaring. closet (Town assisted). April November CCC NRHS supported & attended the WBCA Sold scenic passenger train tickets on Saturdays for Spaghetti Supper at WBFS. Cape Cod Central Railroad. Cleaned out and reorganized the boiler room. Safety vests obtained for volunteers at WBTS. Spring cleaning done at WBTS.

Handmade Chuggington quilt donated for fundraiser. Installed 5 replica ceiling lights in the baggage room ceiling. December Updated and reprinted 5,000 WBTS Brochures. Two Members certified for State Food Allergy Donation of new printer from member. Certificates. Seized water pump replaced (Town assisted). Received donation from Market Basket at the Sagamore for Christmas event. May Held First Annual Christmas with Santa & Mrs. Claus event at WBTS. National Train Day event held at depot. Contracted with the Railroad for their Train to Licensed removal of the asbestos wrapped attic pipe Christmas Town event. using grant from Amherst Railway Society. Maintained Facebook page with over 200 friends and Donations of rail lanterns, hand painted rail scene on Likes. saw, railroad books, postcards, videos, Lionel Joined Association of Tourist Railroads & Railway train set and more. Museums. New pressure gauge installed on water tank. Issued our Cape Rail Dispatch monthly newsletter to June all Members and Exchanges. Over 275 pages of Held our annual Chapter Banquet – Bill Reidy Speaker. Chapter news, Cape rail news and Cape rail Rail fan group trip to Steaming Tender Restaurant, history published, including 34-page July second Palmer, Mass. for lunch. section on the Cape Cod Canal centennial. Fairmont M19 speeder engine obtained and painted. Barnstable Mini Grant application submitted for Attended Bourne Historical Society Gray Gables advertising WBTS presence. Station Grand Reopening. Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts 2015 Grant application National Advisor attended NRHS Annual Convention. submitted for heating.

July Amherst Railway Society 2015 Grant application for insulation installation and heating. Sponsored member Kenny Shaffer Jr. for Rail Camp Donation of two Christmas trees and Christmas in Wilmington Delaware. decorations. All donations to the Chapter acknowledged timely and Linked up with Donate for Charity web site for vehicle in writing. tax deduction donations. August Received cash donation from sale of old vehicle. Joined and supported the West Barnstable Annual Held monthly Chapter Business Meetings. Village Festival. Station alarm bi-annual fee paid. PAGE 10 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 Local Rail News

“Bourne/Canal Landing” Station Plans Approved

Criticism continues for the new stop; MBTA membership votes planned

While work has not yet started on the planned Canal Landing stop, MassDOT has been busy extending the rail passenger platform at the Hyannis Transportation Center. This January 10th view shows the extension beyond the HTC building, more or less doubling the length of the platform. In addition, the platform’s wooden railings are being replaced with metal, and LED platform lighting has been installed along both the CapeFLYER and

Cape Cod Central platforms. — photo by Bill Reidy.

The town of Bourne conservation commission bylaws should prevent the project from moving and the state have reached a compromise on forward. jurisdiction over the proposed Bourne/Canal Based on comments received following a December Landing station to be built by the Bourne Bridge. 1st public information meeting held in Buzzards Bay, Initially, the Massachusetts Department of MassDOT has made some changes to the plans, Transportation claimed immunity from local including the parking lot layout and the storm water regulations for the project, but a town resident came drainage system. forward in early December and informed the Local residents attending the December 18th conservation commission of a state Supreme Judicial meeting continued to voice opposition to the project. Court ruling that disputed MassDOT’s position. The William T. Nelson of Buzzards Bay, who owns commission referred the ruling (town of Boxford property near the planned station, believes it will be versus Massachusetts Highway Department) to Bourne used for purposes other than the CapeFLYER. “I think town counsel Robert S. Troy, who determined the the reason why we’re designing Cadillac tracking and commission does have jurisdiction. sidings is looking ahead to commuter rail because it In response, MassDOT counsel Tracy W. Klay said gets us out of the Mickey Mouse business. This town the agency’s plans meets both state and local has got to wake up and see that that’s coming,” he regulations, so compliance with Bourne wetland said. bylaws “adds no additional burdens” to the project. As Selectman Donald E. (Jerry) Ellis again noted the a result, the town commission granted an Order of location of the platform would be disruptive to the Conditions for the project during its December 18th residents of Bakersville to the west of the Bourne meeting. Both sides agreed nothing in the town’s (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 11

Workers inspect the Cohasset Narrows rail bridge between Wareham and Bourne December 29th. Planned work on this bridge will permit the siding to be returned to service, as discussed in Local Rail News in last month’s

Cape Rail Dispatch. — photo by Doug Scott. new station as an “incredibly invasive project for just Local Rail News 15 weekends a year.” She shared Riggs concern about (continued from the previous page) hurting businesses in Buzzards Bay. She also stated Bridge. He supported an earlier suggestion by Bourne the December 1st MassDOT public presentation was Recreation Authority chairman Gregory Folino to “an incredible waste of time.” place the platform behind the John Gallo Ice Arena, “I don’t know what the real story is but it wasn’t where parking is available for up to 200 cars. what we heard Monday night,” she said. – Bourne Commission members Susan Weston and Robert Courier, 10 December 2014 and Bourne Enterprise, Palumbo also questioned the amount of money being 10 December 2014. spent over the project, but both acknowledged that was A revised Buzzards Bay commuter rail parking beyond the jurisdiction of the commission. – Bourne plan was presented to the BTAC December 18th by Courier, 10 and 27 December 2014 and Bourne the Cape Cod Commission. During the initial Enterprise, 10 and 22 December 2014. presentation of parking options presented during the Members of Bourne’s Transportation Advisory BTAC’s December 4th meeting, plans that focused on Committee joined the chorus of town leaders and parking by Veterans Circle appeared to gain the most residents critical of the planned Bourne/Canal interest. Landing CapeFLYER station. The revised plan would replace the Veterans Circle “I think it’s time that some people in Charges start rotary with a much smaller roundabout coming off the being straight with us,” BTAC chairman Wesley J. Cohasset Narrows bridge. A new commuter rail Ewell stated at the committee’s meeting December parking and possibly retail structure would be built in 4th. “(The proposed Bourne/Canal Landing station is) place of the existing rotary. Since the existing rotary clearly for commuter rail, not for the CapeFLYER.” sits 26 to 28 feet above sea level, while the existing BTAC member Sallie K. Riggs also noted station Buzzards Bay station sits at eight feet, it would be plans for the CapeFLYER do not make sense. “The possible to place much of the parking underground numbers aren’t there to justify a platform and with retail above. expanded parking.” Riggs also expressed concern Selectman Ellis expressed concern new retail space about potential loss of business to Main Street if would take parking away from commuter rail passengers bypass Buzzards Bay for the new station. passengers or existing village businesses. He also does Fellow member Cynthia K. Parola characterized the (continued on the next page) PAGE 12 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015

Like Hyannis, the bike platform at Buzzards Bay has received new metal railings. Carl Harrison caught this view of the replacement work underway on January 5th. The work was completed that week. So far (January 10th), there are no signs of work to replace the wooden rails at Wareham Village.

disagreed. “I think there is room for growth,” Cannon Local Rail News said. – Bourne Courier, 10 and 24 December 2014 (continued from the previous page) and Bourne Enterprise, 10 and 30 December 2014. not favor a massive, above ground structure. CCC technical services director Cannon The plan also considers realigning Academy Drive presented the BTAC an estimate of Bourne’s to line up with Washington Avenue. Among other annual Massachusetts Bay Transportation benefits, this could provide more surface parking near Authority assessment should the town join the the train station. district: $81,956. Bourne’s preliminary assessment Another garage would be built next to the Cape Cod would be $128,751. However, since the town already Canal Region Chamber of Commerce building. This pays $46,829 to the Cape Cod Regional Transit structure would be two or three levels high, providing Authority, the CCRTA assessment would be deducted 400 to 600 parking spaces. BTAC member and Main from the MBTA assessment. Street Steering Committee chair Riggs could provide a Bourne Selectmen chairman Peter J. Meier said the valuable service for nearby Buzzards Bay Park. Many MBTA assessment would not have a significant people on a recent survey suggested adding movie impact on the town’s budget. “Not a $55 million screenings to the park’s summertime events. A garage budget; $80,000 won’t do anything,” he said. – Bourne with a white wall facing the park could be where the Enterprise, 11 December 2014. movies are shown. Bourne selectmen have set January 26th as the CCC technical services director Glenn D. Cannon date for a special town meeting that will include an estimates the number of daily commuter rail article asking Bourne residents if the town should passengers will be 800, of which 560 would park at join the MBTA service district. If approved, a vote the station. About 75 percent would use Main Street would then be held during the general town election to get to and from the station, while the rest would on Tuesday, May 19. come from the west. BTAC chair Ewell is concerned While dealing solely with the question of MBTA Main Street is already at capacity, but Cannon (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 13

December 19th view showing the completed Wareham Village platform canopy. The canopy has received a blue metal roof, with LED lighting underneath. — photo by Bill Reidy. during the meeting. Local Rail News BTAC chairman Ewell took Parady’s interpretation (continued from the previous page) as good news. During the BTAC’s December 18th membership, both votes are seen as necessary steps for meeting, Ewell noted his group had not yet been given the extension of Boston commuter rail to Buzzards all the answers to a series of 10 questions on commuter Bay. rail they had presented to the CCC. Concern is growing Bourne residents will vote “Now we have time to formulate our position and ‘no’ on MBTA membership January 26th, dooming present it to the public,” he said. – Bourne Courier, 24 Buzzards Bay commuter rail service. Many December 2014; Bourne Enterprise, 10 and 23 residents are suspicious of the state’s intentions with December 2014 and 2 January 2015; and Cape Cod the planned Canal landing station, believing it’s a move Times, 11 December 2014. to secretly force commuter rail over the canal onto the Bourne selectmen will try to explain the Cape. While many town leaders support commuter rail upcoming special town meeting article on joining to Buzzards Bay and the seasonal CapeFLYER service the MBTA district to voters during the board’s to Hyannis, they oppose year-round, daily commuter January 20th meeting. The meeting will be rail service over the canal bridge. broadcast on Bourne Community TV and will be BTAC members John G. Carroll, Parola and Riggs available for later viewing on their website http:// believe the town is too confused at this point in time www.bournecommunitytv.org/. (December 18) over issues related to commuter rail The goal is to cover four issues: the purpose of the (Buzzards Bay parking) and the CapeFLYER summer MBTA membership vote; clarify CapeFLYER service (new Canal Landing platform and new/ upgrades; discuss commuter rail service; and possibly improved sidings on both sides of the canal). Carroll review commuter parking ideas that have developed said that he believes the group faces a “no” vote at the with the assistance of the CCC. special town meeting, a sentiment shared by selectman CCC technical services director Cannon noted the Ellis. Ellis noted he has received about two dozen MBTA and MassDOT are studying an extension of the calls on commuter rail, with the majority negative. Middleborough/Lakeville commuter rail line to When asked why, many said they were against the idea Buzzards Bay, looking at such things as ridership because they fear it will mean commuter rail projections as well as feasibility of operating four eventually will be extended over the canal. trains per day in and out of Main Street. Cannon said “They feel if they stop it altogether then the problem the results of the analysis might be available before the doesn’t exist,” Ellis said. town election in May. Many members of both the BTAC and the town Cannon also noted Buzzards Bay seems “primed for board of selectmen believe a public forum is needed in transit-oriented development” that usually advance of the January 26th vote, but there has been accompanies new rail stops. confusion on which group should take the lead on Meanwhile, Bourne administrator Thomas informing the public. Town meeting moderator Robert Guerino will invite the town’s Beacon Hill W. Parady notes, under interpretation of Massachusetts delegation to the selectmen’s February 3rd meeting General Law, the town meeting discussion can only be to discuss the Canal Landing station and the focused on placing the MBTA membership question possibility commuter rail would be extended over on the May 19th ballot. He will block all discussion of the canal. Board chairman Meier suggested inviting the merits of commuter rail service to Buzzards Bay (continued on the next page) PAGE 14 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015

December 19th early evening view showing the lit-up Wareham Village platform. The temporary canopy at the north (west) end of the platform has not yet been removed. — photo by Bill Reidy. Central Railroad allowed the tradition to be resumed. Local Rail News “Sales were down (from past years), but we were (continued from the previous page) able to reestablish a relationship with the new train Senator Vinny deMacedo, representatives David T. people,” she said. McGraw said the renewed Vieira and Randy Hunt, and CCRTA administrator relationship with the railroad could be considered a Thomas S. Cahir. – Bourne Courier, 7 and 9 January success, and her group is looking to add a Halloween 2015 and Bourne Enterprise, 10 January 2015. train in 2015. As expected, the Upper Cape Regional Transfer “The new people running (the train) – they’ve been Station board of managers voted December 10th to great,” she said. – Wareham Week, 29 December 2014. close the facility at the end of 2014. The board now The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and awaits a study by the Cape Cod Commission on Nantucket Steamship Authority will move forward options for the facility and rail spur, which is expected with plans to rebuild its Woods Hole terminal, to be completed by June. which will include demolition of the last railroad Carl J. Cavossa, Jr., expressed frustration with the building at the facility. The current terminal building decision, as a number of studies have already been made was the New Haven Railroad’s freight building. The and he has offered to operate the facility at no cost. He authority’s board of governors approved the terminal noted that the closure will lead to more truck traffic over plans at its December 11th meeting. The project, the Bourne Bridge. He also noted the Cape pays some expected to cost nearly $62 million, now moves to the of the highest tonnage fees in the state and would design phase. negotiate with trucking companies to keep rail rates The conceptual plan calls for three ferry slips and a down. – Bourne Enterprise, 4 and 12 December 2014. new terminal building set back from the water’s edge. With the imminent closure of the UCRTS, the The Shining Sea Bikeway would be extended to the first call to convert the remaining Woods Hole waterfront along the northern edge of the terminal, and branch to a rail trail was made by BTAC member a new bike parking area for about 100 bikes would be Carroll in a December 31 letter in the Bourne constructed. Enterprise. “Revival of (passenger rail) travel does Construction may begin as early as the fall of 2016, not seem likely on what is left of the Woods Hole but that is dependent on completion of the permitting branch. Even the trash train has folded. The tracks are process, involving federal, state and local agencies. – rusting,” he noted. Cape Cod Times, 22 December 2014; Falmouth “Bourne is sitting in the middle of an opportunity Enterprise, 22 December 2014; and Martha’s and should not miss out.” He concludes in arguing for Vineyard Times, 17 December 2014. conversion of the transportation route to a recreational MassDOT has scheduled the first public trail. informational meeting for the Cape Cod Canal After a two-year break, holiday trains returned Area Transportation Study Thursday, January to Wareham December 28th. Wareham Village 15th, 7 p.m. at Admirals Hall, Massachusetts Association vice president Tracy McGraw said the Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. This review, group took the break after experiencing problems with scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, will the event, but a change in the regime at the Cape Cod (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 15

LEFT: The approved conceptual plan

for the new Woods Hole ferry terminal.

— Woods Hole Ferry Terminal Reconstruction Feasibility Study, December 2014.

RIGHT: Aerial view of the existing Woods Hole ferry terminal. Up until the mid-1960s, this was the site of the New Haven Railroad’s Woods Hole terminal. The large building on the pier is the former New Haven Railroad freight terminal building which currently serves as the ferry terminal. Tracks once ran inside the building.

a real win-win.” Local Rail News In Easton, town officials want assurances the Main (continued from the previous page) Street overpass will not be raised, while in Raynham, look at the proposal for a third highway bridge over officials want the rail line to cross Route 138 the canal, along with other transportation underground. – Brockton Enterprise, 6 December 2014. improvements for the canal region. Or, in bureaucrat: During a December 15th meeting with Taunton “The Cape Cod Canal Area Transportation Study officials, Lt. Gov.-elect Karyn Polito reaffirmed her effort will examine existing and future multimodal and Gov.-elect Charlie Baker’s support for South transportation deficiencies and needs around the Cape Coast Rail. “I learned today for the Taunton and Cod Canal area in Bourne and Sandwich. The study South Coast area that rail is a component of economic will also entail the development and analysis of a full development for Taunton and the South Coast region, range of transportation alternatives including highway, she said. “Charlie and I do support it.” interchange, and non-highway improvements, as well “Polito said she will be examining “how to continue as options and design elements that improve access for the commitment to the project to make sure it becomes all modes. The alternatives considered will also include a reality for the region.” – Taunton Gazette, 20 the evaluation of potential alignments for an additional December 2014. crossing over the Cape Cod Canal.” – many news With Boston now the sole U.S. bid for the 2024 sources, including the MassDOT blog 6 January 2015. Olympics, some difficult transit choices will need to Preparation work continues for the South Coast be made should Boston win. Some observers worry Rail project, with a goal of 15% design completion that Boston-centric projects will take priority over road by July 1st. During the late fall, contractors have and rail projects in the rest of the state. been taking soil samples along the right-of-way in Among Boston projects that would likely receive Easton, Lakeville, Raynham and Taunton. attention are the expansion of South Station (expected Meanwhile, Stoughton officials hope to have the to cost nearly $1 billion), construction of a new “West town’s train station relocated and the line placed Station” at the Beacon Park rail yards, institution of a underground where it passes near downtown, similar to diesel multiple unit train service between Back Bay and what was done in Hingham when the Greenbush line was South Boston, and an upgraded JFK/UMass station on reactivated. They would prefer the station, combined the Red Line and Old Colony commuter rail lines. with a large parking garage and businesses, take the Some South Coast business leaders, however, place of the current police station on Rose Street. believe a Boston Olympics would help fast track South “A huge parking lot, with a below-grade train station Coast Rail, particularly if some events are held in and businesses, it would keep the train from two key southeastern Massachusetts. — Boston Globe, 10 intersections,” noted Stoughton Redevelopment January 2015, and New Bedford Standard-Times, 10 Authority chairman Michael Barrett. “It could become January 2015. PAGE 16 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 150 Years Ago A Provincetown Railroad for National Security Barnstable Patriot the Rail Way wharf in Hyannis this day at 1 o’clock. 3 January 1865 Yarmouth Register Railroad to Provincetown. 6 January 1865 Inasmuch as it is about a settled thing that private enterprise will not carry a road from Orleans to Local Brevities. Provincetown, owing to the sparseness of the – Benjamin C. Bourne of Hyannis, of the Iuka, is population and lack of ready and spare money to put appointed Acting Assistant Engineer and ordered to into such an undertaking, and inasmuch as a Fort at remain in the East Gulf Squadron. Provincetown will be of very little service with only a communication by water, and that with places more Barnstable Patriot than fifty miles distant, and inasmuch as the 10 January 1865 Government has already voted an appropriation of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to be expended at Gov. Andrew’s Message — Provincetown harbor, and inasmuch as the best Railroad to Provincetown: engineers, under the direction of the United States, It is with much pleasure that we are enabled to give have declared this harbor to be necessary in defending to our readers an extract from the annual Message of our territory against foreign aggression, and inasmuch Gov. Andrew, who, by the way, has the thanks of Cape as there are nearly two hundred miles of coast upon Cod, touching the important subject of a Railroad from which an enemy can now land situated more than a Orleans to Provincetown. The Governor, who hundred miles from any thickly settled portion of the perceives as well as sees, knows the utility of such a State, and further inasmuch as only the slow marches work. No man in Massachusetts has done so much of an army must require many days to reach this public labor since the commencement of the rebellion locality unless by a railroad, and, once more, inasmuch as he. No man comprehends the necessity of a good as an addition of three hundred thousand dollars to the communication with Provincetown harbor more than present appropriation will make that fortification he. No man would be less disposed to advocate an accessible, at all times, by land, which is indispensible; enterprise of simply private importance, and no one therefore we have a right to expect, and we most more bold and strenuous for a public good than John earnestly believe, that when the members of Congress A. Andrew. His perfect integrity and his far-seeing are made aware of all the facts they will, with one wisdom ought to guaranty an appropriation accord, grant the inconsiderable amount required for immediately by Congress. We are aware it is the short this undertaking. The three hundred thousand dollars session and that schemes of this kind are not usually required is not half as much as one ordinary iron clad elaborated during this short sitting. But if our own would cost, and everybody must see of how much Senators and Representatives will begin now and labor more importance an accessible fort at the best harbor with that earnestness which the suggestions of our and upon the salient angle of our coast would be, than Executive ought to command, they can carry it a single vessel, however strong and however well through. Private business ought to be laid aside, and appointed. With an expenditure of two millions of this public necessity claim their continued importunity. dollars a day, what a mere drop in the bucket would The Committee who may have charge of this this amount be, so necessary. And not like many of undertaking should be respectfully but pertinaciously the expenditures of Government, this, if granted, might besieged until a report can be got in such season that yield an annual income, if not to the full interest of final action may be had at once and before the usual investments, yet enough to make a return vacation. This portion of the Governor's Message eventually for all the outlay. The stock of such a road should be acted on immediately by the Legislature and would be as available for sale as that of any other road, Senators and Representatives from the Cape should and the income would be as receivable by the nation as make it their business to stimulate such action by the the profits of the stock of private individuals by them. General Court as would claim the labor and support of Such an appropriation would not be lost in a pecuniary our Delegation at Washington. The Governor spoke of point of view, and there is no good reason why any the project as follows: member of Congress should withhold his vote. Let us “I had the honor to call attention, in the Annual try to accomplish this thing, and if we all put shoulder Address of 1862, to the great importance of the harbor to shoulder we shall bring our Representatives and of Provincetown, and to the importance of appropriate Senators to a sense of their duty, and they will then defence of that port. These views received due perform it most willingly. They are not picayune men consideration by the Department of War. Gen’l to cavil at what is really required. Totten, at that time the distinguished head of the

 There will be a sale of 5000 bushels of corn at (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 17 Town Meeting should be convened, and such action 150 Years Ago taken as will forward and aid in carrying out the (continued from the previous page) wishes of the Governor. The Towns through which Engineer Bureau, under date of March 8, 1862, replied this Road will pass should choose a small but to the inquiries of the Military Committee of the industrious Committee to act together and to appear House of Representatives of the United States, that before such Committee of the Legislature as may have “Provincetown should always be regarded as of the in care that portion of the annual Message that refers first importance and merit; while, as regards its to the Road to Provincetown, and also to address Mr. fortifications, there is now no point of our coast where Eliot, at Washington, officially, and ask his immediate defences are not yet undertaken, that ought, in this attention and prompt action in the matter. If the respect, to precede it;” adding also, that “the time for subject gets the early attention of Congress, and it commencing permanent defences has fully arrived for appears that a favorable report can be early returned, it this harbor, as an element of our sea-coast defences.” would be well for each of the towns to send some The harbor of Provincetown is one where whole navies active gentleman to remain for a while at Washington may ride at a safe anchorage; one certain to be sought and impart such information on the subject as may be after as a haven by hostile fleets, whence they would needed. menace our towns, and harrass our commerce, as did The sum required of Congress, in addition to the the British navy during our last war with England. present appropriation, would be three hundred and In the address alluded to, I mentioned the great fifty thousand dollars, and it would perhaps be well to importance of the construction of a railroad to connect have that precise sum asked for. this remote and important port speedily and certainly U.S. Mail Contracts for 1865. with the capital and central portions of the State; and I The Post Master General has issued Proposals for endeavored to show how, without such means carrying the Mails in the State of Massachusetts, for provided for the reinforcing the garrison, any four years, from the first of July next. Bids will be fortifications erected there might prove to be means of received at the Contract Office in Washington until danger rather than of defence, by the advantages they Thursday the 30th day of March. Decisions will be would offer to an enemy, should they fall into his announced about the 19th of April. We have room for hands, - which might easily occur without means of only the following, belonging to this section of the such reinforcement, since vessels of war may approach State: the shore at Billingsgate Point in twenty-five feet of 664 From Middleboro’, by Rock, South Middleboro’, water, and land a hostile force at Eastham or Wellfleet, West Wareham, East Wareham, North Sandwich, within a few hours’ easy march of Provincetown. Monument, West Sandwich, Sandwich, Spring Hill, Under the charter which was granted by a former East Sandwich, West Barnstable, Barnstable, and legislature, the Cape Cod Central Railroad has been Yarmouth Port, to Hyannis, 47 miles, and back, twelve commenced, through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, times a week, and as frequently as cars run, if Harwich and Brewster, to Orleans, a distance of required, and by a schedule satisfactory to the eighteen miles. The work upon this road is now department. rapidly progressing and on all the sections along the 665 From Monument, by Pocassett, North Falmouth, route a considerable part of it has been completed by West Falmouth, and Falmouth, Wood’s Hole, 19 the contractor. This very important road will thus be miles, and back, six times a week. carried by private enterprise, over nearly one-half the Leave Monument daily, except Sunday, at 2 pm; distance necessary to connect the harbor and Arrive at Wood’s Hole by 8 pm; fortifications of Provincetown by rail with the military Leave Wood’s Hole daily, except Sunday, at 6 am; posts at this city, and to place them within two or three Arrive at Monument by 12 m. hours of New Bedford and Newport, from which 667 From West Barnstable Depot, by Marston’s Mills, troops and supplies of every sort could be and Cotuit Port, to South Sandwich, 11 1-2 miles, and expeditiously and safely forwarded. It is now affirmed back, six times a week. that no more can be done at present by private means, Leave West Barnstable Depot daily, except Sunday, and I would respectfully suggest for consideration by on arrival of Boston morning train, say at 10 am; the General Court, the adoption of measures by the Arrive at South Sandwich by 1 1-2 pm; Commonwealth, as a part of its system of coast Leave South Sandwich daily, except Sunday, at 1 defences, to promote the immediate extension of the pm; road to the extremity of the Cape.” Arrive at West Barnstable Depot by 3 pm, or in time Nothing can be more pointedly true than the above. to connect with cars. Adopting these conclusions we have no right to sit 668 From West Barnstable Depot by Centreville, to still. Leading men in Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet Osterville, 7 1-2 miles, and back, six times a week. and Eastham, should begin a united work. No stone Leave West Barnstable Depot daily, except Sunday, should be left unturned that will facilitate this at 10 am, or arrival of Boston morning train. important work. Now is the time for the TOWNS to move. A public (continued on the next page) PAGE 18 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 Steamboat, than they now have, and take one season 150 Years Ago with another, we cannot be so well accommodated in (continued from the previous page) any other way as by a Railroad to connect us with all the important cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Arrive at Osterville by 12 m; The same will hold true with regard to Provincetown Leave Osterville daily, except Sunday, at 1 pm; and Truro. Let our citizens then go in for immediate Arrive at West Barnstable Depot by 3 pm, or in time action — and urge upon Congress the building this for Boston mail. Road at once. I see that Gov. Andrew in his late 669 From Hyannis, West Yarmouth, South Yarmouth, Message urges upon the Legislature the adoption of West Dennis, Dennis Port, West Harwich, and measures, as a part of our system of Coast defence, the Harwich Port, to Harwich 13 1-2 miles, and back, six “immediate extension of the Road to the extremity of times a week. the Cape.” Leave Hyannis daily, except Sunday, at 11 1-2 am, By a recent estimate, some 10,000 persons are or on arrival of mail from Boston. travelling to and from Wellfleet annually. This is a Arrive at Harwich by 2 pm; large number, for so small a town, but I have no doubt Leave Harwich daily, except Sunday, at 11 1-2 am of its truth — and if correct, it is the duty of our town Arrive at Hyannis in time to connect with mail to to take prompt measures in calling a meeting, or in Boston, say by 2 p m; some other way to take such measures as will help on 670 From Hyannis to Nantucket, 30 miles and back, the work. No better method of beginning the work can six times a week. be suggested than by our citizens meeting together and Leave Hyannis daily, except Sunday, at 12 m; recommending Congress to appropriate at this session Arrive at Nantucket by 3 pm; a sufficient sum of money, to accomplish an Leave Nantucket daily, except Sunday, at 8 am; undertaking so ably set forth in the Message of the Arrive at Hyannis by 11 am. Governor. 671 From Yarmouth Port, by Yarmouth, South Dennis, PRO BONO PUBLICO. North Harwich, Harwich, South Harwich, South Wellfleet, Jan. 9th, 1865. Chatham, West Chatham, Chatham, and North

Chatham, to Chatham Port, 21 miles, and back, six Yarmouth Register times a week. 13 January 1865 Leave Yarmouth Port, except Sunday, on arrival of Boston mail, say at 11 am; ABSTRACT OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS. Arrive at Chatham Port by 4 pm; …The harbor of Provincetown is one where whole Leave Chatham Port daily, except Sunday, at 9 l-2 navies may ride at safe anchorage; one certain to be am; sought by enemy fleets, whence they would menace Arrive at Yarmouth Port in time to connect with our towns, and harass our commerce, as did the British mail for Boston, say by 2 1-2 pm; navy during our last war with England. 672 From Yarmouth, by Dennis, East Dennis, West In the address alluded to, I mentioned the great Brewster, Brewster, East Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, importance of the construction of a railroad to connect North Eastham, South Wellfleet, Wellfleet, Truro, and this remote and important port speedily and certainly North Truro, to Provincetown, 47 miles, and back, six with the capital and central portions of the State; and I times a week. endeavored to show how, without such means of re- Leave Yarmouth daily, except Sunday, on arrival of enforcing the garrison, any fortifications erected there train from Boston, say at 12m; might prove to be means of danger tather than of Arrive at Provincetown by 9 pm; defence, by the advantages they would offer to an Leave Provincetown daily, except Sunday, at 2 1-2 enemy, should they fall into his hands,–which might am; easily occur without means of such re-enforcement, Arrive at Yarmouth by 1 1-2 pm... since vessels of war may approach the shore at Billingsgate Point in twenty-five feet of water, and [Written for the Barnstable Patriot.] land a hostile force at Eastham or Wellfleet, within a Rail Road down the Cape. few hours’ easy march of Provincetown. MR. EDITOR:— Under the charter which was granted by a former A continuous line of Railroad is now attracting a Legislature, the Cape Cod Central Railroad has been good deal of attention in every town below Orleans. It commenced, through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, is evident that the time has come for us to be “up and Harwich and Brewster, to Orleans, a distance of doing” and make sure of the extension of the Cape eighteen miles. The work upon this road is now Cod Central Railroad to this town. Beside the rapidly progressing, and on all the sections along the importance it is to Massachusetts as a Coast defence it route a considerable part of it has been completed by is of greater importance still to every citizen of Cape the contractor. This very important road will thus be Cod — and to no town, perhaps more than that of carried by private enterprise, over nearly one half the Wellfleet. Our people are stirring and active and require better travelling facilities, either by Railroad or (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 19 course counselled by a contemporary, that the towns send 150 Years Ago delegations to Boston or Washington to urge through this (continued from the previous page) project. There are half a dozen intelligent members of distance necessary to connect the harbor and the Legislature from the lower Cape towns who will fell fortifications of Provincetown by rail with the military it a duty and a privilege to see that the subject is properly posts at this city, and to place them within two or three presented, and who are well qualified to give all the hours of New Bedford and Newport, from which information that may be asked for. And we know that troops and supplies or every sort could be Mr. ELIOT has for three or four years unceasingly expeditiously and safely forwarded. It is now affirmed advocated the claims of this project in Washington, both that no more can be done at present by private means, at the War Department and before the military Committes and I would respectfully suggest for consideration by of the two branches of Congress. There is no reason to the General Court, the adoption of measures by the doubt his discretion or zeal. The matter must be urged Commonwealth, as a part of its system of coast with great tact and delicacy, and so long as we retain the defences; to promote the immediate expansion of the services of our present able Representative in Congress, road to the extremity of the Cape… there can be but little need of lobby members at the capital to put the project through. RAILROAD TO PROVINCETOWN. Gov. Andrew’s official recommendation will It will be observed by reference in the Address of His undoubtedly give this subject a new impetus, and just Excellency GOV. ANDREW, that our vigilant and efficient the kind of aid calculated to help it where it needs chief magistrate again calls attention to this important assistance, and we are sure our citizens will heartily undertaking, and urges some action on the part of the thank him for the good words which he has spoken in State by which it may speedily be completed, as a part of behalf of the matter. the system of defence of our sea-coast. This subject was first brought to the notice of the public in the military Barnstable Patriot aspect of the case, by an editorial article in the REGISTER 17 January 1865 in November, 1861, and we were gratified to find our suggestions embodied in the address of the Governor the Railroad to Provincetown—Important January following. The Executive recommendation led Letter from the War Department. to Legislative action and the examination of the subject Since our last the towns on the Cape are becoming by the War Department. Gen. Totten, the head of the aroused to the importance of this undertaking. They Engineer Bureau, gave the measure a qualified begin to feel how exposed they are at present to a endorsement, but latterly not much has been foreign enemy, and how little protection a fort would accomplished, though a good deal of ink has been shed be for them, set off by a narrow and sandy neck of on the subject, to what purpose is not now apparent. land of more than fifty miles in length from means to Aside from starting the matter, and giving it an increase its garrison or furnish it with supplies. occasional jog, we have refrained from ventilating the Provincetown has called a Town Meeting to assemble subject often in our columns. Our reasons for this on this week and consider the matter, and take such reticence are, the friendship we have for the scheme, and steps as may be necessary to forward the suggestions our desire not to prejudice it in official circles, by giving of Gov. Andrew in his last Annual Message. Since it the appearance of a project of local and sectional our last we have also received a communication from interest, rather than, what it really is, a scheme of general an aged and very respectable citizen of Provincetown, and national concern, from which indeed a great local giving many facts which bear upon this subject. He benefit will undoubtedly be derived. We know that the states that he has seen three hundred vessels in a storm late Gen. Totten was led to become suspicious that there anchored in Provincetown harbor and he further states was a “cat under the meal” by the great zeal manifested that during the war of 1812 he saw no less than four by some parties friendly to the enterprise. This should be English war vessels lying at anchor there at one time. avoided in future presentations of the subject. The road Without the anchorage of this harbor it would be will be built, if at all, because it is made to appear to the impossible for an enemy’s vessel to keep in and about War Department, and to Congress that such a step is Massachusetts Bay in the fall and winter season. With essential to the defence of our coast and warranted by the this harbor open to an enemy’s cruisers, our commerce general welfare. It will on no way add to this conclusion could be destroyed or most exceedingly harrassed. that we on Cape Cod wish the enterprise for our private Orleans and Brewster are also moving, and Eastham interest or convenience, as well as for its utility as a is also awake. The Cape Cod Central Railroad has means of public defence. The project must be urged chosen a Committee from its Directors to do what they upon Congress on public, and not on its local grounds. may in furtherance of this vital matter. There are Beyond imparting information respecting the locality, if other towns that will act very soon, and the whole it is desired, there can be little good purpose done, we subject receive such attention that Congress will, we apprehend, by agitating the subject in this locality. hope, be constrained to give it substantial assistance in It may therefore be inferred from the foregoing finishing the Fort and building a Road to observations that we would by no means advise the (continued on the next page) PAGE 20 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 benefit. The choosing of similar committees in the winter 150 Years Ago of 1862, and the action of those committees, were the (continued from the previous page) means of getting an appropriation of $150,000 for the erection of a Fortification at Provincetown. Hon. Freeman Provincetown in a way that will make it of the best Cobb, of Brewster, Chester Snow, Esq. of Harwich, Eben’r service to the whole country. The Legislature too has chosen a special joint S. Smith, and Nath’l E. Atwood, Esqrs. of Provincetown, committee on that portion of the Governors Address S.B. Phinney, of Barnstable, and other gentlemen, who which alludes to this subject, consisting of the were aided in their labors by Pres’t Page of the Cape Cod Railroad, and Pres’t Holmes of the Fall River Road, to following members: Coast Defences and Provincetown Harbor—Messrs. urge on Congress the importance of early action. Pitman, Frost and Loud, of the Senate, and Hills, of Boston. The efforts of these gentlemen were seconded by Hon. Long, of Charlestown, Nichols, of Chesterfield, Bailey, of Henry Wilson, Chairman of the Military Committee, Boston, Crosby, of Brewster, Snow, of Cohassett, and Root, and Mr. Buffington, of the same Committee on the part of Belchertown, of the House. of the House, and an order was at once introduced, and Mr. Pitman, the Chairman of this Committee, is, of passed the Senate, calling upon the Secretary of War for all the members of the Legislature, as fortunate an such information as was in his possession relating to the appointment for the success of the measure as could works at Provincetown Harbor, having specially in view possibly be made. His acquaintance with the the Message of Gov. Andrew, in January 1862. The geography of the Cape, and his perception of the Secretary of War subsequently furnished the public benefit that would result from an accessible information called for, with the letter of Gen. Totten, defence at Provincetown will make him doubly who gave the Cape Cod delegation two hearings. Gen. industrious to put the matter right before Congress and Totten and Mr. Eliot, expressed themselves gratified the General Court. He is connected with colleagues with the information which they had obtained from that will sustain him in his exertions and who are them, and as our readers will remember, Gen. Totten familiar with the peculiarities of Cape Cod and know afterwards reported favorable to the objects of their how little nature has done for this portion of visit, and said in his letter to the Secretary of War that Massachusetts in the shape of land conveyances. there was no point on our coast where defences are not His Excellency, the Governor, has kindly forwarded yet undertaken, that ought to precede it—that the time to us the following letter, which he has received from had come for commencing the work at Provincetown, Washington, in answer to one addressed to the War and recommended a Railroad as essential at this point as Department, through Mr. Eliot, inquiring whether the a part of our system of Coast defences. This received appropriation of $150,000 is still applicable to the the approbation of our Representative, who succeeded in building of the Fort at Provincetown, which he has obtaining an appropriation of $150,000. permitted us to publish: So much for the labors of the delegation who visited WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, Washington at that time. A similar movement on the January 11th, 1865. part of Provincetown, Wellfleet, Truro, Eastham, and SIR: The communication addressed to you by other towns, at this time, aided by the Boston Board of direction of the Governor of Massachusetts, and by Trade, we have reason to believe, would result in an you presented to the Department, inquiring whether appropriation sufficient to complete the work and give the appropriation of $150,000 for permanent forts at us a Road from Orleans to Provincetown, as Provincetown harbor has been returned to the recommended by Gov. Andrew. Treasury, having been referred to the Chief Engineer, To make the matter now a special duty to some that officer reports that the appropriation remains competent person to furnish information to those applicable to their construction, and that “owing to the members of Congress who do not know all the facts, can “constant occupation of all the officers of the Corps of in no wise injure the prospect of success. Our “Engineers with other important duties not admitting contemporary ought to know that “Lobby members” are “of delay, it has not been practicable, thus far, to used for private, not public schemes. We believe in “mature the plans of forts for this position sufficiently ventilating this matter here. We feel bound to urge it as a “to justify any expenditure of this appropriation.” public benefit. We are countenanced and encouraged in Very respectfully, doing this by those whose approbation is pleasant to us. Your obedient servant We are aided in our present exertions by the approval and C.A. DANA, support of wise and prudent public men. Our suggestions Assistant Secretary of War. meet with no opposition of any account; and so we renew HON. T.D. ELIOT, House of Rep’s. our hopes that the Towns will work; that Towns will

The Railroad Subject. move as corporations; that even those who might be incidentally benefitted, will not, from any pretended In our last paper we urged on the people in the towns modesty or fear of rebuke, sit supinely and timidly below to hold meetings and choose committees, to urge on believe that the War Department is inaccessible to members of Congress and the State Legislature, the respectful suggestion, or over-wise in its own conceit. necessity of a Railroad to Provincetown as a public (continued on the next page) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 21 without any public aid, by way of subscription. 150 Years Ago A town meeting, called at Provincetown for the purpose (continued from the previous page) of considering measures appropriate for carrying into effect the suggestion in the late annual Message of the The Old Colony and Newport Conductors. Governor, relative to extending a Railroad from We often hear the Messrs. ASA R. PORTER, WM. D. Provincetown to Orleans as a part of a system of coast JONES and other deservedly popular conductors of the defences was held in that town last Tuesday. Joseph P. Old Colony and Newport Railroad, spoken of in very Johnson, Esq., was chosen Moderator, and after remarks eulogistic terms, by those who pass often over that by Messrs. Godfrey Rider, John Nickerson, Jonathan road, and are happy to know that all the meed of praise Nickerson, Nathan Freeman, and James Gifford, the which can be bestowed upon them is deserved. Mr. following resolutions were unanimously adopted, to wit: Porter is social, affable and attentive. Mr. Jones is Resolved, That the citizens of Provincetown are deeply affable and courteous to all, quietly pursues the even interested in the subject of having the Fort about to be tenor of his way, always having an eye to the comfort constructed here made accessible to the military centres and wishes of those in his charge, and, like Mr. Porter, of the State, and fully concurring in the sentiment of that is a general favorite with the travelling public. portion of the Message of Gov. Andrew, which alludes to In this connection we would complement Mr. this subject, and believing that an expenditure by the State FULLER, of the Plymouth branch, on his success as a or General Government would be prudent, judicious, and conductor. He has a host of friends on that line, many necessary to the safety of our coast, we, the citizens in of whom, it is said, pay their passage and ride over the Town Meeting assembled, will use our utmost endeavors road for the sake of being with him. Such officers to procure from Congress an appropriation for extending have the public confidence and esteem, and we hope a Railroad from this harbor to the terminus of the Cape the corporation will always be as fortunate in its Cod Central Railroad at Orleans. selection of conductors as it has in the instances cited. Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to  The Old Colony and Newport Railroad have appear before the Committee of the Legislature, purchased two million of brick at the extensive yards having in charge that portion of the Governor’s of Mitchell Hooper, Esq., in Bridgewater, for the new Message relating to a Railroad to Provincetown, to mammoth depot in Boston. – [Old Colony Memorial. give such information and to make such representation as may be deemed requisite by said Committee. Sale of Bank and Railroad Stocks. Resolved, That the same Committee be requested to On Tuesday last, at the Bank Hall, at Yarmouth Port, communicate at once with Hon. T.D. Eliot, our twelve shares of the Capital stock of the First National Bank Representative in Congress, asking his aid and of Yarmouth, were sold at auction at from $122 to $123.50 cooperation in procuring an appropriation if the with a dividend due at $5 per share. 10 shares of the Capital Committee should deem it advisable to apply to the Stock of the Bank of Cape Cod, at $113 to $114.50, with General Government, for a sum sufficient to carry out Rights in the new stock valued at $5 each. Also 4 shares of the suggestions of the Governor. the Cape Cod Railroad stock, at $78.50 each. Resolved, That this Committee have authority to  Four shares of the Stock of the Cape Cod Railroad confer with any similar Committee from other Cape was sold at auction in Boston, on Saturday last, for $77.00. towns, and, if deemed necessary, be authorized to employ some suitable person to go to Washington Barnstable Patriot during the present session, and press on members of 24 January 1890 Congress and the War Department, the necessity of an appropriation for the purposes above alluded to. Railroad to Provincetown—Public The intense cold and a snow storm prevented a large Meeting. attendance, still more than one-half the property of the Since our last issue gentlemen from various towns town was represented at the meeting, and an earnest have met on this subject and considered upon plans for interest and entire harmony were manifest in favor of carrying out the suggestions of the Governor. Engineers the enterprise. N.E. Atwood, James Gifford and of competent skill will immediately commence Joseph P. Johnson, Esq’rs, were chosen the Committee surveying the route, so that the State or General provided for by the resolutions. Government can get some ideas of the practicability and expense of the route. There is a disposition too, among The Work Begun. private gentlemen, to take hold of this matter in earnest It is an old and a true saying that a work once well and embark their own funds in the undertaking. begun is half done. John Doane, Jr., Esq. of Orleans, Although they can not, from lack of means, build the aided by other skillful Engineers, has commenced the whole road from Orleans to Provincetown, yet they feel work of Surveying the route for a Railroad from Orleans so much encouraged that the stock would be a paying to Provincetown. We know the citizens of Eastham, stock that they are willing to take in it to the extent of Wellfleet and Truro,—towns thro' which they will pass— their means. There are no large fortunes on Cape Cod. will render them every facility in their power. Should the If there were this enterprise might perhaps be carried out (continued on the next page) PAGE 22 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 to do all that can reasonably be expected of them to 150 Years Ago compensate for the local benefits to be derived from this (continued from the previous page) work of general and national importance. anticipated aid be given by the State or General LEGISLATIVE.– …Petitions have been presented of Government for building this Road, there is no reason to O.C. Swift and others, of an extension of the charter of doubt that Railroad communication will be opened with the Vineyard Sound Railroad Co… Provincetown in less than twelve months. To accomplish the work, the citizens all along the route should do Barnstable Patriot something to facilitate the building of this Road. 31 January 1890

Brewster Items. Railroad to Provincetown.  Robert Crankfield, a laborer employed in grading We are glad to know that a way is opened by which the Cape Cod Central Railroad, had a leg broken by a this desirable project can be carried out. We understand sand bank falling on him while at work in East that the President and Directors of the Cape Cod Central Brewster, on Thursday last. Railroad have petitioned the Legislature for liberty to  One of the most important Committees of the extend their Road from its eastern terminus at Orleans Legislature is that having in charge the portion of the through the towns of Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro Governor’s Message relating to the Provincetown and Provincetown, to some convenient point near the railroad. We are glad to find that the Speaker has harbor of Provincetown. To do this they ask the placed so efficient and influential a man upon this Legislature permission to increase their capital stock to Committee, as Tully Crosby, Esq. of Brewster. an amount not exceeding six hundred thousand dollars.

 Twelve shares of the Cape Cod Railroad, sold at They find this method the best calculated to carry out the auction, in Boston, last Friday, for $76 per share. suggestions of Gov. Andrew in his last annual message and one whereby they can ask of the State some aid from Yarmouth Register the fund already voted for Coast Defence. Should the 27 January 1865 State see fit to grant aid to this undertaking there is good reason to expect that at some future time it will be PROVINCETOWN FORTIFICATIONS reimbursed in some degree by the General Government. AND RAILROAD. The Government should appropriate money immediately There has been considerable interest manifested as to the for building a dyke to protect the harbor from the damage cause of the delay in commencing upon the fortifications at which is yearly being done by filling up and forming Provincetown, and in the examination of the subject of the sand bars. If the State intervenes and furnishes the dyke expediency of connecting that place with the region above, which will be necessary in the construction of a Railroad by a military road. We are glad to be enabled to state that in connection with this dyke or breakwater, it would be the delay in this matter does not arise from any lack of the duty of the General Government to repay the interest in the subject, but from circumstances entirely expenses that accrue for that purpose, and to give further beyond the control of the War Department. aid for rendering the fortification more accessible. A note from our ever-attentive Representative in It seems that the Directors of the Cape Cod Central Congress, Mr. ELIOT, states that in an interview which Railroad are taking hold of this matter spiritedly and we he recently had upon the subject, with Gen. DELAFIELD, are right glad it is in so good hands. We shall be glad to the head of the Engineer department, he appeared very aid them in every way in our power and we hope they will desirous to take action and seemed to appreciate as our not let the matter slumber till it is accomplished. There is friends on the Cape do, the great importance of such no better time than the present to get this work done, and action. But he has been disabled, as Gen. Totten was, the present Legislature is, no doubt, as favorable to the from acting upon the matter, by the want of Engineers. enterprise and will see as plainly its general utility as any The whole available force is wanted by the War future one. They will be petitioned to, no doubt, by Department for operations in the field, and he does not various Insurance Companies and the appropriation now know where he could find (not engaged in war encouraged by the Boston Board of Trade, The towns on duties,) such an Engineer as should be detailed to go to the Cape have now done all that is necessary and in fact Provincetown. But he assured Mr. E. that no time all that appeared desirable for them to do. The further should be lost after it became practicable for him to act. advancement of the work must be done by our friends It is evident that the government is well disposed in abroad, who are just as much interested in the proper relation to this enterprise. It is equally apparent that all our protection of the coast as we who reside near it. citizens are fully awake to the importance of the subject, The route has been surveyed the past week by very and no amount of agitation can make the matter more competent engineers who inform us that the Road will apparent. Would it not by well to organize a company and be an easy one to build with the exception of a portion ask for a charter, and at the same time solicit the aid of the of Wellfleet and Truro, and that the centre of the Cape State or National government, or of both, in aid of the offers an easy route for construction. Their plan will Railroad? Some such plan would give the project definite be prepared in the course of a few days. shape, and show that the citizens of the County are willing (continued on page twenty-four) Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 23 125 Years Ago Plymouth & Bournedale RR; Flu Rages & Other News Barnstable Patriot Boston & Providence railroad on condition that he and 7 January 1890 his family would ride free over the road. The pass has

Brief Locals. been continued until last April, and now the road itself has come under the Old Colony management, and the The Middleboro Gazette says that the “crank and pass has not been renewed. The granddaughter of the part of the shaft of the old steamer Empire State, man who made the contract, sued for a pass, and Judge burned at Bristol, which were received at the LaBaron Field of the Supreme Court decides that she is not Foundry a short time ago were found to be too large to entitled to it. So it appears that a man’s grandchild is be broken up there, and have been shipped to the not necessarily included in his family. Bournedale Foundry.” Friend Nye can do it.

Hyannis Chips. Plymouth and Bournedale Railroad. Conductor Thos. Atkins of the accommodation train A conference was held at Plymouth, Saturday, was laid up last week with the “Grippe” and between H.B. Taylor of Boston and prominent citizens Conductor Sears had charge of his train. Conductor of Plymouth relative to the building of the Plymouth Howard Lothrop was on the branch trains. and Bournedale railroad. Mr. Taylor is willing to be responsible for the construction of the section from Eel West Barnstable. river to Savary’s pond, if the town will see that the line The West Barnstable Brick Co. burned 1850 M from Eel river northerly is carried through. The Old bricks the past season. Notwithstanding the losses Colony Corporation would operate the road in case caused by the rainy season the number burned exceeds such a proposition is agreed to. that of the previous season by more than 600 M. It A meeting was held by the Commercial club in required 600 cords of wood to fire the kilns and Plymouth, Tuesday evening, 7th inst., to consider the employment has been given to between twenty and proposed railroad from Plymouth to Bournedale. H.B. thirty men during the entire season. Taylor of Boston and George I. Briggs of Bourne were

present and explained the work done by the Old Colony Railroad Co. corporators. It was declared that no difficulty would Boston, January 6, 1890. be encountered in crossing the high ridge between The following is a descriptive list of all trunks, Savery’s pond and Bournedale. A committee was carpet bags, valises, parcels and passenger effects left appointed to arrange for a survey from the northerly and remaining unclaimed in the hands of the Old terminus to Eel river, and to ascertain the land damage. Colony Railroad Company at its station in Boston, in the county of Suffolk, on Monday, January 6, 1890, Barnstable Patriot the numbers therein being the number of the checks 14 January 1890 attached to such articles and the special marks being Brief Locals. all the specific marks which serve to identify the same: During the past year there has been three hundred and … eighteen barrels and two hundred and sixty-two boxes CHESTS, SAILORS’ BAGS OR BDLS. OF BEDDING of cranberries shipped from South Harwich station. – …Fairhaven, No. 400;…Fairhaven Nos. 314, 89;… BLACK VALISES – …Taunton & Hyannis, 19;… A meeting was held by the Commercial Club in J.R. KENDRICK, General Manager. Plymouth Tuesday evening, 7th inst., to consider the proposed railroad from Plymouth to Bournedale. H.B. Yarmouth and Yarmouth Port. Taylor of Boston and George I. Briggs of Bourne were Railway postal clerk T.W. Swift is disabled from present and explained the work done by the duty by la grippe. corporators. It was declared that no difficulty would be encountered in crossing the high ridge between Chatham Monitor Savery’s pond and Bournedale. The following 7 January 1890 committee was appointed to arrange for a survey from CHATHAM. the northerly terminus to Eels river, and to ascertain Mr. S.E. Hallett has received by railroad a fine the land damages: Nathaniel Morton, Charles P. looking horse. A fine stepper is the fashion now; new, Hatch, Charles C. Doten, William S. Danforth, smart horses need careful handling. Elkanah Finney, Alonzo Warren, George F. Weston.

The Pilgrim and the Providence are now running on Yarmouth Register the Fall River and New York line. There will be an 11 January 1890 orchestra on both boats during the winter. What is a Family? Many years ago a man granted a right of way to the (continued on the next page) PAGE 24 Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 150 Years Ago 125 Years Ago (continued from page twenty-two) (continued from the previous page) Governor Andrew’s Message. Barnstable Patriot Our thanks are due to His Excellency, Gov. Andrew, 21 January 1890 for the receipt of an excellent pamphlet copy of his late Brief Locals. Address to the two branches of the Legislature. Miss Malva Nickerson of South Harwich has gone Everybody upon Cape Cod has read with greater interest to Marion as assistant in the telegraph office. than usual the Governor’s Message this year, because he Station agent J.R. Sisson of Mattapoisett is pending has looked after, so carefully, our coast defences, and a vacation on the Cape. His place is filled by Mr. J.L. recommended to the General Court measures to promote Eldredge. the immediate extension of the Railroad to Provincetown. The report of the Onset (dummy) Street Railroad [For the Barnstable Patriot] Company for the year closing Sept. 30, 1889, shows Military Road. that the road transported 19,381 passengers. The horse MR. EDITOR:—Our citizens were gratified to see here, car line transported 29,498. this week, John Doane, Jr. Esq. of Orleans, accompanied by another gentleman, surveying a route for a Railroad Chatham Monitor from Orleans to Provincetown. We began to think that 21 January 1890 the prediction of the Patriot would be fulfilled, and that a CHATHAM. Railroad would be commenced, if not completed, the Our genial Conductor, Owen O’Neil, is confined to present year. Mr. Doane reports favorably, and there is his house by sickness. Mr. Geo. H. Cash of Hyannis no doubt but that the Road can be built and finished, takes his place on the Chatham Branch. We wish with all the rolling stock, in complete running order for Brother O’Neil a speedy recovery. $20,000 per mile. This being the case the sum will not be large which the State or National Government will be Yarmouth Register required to loan for this work. Nobody questions the 25 January 1890 importance or the expediency of this Road being built by the Government as a part of our system of coast defence, A MIXED TRAIN HEREAFTER. ————— and as a Military Road in time of war it would be On and after the 19th inst. the local freight train on indispensable. It would be a disgrace for our the Woods Holl branch will be discontinued. The Government in case of a foreign war to allow the enemy freight will be run on passenger train until further to occupy Provincetown Harbor, as during the last war notice. For change of time for mixed train see posters. with England, with the power to destroy the seaport towns of Cape Cod, or levy contributions, for the want Barnstable Patriot of facilities to transport troops for its defence. 28 January 1890 If this subject is fully understood and appreciated, and brought to the attention of the proper authorities, I have Brief Locals. no doubt prompt measures will be taken for the Station Agent J.R. Sisson of Mattapoisett, is completion of the work contemplated by Governor spending a vacation at his home in Harwich Port. Andrew. Provincetown Harbor is the key to the whole Conductor Young of the Woods Holl, Fairhaven New England coast, and at no point would greater injury branch and Boston train returned to his duty be done by the enemy, than to the commerce of the city of Wednesday morning, after an absence of 15 days. He Boston. I hope therefore, that the comparatively small first had “la grippe,” which was followed by lung amount that is required for our coast, and its defences, fever. Mr. Young is very popular with the patrons of will not be denied us, and that Boston will lend her aid. his trains, who rejoice in his recovery.

The Governor is fully of the opinion that the time has Change on Woods Holl Branch. come for action. Let those then, having power and We are officially informed that on and after influence do their whole duty now—and I hope you will Wednesday, the 29th, the Local Freight will be continue to keep this subject before the people, through discontinued on the Wood Holl Branch. Between the columns of the Patriot, until the Road is completed. Buzzards Bay and Woods Holl the A. M. passenger train The town meeting at Provincetown, which adopted and P. M. passenger train will be run as a mixed train. resolutions to recommend action—action—was See notices for change of time on those trains. important. It has had the effect of stimulating others, and our Representatives in the General Court will now Hyannis Chips. understand what is expected of them, and will zealously Engineer Sam’l McDonald badly sprained his ankle in jumping from his engine one day last week. labor to carry out this very desirable public work. Yours, &c. C. Yarmouth and Yarmouth Port. South Wellfleet, Jan. 28, 1865. Herbert Raymond, Harwich, is acting as station agent

— Years Ago articles from the files of Bill Reidy. here, during the absence of E.S. Ellis in New York.

Cape Rail Dispatch · January 2015 PAGE 25

ABOVE: Cape Cod Central’s Wareham Holiday Train awaiting departure to Buzzards Bay December 28th. After a two-year hiatus, the Wareham train returned for 2014. This is likely the first day the Cape Cod Central used the new station. RIGHT: Cape Cod Central conductor and Chapter member Kay Strojny greeted passengers aboard the holiday train. — Doug Scott photos.

LEFT: Wareham Village Association sign promoting the Wareham

Holiday Train, as seen November 22nd.

BELOW: To make room for the extended Hyannis platform, the yard’s south switch was removed. Some track work remains January

10th to reconnect the sidings to the main. — Bill Reidy photos. Route 6A West Route 6A East Sandwich Barnstable 6A

West Barnstable Train Station North COME JOIN US!! Lombard Ave. West Barnstable Monthly meetings of the Cape Cod Chapter, Community National Railway Historical Society, are held Building October through April at the West Barnstable Community Building, 149 2377 Meetinghouse Way (Route 149) US Route 6 West Mid-Cape Highway in West Barnstable village. Sagamore Bridge

VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! 6

Our next meeting will be US Route 6 East Exit 5 Mid-Cape Hwy Wednesday, January 21st, 7 p.m. Hyannis,

Provincetown Visit us online at Route 149 South

www.capecodnrhs.org Marstons Mills www.facebook.com/capecodchapter.nrhs.1

The Cape Cod Chapter National Railway Historical Society West Barnstable Railroad Station P.O. Box 1912 West Barnstable, MA 02668 Happy New Year!

Chapter Monthly Meeting, West Barnstable Community Building  Wednesday, January 21st 7 p.m. Tyler Varnum, John Kittredge and Doug Scott will present a digital show featuring the 2015 Mass Bay RRE “STEAM in the SNOW” event held at the Conway Scenic Railroad. This was the last run of 0-6-0 CN #7470 before she is taken out of service to under go her 1472 day FRA mandated inspection tear down.

Chapter Monthly Meeting, West Barnstable Community Building  Wednesday, February 18th 7 p.m. “NORTH meets SOUTH”

Great Train Show & Sale Presented by VTC & WB&A Open to the Public ‐ Saturday, May 9, 2015 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM Admission: $5 (FREE Active Military (w/ID) & Children Under 12) Eagles Lodge ‐ 21 Cool Spring Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Plenty of fun for the whole family including: Trains for sale including Lionel, MTH, K‐Line, American Flyer, etc. ‐ G, O, S, HO, N, Standard & Z Gauge (old and new) (subject to change). Operating Train Layouts; Train Races (for children); Lego Display; Train Repairs & Parts; Free Train Appraisals; Prize Drawing(s); Snack Counter and Free Parking; NOTE: 6 am. Saturday, May 9, 2015 for set‐up of your table (possible set‐up Friday from 12‐5 call Russell 804‐342‐6023 (leave message if no answer) on or after May 6to see if possible). **********************************************Detach Here********************************************** Make check payable for VTC to VTC and/or for WB&A to WB&A Chapter. Mail reservation, by April 25, 2015. Badge/s will be provided at the show. Tables not occupied by 9:30 AM may be resold. All vendor sellers of reproduction parts must have a Certificate of Compliance (and must be displayed). No refunds given. VTC ‐ Send Reservations to: # of Member Tables ____ x $25.00 (per table) = _____ Russell Youens # of Non‐Member Tables ____ x $30.00 (per table) = _____ 2019 Floyd Avenue Admission: $5.00 $______(VTC & WB&A) Richmond, VA 23220 Helper(s): $5.00 Each $______Phone: 804‐342‐6023; Email: [email protected] Grand Total Due: $______WB&A ‐ Send Reservations to: # of Member Tables ____ x $25.00 (per table) = _____ Colleen Hall # of Non‐Member Tables ____ x $30.00 (per table) = _____ 474 Cherokee Run Road Admission: $5.00 $______(VTC & WB&A) Linden, VA 22642 Helper(s): $5.00 Each $______Phone: 540‐622‐2258; Email: [email protected] Grand Total Due: $______Name: VTC# ______WB&A# Address: City: STATE: ZIP: Day Tele: ( ) Eve Tele: ( ) E‐Mail: @ Name of Helper(s): I agree to abide by all rules of the VTC and/or the WB&A that may be in place from time to time.

Signed Date: THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 Volume 56 • Number 1

Official Publication of the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc.

www.cnynrhs.org MEMBERSHIP MEETING PROGRAM “MOVIE NIGHT - THE LONE RANGER” Live on the Big Screen in the Empire Theater Presented by Phil Edwards WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 - 7:30 PM ART & HOME CENTER - NEW YORK STATE FAIRGROUNDS

Westbound train #51,"Empire State Express" is seen charging along the New York Central mainline east of Minoa in 1952 behind EMD E7A #4035 painted in the famous Central Lightning Stripe Livery and featuring the bulldog nose. The E7 was EMD’s most popular passenger locomotive. Ted Jackson photo. CNY CHAPTER OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING REPORT PRESIDENT Al Kallfelz (488-8208) Submitted by Jeff Paston, VP/Recording Secretary [email protected] January 14, 2015 Marathon Maple Festival March 21 & 22. FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Meeting called to order at 7:11 PM. Al Kallfelz is seeking members to assist Phil Edwards (451-6551) him at these shows. Al said the Chapter still [email protected] Present: Directors Al Kallfelz, Bob has to create a Chapter store inventory. VICE PRESIDENT & RECORDING SEC’Y McNamara, Gus Nordone, Richard Palmer, Jeff Paston (682-8144) Jeff Paston, Tom Pierson, Bob Townsend, STATE FAIR: Jeff Hagan said he has [email protected] and Gerrit Vanderwerff. Not present: spoken with Mack Brothers Boiler TREASURER Directors Philip Edwards, Tom Edwards, Company about repairing and replacing Josie LeMay (289-3346) Josie LeMay. Guests: Charlie Abbott, Jeff parts of the steel roof for car 102 this spring. [email protected] Hagan, and Judy Townsend. Jeff asked about getting an early start on CORRESPONDING SECRETARY painting the 44-ton Crucible locomotive, Herb Meinking (699-5198) Minutes of the December 3, 2014, meeting [email protected] were approved. the D&H car, and car 102; as well as grounds keeping. Jeff also proposed NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE TREASURER'S REPORT: There was no building a passenger platform with canopy Open Position report as Josie LeMay not able to attend along car 102. 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS meeting. Phil Edwards Gus Nordone MEMBERSHIP: Local dues and Jeff Hagan announced that Amtrak is Tom Edwards Dick Palmer proposing bringing a display train for the Al Kallfelz Jeff Paston subscriber renewals have been sent out. Josie LeMay Tom Pierson Kevin Connors of Leverett, MA, added as first weekend of the 2015 State Fair. Bob McNamara Bob Townsend subscriber. MARTISCO: Closed for season. Thanks Gerrit Vanderwerff to Eric Yackel and his father for putting up COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PROGRAM: Thirty five members and guests attended the December 17 meeting Christmas display lights. ELECTRONIC MEDIA COORDINATOR Jeff Paston (682-8144) featuring the Chapter's annual Christmas John Clancy reports his Eagle Scout project [email protected] party and program by Todd Humphrey. The to build a split-rail fence has been approved MEETING PROGRAM COORDINATOR Chapter thanks everyone who brought by the Scout Council and he is looking at an Dick Palmer (475-8748) holiday food to pass around. The January 21 April start for the project. [email protected] meeting will be a movie night featuring the LIBRARY: Jeff Paston reported that he LIBRARIAN & ARCHIVIST film "The Lone Ranger." The February 18 has given Dick Palmer the second external Dick Palmer (475-8748) [email protected] meeting will be a member photo night. hard drive. Both his and Palmer’s will RAILROADIANA STORE MANAGER OLD BUSINESS: Chapter loaned props to duplicate archives scanned and digitized. Bob McNamara (939-6932) the Events Company for a Christmas party Jeff also noted that very few Chapter [email protected] and Chapter received $50 donation. Thanks members have asked to access photos of STATE FAIR DISPLAY COORDINATOR to Al Kallfelz and Jeff Hagan for past Chapter activities on Dropbox from the Al Kallfelz (488-8208) transportation to Driver’s Village. Dick Kowell collection. MARTISCO STATION MUSEUM CURATOR Chapter provided an operating “O” gauge Open Position Dick Palmer submitted the following report: [email protected] model train display for the The George & "About 100 books were added to the library CENTRAL SQUARE MUSEUM CURATORS Rebecca Barnes Foundation for a Christmas in 2014, bringing the total to 1,786 books. Bob Townsend (668-6727) display at the former Corinthian Club. Contributors included Gordon Davis, Ed Harvey Harke (676-3501) Thanks to Al Kallfelz for transportation and [email protected] Street and myself, which have all been operation, and to Charlie Abbott for help in properly cataloged. The model railroad MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON setting up. Tom Edwards magazines were donated to the Oswego [email protected] CORRESPONDENCE: 1. Thank you Valley Model Railroad Club, which donated EDITOR & HISTORIAN note received for flowers sent by Chapter $100 to us in return. Relating to Ed Post (635-9552) for former Director Dick Kowell's calling archives, the primary donation was a [email protected] hours. Dick died on Dec. 6 at age 92. 2. collection of documents and about 200 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Various Christmas cards received. 3. photographs relating to the Unadilla Valley Paul Shinal (568-5286) Received request to participate in Marcellus [email protected] Railway by the family of the late William F. Olde Home Days on June 5-7. Helmer of Morrisville. EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR Jeff Hagan DONATIONS: Box of Candy received Sehl Burns donated numerous magazines to ([email protected]) from McRail Insurance. help fill in our collection of Railpace and EXCURSION COORDINATOR RAILROADIANA: Chapter store will be Trains magazines. We now have a DVD Rick Faigle (446-1423) attending Amherst Train Hobby Show Jan. covering the complete run of Model MODEL RR EXHIBIT COORDINATOR 24 & 25; Eastwood Show Feb. 22; Continued on Next Page Phil Edwards (451-6551) [email protected] THE GREEN BLOCK is published monthly by the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc., Box 229, Marcellus, NY 13108-0229. Statements and opinions expressed MODEL TRAIN FAIR COORDINATORS in THE GREEN BLOCK articles and editorials do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions Phil Edwards (451-6551) of the Central New York Chapter or the NRHS. Subscriptions are free with membership, and are Tom Pierson (447-2272) $12.00 per year for non-members. Articles, photos, and announcements from chapter members Jeff Paston (682-8144) and from other NRHS Chapters are welcomed and appreciated. No paid advertising is accepted. PAGE 2 THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 Railroader to 2012. I recommend we do the CNY Chapter same for Trains as there are a few missing 2015 Membership Dues SORRY in our hard copy collection. Chapter Member Dues: $15 for the late arriving Ed Street also donated a large collection of Chapter Family Member Dues: $5 photographs that he previously cataloged January Green Block and neatly placed in several three-ring Must be an NRHS Member to be a CNY Chapter Member binders, as well as a large collection of It is because of the one Member includes Regular, Seniors, Lackawanna and Erie timetables, and a Students, Youth, & Additional week postponement of complete set of “The Bridge Line” Family Member is a family member the BOD Meeting. newsletter of the Bridge Line (D&H) living in the same household as a Historical Society. Other numerous odds Regular or Student Member. and ends and artifacts have also been Members Receive Free THANK YOU! donated. Complimentary Green Block I’m recommending that we no longer add Non-Member Green Block DICK PALMER VCR tapes to the collection as this is Subscription: $15 per year obsolete technology and they are little used." for scanning hundreds of Send Renewal Form & Remittance Meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM. made out to Central New York photos that have been Next meeting at Art & Home Center at Chapter, NRHS to Fairgrounds on Feb. 4 at 7:00 PM. recently donated to the Tom Edwards Respectfully submitted, CNY Chapter. Membership Chairman JEFF PASTON 202 Walrath Drive More on NRHS Dues Renewal Chittenango, NY 13037-1021 Visit Us on the Web at As NRHS tries to piece the If you haven’t received a renewal http://www.cnynrhs.org organization back together this winter, a form or you want to join as a large part will be the conservation of badly- Member or Subscriber: CHAPTER PROGRAMS needed funds. National dues for 2015 ($50 Contact Tom Edwards per member) were mailed in early [email protected] NY State Fairgrounds December, with the hope that most members or go to www.cnynrhs.org/join.html Art and Home Building would be able to renew electronically, which Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 - 7:30 PM in itself is an easy process. NRHS National Movie Night However, chapter officers around the 2015 Membership Dues country are well aware that many NRHS Please Renew Online at “The Lone Ranger” members, particularly senior citizens, may Live on the big screen in the not be electronically connected. Fernley & nrhs.com/membership/renew Fernley, the Philadelphia-based firm or remit dues invoice to Empire Theatre and featuring handling NRHS affairs until now, has told NRHS Membership Records a lot of real railroad footage. the Society that, for each check payment 100 North 20th Street, Suite 400 By Phil Edwards they receive from members who cannot pay Philadelphia, PA 19103-1462 by computer, they will assess NRHS If you haven’t received your Dues Wed. Feb. 18, 2015 - 7:30 PM between $12 and $15 for EACH check they Invoice, contact NRHS National at process on behalf of the Society, an 212-557-6606 or [email protected] “Members Photo Night” assessment NRHS certainly cannot afford. Cinders, Philadelphia Chapter Some chapters, like the Philadelphia Chapter, are offering a method by which the chapter will process the renewals through the Chapter for those unable to do so on the computer. So far, the CNY Chapter has not announced that they will offer this. February Green Block Deadline JANUARY 27 E-mail inputs to: Ed Post, Editor [email protected] Or: 7611 Merritt Drive Baldwinsville, NY 13027 For the Lone Ranger, the film makers essentially built a real operating railroad and 315-635-9552 their own railroad equipment as props for the movie. JANUARY 2015 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS WILLIAM F. HELMER COLLECTION Saturday, January 17, 12 Noon to 4 PM DONATED TO CNY CHAPTER, NRHS ESPA Meeting, Backstage Pub, Schenectady, By Dick Palmer Contact bbecker@esparail to register The family of the late William F. Helmer of Morrisville has Sunday, January 18 (9:30 to 3) donated his entire railroad collection to the Central New York TTCS 34th Annual Utica Toy Train Show, Chapter, NRHS, including some 200 photographs of the Unadilla Union Station, Main St., Utica, NY Valley RR along with paperwork such as original UV employee Wednesday, January 21, 7:30 PM timetables. I am working on getting it organized. At one time Bill CNY Chapter Member Meeting, was contemplating writing the history of the railroad but never Art & Home Building, NY State Fairgrounds quite got around to it. He had collected enough material to do so. Saturday, Jan. 24 (10 to 5) & Sunday, Jan. 25 (10 to 4) Dr. Helmer was the author of “O&W - The Long Life and Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show, Slow Death of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad,” Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds, 1305 published in 1959, and “Rip Van Winkle Railroads,” published in Memorial Ave., West Springfield, Massachusetts 1970. Both went through several editions and are still available. He Wednesday, February 4, 7:00 PM died on July 10, 2014 at the age of 87 and resided in Morrisville. CNY Chapter Board of Directors Meeting He was also a contributor to The Encyclopedia of New York State Art & Home Building, NY State Fairgrounds and had an extraordinary knowledge of upstate New York history. Saturday, Feb. 14 (10 to 5) & Sunday, Feb. 15 (10 to 4) He retired from Morrisville State College in 1985 after 30 years WNYRHS Winter Train & Toy Show, Event Center & there as an English professor and Dean of the Liberal Arts Division. Expo Hall, Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY He was very civic-minded and served on numerous boards. Wednesday, February 18, 7:30 PM The photograph of the Unadilla Valley shown below was used CNY Chapter Member Meeting, by Lucius Beebe, author of the classic railroad book, “Mixed Train Art & Home Building, NY State Fairgrounds Daily.” In the future we will be receiving more material as the Sunday, February 22 (10 to 4) family sorts it out. Meanwhile I am putting the photos in archival Syracuse Model RR Club Open House & Train Meet, sleeves and then into three ring notebooks for proper preservation. Eastwood American Legion, James St at Nichols HIS CAR WAS SWITCHED “YES, sir,” said the porter at Grand Central, “your sleeper is the last one on the train.” The man was starting on a long trip and not feeling any too cheerful. Neither could he sleep and about midnight he walked down to the smoking room which he hoped to find cooler than an upper berth in summer. Two other men were in the room and one of them, an old friend, gave him a cheery greeting. For a time they chatted and then the friend suggested that a little poker game might help. “There are two of the boys in the next car,” he said. “Come along as you are; everyone is asleep, or at least in their bunks by this time.” And the man walked back, clad only in his pajamas. The poker game completed its course at 7 in the morning and the man walked back toward his own car to shave, dress and prepare to move out. When he reached the door, however, he TUVWXXXWVWZ found that the car he was in was the last on the train. He routed out the porter. A NEW RAILFAN IS BORN “What,” he demanded, “did you do with my sleeper, the one that was the last car on the train?” “Oh,” replied the porter, “we dropped that car away down CHLOE ANN PIERSON the line. She's going to Chicago. This portion of the train goes to Toronto.” DECEMBER 26, 2014 “My God!” exclaimed the man, “My clothes are on their way to Chicago and I'm stuck in this train with nothing to wear CONGRATULATIONS but pajamas and four calls to make on the customers this morning. New York Sun via New York Central Lines Magazine, TOM & BARB PIERSON August 1928 PAGE 4 THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 In Commemoration of DICK KOWELL Revered Chapter Member Long-time Central New York Chapter Member Richard L. "Dick" Kowell, 92, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2014. An active transportation historian, Dick proudly and diligently served as Vice President, Board Director, Program Chairman, and Publicity Chairman of the CNY Chapter, National Railway Historical Society for over 40 years. As Chapter Program Chairman, Dick scheduled interesting and entertaining programs every month for the Chapter Member Meetings. He maintained the video and audio presentation equipment and set them up at every meeting. For the December meetings, Dick would personally present a Christmas Card slide show with a railroad theme and include many of his own photos, in Dick & Mary Kowell in 2005. Photo by Ed Post particular photos of his own vast Christmas Card Collection. Dick owned one of the largest collection of 16mm transportation He spent countless hours working at the Martisco Station films in the US, receiving the prestigious Franklin Award for Museum, the Model Train Fair, and the Historical Train Exhibit at distinguished service from Syracuse University in 1977. the New York State Fair. Much of what the Chapter is today is the In his later years, Dick and his wife continued his film passion result of Dick’s contributions over the years. by producing slide shows for local historical societies and senior In July 2008 at the Chapter’s annual picnic, the CNY Chapter adult homes. Dick also fulfilled a lifelong dream of earning a presented Dick with an Honorary Plague and a Chapter Life Master's License in boating and spent several summers known as Membership for his many years of dedicated service to the Chapter. Captain Dick, operating tour boats on Lake George and Dick was an expert photographer and his photos of trains and Skaneateles Lake. His love of Lake George and the friendships he boats were outstanding. He also was an expert at repairing slide made with the tour boat captains were also cherished by him. projectors and as a side-line he repaired them for Kodak. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mary (Bex); two children, Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He Donald (Barbara) Kowell of Syracuse and Janice (Joseph) Schmid made his career as a broadcast engineer for WSYR radio and TV of Fabius; and five grandchildren, Lindsay (Marc) Therrien, David, for 40 years and was a local pioneer in the television field. Dick and Stephanie Kowell, Bonnie and George Schmid. was locally famous with his big-band style "Dick Kowell Dick lived a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Not only was Dick Orchestra" playing a vast array of local Syracuse events for over 50 talented and industrious and enthusiastic, but he was friendly, easy years. An avid 16 mm film enthusiast, collector, and member of the to get along with, and fun loving. He will be greatly missed by all Syracuse Cinefest Society and participant in the local Conventions, of us who knew him. John Marcham Passes Away Railroad Historian & Editor John Marcham, former president of the Cornell Railroad Historical Society died December 4 in Ithaca. John was a real railroad enthusiast, a good friend and a top-class editor. He oversaw the production and printing of several notable rail books put out in association with The History Center [museum] in Ithaca. Among them were: Lehigh Valley Memories, The Gangly Country Cousin, Ups and Downs of a Rural Line [history of the Elmira, Cortland and Northern]. John also edited, revised and updates with additional photographs and maps A History of Railroads in Tompkins County. These books are still available from The History Center at Ithaca, New York. 401 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Over the years, John ran his own newspaper, was an editor at the Ithaca Journal and then at the Cornell University Press. He was involved in many activities around Ithaca, and always gave generously of his time and treasure to many projects. John was an avid modeler, especially in the somewhat rare S-scale (American New York Central 4-6-4 Hudson J-1c No. 5273 was the Flyer). locomotive that was involved in last month’s article “Accident on the High Iron” by Carl A. Peterson. It was also the Hudson We will miss him very much. that was featured on the cover of “The Run of the Twentieth Gene Endres, Editor/Historian, Century” by Edward Hungerford. The photo was taken in Cornell Railroad Historical Society Syracuse and is in the Central New York Chapter collection. JANUARY 2015 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 5 CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER 2014 ACTIVITIES REPORT In 2014, the major Chapter event was the Fortieth Annual The meeting in November was the Chapter’s annual meeting Great New York State Model Train Fair sponsored and presented and included the election of the 2015 Board of Directors. There by the CNY Chapter on the first weekend of November. It was were 15 candidates for 11 director positions. First Vice President again held in the Dairy Exhibit Center, the largest building on the Jack Humphrey did not enter the election for 2015 director. The New York State Fairgrounds. Because it was a milestone 40th Train outcome was that all the 2014 directors that ran for director were Fair, much extra work went into the planning and execution by reelected along with Bob McNamara in place of Jack. Chapter Train Fair Coordinators Phil Edwards and Jeff Paston. Thomas the Officers remained the same except for Phil Edwards replacing Jack Tank Engine, sponsored by WCNY, the local PBS TV Station, was as First Vice President. Bob McNamara is taking over present on both days. A total of 1375 children visited with Thomas. management of the Chapter Store while Tom and Barb Pierson Over the two days, the Fair attendance was 5382 plus about 1000 focus on raising their new-born daughter. exhibitors and vendors. The Chapter was invited to participate in the Syracuse On Saturday evening, a gala Train Fair banquet was held in the Winterfest 2014 which had a railroad theme, “The Winterfest Empire Room attended by 70 people. Vice President Rich Foster Express.” The Chapter set up model and toy train layouts, displayed of MTH Electric Trains gave an interesting talk on the evolution of historical railroad equipment in the City Commons across from model train development at MTH Trains and where they are headed City Hall for the two weekend celebration. The Chapter Store sold going forward. Phil Edwards presented an entertaining video of railroad gifts, books, and memorabilia to the attendees. old Train Fair photos along with newscasts of the old Train Fairs The Chapter celebrated National Train Day, May 10, by by Jeff Paston from the days when he worked as newscaster. setting up an exhibit at Syracuse’s Regional Transportation Center Dick Palmer planned an interesting array of programs for the as a guest of Amtrak, while the Photo Group went to Jack’s Drive Chapter membership meetings in 2014. In January, chapter in East Syracuse to take train photos. The Photo Group also went members saw a video of Dick Kowell’s New York Central to various trackside locations to photograph the AAPRCO Memories, a series of films from the 1960s which Jeff Paston Convention Special Train as it passed through Central New York combined into a video. February was the Member’s photo night on September 20. On that same day, the Model Train Group took program. In addition, at the February meeting, President Albert the Train Trailer to the Great Chocolate Train Festival in Hamilton. Kallfelz was presented with a NRHS certificate and pin for 60 Plus, the Chapter had a float in the Camillus Memorial Day Parade. years of membership and service to NRHS by First Vice President In late August and early September, the Chapter manned two Jack Humphrey. Attendees celebrated the event by partaking in exhibits for twelve days and evenings at the New York State Fair. servings from a special anniversary cake. A photo of the This included the historic train exhibit and the model train layout. presentation appeared in the August issue of the NRHS News. Admission was free, but the Chapter received significant donations March’s program was a slide presentation, “Thirty Years on and the Chapter stores at both exhibits did well. A lot of interior the NYS&W Northern Division” by Todd & Jack Humphrey. In work was done prior to the Fair to make the Rio Grande Car 102 April, members saw a presentation of “South African Railways” by ready for display. In addition, Car 102 was painted on one side and Guy Wicksall. May’s program was a detailed presentation of the one end, and the ex-Crucible Steel 45 ton Locomotive was painted. “Early Railroads of Ontario County” by Robert Ward, Jr. and The audio system was upgraded by Tom Pierson. June’s program was on “The Auburn Road” by Paul Shinal in The 12 page monthly newsletter, The Green Block, was which he featured photos of nearly all the stations that once existed published in both print and PDF versions every month. On several along the line. months, the Green Block expanded to 16 pages and on occasion, On Sunday July 27, the Chapter had its annual picnic at slide shows accompanied the electronic version of the Green Block. Central Square Station Museum hosted by Bob and Judy Townsend Some of the 35 mm slide collections donated to the Chapter Library along with Harvey Harke. Gus Nordone roasted a turkey which is over the years are being digitized. Recently donated photos from becoming a tradition, and all attendees brought a dish to share. the Ed Street and William Helmer collections are being cataloged About 50 members and guests attended. The food was delicious and stored in archival sleeves for preservation. and plentiful, the weather turned sunny as soon as the picnic began, The long awaited new alarm system has been installed at the conversation was enjoyable, and investigating the equipment Martisco Station and damaged globe lighting has been replaced. and artifacts on display and being restored is always interesting. The old interurban car relic which was being stored at Martisco was The local S gauge model railroaders joined us at the picnic. finally moved to a workshop in November to be restored by Tom Mafrici. The old library car remains in Martisco. The member meeting programs resumed in September with “Roads, Rivers & Rails – Volume 2” by John Taibi. It was based At Central Square Station Museum, the rubber roof on the on John’s latest book which has the same title as the presentation. Circus Car was repaired. The new station floor which had begun October’s presentations were “The O&W, Life after Death” plus to warp, was replaced. Work continues on the Trolley Car. “Coal, The Powder River Basin” both presented by Norm Barrett, The Chapter sponsored five trips on the Adirondack Scenic a former railroad engineer and trainmaster from Scranton. In Railroad each of which included a bus charter from Syracuse to November, Ron Beavers, a Civil War Historian originally from Utica and return. The trips included Fall Foliage and Polar Express Virginia, gave an interesting presentation on the “Effective Use of trips. Most of the trips were sold out. Railroads by the North during the Civil War.” December’s December brought sadness to CNY members upon learning program was the Chapter’s traditional Christmas Card Slide Show that longtime member and director, Dick Kowell, passed away at set to music, originally created by Dick Kowell, and continued and age 92 on December 6, 2014. enhanced by Todd Humphrey. Reported by Ed Post, CNY Chapter Historian PAGE 6 THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 SIGNALING SYSTEMS AND THE ENGINEER'S PART IN SAFETY By W. G. Stone, Utica, N. Y. The traveler on the trains of any first class railroad, if at all observant, has noticed that at intervals of about one mile, he has passed under bridges or towers, carrying signaling devices upon them. These usually consist of arms or blades capable of being swung from a horizontal to a vertical position and painted of various colors. They are so-called “visual signals,” their interpretation depending upon the eye. As a rule, the horizontal position of the arm is the danger signal denoting that the oncoming train must stop. The arm swung into an angle of about forty-five degrees indicates that a train is in the next block and that the oncoming train must proceed with caution. The vertical position of the arm denotes a clear track ahead. It is obvious that these arm positions New York Central 4-6-4 Hudson J-3a No. 5447 is powering Train #95 under the signal could not be distinguished in the dark, so bridge east of Minoa in 1951. No. 5447 was built by the American Locomotive they are supplemented with signal lights, Company in 1938. Ted Jackson photo. the color of which varies with the systems obviate them. The observant traveler may become the safest method of transportation of different roads. As a rule, red indicates have noticed, as he sped by a block system, known. Contrary to the general opinion, stop; amber or yellow, caution; green, clear a little squat black iron box, planted near the high speeds do not mean augmented track. This system with good visibility and rail. Within that box is imprisoned a giant liability to accident. The higher the speed vigilant engineers, gives a fair margin of more powerful than any fabled Jinn of the the smoother the riding of both passenger safety. Unfortunately, however, many of Arabian Nights, ready to spring forth at his coaches and engines. Possibly it may be our great railroad lines traverse sections of master's bidding. Suppose that the visual that the fast moving train only “hits the high country blanketed in spring and fall, and block indicates danger ahead but from some spots,” for it is a proved fact that the wheels particularly during the night, with dense combination of circumstances the engineer of a fast moving car or engine actually leave fogs, and visited during the winter with of the oncoming train disregards it. Out of the track during parts of their rotation. snow storms of almost blizzard intensity. that little box is thrust a giant hand, invisible Whether or not train speeds will ever be The block signals above referred to are, as but powerful, which grasps the mechanism greatly augmented is a question for, a rule, situated about twenty-five feet above of the engine; the brakes squeal and grind, singular as it may seem, the greatest the rail. A train running sixty miles an hour sparks spring from the spinning wheels, and obstacle to increased speed is air resistance. is covering about ninety feet of space a the hurtling train with its hundreds of tons If it ever becomes possible to “streamline” second. When a signal is obscured by fog of metal and its precious freight or a railroad train, similar to an airplane or or snow so that it is invisible for a distance passengers comes to a stop. Safety? Yes, motor boat, higher speeds may be attained. of twenty to twenty-five feet in front of the to the point of sublimity. The experiment has been partially tried in engine, it is evident that the engineer must France with gratifying results. observe and interpret a signal in a fraction This, in brief, is the automatic electric of a second. Under the rules of the road, an train stop system, fool, weather and Now a word for the engineers. As a engineer, if doubtful of the meaning of a negligence-proof, standing, night and day, class they are cool, cautious and signal, must stop and ascertain. It is not between safety and disaster. It would be disbelievers in the tradition of “going down uncommon for an experienced engineer to tiresome to the ordinary reader to attempt to with the ship” for they jump in case of become lost in a storm or fog. In other describe the ingenious and complicated danger, if possible; but for all that, don't words, his view of the landscape is cut off mechanism through which this result is think they lack nerve or courage. The man and he doesn't know exactly where he is. attained; suffice it to say that it works and who will climb out on the running board, Under such conditions he may run past a works successfully. With the hook his leg over a front boiler brace, signal and into disaster. Furthermore, the improvements in bridges, tracks and rolling stretch down over the pilot and snatch a engineer may be dead, incapacitated by stock that have taken place within the last child from destruction, with his engine paralysis or unconscious from nephritic two decades, railroad accidents have been running twenty miles an hour, has got sand. coma, conditions that have arisen in actual confined, almost entirely, to rear-end If you don't believe it, just try it. practice. Under such conditions the block collisions. These, in the passenger service New York Central Lines Magazine, system loses its value temporarily. have been the cause of many deaths and August 1928 Railroad managers have become much sorrow and suffering. conscious of the faults of the visual signal Under the automatic stop system, now system and have been experimenting to in use on our first class roads, rail travel has JANUARY 2015 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 7 ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S INAUGURAL JOURNEY ACROSS NEW YORK STATE By Richard Palmer As far as can be determined the railroads furnished the Part One transportation gratis, the train usually consisting of a baggage car, Abraham Lincoln was elected to a four-year term as the coach and sleeping car - all put into “spit and polish” condition. sixteenth President of the United States on Nov. 6, 1860. He would Only the best and most reliable train crews were chosen to operate be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 1861, on the eve these trains, which was considered a great honor. The train was of the Civil War. During this period of time, seven states seceded also spectacularly decorated with red-white and blue bunting and from the Union. American flags. On Feb. 11, 1861, members of his family, including his wife, Enroute from Cleveland to Buffalo the train stopped at several three sons, and his brother-in-law, left Springfield, Ill., on a communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as Westfield, circuitous and rigorous 13-day trip of nearly 1,700 miles through Dunkirk and Silver Creek in New York state. Time was of the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York over 30 essence and schedules were strictly adhered to. The train averaged railroads. The purpose of traveling this route was to give as many 25 to 30 miles per hour and was pulled by wood burning people as possible a glimpse of the new president. Even thousands locomotives - although at times New York Central trains did 40 showed up at small communities once the official timetable was miles per hour. There was also much security provided along the published. way. Lincoln’s “speeches” were of the “hello, how are you, goodbye” variety. He was not one for long speeches. Many of these lines ultimately became segments of the New York Central and Pennsylvania railroads which served the then The presidential party were awakened at the “early and most populated areas of the country. Among the cities it passed inconvenient hour” of 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 18 in Buffalo, following a through were Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, long day of activities including many speeches and attending Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Trenton, N.J, Sunday services at the Unitarian Church. By the end of the day, Philadelphia and Baltimore, terminating in Washington, D.C. It Lincoln himself was exhausted and hoarse. The party spent the also made brief stops at much smaller communities, primarily for night at the American Hotel. wood and water. Due to an alleged assassination conspiracy, the But they were up bright and early at 4:30 a.m. Monday entourage traveled without stopping through Baltimore in the morning. At the Exchange Street station was the glistening New middle of the night. York Central locomotive “Dean Richmond.” Continued on Next Page

Timetable of the Presidential Special February 18, 1861 from “Lincoln’s Journey to Greatness” by Victor Searcher (1960) Leave Buffalo 5:48 A.M. (Distance) Arrive Batavia 6:40 36 ½ miles Leave Batavia 6:45 Passed Byron 6:57 44 ½ miles Passed Bergen 7:09 51 ½ miles Arrive Rochester 7:35 69 miles Leave Rochester 7:40 Passed Fairport 7:52 79 miles Passed Palmyra 8:16 91 ¾ miles Passed Newark 8:26 99 miles Passed Lyons 8:35 104 ½ miles Arrive Clyde 8:44 111 ¾ miles Leave Clyde 8:49 Lincoln’s inaugural train stopped at Exchange Street Station in Buffalo. Passed Port Byron 9:11 125 ¼ miles Richard Palmer collection. Passed Jordan 9:22 132 ¼ miles Arrive Syracuse 9:52 1.49 ¾ miles Leave Syracuse 10:05 Passed Chitenango 10:25 164 ¼ miles Passed Oneida 10:37 175 ½ miles Passed Rome 10:54 188 ¼ miles Arrive Utica 11:15 202 ¾ miles Leave Utica 11:34 Passed Herkimer 11:55 216 ¼ miles Arrive Little Falls 12:05 P.M. 223 ¾ miles Passed St. Johnsville 12:21 233 ¾ miles Passed Palatine Bridge 12:44 242 ½ miles Passed Fonda 1:05 254 miles New York Central Locomotive #147 “Dean Richmond” pulled both the Lincoln Passed Amsterdam 1:21 264 ¾ miles inaugural train in 1861 and the funeral train in 1865 between Rochester and Arrive Schenectady 1:50 280 ¾ miles Buffalo. It was built by Schenectady Locomotive Works #64 in December, Leave Schenectady 1:55 1853, had 72-inch drivers and weighed 25 tons. CNYNRHS collection. Arrive Albany 2:20 P.M. 296 ¾ miles PAGE 8 THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 Regarding the cars used the Syracuse Journal, Monday, Feb. 16, 1861 reported: “In the Central Depot there stand side by side three cars designed to have the honor of transporting the President elect on his route to Washington. One is a sleeping car built for the New York Central by Eaton & Gilbert at Troy, and containing all the comforts which could be imagined for a movable bed chamber. “Another is a regular passenger car, very handsomely fitted up, to say nothing of its beautiful appearance externally. The third is the car built by William Kasson, of Buffalo, for the State Line Railroad. It is fitted with luxurious seats after the plan of the Ray patent, so fixed that the passenger may either sit, recline or lie on its sumptuous velvet cushions. “A vacant space is left in the center for a table. At one end of the car is a large framed engraving of the U.S. Senate of 1850, and a rack immediately beneath is filled with China urns and dishes of various kinds. Over the State Line and Central roads the President Only five minutes was spent at the station in Rochester, long enough for engines to be changed. Depot stood on the West elect will experience almost as much luxury in his travel as was side of the Genesee River, between Mill and Front streets. It enjoyed by the Prince of Wales last fall.” was in use from 1852 to 1883. Rochester City Historian. Originally the train was scheduled to leave Buffalo at 6 a.m., long enough to allow Lincoln to make some brief remarks and it but the superintendent was anxious to get the train over the road. soon departed. It left at 5:48 a.m. A telegraph operator also rode the train in case A 34-guns salute welcomed the Lincoln entourage to he was needed, carrying along his portable equipment. The Albany Rochester. The bands played and the crowds shouted as the train Journal praised the railroad personnel by saying: “Within the past pulled into the station, located at Mill and Front streets. When 24 hours every rail on the down track for the entire 298 miles has Lincoln appeared on the rear car platform, the shouts of the crowd been sounded by hammer by hand-car parties.” were deafening. Lincoln said how gratified he was at such a The management had re-arranged schedules of more than a turn-out, ending his brief remarks by stating: “When the train shall dozen regular trains. Extra locomotives were located at various leave, I will bid you an affectionate farewell.” stations to be ready to take over in case of an emergency or After completing his remarks a young boy managed to make breakdown. The telegraph wires hummed, keeping track of the his way onto the rear platform. When he introduced himself, train’s movements. The Albany Journal noted: “Such Lincoln was astonished. He shook his small hand, cautioning him achievements our railroading age has become accustomed to, and to be very careful as he got off the train. yet they are nonetheless marvelous.” It was under the charge of the The train was only there five minutes. A fresh locomotive, No. several assistant division superintendents. At all the stations and at 84, was coupled on, and off it went, Lincoln still waving from the many of the crossings large groups of people gathered to witness platform until out of sight of the crowd. Horace Greeley, the the passing train, waving flags and handkerchiefs. Cannons were famous editor of the New York Tribune, and ex-president Millard fired here and there. Fillmore were among the invited guests on board. The train traveled non-stop from Buffalo to to Batavia, 36 1/2 miles, in 68 minutes, arriving there at 6:40 a.m. Even though it wasn’t quite daylight a large crowd had gathered. The stop was

President Lincoln in Buffalo, NY. - Arrival of the President and President Abraham Lincoln’s first inauguration, March 4, 1861, escort in front of the American Hotel - From a sketch by a at the East Front Entrance of the US Capital, Washington, DC. special artist who traveled in the suite of the President. Library The Capital Dome was under construction at the time. Library of Congress Illustration. of Congress Photo. JANUARY 2015 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 9 NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S WICK MOORMAN pneumatic braking systems, train movement planning, engineer training software, and Gentleman, Scholar, and Innovator battery-powered locomotives. Excerpts from an article by Pat Foran, Editor, Progressive Railroading During Moorman's watch, investment During his nearly eight-year run as including stints in Atlanta, Albany, Ga., and in the railroad's strategic rail corridors have chairman and CEO, Charles Wickliffe Greensboro, N.C. made NS an intermodal player to be (Wick) Moorman has charted up a unique “All along, I was learning about the reckoned with for the foreseeable future. course for Norfolk Southern Railway. As company, learning how operations differed Consider the following: constructively as any of his Class I in different parts of the company,” he says. · The Crescent Corridor, a $2 billion counterparts, he's embraced the link “For me, the attraction was the variety. initiative aimed at developing a 2,500-mile between technology, operating efficiency There was always something new during domestic intermodal route along existing and productivity. He's leading the charge to that first 12 years.” lines between New Jersey and Louisiana. inculcate a safety culture change at his Then Moorman took what at the time railroad. And he continues to push the · The Heartland Corridor, a double-stack appeared to be an abrupt career turn. At age train route NS created through Virginia, partnership envelope in strategic rail 35, he took a buyout the Southern Railway corridors, brightening the railroad's West Virginia and Ohio that provides a was offering to engineering department faster, more efficient intermodal route intermodal future and paving the way for employees in 1987 and enrolled in Harvard new opportunities along the way. between the Port of Hampton Roads and Business School with zero guarantee that he markets in Columbus, Chicago and other Ultimately, Moorman has prepared NS would be able to come back to the railroad. major cities. for what's next, and that includes ensuring But return, he did. After earning his MBA · The 320-mile Meridian Speedway, a the railway is well-positioned for growth in 1989, Moorman re-signed with the KCS-NS joint venture aimed at increasing and service improvements. And he's done it Southern Railway to serve as director of capacity and improving service between in his own way, in his own style. transportation planning. Meridian, Miss., and Shreveport, La. Moorman is widely regarded as a In 1991, the newly merged Norfolk & “What Wick did was take the corridor leader who listens. He's known, too, for his Western/Southern Railway named him approach that was in its infancy and he sense of humor and for being very gracious. assistant VP of stations, terminals and pushed it farther, and that's key,” says Moorman also loves to learn — an transportation planning. From 1992 Goode. “With all the new opportunities academic, of sorts, a few colleagues and through 2004, his rise was as quick as it was coming online — oil and gas, the sand and counterparts would say. But the laser- varied, with his NS titles ranging from VP fracking — it shows the value of having rail focused Moorman is a railroader who of personnel and labor relations to VP of corridors that are available to do whatever doesn't merely live in the world of ideas. information technology (IT) to president of needs to be done.” He develops, shares and implements them. NS subsidiary Thoroughbred Technology Moorman was born in New Orleans, and Telecommunications to senior VP of Like all Class Is, NS continues to invest but he grew up in the college town of corporate planning and services. railroad-wide. NS' 2013 capex plan was $2 Hattiesburg, Miss., where his parents taught Change and the need to embrace it billion (about the same amount it spent in at the University of Southern Mississippi. would continue to characterize Moorman's 2012), including $831 million for roadway improvements, such as the maintenance and “I don't have many gifts,” says ladder climb, and it was never more replacement of rail, ties, ballast and bridges. Moorman, in that self-effacing style, “but apparent than during his stretch in the late NS also set aside $420 million to acquire I'm good in academics.” Particularly math 1990s and early 2000s helming the IT new locomotives, rebuild and upgrade and science. So, he enrolled at the Georgia department and T-Cubed. existing motive power, re-body coal cars, Institute of Technology, where he majored “It really was a period in which the buy multi-level freight cars to accommodate in civil engineering. In 1970, he signed up technology was starting to evolve — it was more automotive traffic, and purchase with Georgia Tech's cooperative education at the beginning of this whole concept of the intermodal containers and chassis. program, which enables engineering emerging of client server technology, and students to complement their formal the continuing proliferation of all kinds of “Wick has had the wisdom, and you education with paid work experience. hardware and software,” he says. “There could say the courage, to keep making the investment throughout the years that he's “When you're 18 years old in what was were an enormous amount of changes and been CEO,” Goode says. “Wick is the a stunningly simpler time, you don't really challenges — certainly, the Conrail whole package. He understands and loves wonder where life is going to go,” he says. transaction and Y2K. It taught me a lot the business, and he has a great way with “When they asked me what I wanted to do, about the power of technology when it's people. It's the ‘gentleman’ thing, and the I said ‘railroads.’ I always have been a bit used correctly.” sense of humor, that win folks over.” of a rail fan. I was fortunate to get a co-op That lesson learned would continue to with the Southern Railway.” serve Moorman (and NS) well after he was The investments will continue, Moorman says. So will the efforts to tap Southern Railway managers certainly named president in 2004, CEO in 2005, and technology to drive productivity and noticed Moorman's contributions. During chairman in 2006, succeeding David Goode, efficiency; nurture that still-evolving safety his first dozen years with the railroad, they who had been NS’ CEO since 1992 culture; and leverage those strategic put him in increasingly responsible Under Moorman’s leadership, NS corridors; and to learn from revenue- positions, from track supervisor to assistant continued to develop and implement an generating successes, near-successes and division engineer. Moorman and his family array of tools and systems, such as top-of- failures. moved five times during those 12 years, rail lubricators, electronically controlled PAGE 10 THE GREEN BLOCK JANUARY 2015 J======KLRAILROAD NEWS BRIEFS HSR Comes to Western Massachusetts NS Unveils Emissions-Friendly Locomotives High speed trains began making regular stops in western Norfolk Southern has released for road testing the first of 25 Massachusetts for the first time Monday, January 5. GP33ECO emissions-friendly switching locomotives funded by The Amtrak Vermonter service brings passengers between St. the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Albans, Vermont and Washington, D.C., and will now make stops Improvement Program, and built by NS in its Juniata in Greenfield, Northampton, and Springfield. The Vermonter will Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa. also begin stopping in Holyoke after the platform there is complete. The first two GP33ECOs sport a distinctive paint scheme that The previous Vermonter route, which traveled at slower speeds, reflects their environmentally friendly mission. After in-service stopped only in Springfield and Amherst, and took an additional testing in the Altoona area, they will be permanently assigned to half an hour. their respective grant award areas of Chicago and Atlanta. The change in service comes as a result of $73 million in major Railway Age upgrades to the “Knowledge Corridor” rail line through western STB Schedules NS/D&H Transaction Massachusetts. Tracks were improved to accommodate the trains, The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted a which can travel at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. New procedural schedule for Norfolk Southern Corp.'s petition to platforms were also built in Holyoke, Northampton, and acquire control of 282.5 miles of Delaware & Hudson Railway Greenfield, which have not had passenger rail service in decades. (D&H) track from Canadian Pacific. WWLP-TV22 News The STB expects to render a final decision on the transaction LIRR Wins Ridership Race no later than May 15, 2015. In what has become a horse race for highest-ridership “The board finds that the application is complete and that the bragging rights, it appears the Long Island Rail Road has pulled control transaction is a minor transaction based upon the away from its New York MTA sister railroad, Metro-North, for the preliminary determination that transaction clearly will not have any second straight year. This year’s margin of victory is 1.1 million anti-competitive effects,” STB members said in a decision. riders. The previous gap was only 6,000. Progressive Railroading The two MTA commuter railroads carry more riders combined CSX Opens Chicago Locomotive Shop that any other in the country. In 2013, the LIRR carried 83.4 On December 8, CSX marked the grand opening of its million passengers. Trains News Wire Chicago Locomotive Shop at Barr Yard in Riverdale, Ill. CSX Landed 107 ID projects in 2014 The shop will improve operational efficiency throughout the Last year, CSX Corp. worked with customers to build or western and northern segments of the the Class I's network, CSX expand 107 industrial facilities on its network or along lines officials said in a press release. operated by its short line partners. As part of a $4.5 million project, CSX renovated the existing The industrial development projects — which cost more than facility, which now features a refurbished turntable, a new drop $3.5 billion — are expected to generate nearly 5,800 new jobs and table and new cranes. The shop will support the maintenance and 161,000 annual carloads. repair of 120 locomotives per month, enabling the railroad to service units locally rather than transferring them to repair shops To further attract industrial development projects, the railroad across the network. Progressive Railroading employs a “CSX Select Site” program that certifies properties intended for manufacturing uses. The properties must meet NP Snowplow Designated ASME Landmark rigorous permitting and certification criteria to ease the The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s Northern Pacific rotary development process and promote efficient project timelines, CSX snow plow No. 2 has been designated a Historic Mechanical officials said. Progressive Railroading Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2-8-0 May Go to Georgia Railroad Museum The Cooke Locomotive Works constructed steam-powered Central of Georgia 2-8-0 No. 509, which has been on display rotary No. 2 for the NP in 1887, making it the oldest plow of its in Macon’s Central City Park since 1959, could be on its way to the type in existence. Used originally to clear drifts in the Cascade Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah before mid-March Mountains, it was sent east to less rigorous duties in Minnesota Last week, Terry Koller, director of operations of the museum, when larger, more powerful equipment took over in the mountains. got a favorable reception from Macon-Bibb County commissioners The rotary has its own boiler to power the plow blade, but when he renewed an offer to move the locomotive for protection steam locomotives pushed the plow to propel it. In the deep snow and restoration at the museum. That offer was first made in 2012, of the Cascades, this sometimes required three or four locomotives but now it has added impetus: a pledge of $70,000 from a private to get it through snowdrifts. Trains News Wire donor in Savannah to move the engine and do some basic work to stabilize its condition. Now the next official move is up to Macon- Amtrak Launches NEC Website Bibb officials. Amtrak has launched a new website (NEC.amtrak.com) Baldwin built No. 509 in December 1906 as Central of Geor- dedicated to providing news and information about the Northeast gia No. 1709. In Savannah No. 509 would join another CG 2-8-0, Corridor. It will include information about improvement projects No. 223, built by Baldwin in November 1907. Trains News Wire underway and the railroad's vision for the corridor's future. Amtrak JANUARY 2015 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 11 Lake Shore Limited, Train #48, running with just a single locomotive, Heritage Unit P42DC #822. Photo by Jack Humphrey at CP286 on January 27, 2013. THE GREEN BLOCK BACK PAGE CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER, NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC

• 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS • CHAPTER MEETINGS Phil Edwards • Tom Edwards • Albert Kallfelz • Josie LeMay Chapter meetings are held on the third Wednesday of Bob McNamara • Gus Nordone • Dick Palmer • Jeff Paston each month and the Board of Directors meet the first Tom Pierson • Robert Townsend • Gerrit Vanderwerff Wednesday of each month in the Art and Home Center at • OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS • the New York State Fairgrounds. President ...... Al Kallfelz ANNUAL DUES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015 First Vice President ...... Phil Edwards Member Category National Chapter Total Vice President & Recording Secretary ...... Jeff Paston Regular $50 $15 $65 Student $16 $15 $31 Treasurer...... Josie LeMay Family $7 $5 $12 Corresponding Secretary ...... Herb Meinking Youth $5 $15 $20 National Representative ...... Open Additional ------$15 $15 Electronic Media Coordinator...... Jeff Paston Program Coordinator...... Dick Palmer · Regular Members are adults more than 24 years old. Librarian and Archivist ...... Dick Palmer · Student Members are ages 13 thru 24. Railroadiana Store Managers ...... Bob McNamara · Family Members are family members living in the State Fair Display Coordinator ...... Al Kallfelz same household as a Regular or Student Member. Martisco Museum Curator...... Open · Youth Members are children ages 5 thru 12. Central Square Museum Curators...... Harvey Harke & Bob Townsend · Additional Members of the CNY Chapter have their Membership Chairperson...... Tom Edwards main NRHS membership with another NRHS Chapter. Editor & Historian...... Ed Post · Additional and Youth Members do not have CNY Financial Advisor...... Paul Shinal Chapter voting privileges. Equipment Coordinator...... Jeff Hagan · Green Block Subscriptions (Non-members) are $15. Excursion Coordinator ...... Rick Faigle Dues and Subscriptions run from January 1 to December 31 Model RR Exhibit Coordinator ...... Phil Edwards

INTERCHANGE BALTIMORE CHAPTER

National Railway Historical Society, Inc.

Vol. LII, No. 1 JANUARY 2015 Our 79th Year

January 12, 2015 - First Regular Meeting of the New Year JANUARY 20, 2015 - OUR 79TH ANNIVERSARY February 9, 2015 - Regular Meeting March 9, 2015 - Regular Meeting March 21, 2015 - Annual Chapter Banquet BALTIMORE CHAPTER NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Maryland Non-Profit Corporation) P. O. BOX 100 LUTHERVILLE, MD 21094-0100 ------2015 CHAPTER OFFICERS The Interchange is published ten President Alexander Mitchell 410-362-6260 [email protected] times yearly and is the official 1st Vice President Mark Hummel 410-444-4107 [email protected] publication of the Baltimore Chapter, 2ndVice President Glenn Orletsky 301-774-7897 [email protected] NRHS, Inc. Articles in the Secretary Mel Ginsburg 410-668-5017 [email protected] Treasurer Charles Plantholt 410-444-4432 [email protected] Interchange do not express official National Rep. Richard Shulby 410-363-8548 [email protected] NRHS policy on any subject unless Chapter Director Raymond Martin 410-665-4834 No e-mail specifically designated as such. Chapter Director Bob Parks 410-795-7964 [email protected] Permission to reprint articles Charter Director Kenneth Spencer 410-893-6858 [email protected] appearing herein is granted to NRHS BALTIMORE CHAPTER 2014 COMMITTEES chapters and historical societies provided credit is given. Charles Plantholt, Editor COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN PHONE E-MAIL Banquet Plantholt/Mitchell/ Kalkman ******************* By-Laws Bob Parks 410-795-7964 [email protected] Editor (Newsletter) Charles Plantholt 410-444-4432 [email protected] BALTIMORE CHAPTER History Martin K. Van Horn 410-828-7484 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Library Kenneth Spencer 410-893-6858 [email protected] Membership in the National Membership Robert Janssen 410-668-0734 No e-mail Nomination/Election VACANT Railway Historical Society and the Programs William Kalkman 410-252-1681 [email protected] Baltimore Chapter is open to all Property Raymond Martin 410-665-4834 No e-mail persons over 12 years of age who are Publications Alexander Mitchell 410-362-6260 [email protected] interested in railroads and railroad Sales Ken Spencer 410-893-6858 kes113551@net zero.net Slide Contest Charles Plantholt 410-444-4432 [email protected] history. Dues are $59.00 a year. Trips Matthew Brandley 443-910-8177 matthew.brandley@ Spouses and children under age 18 outlook.com can be added at $8.00 each per year. Webmaster Alexander Mitchell 410-362-6260 [email protected] Students ages 12-18 dues are $29.50. Membership includes four issues of Members are requested and invited to chair and/or join committees to the NRHS Bulletin, six issues of further the work of the Baltimore Chapter. e-NRHS NEWS, and 10 issues of *********************************************** the Baltimore Chapter NRHS The Chapter’s WEB PAGE Interchange. WWW.BALTIMORENRHS.ORG Members of other NRHS Chapters may join the Baltimore Chapter for ADDRESS CHANGES: Send address changes to: are only $9.00 a year, $1.00 each for [email protected] spouse and children. The Baltimore Chapter meets on or by mail to: the second Monday of each month at Baltimore Chapter NRHS the Visitors Center of the Baltimore 3025 Orlando Avenue Streetcar Museum at 7:30 p.m. Parkville, MD 21234-7832 Write to the Baltimore Chapter at 2700 E. Joppa Road, Parkville, MD COVER PHOTO: The ODD COUPLE - On December 14, 2014, three "Santa 21234 for a membership application. Excursions" were operated from Minersville to Cressona, Pennsylvania to Subscriptions to the Interchange celebrate the season. The power was the Reading & Northern's classic "Pacific" are available for $15 per year or $5 # 425 (ex-Gulf, Mobile & Northern) and Central of New Jersey 0-6-0, #113, with for the e-Interchange, a PDF file.

seven passenger cars, HEP car and caboose. Deadline: The deadline for items for The weather - grungy. The atmosphere - warm and friendly as Santa the next Interchange is, January 15, visited with the young and the old. The Santa Special is returning north passing 2015. Send material to EDITOR, at the former Reading Railroad Cressona station on its way back to Minersville. Photo by Charlie Plantholt. 3025 Orlando Avenue, Parkville, MD 21234-7832 or by e-mail. INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 WELCOME! The monthly business meeting of the Baltimore Chapter NRHS will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Visitors Center of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum, 1911 Falls Road, three blocks from the Amtrak Station and adjacent to the CSX Belt Line crossing of the Jones Falls Valley. Please wear your membership badge to the meeting. Bring a Guest. Welcome new members to our Society! Following the business meeting, member Jim Kleeman will present a digital slide program of his many travels during 2014, including some incredible photos at the Owosso Steam Fest. Plan to attend. The Chapter will also commemorate its 79th Anniversary this evening. The actual date of the founding of the Chapter is January 20, 1936.

From the Ex-President's Desk The editor has given me this opportunity to write one more message to thank all of the membership for your support of my presidency. Thank you for overlooking my gaffs in meeting procedure. Thanks to all the Board members for their support. I took the definition of President to be one who presides over meetings, membership and/or board, not one who forces through a personal agenda. The Board of Directors runs the chapter and the President is but one vote of 9 on all matters to be handled. Special thanks to Charlie Plantholt, ¨Mr. Baltimore Chapter¨, to whom I could turn for assistance and advice. Let me close by saying I reversed myself on one thing I said, I have rejoined the National for 2015. Our very good and able National Representative, Richard Shulby, convinced me in his last email message to the Board, to wait and see how the new leadership works to restore the stability of the NRHS. I recommend to all of you, to do the same. Martin K. (Ken) Van Horn

From the President's Desk A new year has begun, one which most likely be of great importance to the National Railway Historical Society and the Baltimore Chapter as well. It remains to be seen whether the national NRHS leadership can surmount the numerous challenges it faces, both from within and from outside the organization. But whatever should transpire within the national NRHS, it remains important to consider that the Baltimore Chapter itself remains thriving, with an active membership and healthy treasury. Your newly-elected president was one of many adamantly pledging to leave the NRHS at the end of this year for a number of reasons, only some of which were related to the current National leadership turmoil. Like a few others, though, I have decided to hang in there for the time being, if only to have a more active say in what the future of the organization should be and how the Chapter can best outline its own role as part of this future, if warranted. I believe it would be best for the membership of this Chapter to at least stand behind the Chapter in whatever path it may take in the months and years to come--otherwise, why are we saving any of this history, and for whom? I wish all our readers a happy and prosperous 2015. Sandy Mitchell From the Treasurer's Desk Happy New Year to all our Chapter members, friends, National officers and directors and our fellow NRHS Chapters. As noted by our past and incoming President, 2015 will be a challenging year for the NRHS as it gets its financial house in order. Of particular interest to our membership, about 140 of you have sent in your chapter dues for 2015. And only two of you have withdrawn your membership and become subscribers to our newsletter. Thank you very much. That's the good news. The bad news is that membership for about 60 of you has expired as of December 31. Won't you dig into that pile of year-end invoices, and submit your membership renewal for 2015? Now, for some full disclosure. Some of you, not many, did not understand the invoice I prepared for this year's renewals. To be a member and to receive the Interchange in either paper or e-format, the dues are just INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 $9.00. But some of you added in $15.00 for a paper copy of the newsletter, and some even added in $5.00 for the e-Interchange. For now, if you did this, I will record these payments as a donation to the Chapter as I deposit the checks sent. But if you would like a refund of the overpayment, let me know, and I will send you a refund. Some of you may wonder why a paper copy of a subscription to the Interchange is more than the Chapter dues. It is simple. The Board of Directors wants you to remain a member of the NRHS. The response to date would indicate that most of you do want to remain members of the NRHS. Hopefully, you have sent off a check to National to cover your National dues. National will be sending Chapters a report of those who do renew their National dues. The other piece of bad news is that the Chapter only recorded one new member during 2014 (and this person is a member of another chapter). This obviously has to change. But how to do this has all of us scratching our heads. There is one person out there who says he used to be a member and suggests we fold our tent here in Baltimore and close up shop. I certainly do not agree with this person's viewpoint. But if you, the members do not take an active role in growing the chapter with new members, that may very well happen in the not too distant future as our aging membership passes on to the train operation in the sky. It is definitely a different world out there than it was 45 years ago when I joined the Chapter. The railroads provided a lot of members; they were cooperative with us, willing to operate excursions, and in general, supported the efforts of the NRHS. Today, take a step onto railroad property, and even though you do not have any malice in mind, you could very easily end in trouble. We are a "historical society." As such our library is a repository of a lot of historical material. It is our core effort of manage this treasure. And to make it available for those who would like to use this material. And there are young people out there who do enjoy the history of our railroads and transit companies. We just have to find them and kindle their interest in the NRHS. I have enjoyed my 45 years with the Chapter, most of it in some position of responsibility. I hope to continue these efforts as long as my health enables me to do so. And that goes for the other directors and members who support our Chapter in one way or another. These thoughts are mine alone, not the Chapter's. I hope you all stay healthy and safe in the New Year. Enough said. Charlie Plantholt In Memoriam The Baltimore Chapter regrets to announce the passing of two members and three former members in recent weeks. Ronald H. Deiter Ron Deiter passed on December 10, 2014. He had been in failing health over the past year, and succumbed to natural causes. Ronald H. Deiter was a long-time member of the Washington DC and Baltimore Chapters NRHS, and the Old Dominion Division of the Railway Enthusiasts. He was the editor of the Washington Chapter’s newsletter The Timetable for many years, and also served as the president of the Washington Chapter for several years. Ron met Linda on a Baltimore Chapter fan trip to Luray, VA, in the fall of 1967, and they married a couple years later. Ron was an avid electric railway enthusiast, and was very knowledgeable about current and long abandoned electric railways in the U.S. and Europe. He wrote the book The Story of Metro in 1990, which is a well researched detailed history of the early days of the DC Metro system from design and construction through 1985. He also had several articles about electric railways published in national and historic publications.

Ramon Reno Ramon Reno passed in October 2014. He had been a Baltimore Chapter member since 1987. After leaving Baltimore, he lived in South Carolina and then New Mexico, but retained his Chapter membership. A note received indicated, "He was proud to be a member."

Raymond Davis Ray Davis passed on December 3, 2014. He was a past member of the Baltimore Chapter. When he could get away from his work, he visited our tables at the train shows in Timonium. For lovers of Bluegrass Music, he INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 was a radio disc jockey of this genre of music for 65 years, starting at age 15 and retiring in 2013 at age 80. His last show was in drive time on BluegrassCountry.org from his basement in West Virginia for Washington radio station WAMU, and on a Sunday morning show, featuring mostly classic bluegrass recordings from the 40s to the 90s, with a bit of the modern era mostly from the early generations of bluegrass performers. He really loved train songs, and usually featured several recordings during his programs. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Nona Davis.

Joseph M. Jaron and Betty Lou Jaron Joseph Jaron died on November 23, 2014 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. His wife Betty Lou had passed previously after 61 years of marriage. They were both past members of the Baltimore Chapter prior to moving to Meadville many years ago to raise grandchildren. Joe and Betty Lou were regular car hosts on Baltimore Chapter excursions during the 70s and 80s.

Paul Ritterhoff and Rick Obbink Paul Ritterhoof and Rick Obbink were members of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum who passed in December and October respectively. These two members had been very active in the Museum for many decades and were well known to many Baltimore Chapter members who are also members of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum.

The Baltimore Chapter extends its condolences to the families of these members and friends past and present.

BALTIMORE CHAPTER-NRHS Minutes- December 8, 2014 Business Meeting

The meeting was convened at 7:30 by President Martin properly account for sales tax owed to the state. (A full VanHorn. financial report was distributed to the officers.) National Representative: Richard Shulby OFFICER’S REPORTS He reported on the NRHS Board Meeting as President: Martin VanHorn amiable. There was no discussion of forthcoming changes. A “Welcome” was followed by a moment of silence The Board is looking for volunteers to provide many of the to honor veterans, military service personnel, first services that had been purchased under the previous responders; individuals that members wished to remember administration. The national dues renewing process is and departed Chapter members Ramon Reno and Ray Davis beginning and is being performed by Fernley and Fernley. and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members Rick Obbink Payment on-line is preferred to help the cash flow situation. and Paul Ritterhoff. Volunteers to count ballots were Debit cards used for payment will incur an ATM fee. requested and two members agreed. Minutes of the Planning for the 2015 Convention in Rutland is proceeding. November 10, 2014 were approved as printed in the 124 registrations have been received to date and thirty Interchange. percent of the reserved hotel rooms are booked. Treasurer: Charles Plantholt There will be two rail camps: the first in Wilmington, November 2014 General Account: $62.02 Income; Delaware to be held July 5-10 and the second in Portland, $107.49 Expenses; $45.47 Deficit. Income was from Oregon August 2-8. Volunteers are needed for the rail interest and expenses were for printing the Interchange. camps. $53 was received from John Engleman for sale of The new business model that was not approved will timetables. The Chapter received a note from the family of be examined to determine which elements are viable. The Ramon Reno stating how proud Ramon was to have been a scope of services that had been performed by Fernley and member of the Baltimore Chapter. The treasurer spoke on Fernley has been reduced. They were paid $75/ hour for the contributions of other recently deceased members. direct services. $28,000 in billing has been disputed. The Excluding bequests to the Chapter, income and NRHS News is only available electronically and will be sent expenses for the year are about equal. $4,100 in sales will to members who provide an E-mail address. Members be transferred to the general account in December. It was should send their E-mail address with their national dues explained that a separate sales account is maintained to renewal. Our Treasurer indicated he will forward his list of INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 members E-mail addresses to our National Representative. Questions followed the presentation. Whether the failure to The next issue of the NRHS Bulletin is printed and will be adopt the new business model was due to its substance or mailed when funds permit. The NRHS Bulletin will be the manner in which it was handled was raised. It was felt retained but the format is under study. that both factors played a role. The role of the Advisory The NRHS Trust Fund is set up with directed Council will be part of the discussions of the business donations. The recent national officers are trustees of the model by the Board. fund. The appointment of trustees in the future has not been determined at this time. Non-directed contributions Due to the length of the presentation and questions that held by the fund must be transferred to the organization but followed, the meeting was recessed at 8:17 for the program the timing is up to the trustees. and reconvened at 9:28 for announcement of election NRHS records at Fernley and Fernley are being results. No other reports from officers or committee chairs transferred. The film collection will also be moved. were presented at the meeting. The evening’s program Deteriorating films are being digitally copied. The 2015 about the Southern Railway Pre-Norfolk Southern: The Late budget will be addressed at the January Board meeting in 60’s to 1982 was presented by Bill Hopkins. Roanoke. The NRHS discount program will be continued for 2015. The sale of NRHS library holdings has been put Officers elected to serve during 2015 are: on hold. A group to store and maintain the collection is President Alexander Mitchell IV being sought. The Lancaster and Harrisburg Chapters are 1st Vice President Mark Hummel funding membership pins. The lawsuit against NRHS has 2nd Vice President Glenn Orletsky S been settled but the amount to be awarded has not been Secretary Melvin Ginsburg announced. The nature of the lawsuit was explained in Treasurer Charles Plantholt response to questions raised at the meeting. National Representative Richard Shulby The Chapter is asked to handle printing of hard Chapter Director Raymond Martin copies of items available from national in electronic form Chapter Director Bob Parks only as an interim solution. Several members expressed Chapter Director Kenneth Spencer concern that members without internet connections are not receiving the full benefits of membership. Given the aging The meeting adjourned at 9:39. of the membership, this was felt to be a significant problem Attendance: 31 members and 4 guests that national must address. The new Board is aware of this issue. It was pointed out that the cost of printing and Respectively submitted, mailing a publication such as the NRHS Bulletin is $8,000 /s/ for the current national membership of 10,000 members. Mel Ginsburg Secretary, Baltimore Chapter, NRHS

D.C. Streetcar Opening Date know that the first day of service is going to be a great day The latest predicted opening date for the opening of for District residents, we don’t want to rush for the sake of the D.C. streetcar is January 19th, 2015. Stay tuned. rushing.” Vince Gray won’t be the DC mayor who gets to cut The streetcar, a 2.5-mile route that runs along H the ribbon on the DC Streetcar, but in one last news dump, Street and Benning Road, had its ceremonial Gray is giving the long-overdue H Street, Northeast, trolley groundbreaking under Mayor Anthony Williams. The an opening date. tracks were laid down under Mayor Adrian Fenty’s The streetcar, after years of planning, construction, administration, with the electrical and other infrastructural and safety testing, is on track to begin passenger service the work completed under Gray. Now it’ll be up to Muriel week of January 19, Gray says in one final news dump. Bowser, the streetcar program’s fourth mayor, to make “Safety continues to be our top priority,” Gray, who Gray’s deadline. (Capital Comment) leaves office Friday, says in a press release. “And while we

INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 Shelley's Commentary by Shelly Hopkins Happy New Year once again to all of our Baltimore steam engines will be operated on the regional railroads in the Chapter members, their families and friends. Let’s hope that Chattanooga, Tennessee area during 2015. everyone stays well, especially as we continue through the Also on the Internet I have visited the site of the Polar cold winter weather. Express Steam Engine, Pere Marquette #1225 in Owasso, At a recent performance with the Roundhouse Michigan. Most of you are familiar with this “Berkshire” 2-8- Ramblers, I had the pleasure of meeting an old friend of ours, 4 locomotive that has been pulling excursion trains for a Mr. Jack Griffin, who was the manager of the combined number of years since the mid 1980’s. You are also aware that B&O/C&O passenger operations from around 1973 until he the original Pere Marquette Railway was merged into the retired from the Chessie System in 1985. While we were Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1947 and the 1225 became setting up our musical equipment prior to the performance, Mr. C&O 2659. Anyhow, once this engine was retired, then saved Griffin recognized me and came up to the stage to converse from the scrappers and restored, it was renumbered back to its with me. Mr. Griffin will be 89 years old very shortly, and original number of 1225. What really amazes me is that in although he has aged like the rest of us, he looked to be in looking at some recent photos taken this year pulling a reasonable health. passenger train, there are several passenger cars, along with the We spent some time reminiscing about the many rail power car, that are painted in the traditional C&O passenger excursion trips that were operated by the Baltimore Chapter car colors, yellow top, Enchantment Blue around the windows NRHS, by RailRoad Passenger Cars (RRP), by other and C&O gray at the bottom and lettered for the Steam organizations, and those sponsored by the Chessie System, Railroading Institute. It is nice to see cars painted in famous including both the Chessie Steam Special and the Chessie fallen flag railroad colors and certainly the C&O was a famous Steam Safety Express Train. Like so many of you who have railroad. been long time chapter members, I don’t think any of us really It is very sad that one cannot find but a small number appreciated those days when we had so many enjoyable train of B&O passenger cars still in operation anywhere in the trips. It is true what they say, “You don’t appreciate what you traditional Baltimore & Ohio “Royal Blue” passenger colors got till it’s gone.” Jack asked me to send along his best wishes and to the best of my knowledge, none are mainline certified to everyone. with Amtrak, at least none have been photographed with any I still have my electric train garden set up here in my Amtrak trains that I have seen in recent times. However there home and everyone who has visited with us over the Christmas are many C&O cars in operation and a few of them are Amtrak and New Year’s Holidays have enjoyed seeing these trains in certified and can be seen occasionally in a consist or at the end action. This is especially true for the youngsters, most of of an Amtrak train; case in point, the former C&O business car whom have not had trains in operation in their homes. All #3 Chapel Hill, probably the most famous of former C&O three of my grandchildren have really enjoyed being able to passenger cars still in operation. operate the trains this year. I will probably keep the trains up Not counting the major railroads that have their own until February. passenger car fleets, I would have to say that there are more As I have been following the progress that the former Pennsylvania Railroad passenger cars in mainline Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has been making over the service than any other fallen flag railroad. This is counting not past couple of years, it certainly has been a pleasure to be able only the ones that have been restored, painted and lettered for to go on the Internet and witness the two former Southern the Pennsylvania, but those that were former “MARC Train” Railway steam locomotives in operation. The big question commuter cars (originally Pennsylvania sleepers) that continue right now is: Will Norfolk Southern actually operate mainline to be operated in mainline service. steam trips in 2015? I realize that along with the rebuilding of Even though it is winter and the weather is cold, the Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 #611 that these locomotives will please don’t forget to visit the various tourist operations that be ready to work their trips, still one has to wonder whether or continue to run during the winter and the museums. They all not trips will be scheduled with all of the congestion of freight continue to need our support and our dollars. Stay healthy and trains moving over their lines. However, even if NS does not stay warm. put a steam program together this year, I’m sure that all three

Thomas The Tank Engine at the B&O Railroad Museum Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the B&O Railroad Museum April 24-26 & May 1-3. Tickets are now on-sale to B&O RR Museum Members. Purchase tickets on line or at the Museum! Tickets go on-sale to the general public beginning January 16.

INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 Bob Janssen Celebrates His 90th Birthday! Great Scale Train Show - January 31-February 1, 2015 On December 31, 2014, Bob Janssen, the Baltimore The Great Scale Train Show is on again on Super Chapter's senior member, with over 70 years of membership, Bowl weekend. The Library Committee will have tables at celebrated his 90th birthday at the Baltimore Streetcar this show once again, to help reduce our inventory of surplus Museum with about 18 of his friends of the Baltimore books, timetables, etc. You can help in one or more ways. Chapter and the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. A delicious First, you could volunteer some time to staff the tables on cake helped to commemorate this milestone. either day. You pay no admission to the show when you volunteer. And you get time to wander through the dozens of vendors' offerings. Second, you can help Ken and Sandy haul the inventory to the Show from the BSM and return it to the BSM. Contact Sandy or Ken to offer your assistance. I think they can also get you into the show, too. Or, third, you can visit the table during your travels through the many tables with thousands of model trains, etc. and make a purchase at our table. Bargain with Ken or Sandy, and they will give you a great deal! All proceeds from our sales go towards future donations for restorations of railroad or transit equipment, or to cover costs associated with the operation of our library. See you there. The show opens at 9 AM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday.

New Coach in Service on the Walkersville Southern For a decade an old MP54 coach languished on a yard track in Walkersville as other projects were given priority. Restoration began in earnest in early 2014 in order to replace the unpopular ex- LIRR 2962, a 1950s-era coach on long term lease, which left Bob took the opportunity to tell us a "Christmas" in mid-August for a new owner in New York. Starting from a story of how he and some fellow co-workers pulled a prank gutted shell covered with rust, peeling paint and no side of their office mates one year. They traditionally went to the walls, no floor, and no B&O warehouse and picked out a nice tree for the office. windows, volunteers worked to restore it to its former glory. This year they decided to bring back a puny looking tree. New steel outer walls were installed, a new floor went in, a Co-workers back in the office spotted the group bringing the heater was installed, the interior was sandblasted and painted puny tree back to the office, and were waiting for them to and paneling was added, light covers and new windows were express their displeasure when Bob and his fellow pranksters put in place, and old paint was removed with a needle scaler got off the elevator. Meanwhile, others had spirited the and an angle grinder and replaced with primer. New seats beautiful tree into another elevator, and when it arrived, there were installed just days before the first Santa run on the last was much relief from their co-workers. They all enjoyed a weekend in November. good laugh. Since the exterior is still a “work in progress,” the car was placed right behind the locomotive so passengers would enter it, not from the side, but through the cars behind it. In the months ahead the exterior will be completed for the 2015 season and the number 7091 will go on its sides. (High Green)

Old Aberdeen Train Station Lifted and Moved: More than a decade of effort by members of the Historical Society of Harford County paid off earlier this week when the 129-year-old former Aberdeen B&O Railroad station was moved 50 feet from the space it had occupied along the railroad tracks since 1885. Once a stop on the B&O's old Royal Bluepassenger line between Baltimore and Philadelphia, the building has not been used as a passenger rail stop since the late 1950s, when passenger service was discontinued. The current owner of the adjoining rail line, CSX, wanted the station moved for safety reasons because of its

proximity to its busy intercity freight operations. The station INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 has been vacant for a number of the years after the railroad History: One More Time quite using it for track gangs and to store supplies. The Historical Society has been working with CSX, by: Martin (Ken) Van Horn the City of Aberdeen and various local and state historic To wrap up coverage of the little railroads, both preservation groups for about 11 years to find a new location built and only graded, in northeastern Carroll County and for the station where it can be restored and reopened to the northwestern Baltimore County, I will share these items public as a museum or for some other public use. The which have come to light since last month’s column. Maryland Historical Trust has provided $100,000 in grants to support the project. The former passenger rail station off West Bel Air Avenue is a one-and-a-half-story, Victorian-style structure built with a wooden frame and brick foundation, according to a description provided by the Historical Society. The station was designed by noted architect Frank Furness, a Civil War veteran who designed a number of railroad stations in the Northeast, both small stops like the one in Aberdeen and more grandiose urban terminals like the old Broad Street Station in his native Philadelphia. The existing Amtrak station in Wilmington was also designed by Furness, as was an adjoining office building. (David Anderson/Baltimore Sun, December 19, 2014 via The High Green) This photo shows the depot and post office at Valley Junction where the Hanover Junction, Hanover & Gettysburg R.R. was joined by the Bachmann’s Valley Railorad. Note that this 4-4-0 was antiquated when the photo was taken in the 1870's, by it’s T-boiler, vertical firebox, and inclined cylinders usually found on locos of the 1830's and 40's. I surmise that the view is looking east toward Hanover Junction, where the H.J.H.& G.R.R. joined the Northern Central, and that the loco is on a train heading for Hanover or Gettysburg and the track coming off to the foreground is the Bachmann Valley R.R.. I think this because there was no point for trains from the Bachmann’s Valley to head for either Hanover or Gettysburg at a time when the only connection to the rest of the world of railroading was at Hanover Junction. To the south, the proposed and never built Parkton and Manchester Railroad was to have commenced at Parkton and was projected to extend into Bachmann’s Valley. It was chartered by the Maryland Legislature in 1868 and $60,000 was spent in surveying and grading but in 1870 the company ceased operations. Its charter empowered it to connect with the Western Maryland Railroad or the Frederick & Pennsylvania Line Railroad. The line would have run through a section of country rich in agricultural and mineral resources a distance of thirteen and three quarter miles The On December 16, 2014, the former B&O Railroad station town of Manchester was authorized to subscribe to the stock at Aberdeen, MD was finally ready for movement away or endorse the bonds of the company to the amount of from the CSXT mainline. The top photo shows the station $20,000. After the Western Maryland’s Baltimore & on a beam resting on boggies ready for the move about 50 Harrisburg R.R. was built through Maple Grove, 1.5 miles feet back from the track. The bottom photo shows a CSXT south and east of Manchester, a less ambitious Manchester freight about to pass southbound past the station. Photos Branch R.R. was proposed to connect the town to the W.M. , by James Rogers. but nothing ever came of this scheme either.

INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 New Bike Cars Add Another Spoke on the Wheel of of this unique public-private partnership in helping to Progress restore one of our nation's greatest On Saturday, December 13, new "Bike Cars" were natural assets." added at the end of selected Penn Line trains on With a lack of natural, affordable shell available weekends only. These MARC II Bike Cars have been to support restoration of the two sanctuaries, DNR and its specially modified, featuring colorful graphics on the partners found the quality and quantity of the next best outside and securements for bikes along one entire length thing - fossilized shell - for purchase from Gulf Coast of the car. Opposite from the bike racks are rows of seats Aggregates near Carrabelle, Florida. To address the that can hold two passengers each so you can ride with challenge and expense of moving the large volume of peace of mind and keep an eye on your bike. Previously, material, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation only folding bikes were allowed on MARC trains. negotiated an agreement with CSX to transport the shell at Bicycles on MTA is one of MTA's Go Green programs cost. that help keep Maryland on the move while fostering a Maryland purchased the materials at a cost of healthy environment. Public transportation and bicycles approximately $6.3 million. provide more mobility options to everyone, help improve CSX provided an in-kind investment valued at air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Read our news approximately $2.4 million in the form of reduced-cost release about the new Bike Cars to learn more about this transportation. (Edited from CSX Corp.) customer-friendly enhancement to your MARC Train service. (On Your MARC) Fed spending bill aids Maryland rail projects Maryland state officials, state media outlets, and FINAL CSX OYSTER EXPRESS TRAIN rail advocates are voicing cautious enthusiasm over funds DELIVERED TO CHESAPEAKE identified in the fiscal year 2015 federal spending bill, still BAY to be passed, for both Baltimore's Red Line light rail A unique, year-long partnership between the transit project and the bicounty Purple Line LRT route Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the spanning across northeast Washington, D.C., suburbs. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and CSX Aided by U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), recently came to a close with delivery of the 22nd and outgoing chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, final freight train filled with fossilized oyster shells from the Senate bill identifies $100 million in initial federal Florida funds for the $2.5 billion, 16-mile Purple Line, as well as to the Chesapeake Bay. another $100 million for the $2.9 billion, 14-mile Red Over the past 12 months, CSX has transported Line, linking East Baltimore with Woodlawn, Md. about 100,000 tons of the fossilized shell to help rebuild Fiscal Year 2015 began Oct. 1, 2014. habitat in two Maryland oyster sanctuaries. Speculation is growing as to whether such Trains carrying the shells were delivered to CSX's funding, if passed by Congress as currently expected, Curtis Bay ore pier once every 10 to 14 days, where the might overcome perceived reluctance of incoming shells were transferred to barges for the trip to the Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to aid either project. sanctuaries on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Once in place, The Red Line is considered relatively safe, but the shells provide a habitat where young oysters can advocates of the long-debated Purple Line are fearful that thrive. Gov.-elect Hogan will attempt to scuttle the project, Viable oyster reefs and the ecosystem they sometimes citing the reversal of fortune for the Arlington, support provide natural filtering capabilities to help Va., streetcar proposal on the other side of Washington, improve the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, filtering D.C., terminated last month. ( Douglas John Brown, silt, sediment and nitrates from the water. Railway Age) With the help of partners, the State has planted more than a billion oysters in the Harris Creek Sanctuary Amtrak posts best year since '73 since 2011. Since restoration efforts began, areas with less Amtrak had its best year since 1973, three years than one oyster per square meter now have upwards of 25 after it was created as a passenger service from the oysters per square meter. financial wreckage of America's regional railroads. "Oysters have been central to the Maryland way That doesn't mean it made a profit. In fiscal year of life for centuries, and restoring the Chesapeake Bay's 2014, which ended Sept. 30, Amtrak reported its lowest oyster beds is critical for this region's environment and the operating loss, $227 million, since 1973, a 37 percent economy," said Michael Ward, president, chairman and improvement from fiscal year 2013. The passenger rail chief executive officer of CSX. "CSX is proud to be a part system reported unaudited record revenue of $3.2 billion, INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, and the AMTRAK’s COSCIA, SMART’s PREVISICH ASK eighth out of the past nine years. CONGRESS TO BOOST During fiscal 2014, nearly 31 million passengers PASSENGER-RAIL INVESTMENTS traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains that Amtrak Chairman Anthony Coscia on Dec. 10 connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three called on Congress to provide long-term, dedicated capital Canadian provinces. investments to develop and implement passenger-rail "America's Railroad" said it covered 93 percent of service along rail corridors between major U.S. cities. its operating costs with ticket sales and other revenues, up Testifying before the Senate Subcommittee on from 89 percent the year before. That's an unprecedented Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine margin, said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari. Infrastructure, Safety and Security, Coscia said such The Northeast Corridor had an operating surplus investments would "unlock intercity passenger rail’s of $496.7 million in fiscal 2014, up from $390.1 million potential" and, as a result, would stimulate the economy. the previous year, Amtrak said. Its long-distance service, "Amtrak's growth over the past 10 years, by contrast, had an operating loss of $507.5 million in especially on intercity corridors between 100 to 500 miles, fiscal 2014, compared to a loss of $594.2 million last year. hints at the tremendous opportunity of developing a The long-distance routes include the daily robust, nationwide passenger-rail system focused on city California Zephyr, which connects Chicago with San pairs," Coscia said in a prepared statement. "In such Francisco, with stops in the Nebraska cities of Omaha, corridors throughout the globe, high speed and higher- Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege and McCook, and the speed trains are not only an essential mode of southern Iowa cities of Creston, Osceola, Ottumwa, Mt. transportation, but also a significant driver of local Pleasant and Burlington. development and economic growth." "Our financial performance over the past year is The United States should "fully embrace" the clearest indication yet that Amtrak's investments, investment in passenger rail to strengthen its economy and operating efficiencies and focus on its customers is paying "improve the quality of our lives," he added. off," said Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia, in a news When the new Congress convenes in January, it release. " should consider approving the creation of a Transportation Amtrak has reduced debt 61 percent over the past Trust Fund that recognizes the importance of intercity seven years to $1.3 billion. passenger rail, said Coscia. Over the past few years, the company has seen the A multi-year funding mechanism also would expansion of state-supported services, the introduction of enable Amtrak to build major capital projects that would Wi-Fi and eTicketing technologies, the procurement of allow for faster and more reliable rail service between new equipment for Northeast Corridor and long-distance cities, he added. services, a major planning effort for the development of John Previsich, president of the transportation next-generation high-speed rail, and the installation of division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, positive train control safety technology to more sections of Air Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), also track maintained by Amtrak, among other critical capital called on the committee and Congress to pass long-term projects, Amtrak said. "These actions form the transportation funding that includes predictable, dedicated foundation that will support more and faster service, sources of funding during his testimony on Wednesday. improve the reliability and safety of current and future "Amtrak has set ridership records in 10 of the last operations, and meet the expectations of a growing 11 years, and polling that our union has commissioned number of customers choosing Amtrak for their travel throughout the country shows overwhelming support for needs." more service and increased funding for Amtrak," said But to meet those passenger demands, CEO Joe Previsich in a prepared statement. Boardman said more federal investment is needed to Although Amtrak ridership has been growing, improve, expand and replace the aging infrastructure that inadequate federal funding has caused the rail system to supports intercity passenger rail. age and deteriorate. Meanwhile, other countries — most Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger notably China — are investing heavily in modern Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine-member board passenger-rail systems, "leaving American of directors appointed by the President and confirmed by competitiveness, and American workers, further and the U.S. Senate. (Sioux City Journal via Piedmont- further behind," said Previsich. Carolina Flyer) “Passenger rail reauthorization is an opportunity to make needed investments in a critical segment of our transportation system," he said. (Progressive Railroading via Lancaster Dispatcher) INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 Steam to return to Cheat Bridge as part of Cass along the mountain between Cheat Bridge and Spruce,” Railfan Weekend 2015 says Association President Paul Rujak. “We are grateful As part of a new partnership between the Durbin for this opportunity to work with the D&GVRR personnel & Greenbrier Valley Railroad and the Mountain State to offer something innovative for our patrons next year.” Railroad & Logging Historical Association, steam will For more information on Cass Railfan Weekend, return to Cheat Bridge for two days next spring as part of go to www.msrlha.org. the Association’s annual three-day Cass Railfan Weekend. The three-day steam and diesel weekend tradition, Rampart, St. Claude streetcar line work to begin catered for photographers and railroad enthusiasts will Project, years in the making, expected to take two take place in Cass on May 15-17, 2015, featuring photo years to finish runbys with Cass’ geared Shay locomotives to popular (While Maryland politicians fret about various issues locations such as Whittaker, Spruce, and Bald Knob. A realted to two proposed light rail lines, the folks in New new partnership between the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley orleans, and other cities continue to move forward.) Railroad and the non-profit association of the Cass Workers from Entergy and Cox Communications Railroad will allow for a unique two-day rare mileage have been busy clearing the way of power lines and excursion across West Virginia Central trackage between cables. Now the main phase of construction on a new spur Spruce and Cheat Bridge. of the city’s famous streetcar system is about to get “This will be the first time steam has returned to underway. Shavers Fork of the Cheat River since 2008,” says Joe After years of planning and debate, contractors for the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority will Gonzalez, a 48-year veteran and co-chairman to the begin work this month on a new line from Canal Street to annual Railfan Weekend. “This unique opportunity, Elysian Fields Avenue running along Rampart Street and attributed to a new partnership between railroad St. Claude Avenue. management of the D&GVRR and our association will Justin Augustine, the agency’s general manager, allow us to offer something new and exciting to our said the project will take about two years to complete once patrons in 2015.” the work gets started. As with the Loyola Avenue spur, The D&GVRR operates several seasonal tourist which opened in January 2013, city officials hope the trains between Cheat Bridge and Spruce, such as the Cheat investment will pay off by generating economic Mountain Salamander. Each of the railroad’s trains, development in a part of the city where revitalization however, are powered by restored Western Maryland and efforts have proceeded in fits and starts. Chesapeake & Ohio diesels. “When we first introduced the concept, we wanted The excursion will feature Cass Heisler No. 6, a to revitalize and renew parts of the city, and we knew that former Meadow River Lumber Co. three-truck Heisler along that corridor, you’d be touching five historic built in 1929. The Heisler is preferred because of its neighborhoods,” Augustine said, referring to the French ability to perform at greater speeds over longer routes, as Quarter, Iberville, the Treme, the Marigny and the Upper opposed to its Shay cousins. The 36-mile roundtrip 9th Ward. “We’re hoping with all of our projects that we excursion will operate on Friday May 15th and again on spur economic development.” Saturday May 16. Simultaneously, Cass Shay locomotives The new Rampart line is one part of a $3.5 billion, will power excursions toward Bald Knob from Cass. long-term spending program at the RTA, which includes Due to limited seating capacity, patrons are being more than 33 miles worth of new streetcar lines. In all, split into two groups throughout the weekend. Group ‘A’ that expansion would cost more than $900 million, with will ride and photograph the rare mileage excursion out of new lines running along St. Claude to Poland Avenue, Cheat Bridge on Friday, while Group ‘B’ will depart from along Elysian Fields toward both the lakefront and the riverfront, and connecting Carrollton and Claiborne Cass, ascending through the switchbacks for an afternoon avenues, among others. trip to Bald Knob. On Saturday, Group ‘B’ will then ride So far, only the Rampart expansion has funding, the rare mileage excursion from Cheat Bridge, with Group however. The main phase of construction will be paid for ‘A’ departing from Cass. This ticketing system, part of the with $41.5 million from a 2010 bond sale. (Andrew association’s all-inclusive Railfan Weekend package, Vanacore, The Advocate) ensures that all photographers will be able to experience both trips. “Not only is this a rare mileage excursion for steam and diesel powered trains, but it is a train designed for rail photographers with several runby stops planned INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015 Swimming in the RR Water Tank pump would be shut off when the tank filled, but what if by Loren W. McDaniel Mr. Henderson let it run over, as he had been known to The 1920s and 1930s have been called the “Golden do once before. It was too tiring to hang on to the ladder, Age of Railroads” with respect to the traveling public. I so they put on their overalls and let themselves down into lived a stone’s throw from all railroad activities (at age 8 I the water at intervals to float and rest. Eventually evening couldn’t throw a 5-Oz stone much farther than from came. The pump stopped when the water came to the 3rd to 1st), that is, depot, switching areas, stockyards, overflow pipe, about 3 feet from the entrance hatch. Mr. pump station and elevated water tank for thirsty locomotives. Henderson concluded his shut-down procedure, filled his Maintenance of the water supply for the trains was pipe, locked the pump house, pushed his motor car back performed by an elderly gentleman named Mr. on the track and put-putted his way eastward. Henderson, a crusty Scot who lived in a small town on Four boys, hungry, exhausted, skin wrinkled from the railroad about 10 miles east of Urich. Two or three long immersion, slowly and with very shaky movements times a week, depending on demand, Mr. Henderson descended to solid ground, vowing to never try that came riding the rails on his small motor car to operate the exercise, “ever again.” They were very quiet, each, I pump to refill the elevated tank suppose, wondering at the home reception awaiting. I for Mr. Henderson always welcomed the four of us, one knew I was expected to help with assembling some who usually prowled together as a unit, to explain and bee hive supers. But if to my Dad, I recounted the whole demonstrate the mechanics of the pump system. It was story truthfully, there would be no reprisal, only asking if a steam-operated pump, the steam generated by a big I understood the lesson provided me. He was always like boiler which he heated by coal from the trains. However, that. I’m forever grateful. he also succeeded, with strong, understandable language, The incident described in this story occurred in to imprint our minds with the dire consequences of Urich, catching us “meddling” as he termed it, about his sacred Missouri, where Mr. McDaniel was born and raised until pump-and-tank operations in his absence. Now, you high school age. It was written by Mr. McDaniel in his have probably guessed, I will relate a “meddling” episode. later years and is printed here through the kind sharing of We four were Bill, Joe (Dodo), George and me. A it by his son Jim during an exchange of emails when we suggestion by one of us if it seemed risky or entertaining learned of Mr. McDaniel’s passing in the fall of 2014.. enough was quickly endorsed and put into action. On Thanks to Perry Jones for following up with Jim this hot August day we sat under the railroad water tank McDaniel and for alerting me to his contact. - Ed. (Gulf letting it drip on us, for it did leak, sometimes profusely Coast Railroading) on hot days when nearly empty. It was wood, you see, MARKERS with staves that would shrink when dried creating tiny Railroad freight traffic is said to be at record highs, and the waterfalls all around its circumference. One of us (not I oil trains carrying Bakken crude from fields in the West and of course) said “Why don’t we climb up and see if we in Canada have been a large part of the traffic surge. During can get in it for a swim?” There were no objections. World War II there was another “oil boom” on the rails, Up the ladder we went. Who was first, I don’t when the threat to coastal shipping by Nazi subs kept oil know, Dodo or Bill, probably, as eldest of the group. The traffic off of tankers and barges and put on the rails. The hatch cover was loose, easily shoved aside, and in we New York Central was in the thick of this traffic boom, and I went, shucking off our overalls as we climbed down recently came across this fantastic photo of one of the inside. George, who was last to enter suddenly shouted countless thousands of oil trains that rode the Water Level down “I hear Mr. Henderson’s motor car coming.” Route through Buffalo during the years from 1942 to 1945. Panic! What to do? Bill, maybe, or Dodo, probably, History repeats, and today we once again can witness long advised quietly waiting until Mr. Henderson left. He unit trains of oil tankers heading for Eastern refineries. couldn’t see us and never climbed the tank. (Empire State Express) This was midmorning. A poor choice of action, but the alternative was a face-to-face with an irate Scotsman whose reprisal was unknown. Mr. Henderson fired up his boiler to generate steam, then sat in the shade behind the station, smoked his pipe and read a newspaper (Edinburgh Gazette, probably) until noon when he arose, checked his gauges and started the big pump, then settled down to eat his lunch. Now four boys, who were no longer in swimming mood, watched the water below them slowly, so very slowly, rising toward them. They talked in whispers, which were unnecessary with the pump noises, and water leakage covering their voices. It was a long, exhaustive afternoon. They knew the INTERCHANGE 1 JANUARY 2015

BALTIMORE CHAPTER NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY POST OFFICE BOX 100 LUTHERVILLE, MARYLAND 21094-0100

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

TIME VALUE MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY JANUARY 10, 2015

Chessie System GP9 6603 with a consist of RailRoad Passenger cars equipment makes its station stop at St. Denis, Maryland ca-1975 in a photo from Don Kalkman. Note, the St. Denis station is behind the third coach. Hello members of the Eastern Division. My name is Stuart Rankin and I’m the President of the Metropolitan Division of TCA (METCA) and the Chairman for the 2015 TCA National Convention. It is this this second hat that I wear which brings me to you today.

For the first time in TCA history, the National Convention will be visiting the Big Apple. I want each and every member of the Eastern Division to consider yourself personally invited to attend the 2015 Convention in the New York metro area. This week long event will be unlike any other; there’s a reason that New York City is one of the world’s most popular destinations.

The first half of the week will consist of the “best of the best” trips and tours. During the week we’ll have something for everyone; train related activities including a combination steam train and riverboat cruise, a tour of Grand Central Terminal, a trip to the TCA Headquarters, Museum, and Library in Strasburg PA and more; history related tours such as a visit to the home of FDR with lunch at a restaurant owner by a graduate of the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America, a tour of Sleepy Hollow (yes, of headless horseman fame) and more; military themed tours such as West Point and the aircraft carrier Intrepid; science and technology related tours such as the Cradle of Aviation and the Thomas Alva Edison laboratory and more. Finally what trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without the most famous NYC sights; a daytime ride on the Circle Line going completely around Manhattan, a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or an emotional visit to the 9/11 memorial and museum, and more.

In addition to trips and tours, the second half of the week will include the Welcome Party with a decidedly local “flavor”, the sunset Dinner Cruise along the illuminated Manhattan nighttime skyline, home layout and collection visits (some world class and some more modest), and the concluding Banquet. Not to be left out is the trading hall swap meet. Here’s your chance to find that item for your collection from a new/different set of vendors than you normally see at your local meets. We’ll also have participation from some of the hobby’s leading train manufacturers.

The weather in the northeast is particularly nice in June. Although spring will be behind us, typically the hazy, hot and humid dog days of summer haven’t begun yet. This really will be a once in a lifetime experience to have a TCA National Convention in such a location.

Be prepared to have the time of your life as you put yourself in a New York state of mind. I really hope that I do see you in June 2015. For further details and complete descriptions of every trip, tour and event, check out the new permanent TCA convention website at: www.TCAconvention.org Hello members of the WB&A Chapter. My name is Stuart Rankin and I’m the President of the Metropolitan Division of TCA (METCA) and the Chairman for the 2015 TCA National Convention. It is this this second hat that I wear which brings me to you today.

For the first time in TCA history, the National Convention will be visiting the Big Apple. I want each and every member of the WB&A Chapter to consider yourself personally invited to attend the 2015 Convention in the New York metro area. This week long event will be unlike any other; there’s a reason that New York City is one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Volume 55 January 2015 Number 2

Meeting Information [email protected] so that I can transfer you Bill Todd directly to the email distribution list.

The October ODC meeting will be held at Hull St. Station, 102 Hull St., at 7:00 on 1/19. Our program January Museum Host Schedule Linda Nelon will be presented by prospective new member Richard Todd on Midwest railroading, including 3 Saturday Ned Krack Gift Shop around the Twin Cities and Central Illinois in the Bob Stevens Host 1980-90s. "Fallen Flags" will be included in this Calvin Boles Host excellent slide show. You will enjoy the trains in territory many ODC fans have not visited yet. 4 Sunday Ned Krack Gift Shop Refreshments available too. Be sure to come out Jack Newsom Host Kim Young Host and bring a friend.

10 Saturday Randy Ridgley Gift Shop Membership Renewals Jacob Hoffman Host Kim Young Calvin Boles Host

Beginning this year, local and national membership 11 Sunday Greg Hodges Gift Shop dues will be collected separately. The form for Robert Williams Host renewing your membership in the ODC is on the Jim Lewis Host back page of this issue. Please return this no later than 3/31/15. You may mail it to the address 17 Saturday Ned Krack Gift Shop indicated, leave it in the membership box at the Sam Williamson Host Host station, or pay me at the meetings. Since national membership cards will not include chapter 18 Sunday Carl Steiner Gift Shop membership info we have designed our own. Those Charles Curley Host of you who attend the meetings will be able to get Steve Tarrant Host yours there. If you don’t and would like one please include an SASE with your renewal. You should 24 Saturday Gift Shop have received your national renewal form in the Ned Krack Host nd Bill Taylor Host mail the 2 week of December.

25 Sunday Ned Krack Gift Shop Highball Distribution Bob Dickinson Host Kim Young Jerry Grosshans Host

Just a reminder that if you are receiving The 31 Saturday Gift Shop Highball via snail mail and would like to (1) see the Ray Potter Host pictures in color, (2) save the chapter a few dollars, Chuck Breeden Host and (3) get it several days sooner without worrying about it being torn up please let me know, and I’ll 1 Feb Sunday Gift Shop switch you over to email. Send that request to Jim Lewis Host Bill & Ann Todd Host

Richmond Railroad Museum Report for December There is a museum committee meeting scheduled 2014 for January 10th and we will have a report on it at Reported by Bob Dickinson the January Chapter meeting.

Visitors: 216 (YTD - 2665) Donations: $265.00 Contact Information CORRECTED

Volunteer hours: 278 Hallsboro Yard Chapter meeting attendance: 32 - Steve Tarrant and John DeMajo presented a fine program about the Planning: Bob Dickinson [email protected], 804 history of railroads in Richmond. 262 0516 Gift Shop Sales: $1,016.57 (Includes $456.50 from Davenport diesel restoration: Kevin Frick the Greenburg show.) Coach restoration: Bob Dickinson Thanks to all of the modelers that have worked in Steam program: Kevin Frick [email protected] the museum during the holidays. They opened the Car 71 restoration: Randy Ridgely museum several Friday evenings and extra hours on [email protected], 804 379 5878 other days so that visitors could enjoy the model Commissary car restoration: VACANT Yard master: Bob Dickinson trains! On some of those days we were overwhelmed with visitors and could not spend as Richmond Railroad Museum much time with them as we would have liked! The museum recently received the donation of a Project managers: Bob Dickinson, Bob Stevens brass plaque that was on the building that housed Host scheduling: Linda Nelon [email protected] 804 the old “Locomotive Club”. This building is now 349 2978 (c), 804 745 4974 (h) part of Henrico County’s Div. of Recreation and Museum rental: George Saunders 804 837 5876, Parks. The building is at the end of Lee Avenue in [email protected] Highland Springs next to the Chickanominy River Gift shop: Joe Hart-Bowley [email protected], Greg Hodges [email protected] 804 677 9786 and the old right-of-way of the Richmond & Rappahannock River Railway. An interesting Trips connection is that my grandmother’s father and his brother worked at the Richmond Locomotive Works Chair: Ned Krack [email protected], 804 239 for many years. Her father’s job was delivering the 4067 newly built locomotives to the customer! A lot of Ticket agent/publicity: Kim Young family members attended parties and other [email protected]/tickets@odcnrhs. functions at the “Locomotive Club”. org During my dad’s early years he and the family lived Food service: Tom Hardesty 757 591 2910, on the site which is how the location of the Henrico [email protected] School Board office. (Formally Highland Springs Souvenir sales: Joe Hart-Bowley, Ned Krack, Greg Elementary School and the location of the first Hodges Highland Springs High School.) Since the County Mechanical: Bob Dickinson already owned the adjacent lot they wanted Trainmaster/co-ticket agent: Fred Terry 804 339 additional land to expand the school and purchased 4201

the land from his family. The family in turn bought History the vacant lot across Nine Mile Road and paid a house mover to move the house across the road! Rail historian: Brandy Martin Only problem was they had to do the move in the [email protected] middle of the night after 12 AM since the power Oral historian: VACANT wire for the Richmond City & Seven Pines Railway Chapter historian: Tom Hardesty Co. had to be cut to move the house across the road! Archives: VACANT, Temporarily: Bob Dickinson

This was the only time that the railroad could be Board of Directors shut down. He recalls going to bed on one side of the road and waking up on the other side! Charles Curley – President Calvin Boles – 1st Vice-President John DeMajo – 2nd Vice-President Ned Krack – Secretary/Treasurer John Estes – Director [email protected] 1:00 115 110 Kim Young – Director 2:00 115 101 Bob Dickinson – Director 3:00 115 112 Steve Tarrant – Director 804 233-2192 Souvenir sales = $762.25 (plus $1.75 in donations) Randy Ridgely – Director BBRR crew: Don Page (Engineer), Jason Hatcher Carl Steiner – Director [email protected] 804 (conductor), and Zane Craig (Transportation mgr.) 512-7389 Santa’s: Bill Butler and Bill Shields Other Santa Conductor: Tom Hardesty Santa’s helpers: Marge Hardesty, Janet Trainum, Meeting program: Bill Todd [email protected], and Mrs. Butler 804 746 5735 ODC Trainmaster: Fred Terry Membership: Kim Young Car 706: John Williams and Calvin Boles [email protected] Moo 1: James Dunlap Websites: John DeMajo [email protected] Souvenirs: Ned Krack and June Hodges Highball editor: Kim Young Moo 2: John Estes Social media (Facebook): Kim Young Car 1006: Paul Howell and Bob Highley Chapter mail (excluding memberships & trip Announcer: Greg Hodges tickets): Charles Curley Parking: Bob Dickinson and Bob Williams

Trip Reports – Santa Ned Krack January Archives Photo Charles Curley 12/6 Norfolk and Western's 4-8-0 #376 sits in the Bristol Sold Pulled engine terminal in 1955 in this Ed Patterson photo. 9:30 115 117 (incl. 4 from 10:30) The N&W had quite a few locos with this unusual 10:30 115 105 wheel arrangement. They were used for branch, 11:30 115 100 local and yard work. 1:00 115 116 2:00 123 113 3:00 115 110

Souvenir sales = $714.75 BBRR crew: Matt Dunaway (Engineer) and Andrew Bernier (conductor) Santas: Richard Siebigteroth and Charles Gauntt Santa Conductor: Tom Hardesty

Santa’s helpers: Marge Hardesty, Cindy Siebigteroth, Bella Siebigteroth, and Janet Trainum Picture in Need of a Story Trainmaster: Fred Terry Kim Young/Charles Curley Car 706: John Williams, James Dunlap and Calvin Kevin Frick suggested that a story about the history Boles of the Ashland Car Line Station pictured below Moo 1: Pat Nelson (Charles Curley photo) would be a good idea for an Souvenirs: Ned Krack upcoming Highball. I totally agree. Can I get a Moo 2: Bill Shields volunteer to write it? (If I get more than one, that’s Car 1006: John Estes and Bob Highley fine. I’ll combine the stories and give credit to all Announcer: Greg Hodges authors as having contributed.) Please send any Parking: Bob Dickinson submissions (or any other articles that you might 12/14 like to write) to me at [email protected] or [email protected]. 9:30 115 105 10:30 115 107 11:30 115 77 The National Transportation Safety Board is urging railroads to take immediate action following its investigation of a derailment in Kansas. No one was hurt in the derailment, but it raised new questions about whether America's rail network -- carrying cargo and passengers -- is as safe as it could be, CBS News' Mark Albert reports. The collision in September between two Union Pacific freight trains in Galva, Kansas, may have come down, in part, to a light bulb. In a news release Friday, the NTSB said a green LED light was so bright it out-shined the old- fashioned, incandescent red stoplight nearby. The

engineer accelerated, plowing into an oncoming train. Railroad News Various contributors The NTSB now wants all railroads to eliminate any lighting hazards nationwide. It's the latest in a string From Brandy Martin: In follow up on the loss of of safety issues in the past 18 months on America's the SAL Petersburg Commerce Street station, the 140,000 miles of rails. reason behind the demolition lies in the pending "What we know is the regulators are behind the sale of the former Titmus Optical plant in the 1000 curve," said former NTSB chair Deborah Hersman, block by the City, including the removal of an old who sounded the alarm about crude oil shipments in water tower. For over 20 years AT&T had leased April. "We're losing cars. We're losing millions of space on the tower for its long distance operations. gallons of petroleum, and we aren't prepared." So AT&T needed to find a new space for a tower. Eight days later, train cars carrying crude oil The SAL station site was nearby and found suited derailed and caught fire along the James River in for the purpose. So look for a "radio" tower at the Virginia. site in the future. In December 2013, a derailment in North Dakota

I was in the Staunton area this past Wednesday caused a huge fireball. And in July 2013, 47 people 12/31. Happened upon the Shenandoah Valley died after a derailment in Quebec, Canada. The train operation - a southbound at Verona, Sutton Road was carrying oil from North Dakota's booming crossing, about 1 PM. Bakken oil region. McClatchy correspondent Curtis Tate acknowledges The former N&W Tazewell Depot has been added that the government and the railroads are making to the Virginia Landmarks Register. The station is strides to make rail travel safer. one of two (of 13 originally) remaining on the "Absolutely, they are," he said. "The problem is it Clinch Valley line. The town has started a was too late for 47 people in Quebec." restoration and repurposing project. Tate published an investigation this week that found

gaps in rail oversight, including:  The government lets railroads do their own bridge inspections.  There is no federal database on those bridge conditions, like there is with roads.  New rules that make railroads tell states when large oil shipments pass through only

apply to higher-risk Bakken crude -- not other types of oil. From John DeMajo: Kansas derailment raises vital "I'd like to think that they're doing the best they rail safety questions can," Tate said. "But the question is, will that be Rail safety is back in the spotlight after a new enough?" warning from federal regulators. In a statement to CBS News, the Association of American Railroads said the industry spends half a billion dollars per week on safety. The Department of Transportation is expected to issue new federal rules by spring that may include stronger tank cars, tighter speed restrictions and tougher braking requirements.

The South Richmond Railfan Gerry Grosshans

I was chatting with a chapter member who asked me if I understood what I was hearing on my scanner. As he did not, I am going to write a brief

article about what is "on the air." Probably the most the required message frequent communication is + Passenger trains usually are referred to a PO about each signal passed. The engineer will give the ** Numbers are reused Note that local trains carry a r and the train number, lead locomotive numbe prefix for the division over which they operate. either by name or milepost and the signal's signal, Richmond and points south is the Florence Division display (clear, green, restricting, etc,) either by so locals are F701 (Hopewell) F712 (Ampthill) and color or by name of the display. If you hear a train F724 (Clopton). Each carried the same number on he crews will conduct a "roll- pass by another train t trips to and from destination (not a list of all locals). by" inspection and note any problems or a "looking Norfolk Southern and other roads use a similar good" reply. At night the condition of the EOT system device (lit or not) is also noted. Trains on non- signaled trackage (Bellwood to Hopewell ) or the CSX trains have odd numbers southbound as well BB-operated trackage west from Richmond will get as westbound CSX trains have even numbers a track warrant which is dictated to and repeated by northbound and eastbound. Trains to and from the crew. Slow orders and other information are Portsmouth VA are considered east-west trains even also broadcast, and trains entering a yard normally when travelling south of Richmond, hence there get directions. Defect detectors (3 in Richmond, one may be confusion as mentioned in earlier issues

at Walthall, and one at Carson) broadcast any At terminals or where switching takes place, of ten defects or a "no defects" transmission plus an axle you will hear "Three-Step Protection" or something count. If at Collier Yard, you can hear defect similar (“Three-Step,” “Set and centered,” etc.) detectors at Poe and Jack on NS. If there is any mentioned. This is protection for anyone working construct ion, trains will get permission to enter the between cars or a car and locomotive. The three work zone. Of course, this is not a complete steps are: 1. Locomotive reverser is centered (much coverage of transmissions , like an auto transmission in neutral) 2. Brakes are “NEWS YOU CAN USE" The latest edition of set, 3 A switch is thrown with prevents power from TRAINS magazine has a list of train symbol codes reaching traction motors. This protection cannot be and an explanation of such, as follows ' for CSX: removed until the worker on the ground advises that he (or she) is in the clear. Also heard are instructions to switching crews, directions to crew taxi (here in Richmond it is PTl) to pick up or deliver crews and personnel, direct ions to inbound trains as to replacement crews or orders to "tie down" the trains, often revealing information about departure times. When two switchers are working, they often communicate in

order to keep out of the other locomotive’s way. Perhaps the lack of publicity about Jack's death was Departing trains usually ask for signals. the fact that he was in declining health for a number I recently got my hands on a nostalgic magazine of years. named GOOD OLD DAYS. In the slightly over 50 Jack was chiefly known for rescuing and preserving page magazine there were 11 stories of train travel two small Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 (Pacific type) or other railroading (cabooses, etc,). Most were a locomotives, #1238 and #1286, which he operated page or two in length, but reflected on senior on the C&O Hot Springs Branch and later on citizens (such as myself) viewed railroads. trackage in Maryland, both operations being known as Allegheny Central. His equipment was removed LOCOMOTIVES to storage in Staunton, and was last used in Apparently CN is going to be the third line (after operations to and from Clifton Forge known as the BNSF and FEC) to acquire GE ES44C4 units, Virginia Central back in late 1993, after which they which would make sense, as it has easier grades returned to storage in Staunton. When the than CP and has relatively flat trackage all the way Buckingham Branch took over the C&O Piedmont to New Orleans. and Mountain Subdivisions, they needed the space BNSF is still acquiring ES44C4 units. so Jack's equipment was moved to Verona where it NS has acquired at least 100 EMD SD9043 units remains. from UP, to remain patched in UP colors for Many in the DOC knew Jack, but most of those primary use in the coal-producing areas. The road have also gone to their final rewards. If anyone can will call them just SD90 although they are the add to this obituary, please contact me or the editor. equivalent of an SD70MAC. If this is true, we could see them going by the Collier Yard area soon. NS is also collecting older EMD units and getting Model RR Photos Ray Potter more SD70ACe units new. No word on any GE orders or the rebuilding/upgrading of the older GE's. UP is getting more C45's (their terminology for ES44 GE units) I recently got the first issue of the "Upgraded" RAlLFAN & RAILROAD. It has better quality paper but still is trying to be all things to everyone. I noted the discrepancy (again ) in the individual columns on the various lines: the equivalent of two pages of three columns on NS and a half column on UP. BNSF got quite a bit of space, CSX not so much. Maybe the revenue is need but R&R carries

far more advertisements than any other periodical.

Jack Durham Showalter, Jr.

With profound sadness we note the death of Jack Showalter on November 12, at the age of 86. His death was not widely publicized, and I found out about it around Christmastime. A short eulogy is on-line, two sentences from the Staunton News- Leader. Although descendants are mentioned, none named. I, like most railfans who knew him, was aware of his daughter Sally Kamauff (spelling?). One of the many items lost in my fire was a· photograph of a young teenaged Sally Showalter, in proper attire, firing a locomotive for her father.

---

Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015

Georgia Railroad GP7 #1035 seen in Decatur, GA around late ‘70s or early ‘80s. Standing behind her is one of the new MARTA stations not yet opened. It’s sort of like the ‘old against the new’. I always did like those torpedo tanks on the roof with the yellow grabirons. Ed Locklin

Meeting Notice: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Piedmont Carolinas Chapter will be held at John’s Family Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015. See ‘Schedules’ on page 2 for details. The Board of Directors WILL meet at Park Place Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015. 2 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 FROM THE POINT The President’s Message

Hello everyone!

hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. I would encourage all of you to join us for our January meeting to kick off the new year. It will be held at John's Restaurant at 5:30pm on Saturday January 10th. See Virgil's column for program Idetails and location. We will have our first chapter Board of Directors meeting at Park Place Restaurant, 10517 Park Road in Charlotte at 5:30pm on Monday January 19th. Board meetings are open to all chapter members and we encourage you to come and be a participant.

Hope to see all of you on January 10th.

Jim 3 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 4 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015

Amtrak posts best year since '73

mtrak had its best year since 1973, three years after it was created as a passenger service from the financial wreckage of America's regional railroads. AThat doesn't mean it made a profit. In fiscal year 2014, which ended Sept. 30, Amtrak reported its lowest operating loss, $227 million, since 1973, a 37 percent improvement from fiscal year 2013. The passenger rail system reported unaudited record revenue of $3.2 billion, the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, and the eighth out of the past nine years. During fiscal 2014, nearly 31 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. "America's Railroad" said it covered 93 percent of its operating costs with ticket sales and other revenues, up from 89 percent the year before. That's an unprecedented margin, said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari. The Northeast Corridor had an operating surplus of $496.7 million in fiscal 2014, up from $390.1 million the previous year, Amtrak said. Its long-distance service, by contrast, had an operating loss of $507.5 million in fiscal 2014, compared to a loss of $594.2 million last year. The long-distance routes include the daily California Zephyr, which connects Chicago with San Francisco, with stops in the Nebraska cities of Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege and McCook, and the southern Iowa cities of Creston, Osceola, Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant and Burlington. "Our financial performance over the past year is the clearest indication yet that Amtrak's investments, operating efficiencies and focus on its customers is paying off," said Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia, in a news release. " Amtrak has reduced debt 61 percent over the past seven years to $1.3 billion. Over the past few years, the company has seen the expansion of state-supported services, the introduction of Wi-Fi and 5 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 eTicketing technologies, the procurement of new equipment for Northeast Corridor and long-distance services, a major planning effort for the development of next-generation high-speed rail, and the installation of positive train control safety technology to more sections of track maintained by Amtrak, among other critical capital projects, Amtrak said. "These actions form the foundation that will support more and faster service, improve the reliability and safety of current and future operations, and meet the expectations of a growing number of customers choosing Amtrak for their travel needs." But to meet those passenger demands, CEO Joe Boardman said more federal investment is needed to improve, expand and replace the aging infrastructure that supports intercity passenger rail. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine-member board of directors appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

From “Sioux City Journal, 11-13-14"

Durbin & Greenbrier To Take Over Cass Scenic Rail Operations n an agreement executed recently, the West Virginia Department of Commerce-parent of the Department of Natural Resources and the West Virginia State Park system-transferred Cass Scenic Railroad State Park railroad operations to the Elkins-based IDurbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DVGR) to take over Cass railroad operations under its existing contract with the SRA. None of the 14 Cass railroad employees will be let go or forced to relocate. The West Virginia Secretary of Commerce said that the reason for the change was due to a one and a half million dollar state subsidy to keep the railroad running at the Cass State Park. John Smith of the DVGR has proposed construction of a 90-mile rail loop, using existing rail grades, to connect Elkins, Durbin, Cass, Tygart Jctn. and Belington. This plan would cost some $24 million, but bring in about $50 million to the local economy according to Smith. Of course, no mention of where the $24 million is to come from.

From “Turntable Times, Oct, Nov, Dec 2014"

N&W 2156 Update s of this writing, 2156 remains waiting at the gate for the UP to pick her up from St. Louis Museum of Transport. The rumors of why she has not moved continue to circulate but nothing factual has been announced. Factually speaking, NS Aasked to use the Roanoke Chapter Tool Car 1407 to accompany the 2156 back to Roanoke. That will likely make the 1407 the only N&W head end car to ever operate behind each of the 'big three”. It has been reported that the 2156 will move in the first quarter of 2015

From “Turntable Times, Oct, Nov, Dec 2014"

RED SPRINGS AND NORTHERN RAILROAD he Red Springs & Northern Railroad in eastern North Carolina is owned & operated by the non-profit Red Springs & Northern Foundation. They have thirteen miles of ex-ACL track running between Red Springs, NC and Parkton, TNC. There is no train traffic on the line, but the line does connect with the CSX A- line in Parkton. The Foundation frequently offers rides to the public using ex-MOW trailers converted to rider cars utilizing Fairmont motorcars for motive power. Each Christmas season they decorate about one mile of track with lights & displays. Santa is waiting to greet the children at the “North Pole” located just across a trestle.

From “John Green, Waxhaw, NC, 12-17-2014" 6 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 7 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 8 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 9 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 10 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015 11 PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER NRHS January 2015

OFFICERS FOR 2015, PIEDMONT CAROLINAS CHAPTER, INC. NRHS

ELECTED: PRESIDENT JIM McBRY DE VICE PRESIDENT VIRGIL HURLEY SECRETARY LINDSAY ABEE TREASURER GERALD ROBINSON HISTORIAN DARRELL W ILSON MEMBERSHIP CHAIR JIM GREGORY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: VIRGIL HURLEY GERALD ROBINSON JIM GREGORY JOHN GREEN LINDSAY C. ABEE JIM McBRY DE

PHOTOS:

FROM THE

RED SPRINGS &

NORTHERN RR

The Piedmont Flyer is published monthly by the Piedmont Carolinas Chapter, Inc., an affiliate of the National Railway Historical Society. The views presented herein are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of the Chapter or the NRHS. Permission for use of information or quotations from this publication is granted provided proper credit is given. Subscriptions for non-members are $15 per year, payable to the Piedmont Carolinas Chapter, P.O. Box 11753, Charlotte, NC 28220-1753. Contributions and exchange newsletter are welcome and must be sent to the Editor’s address listed below.

EDITOR: Edwin C. Locklin, 10812 Balbriggan Court, Charlotte, NC 28262

CONTRIBUTORS: Jim McBryde, Virgil Hurley, Jim Gregory, Sioux City Journal, Turntable Times, John Green and Neil Moran. THANK YOU!

DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE: January 25, 2015. THE SHORTLINE

“Jingle Bell Express” on Georgia High Bridge 11/29/2014. Photo by Bill Sander CHAMPLAIN VALLEY CHAPTER . NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY VOLUME 50, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2015

MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2015 - 7:30 PM CALENDAR OF DUPONT HALL SHOWS & EVENTS

123 ETHAN ALLEN AVENUE JANUARY 2015 COLCHESTER VERMONT 24-25 Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-5. Eastern States ur January program will feature a presentation entitled “TRAINS AROUND Exposition, West Springfield MA. OTHE WORLD” by Carl Fowler. Carl will present shots from great train rides SEE PAGE 9 for info and Premier in Austria, Switzerland, Alaska, Canada, Oregon and China, plus a few lake-steam- Coach excursion. ers! Those of us who have seen Carl’s past presentations know that this promises to be nothing short of spectacular! Bring a chair and a friend !

continued on Page 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING CALENDAR OF SHOWS & EVENTS he BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the Champlain Valley Chapter will meet on Continued from page 1 TWednesday, January 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM, at Trader Duke’s in the Double Tree Hotel on Williston Road in South Burlington. Meeting is open to any CVC members. MARCH 2015 Any Board members unable to attend please let President Gary Aubin know ahead of time. 14 Vermont Rails 2015, Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Sponsored by North- west Vermont Model Railroad ELECTION OF CHAPTER OFFICERS FOR 2015 Club. NEW LOCATION: Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center, St. here was an error in the listing of chapter officers elected at the November chapter Albans, VT . I-89 Exit 19. Ven- meeting. The corrected list of officers is as follows: dors, railroad displays, operating T model railroads. Admission $5, President Gary Aubin children 6-12 $1, under 6 free. Vice President Stephen Lowe More info at www.nwvrailroad. Secretary Tom Gallagher org. Contact Ron Piro at (802) Treasurer John Gaworecki 878-1135 or [email protected] Memebership Chair John Gaworecki Chapter Historian Laz Scangas Past President Rick Bonneau 24-25 Greenberg’s Toy and Train NRHS Representative Bill Sander Show, Saturday and Sunday, 10AM - 4PM, Shriner’s Audi- At Large Directors John Malcovsky torium, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilm- Larry Green ington, MA. Kids Under 12: Alan Ward FREE! Adults $8.00 (good for both days) The Shortline editor apologizes for the error.

APRIL 2015 GARY KNAPP PRESENTATION RE-SCHEDULED 19 The 2015 Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region Model Rail- TO FEBRUARY road Show, Sunday 10AM - 3 PM. Kearsarge Regional Middle School, North Sutton ince our December chapter meeting was cancelled due to a snowstorm, Gary Knapp NH. Exit 10 (Sutton) off I-89. Shas graciously agreed to give his presentation at the chapter meeting on February More info at http://cvrr.railfan. 11, 2015. net/cvmrr/shows/show2015. htm MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICES

n the event that a Chapter meeting must be cancelled due to inclement weather, I an announcement will be posted on the home page of the Chapter website, www. cvcnrhs.org as soon as the decision is made. In addition, a notice will be sent out by email by the secretary to everyone who has submitted their address. There will be an announcement on Tom Gallagher’s phone (802-888-4835), as well as an announce- RAFFLE AT THE ment on WKOL, 105.1 FM. To have your address added to the list, please contact NOVEMBER MEETING Tom Gallagher at [email protected] Bring your raffle items to the Janu- ary meeting. Save various items such as magazines, railroad forms, ARTHUR GREEN - 1930-2014 schedules, calendars, insulators, posters, etc. and bring them in for We regret to inform you that chapter member Arthur F. Green died of natural causes raffling purposes. on Dec. 19, 2014, one day after his 84th birthday. Among his many interests, he had a love of trains and recently was part of the restoration of the “220 Engine” at Shelburne Museum. He joined our chapter in 1999, and recently had resumed attending chapter meetings. Our sincere condolences to his wife Nancy and their family.

2 FUTURE CHAPTER MEETINGS NEW ROUTE FOR AMTRAK’s VERMONTER AND ACTIVITIES mtrak’s made its long-anticipated route change as the train shifted to a Vermonter Wednesday, February 11, 2015 A more direct move between Springfield MA and East Northfield MA on December 7:30 PM, Chapter Monthly Meeting, 29, 2014. Since its 1995 inception, the Vermonter has used a roundabout routing via Dupont Hall, Fort Ethan Allen Complex, CSX Transportation and New England Central that involved a reverse move at Palmer, Colchester VT. “Mid-Atlantic States on CSX” by Gary Knapp where the two railroads met. The new routing is 11 miles shorter and eliminates the time-consuming direction change at Palmer. The new route also eliminates conflicts Wednesday, March 11, 2015 with CSX freight trains between Springfield and Palmer. 7:30 PM, Chapter Monthly Meeting, Dupont Hall, Fort Ethan Allen Complex, The new routing adds stops at Greenfield MA and Northampton MA, and eventually Colchester VT. “West River Railroad” by will add a stop at Holyoke MA once a new station is completed. The one downside Glenn Annis is that Amherst MA, home of the University of Massachusetts’ main campus and several other colleges, loses service. However Northampton is only eight miles west Wednesday, April 8, 2015 7:30 PM, Chapter Monthly Meeting, of Amherst and it is expected that local commuter bus service can deliver passengers Dupont Hall, Fort Ethan Allen Complex, from Amherst to Northampton. Colchester VT. “ALCOs Across America” At Springfield, the Vermonter will still have a short back-up move, as it will have by Jeff Plant to approach Springfield on CSX tracks from a wye a few hundred yards west of the Wednesday, May 13, 2015 station. 7:30 PM, Chapter Monthly Meeting, Greenfield MA had its first passenger train stop in 47 years, as the last passenger Dupont Hall, Fort Ethan Allen Complex, train stopped there in 1967. Colchester VT. Annual Chapter Auction Large crowds boarded the train at both Greenfield and Northampton, as the temporary wood platforms at both stops overflowed with riders waiting to board the first MEMBERSHIP ADDRESSES southbound train over the restored route. The train crew actually added a third conductor to handle the flow Please let Membership Chairman John Ga- Monday’s northbound train had Amtrak president Joe Boardman on board, and the worecki know of any address corrections or consist included business car Beech Grove, sleeper Pacific Cape, and theatre-observa- additions so our mailing list can be corrected. tion car American View, and led by P42 locomotives Nos. 203 and 105. John’s address is 10Maple Street Ext., Essex Junction, VT 05452-3706. Phone 802-878- The train reached speeds of 79 mph on a segment of the new trackage from 8676, e-mail [email protected]. This Northampton to East Northfield. All of this was made possible by a $75 million com- will ensure that your SHORTLINE and plete rebuilding of Pan Am Southern’s 49-mile former Boston & Maine Connecticut NRHS publications will be sent to the cor- River Main Line. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts now owns the line. rect address. The schedule for the Vermonter has not yet been changed to reflect the improved route (arrival / departure times at Brattleboro, VT and Springfield MA remain unchanged). KEEP FINDING It is expected that the overall schedule will be tightened in the future once additional NEW MEMBERS infrastructure improvements are completed. The current schedule is: Let’s continue finding new members for the Chapter. Contact a friend who Southbound Northbound might like trains, real ones, or model trains, and invite him/her to join you Brattleboro 12:34 PM 5:10 PM at a meeting or other event. Greenfield 1:07 PM 4:27 PM Northampton 1:31 PM 4:03 PM SHORTLINE “ ON-LINE” Springfield 2:50 PM 3:15 PM The SHORTLINE is available to Chapter members on the CVC website. Current and recent past issues are available. Ac- CHAPTER DUES FOR 2015 cess it by using the following link: http:// n accordance with the new dues policy chapter dues, in order to minimize chapter cvcnrhs.org/pages/theshortline.html. For from National, the Chapter is now mailing expenses. Members are asked to future SHORTLINES you may voluntarily I elect to receive only an electronic version responsible for billing and collection of send payment payable to “CVC NRHS” of The SHORTLINE by contacting Tom chapter dues.The Board of Directors has for $15 to: Gallagher at [email protected]. agreed to set chapter dues at $15 per year This will help reduce our chapter’s ex- for all chapter members, and $5 for each John Gaworecki, CVC Treasurer penses for printing and postage. family member at the chapter level. 10 Maple Street Ext Contact Tom if you need a password We do not plan to send notices for Essex Junction, VT 05452-3706 or are having difficulty logging on to the site. 3 Winooski Show 21 years in the Hopper he 21st Annual Dollars for Scholars public, to provide a venue for us to renew the school. TTrain show is in the books. Chief friendships and exchange trains, and to The chapter staffed a table at the show, Elf John Malcovsky reports that the show support the scholarship program for the and hopefully this will result in several raised $3661 for the students of the Win- Winooski School District. Since he has new members. Other chapter members ooski School District. That is over $700 now “retired” from full-time work at the assisted in set-up and take-down. an hour for the 5 hours of the show. Winooski high school, arranging this show John has already booked a date for We want to thank John for all that he has become even more challenging, since the next show. Mark your calendars for does to provide a show to entertain the he no longer has “official” connections at DECEMBER 5, 2015.

JINGLE BELL EXPRESS A BIG HIT

he Ronald McDonald House Charities sex Junction, Essex Junction to Burlington, riders met Santa, listened to stories and Tsecond annual ”Jingle Bell Express” Burlington to Essex Junction, and Essex sang holiday carols. was a tremendous success. The train Junction to St. Albans. Each segment had The trains and crews were provided by ride for children (of all ages!) departed 350 seats available, and all were sold out New England Central Railroad and Ver- from the St. Albans train station for Es- quickly. mont Rail Systems. Our chapter member sex Junction and Burlington on Saturday At Essex Junction, the crowd was en- Joseph Dufresne Jr. was the engineer again November 29. tertained by Frosty the Snowman and by this year. This year the tickets were available for fire trucks from Essex Town and Essex The event raised over $34,000 for the four individual segments: St. Albans to Es- Junction Fire Departments. On the train Ronald McDonald House.

VRAN ANNUAL MEETING HELD November 19

he Vermont Rail Action Network An- Creek, Finger Lakes, Golden Eagle and Former RailAmerica executive Charlie Tnual Meeting was held at the Saint the Hotel-Train. Representatives from Moore was honored for his dedicated Albans Historical Museum on November Trainriders/Northeast and Empire State service. 19, 2014 Passenger Association were there. In attendance was Governor Shumlin, New England Central operated a special The Vermont Rail Action Network is a team Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, many train to the event from Montpelier with and a citizen’s movement, exists to convert legislators and VTrans staff including Sue equipment provided by Vermont Rail generalized public support for rail in Vermont Minter, now Secretary of Transportation System (thanks!). into an active, organized and unified constitu- ency that helps lead Vermont into a new age of and Chris Cole, now Deputy Secretary. The theme for the meeting was “Mon- the train. To improve the environment and to Representatives from 9 different rail- treal, Here We Come!” The status of ensure the economic viability of Vermont busi- roads were in attendance, including New challenges to establishing service to Mon- ness by providing cost effective transportation England Central/Genesee & Wyoming, treal was discussed, with emphasis on the choices, VRAN supports and advocates for the Vermont Rail System, Pan-Am, Amtrak, complexity of dealing with two customs modernization and revitalization of the Vermont rail network for passengers and freight. Providence & Worcester, Saratoga & North services and with Canadian unions.

STB SIDES WITH PAN AM SOUTHERN OVER NECR

ECR and Pan AM Southern have been Junction to East Northfield. for all cars moving over the line. NECR N squabbling over trackage rights on the On June 17, 2014, NECR filed a request stated that waybills were necessary to line between White River Junction VT and to set new terms and conditions for the ensure Pan AM was not providing haulage East Northfield MA. In 1988 ICC required trackage rights over the subject line. Pan service to other carriers. Boston and Maine (B&M) to sell to Central Am Southern (formerly B&M) complained The STB ruled that the NECR was not Vermont Railway (CV) the 48.8-mile por- that NECR (formerly CV) was impos- allowed to impose the new restrictions on tion of the subject line from Windsor, VT ing unreasonable terms and conditions. Pan AM operations on December 23, 2014. to Brattleboro, VT. The ICC required CV Specifically, PAS claims that NECR has (STB Docket No. FD 31250) to grant to B&M trackage rights over the placed speed restrictions on PAS trains and full 72.8 miles of track from White River required production of waybill information

4 FALLING OIL PRICES WON’T HURT RAILROADS?

he stunning collapse in oil prices over confidence, U.S. economic growth reached Dakota Pipeline Authority, said the lower Tthe past several months won’t derail a sizzling 5 percent annual rate last quarter, prices will prompt oil companies to look the railroads’ profit engine even if it does the government recently reported. The re- for ways to reduce costs, but he’s not yet slow the tremendous growth in crude ship- bounding economy is likely to drive even sure how much of an effect it will have ments seen in recent years. greater demand for shipping. on production in the region. “It’s still a Carloads of crude oil spiked nearly Edward Jones analyst Logan Purk says little early to make any firm assessments,” 4,500 percent between 2008 and last year the importance of crude oil shipments Kringstad said. “It helps that the cost of — from 9,500 carloads to 435,560 — as by rail seems to have been inflated by producing oil in the Bakken region is lower production boomed and the cost for a barrel investors. “It seems like whatever loss than in other places, so oil producers can of oil soared into the triple digits. in business they see will be offset by the still profit even when oil prices fall,” said Those prices have tumbled severely, to drop in fuel costs,” Purk said. Don Seale, Norfolk Southern railroad’s $52.69 per barrel Friday, and that has rattled The crude oil business has provided a chief marketing officer. “Oil is being some of the investors who have plowed nice boost for railroads at a time when coal produced. The oil will have to move, and money into companies such as Union Pa- shipments were declining. Profits at the the assets have been invested in tank cars, cific, Norfolk Southern and CSX. All three major U.S. railroads have been improving loop tracks, infrastructure to support crude of those companies have seen their stock steadily along with the economy, reaching by rail,” Seale said during a recent investor prices slip over the past month. But even $13.4 billion in 2013, up from $11.9 billion conference call. with oil prices falling off a cliff, industry in 2012 and $10.9 billion in 2011. Regardless of what happens with oil analysts and railroad executives point out Officials from Union Pacific, Norfolk production, there are reasons to believe that crude shipments still make up just a Southern, CSX and Canadian Pacific all that railroads will continue hauling oil from sliver of the overall freight delivered by tried to reassure investors about crude oil places such as the Bakken that only recently rail. What’s more, because fuel is such a shipments during their latest investment began producing in large quantities. The huge cost in the industry, railroads are a conferences. “I don’t think that we are railroads — which are now delivering 59 direct beneficiary of those falling prices. going to see any knee-jerk reaction. I percent of the roughly 1.2 million barrels Crude oil shipments remain less than 2 don’t think we are going to see anything of oil produced each day in North Dakota percent of all the carloads that major U.S. stopped in the Bakken,” Canadian Pacific — expanded capacity quickly to handle railroads deliver. Sub-$60 oil might force CEO Hunter Harrison said of the massive the surge. producers to rein in spending, but railroads oil and gas fields that stretch from North Because the price of oil varies by — which spend hundreds of million of Dakota and Montana into Canada. market, railroads provide one of the best dollars every quarter on fuel— will see The Bakken region is one of the places avenues for buyers and sellers to get their costs fall away. where railroads are hauling the majority crude to places where the price makes it Those falling energy prices have also of the oil because pipeline capacity hasn’t economical. “Rail is definitely required to proved to be the equivalent of a massive tax been able to keep up with production. get all of the Bakken’s production out to cut for both consumers and businesses, and Through the fall, North Dakota oil drillers market” even if falling prices cut into the railroads stand to benefit from that as well. remained on pace to set a sixth consecutive margins for producers, said Jonathan Gar- Fueled by a rebounding employment, annual record for crude oil production. rett, a senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie. as well as rising consumer and business Justin Kringstad, director of the North (Associated Press)

JAPAN TO BUILD MAGLEV LINE entral Japan Railway (JR Central) Trains will travel at a maximum speed of the Ministry of Land and Infrastructure C hosted ceremonies at Shinagawa over 500km/h on the line and will offer a granted approval in October. station in Tokyo and at Nagoya station journey time of 40 minutes, an hour faster JR Central has been conducting tests of on December 17 to mark the start of than at present. the L0 five-car driverless maglev train on construction on the Yen 5.5 trillion ($US The terminals at Shinagawa and Nagoya a 42.8km track in Yamanashi prefecture. 46.45bn) Chuo maglev line between the will both be situated 40m below ground, Opponents of the project have voiced two cities. with four intermediate stations at Sag- concerns about the environmental impact Major construction on the 286km line, amihara, which is another underground of construction and operation of the mag- 90% of which will be underground or station, and at-grade stops at Kofu, Iida, lev line. through tunnels, is set to begin in 2015 and and Nakatsugawa. JR Central submitted (International Railway Journal) the project is due to be completed in 2027. its plan for the maglev line in August and 5 CMQ RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT FROM TRANSPOT CANADA

ollowing months of work, a multitude of Farnham. struction seasons I’ve ever been involved Fof inspections, and an additional $10M “We had to make this investment. The in. But I knew from my experience work- investment, Central Maine & Quebec Rail- line was covered in snow last February and ing with this team at RailAmerica that I way got the go-ahead it had been looking March when we were finally able to begin would have the support I needed. This for from Transport Canada. our diligence, but we made a commitment investment demonstrates our team’s com- On December 5, CMQ received the of- to Lac-Mégantic Mayor Laroche and citi- mitment to operating the railway in a safe ficial revocation of a series of notices and zens, as well as many regulators, that we and responsible fashion.” orders, confirming immediate threats no would address the years of neglect,” said CMQ considers Phase I of its transfor- longer exist on CMQ railway. The notices CMQ President and CEO John Giles. Giles mation now largely completed. “Not to and orders were transferred to CMQ fol- further commented, “It was an extremely say we don’t have a lot more track and lowing its purchase of bankrupt Montreal tough undertaking. We had industry peers infrastructure work to do next spring, but Maine & Atlantic. CMQ has spent the last questioning the amount of work that we we have already started Phase II, which four months installing more than 32,000 signed up for with such a short construc- focuses on growth, customers, and interline new crossties, 110,000 linear feet of rail, tion season. I knew we were in good hands partners,” added Giles. CMQ continues to and 25,000 tons of ballast, upgrading with Ron Marshall, General Manager of strengthen its sales and marketing team, bridges, culverts, and crossings, complet- Engineering, leading this project with his with a new commercial associate joining ing surfacing work, and removing more team.” the company early in January. We have than 300 in-track rail defects from its Ron Marshall is the 30 year industry a lot to do telling the story of the new main tracks and sidings. The Sherbrooke veteran handpicked by Giles to lead CMQ’s CMQ Railway and reconnecting with our subdivision is the 125 mile backbone of engineering team. When asked about the existing and new shippers. Our sales and CMQ’s Quebec rail line and stretches scope of project, Marshall commented, marketing associate will focus on Quebec from Lac-Mégantic to Brookport just east “This is one of the most challenging con- and Vermont,” concluded Giles. (CMQ)

‘Conrail Boyz’ gang arrested, accused of robbing freight trains

ore than a decade ago they were Sometimes, the gang members would According to authorities at the time, M called the largest gang ever to at- ride trains for miles, unloading goods from the gang had operated for a decade and tack North American railroads and gained moving cars, according to the prosecutor’s stole millions of dollars in goods using enough notoriety to be the subject of a office. The goods were then loaded onto tactics similar to those alleged this week. television documentary. Now, prosecutors vans that would take them to garages in Some members jumped on slow-moving in northern New Jersey say their ringleader Jersey City and North Bergen, the office container cars to find valuable cargo, then is back at it. said. radioed the information to cohorts, who In an age when cyber-criminals can Authorities say they tracked the group imitated rail workers to ask dispatchers make millions with a few keystrokes, rail- for nearly four months and followed the which siding the train was headed for. Once road cargo theft is an anachronism, evok- stolen goods to customers. stopped, they tossed the merchandise into ing images of six-shooters and 10-gallon Authorities charged 40-year-old Edward nearby trucks. hats. But it has not disappeared entirely, Mongon, of Jersey City; 37-year-old John In one January 2001 robbery, thieves as demonstrated by details provided by the Forcum, of Parsippany; and 30-year-old drove a container with 17,496 Sony Play- Hudson County prosecutor’s office, which Elie Kammo, of Union City, with being Station units, worth $5 million, out of a announced the arrests of the so-called leaders of a cargo theft network, burglary, rail yard. “Conrail Boyz” gang Thursday. cargo theft and fencing. Two others are The gang took its name from the rail- The 10 people arrested ran an enterprise charged with cargo theft and five others are road whose northeastern freight routes that targeted shipping containers on CSX charged with theft, fencing and receiving were divided between Norfolk Southern and Norfolk Southern trains, cutting locks stolen property. Attorneys for the defen- and CSX in 1999. Members wore ski caps and stealing high-end merchandise such dants couldn’t immediately be located. monogrammed with “CRB,” according to as clothing, designer shoes, sneakers, Mongon was one of about two dozen authorities at the time. watches, cologne, liquor and electronics, people arrested in 2003 and charged with The group was the subject of a 2005 acting Hudson County Prosecutor Gaetano similar crimes. He pleaded guilty and was episode of the cable TV show “Master- Gregory said. sentenced in 2004 to 13 years in prison. minds.” (Associated Press) 6 BOMBARDIER BOWS OUT ON ACELA BUILD ombardier Inc., a tenacious fighter its preferred supplier by next spring. Its ginning in 2000. Technical glitches initially b in landing the first Amtrak Acela Request for Proposals (RFP), due last Oct. plagued the new gear at first, generating Express contract at the turn of the cen- 1, reportedly drew interest from Seoul, friction amongst Amtrak, Bombardier, and tury, announced it will not compete for South Korea-based Hyundai Rotem, and Alstom, with the two suppliers leveling Amtrak’s next-generation order of high while Siemens AG has not affirmed its lawsuits at each other prior to a settlement speed rail equipment for the railroad’s interest outright in the Amtrak order, its in 2004. Northeast Corridor (NEC). Bombardier, display of HSR equipment at APTA Expo The two suppliers beat out other bids making the announcement Monday, Dec. 2015 in Houston last October was seen as from Siemens and ABB for the Acela 8, 2014, said its decision was made in a marketing bid for both Amtrak’s NEC order, though test equipment offered by part due to Amtrak making changes in its and California’s HSR business. each company for demonstration on the specs for its upcoming order. Amtrak is Bombardier produced the first Acela NEC during the 1990s made the choice expected to purchase 28 trainsets capable of Express trainsets in tandem with Alstom a difficult one for Amtrak from a public speeds up to 160 mph, and may announce SA, with equipment placed into service be- relations perspective. (Railway Age)

CSX OYSTER EXPRESS TRAIN unique, year-long partnership be- than one oyster per square meter now the materials at a cost of approximately A tween the Maryland Department of have upwards of 25 oysters per square $6.3 million. CSX provided an in-kind Natural Resources (DNR), the National meter. “The National Fish and Wildlife investment valued at approximately $2.4 Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Foundation’s partnership with CSX has million in the form of reduced-cost trans- CSX recently came to a close with delivery provided an amazing opportunity to help portation. The Maryland Environmental of the 22nd and final freight train filled with accelerate oyster restoration in the Chesa- Service is coordinating the effort on behalf fossilized oyster shells from Florida to the peake Bay,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive of the state. Production of young oysters Chesapeake Bay. Over the past 12 months, director and chief executive officer, NFWF. and their placement on the new reefs will be CSX has transported about 100,000 tons of “Connecting CSX’s transportation services conducted by the University of Maryland the fossilized shell to help rebuild habitat with the great work of the State of Mary- Center for Environmental Science and the in two Maryland oyster sanctuaries. land and its partners, including the Oyster Oyster Recovery Partnership. Trains carrying the shells were deliv- Recovery Partnership, is a great example of The sanctuaries were chosen for the ini- ered to CSX’s Curtis Bay ore pier once how public and private interests can work tial large-scale restoration project because every 10 to 14 days, where the shells were together to take a significant step toward of their water quality, salinity levels, shape, transferred to barges for the trip to the a healthy Bay ecosystem.” location, and protected sanctuary status sanctuaries on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “Oysters have been central to the Mary- all point to a high likelihood of success. Once in place, the shells provide a habitat land way of life for centuries, and restoring More than 150,000 cubic yards of granite where young oysters can thrive. the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster beds is criti- from a Maryland quarry also will be used Viable oyster reefs and the ecosystem cal for this region’s environment and the as substrate in the sanctuaries. they support provide natural filtering ca- economy,” said Michael Ward, president, Scientists believe the project ultimately pabilities to help improve the water quality chairman and chief executive officer of can serve as a blueprint to expand large- in the Chesapeake Bay, filtering silt, sedi- CSX. “CSX is proud to be a part of this scale oyster restoration efforts to other Bay ment and nitrates from the water. “Using unique public-private partnership in help- tributaries. Maryland and its partners con- the best available science, DNR and our ing to restore one of our nation’s greatest tinue to make progress under all 10 points many partners are working together to natural assets.” of the Governor’s Oyster Restoration and restore oyster habitats in Maryland,” said With a lack of natural, affordable shell Aquaculture Development Plan, adopted DNR Secretary Joe Gill. “We are already available to support restoration of the two in 2010. In 2013, Governor O’Malley seeing remarkable results in Harris Creek. sanctuaries, DNR and its partners found the announced another oyster restoration Once degraded reefs are now teeming with quality and quantity of the next best thing landmark, as the state and its partners life as a direct result of our collaborative - fossilized shell - for purchase from Gulf produced and planted 1.25 billion oysters efforts, and we couldn’t be more excited Coast Aggregates near Carrabelle, Florida. that year. about the progress.” To address the challenge and expense of The University of Maryland Horn Point With the help of partners, the State has moving the large volume of material, the Hatchery was responsible for the record planted more than a billion oysters in the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation - the first time any oyster hatchery in the Harris Creek Sanctuary since 2011. Since negotiated an agreement with CSX to trans- country has passed the 1-billion mark for restoration efforts began, areas with less port the shell at cost. Maryland purchased Eastern oyster spat production. (CSX) 7 NEWS ITEMS * The Vermont Rail System has taken the Massachusetts-Connecticut border, and port. (Progressive Rail) lease on the GMTX SD60 #9000 with radial Pittsfield, Mass., the short line’s northern trucks, as well three MP15AC’s that CP terminus, where it interfaces with CSX. * The Amtrak program to modern- has had in storage – all to handle winter “MassDOT states that the acquisition of ize its long-distance train equipment will traffic levels. They include CP 1404, 1428 the Railroad Assets is intended to facilitate advance to a key milestone today (Dec. and 1433, all in Soo Candy Apple Red. the Commonwealth’s long-term plans to 17), when 18 new baggage cars depart the They are originally Milwaukee Road 468, restore regional passenger service linking CAF USA Elmira, N.Y. facility and travel to 492 and 497 and later Soo 1534, 1558 and the New York City area, and the Northeast Amtrak’s Hialeah maintenance facility for 1563. Through the last months of 2014, the Corridor megalopolis generally, with the final inspections before acceptance. Two Vermont Rail System and Providence & Berkshire region of western Massachu- locomotives and eighteen baggage cars will Worcester were jointly leasing the GMTX setts”, STB noted. (Railway Age) depart the CAF USA Elmira, N.Y., facility SD60 #9000. P&W would use it during on Wednesday, traveling to Albany, N.Y., at the summer months handling P&W stone * MTA Metro-North Railroad has about 8:30 p.m. that evening. From there, trains from Connecticut to Long Island selected a health care firm that specializes the special train will travel through New while VRS uses it in the winter months in sleep disorders to screen all locomotive York to Philadelphia, arriving around 3:30 between Whitehall, N.Y. and Bellows Falls, engineers for sleep apnea. Under a seven- a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18. In Philadelphia, VT. (Numerous public sources) month pilot project, all 410 Metro-North two additional baggage cars that have been engineers and about 20 engineers in train- testing on the Northeast Corridor will be * New York State Governor Andrew ing will undergo an initial screening by the added to the consist. Around 7:30 p.m. Cuomo announced that the Adirondack railroad’s Occupational Health Services on Thursday, 20 of the new baggage cars Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), Department based on industry best prac- will depart Philadelphia following about the nonprofit operator of the Adirondack tices. The locomotive engineers recom- 2 hours behind Silver Service Train 97 Scenic Railroad will receive $791,000 in mended for additional screening will be through Virginia, North Carolina, South state funding to build a new maintenance referred to the contractor, Persante Health Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The special and repair facility. Since the Adirondack Care Inc., Metro-North officials said in a train is expected to arrive in Hialeah, Fla., Scenic Railroad lost its lease agreement at press release. Test data will be analyzed around 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. After the repair facility in Rome on the Griffiths and, if needed, employees will be referred arriving in Hialeah, the baggage cars will Business and Development Park, it has to a sleep specialist for additional testing go through a final round of inspections been maintaining their fleet of 21 passenger or treatment. The railroad is pursuing the before being accepted. The baggage cars cars and 8 locomotives outside in the rail pilot project as part of its response to the are expected to enter revenue service in yard at Utica, as well as in a small one-stall December 2013 derailment near the Bronx early 2015 and subject to be used on any shop in Thendara, just south of Old Forge. that caused four passenger fatalities. An of Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes. The The repair facility will measure 220 feet investigation into the incident revealed the baggage cars are part of a larger order for long by 75 feet wide, with two tracks in train engineer — who later was diagnosed 130 single-level long-distance passenger the building, an inspection pit and room to with sleep apnea — fell asleep and failed cars, including diner, sleeper and bag-dorm repair a variety of equipment. The railroad to stop the train from speeding through a cars. All four car types will modernize is currently looking at land to purchase for curve, which led to the derailment. (Pro- the Amtrak fleet, improve reliability and the project in the vicinity of Utica Union gressive Rail) maintenance, upgrade passenger ameni- Station, north of the railroad tracks. The ties, travel at speeds up to 125 mph and facility will allow the Railroad to better * The Port of Montreal continues to replace units built as far back as the 1940 maintain their equipment to supporting pursue plans to develop a container ter- and 1950s. (RAILPACE) a growing tourism attraction, as well as minal on its property at the Contrecoeur begin a contract work program, repairing facility. The project calls for constructing * The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. rail equipment for other operators. a terminal designed to handle 1.15 million announced today that it received new or- (Railfan & Railroad) 20-foot equivalent units annually. The ders in its first quarter ended November terminal would feature two berths and a 30, 2014 for 14,100 railcar units valued * The Surface Transportation Board container-handling area, an intermodal at $1.24 billion. Orders for the quarter on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 gave pre- yard connected to the port’s main rail include small-cube covered hopper cars for liminary approval to Massachusetts De- network (which connects with CN and sand and cement transportation, boxcars, partment of Transportation (MassDOT) to Canadian Pacific lines), a truck entry portal double-stack intermodal units, automobile acquire “certain physical railroad assets” linked to the local highway network and carrying cars, gondolas and tank cars, both from Canaan, Conn.-based short line Hou- support facilities. Construction could start for crude oil and other commodity types. satonic Railroad Co., Inc. Massachusetts in 2018 pending the acquisition of neces- The average selling price for the orders seeks ownership of Housatonic’s current sary approvals, and the terminal could reflects the diversity of railcar types or- right-of-way between Sheffield, Mass, on begin operating in 2021, according to the dered. (Railpace)

8 HOP ON THE BUS!! To the West Springfield Train Show! Saturday, January 24, 2015 Winter is upon us, and soon it will be time to venture from the cabin and go to a train show! The Big Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA is one of the largest shows in the east, and features FOUR buildings filled with vendors and layouts. Winter weather could make driving difficult, and it could be a long walk from the parking lots. Why not sit with your friends, meet new ones, and ride in comfort in a Premier Coach. Railroad videos will be shown during the trip. Admission to the show has increased from $10 to $14, but as a coach rider, your ticket to the show will be $12. This is included in the total price.

Admission to the show IS INCLUDED with your ticket!!

Convenient Departures From: Arrive: South Burlington 6:00 AM West Springfield 10:15 AM Richmond 6:15 AM Montpelier 6:45 AM Randolph 7:15 AM Leave: West Lebanon, NH 8:00 AM West Springfield 4:30 PM

Fare-$55.00 per person $12.00 Admission to Train Show IS INCLUDED!

THE FINE PRINT- The trip is contingent on adequate participation. Should it be necessary to cancel the trip for any reason, checks will be returned by January 11, 2015. We are unable to refund payments after this date as the bus will be reserved at this time. Reserve your seats EARLY! Please send the bottom part of this form, along with payment to:

Tom Gallagher For Information Call– 802-888-4835 314 Puckerbrush West Road e-mail– [email protected] Hyde Park, VT 05655-9327 —————————————————————————————————————————————— Name______Phone #______

Address______

City, State______Zip______

Number of Passengers @ $55.00______Total enclosed $______

I plan on boarding at:______Thank you for your payment!

Exact pickup locations will be sent with your tickets. WS 2015

9 FIRST CLASS MAIL CHAMPLAIN VALLEY CHAPTER, NRHS CHAMPLAIN VALLEY Box 816 Burlington, VT 05402-0816 P.O.

THE SHORTLINE is published monthly except July and August (when no meetings are held) by the Champlain Valley Chapter, NRHS, an IRS approved non-profit organization under IRS Code, Section 501(c)(3). In 2015, membership dues for NRHS National will be $50.00. Champlain Valley Chapter membership is $15.00 per year, which includes ten issuses of THE SHORTLINE , and is in addition to the National dues. Dues payments and subscription payments (made out to Champlain Valley Chapter, NRHS), as well as membership applications, should be addressed to John M. Gaworecki, Treasurer, 10 Maple St. Ext., Essex Junction, VT 05452-3706. Correspondence and exchange newsletters may be addressed to the Chapter at P.O. Box 816, Burlington, VT 05402-0816. Contributions and letters may be addressed to the Editor at the same address. Editor of THE SHORTLINE is John Gaworecki (e-mail address [email protected]). Rick and Janet Bonneau, at their Winooski Press, handle the printing, collating, and circula- tion of THE SHORTLINE. OPINIONS EXPRESSED by individual writers are their own, and do not necessarily reflect any official view of the Chapter, or NRHS. Volume 36 , Issue 1 SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY January - March 2015

Chapter email address: [email protected] Chapter Website: http://www.trainweb.org/SVRHS Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susquehanna-Valley-Railway-Historical-Society/174143605983935 The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 2 Inclement Weather Reminder: Meeting Reminder: If stormy conditions prevail or are Susquehanna Valley Railway Historical Society holds its regular chapter meetings on the predicted for any meeting night, 2nd Thursday of each month (except July and August) in the Lecture Room at the Vestal Public please contact the Vestal Public Li- Library, 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY. Meetings start at 7:15 PM with general an- brary’s (607) 754-4244 information nouncements and our featured program will begin at 7:30 PM. Doors open for our use at Desk - to verify whether or not the 6:30 PM. on meeting nights. See our meeting & program webpage (http:// facility will be open that eve- www.trainweb.org/SVRHS/news.html). ning. Also, please listen for weather We will have the usual goodies for snacking and beverages will be coffee, tea, or hot bulletins on local radio stations and chocolate. Your donations to help defray the cost of the refreshments are always appreci- TV weather channels for latest up- ated. dated weather and road conditions. Note, if schools are closed, SVRHS Program and Events Calendar: the Library will be closed as well. January 8, Thursday: SVRHS will hold the FINAL MEETING OF THE 2014 BOARD and ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP on the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2015 in the Lecture Room of the Vestal Public Library, 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY. Tradition- Membership Rates ally it will be held in two parts. for 2015

February 12, Thursday: Two short DVD’s presented by Bert Prohaska: SVRHS Chapter membership is $20 Ferryboats, Car Floats, and Liners: This colorful program presents a wide variety of marine with additional family members at traffic in New York Harbor, ranging from huge ocean liners to tugboats, filmed from around the same address $3 each. 1940 to the late 1980s. Railroad ferries include: Lackawanna, Pocono, Elmira, Binghamton, Click on the membership link below Maplewood, Scranton, and others. (Mark I Video Productions). for more details and the Chapter membership form. The Third Avenue El: This trolley line ran high in the sky at blistering speeds from Gun Hill Road, high in the Bronx, to City Hall in lower Manhattan. The line featured a great double NRHS dues ($50 with additional track, double deck cantilever bridge over the Harlem River and wrought iron, stained glass family members at $7 each) are windows, and pot-bellied stoves in the stations. handled separately and directly by the NRHS. See page 7.

March 12, Thursday: DVD from the collection of John Mersereau: For more information on membership The Toast of the Town (1937). In post-Civil War America, this fact based movie shows Jim Fisk contact us via our post office box as one of the greatest con-men and entrepreneur’s in history. The movie concludes with his address, via email (see front cover) or involvement with “Black Friday,” the financial panic of 1869, with fellow financier Jay Gould visit our membership information “who is not represented in this movie” and their attempt to corner the US gold market. Un- page on our website: scrupulous, ambitious partners Jim Fisk (Arnold) and Nick Boyd (Grant) talk tight-fisted busi- http://www.trainweb.org/SVRHS/ nessman Daniel Drew (Donald Meek) into selling them his shipping company, paying with membership.html worthless Confederate bonds. Later, Fisk was worried that his longtime rival, Cornelius Van- derbilt (Clarence Kolb), is trying to take control of his railroad (Erie Railroad). Drew seeks Copyright 2015 help from Fisk, only to have him turn the situation to his own advantage. Fisk and Boyd even- Susquehanna Valley tually become powers to be reckoned with on Wall Street. Railway Historical Society. Meanwhile, both men fall in love with entertainer Josie Mansfield (Farmer). Mansfield agrees to marry Fisk out of gratitude, but really loves Boyd. The Feedwater Heater is the offi- Fisk's greed grows beyond all reason and he tries to corner the market in gold. When Fisk cial publication of the Susquehanna ignores Boyd's warnings, Boyd turns against him, worried that the resulting panic threatens Valley Railway Historical Society, a the financial system of the whole country. The federal government finally intervenes by remember chapter of the National Rail- way Historical Society (NRHS). The leasing its gold reserves, bankrupting Fisk in the process. local chapter was founded in 1962, with headquarters in Binghamton, March 15, Sunday: Deadline for feature articles and other items for inclusion in the 2nd New York. Since 1987 the organiza- Quarter 2015 edition of The Feedwater Heater. Please send all items to the editor at fwhedi- tion has held a provisional charter [email protected] under the New York State Education Department. The Society is a non- Cover Photo: The original Polar Express locomotive leads a Northern Polar Express train westbound profit organization under 501 (c ) (3) near Elsie, MI on December 21, 2014. The popular Christmas movie uses the Pere Marquette #1225 as of the United States Internal Revenue its model for conversion to animation and all sounds were recorded digitally of this locomotive for use in Code. the movie. Photo by Sam Botts This newsletter is published quar- terly by and for the membership. Back Cover Photo: Proving once again, that there are still exciting times along the Southern Tier rails, Correspondence on regional railroad Savanna & Atlanta heritage SD70ACe leads NS train 30T (CP train #930) northbound at the lower history is welcomed. Articles will be Nowlan Road crossing in Hillcrest, NY. Photo by: JJ Young, III considered for future publication in these pages. If you have received Bert’s Christmas Tree: Most of us celebrate Christmas by putting up a Christmas tree every year, mem- this newsletter as a courtesy, please ber Bert Prohaska does too, except his is a railroad Christmas tree. See the photo on page 11 and consider joining. Inquiries should be also click on this link for more pictures: http://www.trainweb.org/SVRHS/photosBertsTree.html sent to our post office box address Bert has also put a YouTube video together of his train display the Buttonwood Valley Holiday Train: (rear cover) or via email (see front https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpEXmV-AM-4 title page). The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 3 OBSERVATION CAR cated to enlighten readers via our newsletters. Attendees by John Goodnough at local programs and exhibits are shown programs to remember how the railroad scenes used to be along the fa- The traditional Christmas miliar corridors of the “fallen flag” lines such as the Erie, the season and the beginning of DL&W, the D&H and the Lehigh Valley, with some glimpses a new year were on the of other regional operations that affected the way people threshold as I sat down to traveled and shipped goods via railroad. In other parts of write this installment of my this edition, you’ll see listings of events we believe would column. Winter hadn’t officially arrived yet, but the way be of interest to members, and reports on what some of the things were going as early as Thanksgiving, virtually no committees are currently doing to keep the focus on the one would believed it was still Fall. We’ve already had realm of rail transportation history in general, and the our early share of sleet, snow and other “winter-like” con- Southern Tier vicinity in particular. ditions visit us here in New York’s Southern Tier. Our Society has been plenty busy with keeping worthy Best wishes to all for a Happy New Year! theme programs flowing, attending or participating in local events, accepting some excellent donations, and pro- NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING viding exhibit items to some regional repositories. Occa- sionally a few of us are out on the “circuit” giving pro- SVRHS will hold the FINAL MEETING OF THE 2014 grams or providing information to folks who submit que- BOARD and ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP ries about railroad history. And we also periodically on the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2015 in the Lecture stumble onto bits of information that had been hidden Room of the Vestal Public Library, 320 Vestal Parkway from view for “eons,” adding more knowledge and histori- East, Vestal, NY. Traditionally it will be held in two parts. cal data to our growing files. The web site and Facebook Page continue to be places frequently visited, thanks to The general Agenda will be as follows: our well-rounded volunteer staff who efficiently maintains them. PART ONE – Final meeting of the 2014 Board of Managers In September, October and November we provided railroad history presentations at the Vestal Library/ Attendee Sign-In Museum for the visiting public; a couple of us even read Call to Order railroad stories to visiting children and their parents at the President’s Remarks Museum on Halloween night. Several of us tended ex- Secretary’s Report hibit and surplus sales tables at regional train shows, in- Treasurer’s Report cluding Binghamton, Greene and Syracuse. Our Pro- Committee Reports grams Committee has arranged some interesting and Receipt of Ballots informative presentations by guest speakers over the last Old Business several months; they have included Steve Stewart, Rich- General Discussions ard Palmer, Jack and Todd Humphrey and Charlie New- Adjournment ton. More is in the “tender” for future meetings! Without our core group of dedicated volunteers, these PART TWO – Annual Meeting of the Membership things could not have happened. Most of you know that the national and local economies are struggling these Re-Call to Order days, and many organizations similar to ours are teeter- Results of Balloting for Board Seats ing on the edge of collapse. Somehow we go doggedly Affirmations of Approval – all actions of officers and Board on, using limited resources to the best advantage, and so for 2014 far here we are, still moving along after 52 years of con- Election of officers: President, Two Vice Presidents, Secre- tinuous existence, and still bringing some quality pro- tary, and Treasurer grams and other services to our membership and the President’s Remarks general public. Comments from the Floor th On December 4 , the Board of Managers met for an- New Business other business session to bring all chapter business up to General Discussions date. I’m happy to report that the treasury is still on a Scheduling of Next Board Meeting good footing; an internal audit by member Ed Betz found Adjournment our financial situation “in fine shape.” We have no outstanding debts, and the income from membership dues Topics to be taken up will include, but not be limited to, the and sales of surplus items have been very good. following: Membership, Archives, Financial & Fundraising, We go into 2015 with a good “head of steam” and Programs, Restorations, Newsletter, Web Site, Relation- promises of oodles more worthy programs and participa- ship with NRHS, Special Projects, Programs and Exhibits, tion in regional events. Constitution and Bylaws. The railroad history affinity community remains dedi- The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 4

OFFICIAL BALLOT The Constitution and Bylaws of Susquehanna Valley Railway Historical Society, headquartered at Binghamton, NY, and a non-profit historical and educational organization operating under Provisional Charter granted per the laws of the State of New York, provides for term limits of elected officers. Incumbent officers whose terms end as of December 31, 2014 are John T. Goodnough and Todd Nielson. The governance documents also provide annual opportunity for any members in good standing to submit letters to the Board of Managers regarding interest in service as elected officers. Mr. Goodnough and Mr. Nielson have submitted letters to the Board, requesting consideration for nomination to serve subsequent three-year terms, and said letters were received at the Board Meeting held December 4, 2014. No others have submitted letters of interest and therefore the aforementioned candidates remain unopposed. This BALLOT is provided to all members in good standing for use in the process for the slate presented. At the time of the Annual Meeting, if any other Board or committee changes are needed, they may be made by appointments, or applicable voting by the attending membership.

Members may vote for one, both, or none, as candidates are unopposed. (Leaving any line blank constitutes an “ABSTAIN” vote).

_____ John T. Goodnough _____Todd Nielson

Please mail ballot to the SVRHS at the address shown on this newsletter, or bring in person to the Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2015.

SVRHS EXHIBITS nearly all the “founders” who were then still active. As time AND PROGRAMS REPORT went on, he served stints as a chapter officer and committee member, doing at least one stretch as President, and Back near the end of August, members of the Archives by the early 80s became our official representative to and Restorations Committees set up a railroad history NRHS. exhibit at the Vestal Historical Society Museum, 328 Ves- For years on end, Don attended virtually every national tal Parkway East, Vestal, NY. The exhibit was visited by convention and regional meeting, and kept us informed of numerous people, and members of SVRHS periodically “doings” at the parental organization’s level. As an avid were on-site for special programs during September, Oc- railroader himself, being employed by the last vestiges of tober and November. The exhibit term has ended as the E-L, then CONRAIL, followed by NS, he had an “insider’s” Museum will be closing for the winter. On December 13th view of contemporary railroading, and a definite connection volunteer members dismantled the display. We are with rail operations of yesteryear, through his contacts with thankful to Museum Director Ramona Kacyvenski and regional historians, researchers and authors, and folks from staff for this opportunity, and look forward to many other the steam and early diesel eras. events where we can participate at Vestal. Over the years he also enhanced many chapter level We still have items out on loan to other local reposito- meetings with superb programs on railroad history, plus ries or places of public visitation, including the Tech some spectacular views he had “lensed” while on trips to far away places. The last time we saw Don on a formal Works on Water Street, Binghamton, the NYS&W Offices th off Chenango Street, Binghamton, and the Deposit His- basis was at the chapter’s 50 Anniversary program in torical Society Museum on Second Street, Deposit, NY; 2012. Don and his wife attended and enjoyed the renewal also Roberson Museum and Science Center and South- of many acquaintances in the rail history and industry ern Tier Health Link, in Binghamton. fields. As everyone also knows, NRHS has recently gone through some trying times, and National Society govern- HATS OFF TO DON JILSON ance changes have rendered the former levels of chapter representation obsolete. Thus, over two years ago the In our haste to keep up with the demands of operating once-familiar post of Chapter National Director was abol- a volunteer organization such as ours, we sometimes ished, and now our links to NRHS are through a District lose sight of people who stayed the course and provided Representative, Mr. Tony White. But partly as a convey- strong support and cohesion during the local Society’s ance of our best wishes to Don and wife during this holiday early years. Such a person is Don Jilson, who most of season, and partly in appreciation of all your past dedicated you know as our long-time Director to NRHS. Don was services, we send this tribute on behalf off all the SVRHS not a 1962 charter member, but joined the ranks of the membership! membership in the 1970s, in time to rub elbows with The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 5

150 YEARS AGO: 1864 ON SOUTHERN TIER RAILS by John Goodnough

The nation was in its fourth year of Civil War and its effects were being experienced by numerous families in the region who had husbands, sons, cousins and uncles in military service. Although removed from the fields of carnage by over 300 miles, reminders of the war’s progress and casualties were coming north virtually every day in the form of tele- graphic messages, copies of newspapers from such places as New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, and too many occasions when trains would pull into stations such as Owego, Union, Hooper, Lestershire, Binghamton, Hallstead, Sus- quehanna or Deposit bearing the remains of soldiers who had died in battle or perished from diseases acquired while serving in the Union army. Lines like the DL&W and the Erie were doing extra duty hauling military supplies and muni- tions, and frequently transporting recruits or veterans to or from such points as New York City, Elmira and Syracuse. By early summer of 1864 a major federal military prison was in operation at Elmira, on approximately 50 acres of low- lying land along the Chemung River. Back in 1861 the site had been set up primarily as the regional military rendezvous and basic training center for recruits going to the south. But nearly three years into the war, the need for overflow incar- ceration of Confederate prisoners had dictated establishment of other places of imprisonment, especially since General U.S. Grant had stopped normal prisoner exchanges. It was his feeling that Confederates captured in war should not be released to serve again in opposition to Union forces on the southern battlefields. As a result, overcrowding at federal The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 6 prison facilities closer to the “seat of war” had been “spree.” However, it was the operator on duty whose re- causing problems with security, maintenance of food sponsibility it was to receive, interpret and follow through and supplies, and the general health of those being with any orders advanced to their post via the wires. Or- held. One Union facility, at Point Lookout, Md., was es- ders had preceded the prison train such that it had right-of- pecially strained. By the end of June ’64, three way over all others. Another westbound train on the Erie trainloads of captured Confederate soldiers had been had recently come through bearing flags that confirmed the brought up from Point Lookout to new quarters inside “Extra” was following soon. The operator was to hold all the large stockade at Elmira. Shelter had been pre- trains intending to go out on the main line until the special pared from some of the barracks and other facilities for- train had cleared. At some point a coal train approached merly used by Union soldier recruits. For larger influxes the depot from inland points on the Hawley Branch, and a of prisoners, tents were erected on nearby open land representative of the crew went into the building to ask for within the prison stockade. The procedure was to bring permission to enter the main line and head east. The groups of prisoners up from Maryland via naval transport agent, erroneously, gave authorization. Within a few min- vessels to the dock at Jersey City, NJ, where the men utes the coal train was headed east on the main Erie were transferred to specially equipped prison trains on tracks, unknowingly in the direction of the oncoming pris- the Erie line. Each train had a regular crew, and con- oner special. At a segment of the tracks known locally as sists included passenger coaches, freight and cattle “King and Fuller’s Cut,” amidst a sweeping curve, the two cars. Such equipment dedicated to carrying prisoners trains bore down on each other. The speed of each train was generally in a partially run-down state, with most was never determined; but assuming both were going amenities for regular passenger and freight handling about 20 mph due to the curvature of the main line through removed. Once aboard, groups of prisoners were the area, their combined speed likely was in the range from shackled and chained so as to have access to bench 35 – 40 mph. Momentum of two heavily loaded trains could seats provided. Generally a Union detail of train guards only result in catastrophe when a collision occurred. Likely consisted of several able-bodied men under command a few of the men on the head-ends of their respective trains of a commissioned officer, but often included some who had only a few seconds to recognize what was about to had been wounded in action but were recovered to the happen; only scant seconds were afforded to act accord- point where they could perform light duties as members ingly. If brakes were applied on either train, it was to no of the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps. This case applied avail. With a sickening crash the two giant consists came when the fourth human cargo of Confederate prisoners together. Engines and head-end cars were tossed into left Jersey City for the run to Elmira on the morning of many grotesque configurations. The sounds of crumpling July 15, 1864. and grating metal, snapping members and splintering wood According to a contemporary account, there were 833 were quickly supplemented by those of escaping steam, Confederate prisoners and 128 Union Army guards, plus and cries of the injured. Over 40 Confederate prisoners the civilian train crew, aboard the Special that slowly and about 20 of their guards died almost immediately, wound its way northwestward after leaving the Jersey along with members of the engine crews. Several others City yards. Daylight departure from the yards had been succumbed in the several hours after the wreckage ceased desired, but as there were some delays in getting all the to hiss and smolder. A large number of southern soldiers prisoners settled and secured aboard the train, it was who died in the wreck was from North Carolina regiments. already about four hours late when the 4-4-0 steam lo- Dozens of the deceased were buried in a mass grave near comotive on the head end began chuffing its way toward Shohola, Pa. While all the commotion was transpiring im- Elmira. Passing Port Jervis later in the morning, the mediately after the collision, five prisoners managed to es- engineer got the speed up to what some historians say cape and elude their captors. Within the next several days, reached nearly 30 mph on some of the straight prisoners who had emerged unscathed or had slight inju- stretches, or tangents of track. But numerous curves on ries were forwarded aboard another Erie train to the prison the Delaware Division slowed progress down to about camp at Elmira that passed by such line side stations as 20 mph along some stretches, especially when the pris- Hancock, Deposit, Susquehanna, Great Bend, Binghamton, oner train reached places along the rock cliffs as the line Lestershire, Union, Owego and Waverly on the way west. neared the point where it dipped into a portion of eastern A lengthy article on the calamity was printed in an issue of Pennsylvania. Towns such as Lackawaxen, Shohola, the BINGHAMTON REPUBLICAN. An official investigation Mast Hope and Mill Rift had stations across the Dela- was begun within hours after medical aid and relief workers ware River from New York State, and the “special” was arrived on the scene. Late in July ’64 an official report gave not obliged to stop, unless train orders were to dictate 787 survivors among the Confederate prisoners who had otherwise. Near Lackawaxen, the Hawley Branch of the been aboard the July 15th rail transportation movement. line accessed northeastern Pennsylvania coal country The depot agent at the junction of the Hawley Branch was out near Honesdale. The branch saw heavy use by found negligent, however he apparently realized his immi- dedicated freight and coal trains. According to ac- nent implication within a short time after word of the crash counts, the telegraph operator at the depot near the arrived at his station; he disappeared, and historians indi- junction with the Erie’s main line was fond of alcoholic cate he was never found. The temporary mass burial site beverages, and had been out the night before on a near Shohola was not disturbed until 1911, when remains The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 7

Above: Amtrak #42, the Salute to Veteran’s engine is seen leading a ferry move on brand new Amtrak baggage cars across the Chenango River bridge near QD in Binghamton, NY. Photo by JJ Young, III. of the known dead were exhumed and transported to a sions and not current President Al Weber. President Weber specially dedicated portion of Elmira’s Woodlawn Ceme- is to be commended for handling the enormous challenge tery. Plaques at the permanent burial site were dedi- he inherited from over a decade of questionable manage- cated to the memories of both northern and southern ment decisions that have left the NRHS virtually bankrupt. If soldiers who died in the railroad accident. The names of at all possible, please consider donating to the NRHS to the Confederate dead face south, and those of the Un- help keep things progressing in a brighter direction during ion men who lost their lives face north. this challenging time in its history. Remember that SVRHS chapter dues are handled NRHS Dues Renewal Notices separately from the NRHS dues. See page 2 for SVRHS If you have not yet remitted your dues for 2015 it is dues information. time to do so. Per our NRHS Representative, the renewal notices are finally in the mail. Please note the Regards, lateness is not the fault of the NRHS. Renewals were Sam Botts held up by Fernley & Fernley. This will be the last time Susquehanna Valley Railway Historical Society NRHS is using F&F as current management is extricat- Editor, The Feedwater Heater ing our group from our contracts with them. For updates on the restoration of N&W Class-J #611 click Please use http://nrhs.com/membership/renew the Fire Up 611 link below: to renew your membership. This is the preferred method since it was announced that the NRHS is being gouged approximately $10 for each check F&F processes. Think of it as the NRHS is losing 20% of your dues for this "service". Also keep in mind that this is the result of previous management deci- The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 8

Above: What will in all likelihood be the final visit to the final visit to the Binghamton area of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is seen passing through BD interlocking along upper Court St. in Binghamton, NY on Thanksgiving Day 2014. Photo by JJ Young, III

Gov. Cuomo announces nearly $18 million • $791,000 to Adirondack Railway Preservation Society to construct a maintenance and repair facility in Utica for the for New York rail projects Adirondack Scenic Railroad; and

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday an- • $567,000 to Mohawk, Adirondack and Northern Railroad nounced $26.8 million in state funds awarded to 38 rail Corp. to repair culverts and bridges on the Lyons Falls and and aviation safety, security and economic development Rome Branch lines. Two crossing will also be rehabilitated. projects. Included in the grants were $17.9 million from the Ticket Sales Open for 2015 NRHS Convention state's Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program awarded to 12 rail projects that call for repairing and Vermont Railway System, the Saratoga & North Creek replacing 65 miles of track and ties, rehabilitating grade Railroad, and timeless New England charm headline the crossings and bridges, and constructing new connec- National Railway Historical Society’s 2015 convention in tions to improve safety and operations, according to a Rutland, Vermont. Taking place June 14-20, 2015, the con- press release issued by the Cuomo administration. vention will feature seven days of rare train rides, one-of-a- "By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we kind photo opportunities and historic tours, followed by a are making long term improvements to our rail and avia- public rail excursion on June 21. tion systems in order to better serve the people who use Highlighting the 2015 convention are specially chartered them, while also expanding economic opportunities passenger trains over the colorful and historic Vermont throughout New York," said Cuomo. Railway System -- many traveling freight-only routes and The funding, included in the state budget, is expected featuring photo runbys. Roundhouse and facility tours are to generate $36 million in new investments for transpor- also planned. Vintage locomotive fans will savor an excur- tation projects statewide. sion on the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad pulled by 1940s-era BL2 diesels, of which only a handful survived. The passenger- and freight-rail awards include: LOCATION: The 2015 NRHS Convention will be based in • $3.3 million to Norfolk Southern Railway to construct Rutland, Vermont from June 14, 2015 to June 20, 2015 new connections and double track to improve operations plus a public excursion on June 21, 2015. at the Bison Yard in Buffalo; HOTELS: The Convention will be based at the Rutland • $3.1 million to the Central New York Railroad of Coo- Holiday Inn which will host all convention meetings, semi- perstown to rehabilitate railroad track in Delaware and nars and the annual banquet. The hotel is offering a special Broome counties; room rate of $99 for one person, $119 for two, $139 for three and $159 for four. Rooms include free hot buffet • $2.3 million to MTA Long Island Rail Road to rehabili- breakfast offered in advance of event departures. tate the Cypress Avenue railroad bridge; Registration and Information: http:// www.nrhs.com/2015_Convention • $1.9 million to Middletown & New Jersey Railroad LLC to rehabilitate railroad track in Orange County;

The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 9

Above: An Amtrak special move of new baggage cars being constructed in Elmira Heights is seen eastbound along the George F. Johnson highway en route to Binghamton and Albany, NY. These special moves have created some exciting times along the Southern Tier’s rail lines this fall and winter. Photo by: JJ Young, III The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 10

STB adopts schedule for E-L Engine and Freight Cars derail in Greene Delaware & Hudson line sale April 11, 1963 by Joe Quinn, Binghamton Press The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has adopted a procedural schedule for Norfolk Southern’s petition to A six-man crew of a northbound Erie-Lackawanna freight purchase 282 miles of track from Canadian Pacific sub- train early today escaped serious injury when the locomo- sidiary Delaware & Hudson Railway. tive swerved onto a siding causing derailment of 11 cars Last month, NS announced it had reached an agree- and the lead engine. ment with CP to buy the D&H line between Sunbury, Pa., Railroad officials investigating at the scene declined to and Schenectady, N.Y., for $217 million. The line con- comment on reports of observers that a switch north of the nects with NS in Sunbury and Binghamton, N.Y. The STB principle crossing here was open, diverting the train from its expects to render a final decision on the transaction no route on the main line onto the siding. later than May 15, 2015. Engineer Paul Loeffler of Norwich estimated the speed of Any person who wishes to participate in the proceeding the train at “37 or 38 miles per hour”. He said he always as a party of record must file, no later than Dec. 29, a brakes the locomotive on its northbound run as it ap- notice of intent to participate. All comments, protests, proached Greene because of “sagging” or a downgrade. requests for conditions, and any other evidence and ar- He was riding in the first of two diesel engines with fireman gument in opposition to the primary application and re- Miles Powell of Whitesboro. The lead engine came to a lated filings, including filings by the U.S. Department of stop just beyond the end of the siding north of the Page Justice and the U.S. Department of Transportation must Seed Co. The engine came to rest with its nose down an be filed by Jan. 15, 2015. Responses to comments, pro- embankment against half of a sheered [sic] utility pole. tests, requests for conditions, other opposition, and rebut- James Page of Norwich, trainman who was aboard the tal in support of the primary application or related filings second engine estimated the time of the accident at 3:45 must be filed by Mar. 31, 2015. o’clock. One section of the train buckled on the siding adjacent to Notice – the former novelty works here, ripping into the side of a building owned by Karl Timmerman of Fayetteville. It also Increase thefts along Southern Tier Rails snapped a utility pole along the siding near the Page Seed Co. yanking down entrance lines to the plant. There has been a dramatic increase of vandalism by One car, apparently carrying grain, rested on its side per- breaking into mainly trailer/container cars on the railroads pendicular to the tracks with some of its cargo spewed onto in the Binghamton Metro area for the purpose of looting the ground. merchandise while trains are idle or stopped for crew Sections of track were torn loose and ties were loosened changes. This is happening in broad daylight and at from their moorings. Area of the main track, some distance nighttime. north of the siding switch, were bowed several feet, appar- With increased rail traffic and larger trains, it has be- ently caused by the force of the train when it diverted onto come harder for the police to keep an eye on everything. the siding rails. If you see any suspicious activity in or around the trains, John Crowley of Binghamton, trainmaster summoned to DO NOT attempt to intervene or take matters into your the scene, said that no statement regarding the cause of own hands. the derailment could be made until superintendent James The railroad police suggest calling 911, report the activ- Conway arrived from Scranton, Pa., headquarters for the ity, and have the 911 dispatcher notify the Norfolk South- railroad division. He said 11 cars and an engine derailed. ern, CP/D&H, or NYS&W police respectively, who will Mr. Page said the train, number BU19, left Binghamton then respond and handle the situation. around 2:30 o’clock and was bound for Utica. The train consisted of 29 freight cars and two engines, he said. RAIL TRAFFIC on The freight was carrying what was described as heavy the Southern Tier cargo, including grain, paper, pulp products and coal, ac- rails is extremely cording to crew members. busy. It is also for Mr. Crowley estimated it would take at least one day to your SAFETY these clear the wreckage. Arrival of a relief train from Scranton “No Trespassing” was expected the morning of the derailment. signs are posted on Trains continued to operate on the single track Utica- railroad property. Binghamton run, he said, by diverting them through Greene Train watching and along a siding west of the main line. photo ops can easily Mr. Loeffler, referring to the braking, saying he was be done from public access areas. “giving it everything it had”. He said it was snowing at the time of the accident and that the tracks were slippery. PLEASE OBEY THE SIGNS Ronald Hart of Utica, a brakeman riding in the caboose, The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 11 said he didn’t feel anything. When he heard the air of the emergency brakes, he said, he thought the train might have struck a car at the crossing. Other members of the crew included Roger Haines of Binghamton, conductor, who was also in the caboose, and John Diefenbacher of Oxford, a trainman, who was a passenger in the second engine with Mr. Page. Assisting railroad investigators was Greene Police Chief William Henning's. Greene firemen directed by Chief Robert Granger were at the scene. Firemen at- tempted to pull several freight cars with a fire truck in an effort to clear the crossing, but to no avail. For more pictures of the derailment click on this link: http://www.trainweb.org/SVRHS/ photosGreeneTrainWreck.html

Above: The 2014 edition of the Annual Toys for Tots train is seen heading north on the D&H with ex-D&H GP38-2 #7307 leading two Amtrak engines and a lengthy train. The train makes several stops along its two day journey along the D&H from Binghamton to Plattsburg, NY. Photo by Bob Pastorkey. The Feedwater Heater Volume 36 , Issue 1 Page 12

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box 2415 Binghamton, NY 13905-2415

Susquehanna Valley Railway Historical Society Officers and Committee Chairmen

Chapter #58 of the National Railway Historical Society (3/24/1962)

President: John Goodnough First Vice President: Bob Pastorkey Second Vice President: Dick Place Secretary: Todd Nielson Treasurer: Frank Tisdell Board of Managers: John Goodnough, Bob Pastorkey, Dick Place, Todd Nielson, Frank Tisdell, Bert Prohaska, Charles Lawson, Jr. Archives/Program Chairman: Bob Pastorkey Restorations Chairman: Frank Tisdell Historian: (Vacant) Newsletter Editor: Sam Botts Hospitality Manager: John Skibitzki Web Site Committee: Todd Nielson (Chairman), Bob Gongleski, Dave Haynes. The SUSQUEHANNOCK Newsletter of the Central PA Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society Chartered November 1973 Volume # 486 January 2015 The Central PA Chapter NRHS wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy, Safe New Year!

January 28th meeting: Bonanza Restaurant in New Columbia PA at 6:00 pm Program: “Early Transportation along the Susquehanna River” by Tim Bittner

The January 28th meeting will be at the Bonanza Restaurant in New Columbia beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner, followed by the meeting and program beginning at 7:00 pm. We have resumed winter hours – please note the dinner will begin at 6:00 pm. The program will be presented by chapter member Tim Bittner, whom always provides the chapter with the January program. Tim will show the development of transportation through black & white photos in the Susquehanna Valley from the 1880’s through the 1930’s, in the area of Sunbury, Lewisburg, Northumberland, Milton, and Watsontown showcasing the rail system, the extensive trolley system, and the canals. As always, Tim’s programs are well researched, informative and always historical, please come out and see what Tim has uncovered for us. The Bonanza is adjacent to US 15 at the New Columbia exit just south of I-80. Please remember to pick up a slip from the Central PA NRHS before ordering your meal, so that the chapter receives a 15% credit back from the Bonanza on each meal purchased. Remember, no reservations are needed for the meal. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings, invite a friend. Inclement Weather Rule: If the Milton School District cancels classes the day of the meeting, the chapter meeting will be cancelled as well. Any late day questions, call President Scott Brouse at 717 524 7254.

2015 NRHS Dues: If you have not done so, please pay your National Dues online or by using the form that was mailed to you in early December and enclosing your check. Anyone, that is not sure what to do, or needs assistance can contact Mark Eyer at [email protected] or at 717 574 1035. National dues are $ 50 per member, and $ 7 additional for family members. Chapter dues are $ 8.00 per member, with checks payable to Central PA NRHS and mailed to P.O. Box 145 White Deer, PA 17887. If you have not paid your chapter dues, please do so now and remit asap. National will provide us with a listing of who has paid their NRHS national dues as well in late January and monthly thereafter. As always, contributions are most welcome.

Pennsylvania RDC moves to restoration facility December 18, 2014 from Trainsnewswire.com

No. 9167 rests on highway wheels for the trip to Columbia. Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society BELLEFONTE, Pa. – The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society’s ex-New Haven Budd Rail Diesel Car No. 9167 has moved to nearby Columbia for restoration.

The car was lifted by crane from its wheels and placed on highway wheels Dec. 15 at Blazer Enterprises in Union Township, after having been moved there by the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad. Preparation for the lift began about 9 a.m. Monday by Rail Mechanical Services of Columbia, PA, the contractor for the restoration work. Alison Crane & Rigging did the lift. Once the car was transferred to highway truck, its trucks were lifted and placed on a flatbed for separate transport by RMS. No. 9167 was moved by Silk Road Transport of Arkport, N.Y. – a specialized transport company – and left the site for Columbia about 2:30 p.m. Officials of BHRS, Nittany & Bald Eagle, the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, the Centre Regional Planning Agency, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were on hand to observe the move. Each of the agencies participated in the partnership that made the restoration possible. The refurbished car is scheduled to return to Bellefonte next summer by rail and under its own power.

The Budd Co. built No. 9167 as New York, New Haven & Hartford No. 40. It was operated in commuter service in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The car was acquired by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation from Penn Central in 1975 for commuter service in the Philadelphia area, and renumbered 9167. It was placed in storage in 1983 and transferred to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1984. That organization later transferred the car to the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. For more information on the museum, go to www.bellefontetrain.org. (Editor’s Note – The expectation is when 9167 returns to Bellefonte in 2015, it would move as a special move under its own power with pilots on the Port Road to Enola or Harrisburg, and then be moved north on the Buffalo Line from Rockville to Lock Haven as a special move as well. The NBER would then move the car from Lock Haven to Bellefonte. This will allow the restored RDC to travel under its own power with railroad pilots and not be on the mainline between Harrisburg and Tyrone interfering with the heavy rail traffic.)

Steamtown fires up former Baldwin 0-6-0 By Justin Franz | December 5, 2014 from Trainsnewswire.com SCRANTON, Pa – After a two-year hiatus, the National Park Service has put the “steam” back in Steamtown. Steamtown National Historic Site fired up its Baldwin Locomotive Works 0-6-0 No. 26 for the first time in 15 years, and park officials say they expect to have the engine operational for the 2015 season. No. 26 was fired up on Dec. 2 and the test revealed a few condensation issues. However the engine steamed flawlessly the following day. “The staff at Steamtown National Historic Site are excited that the Baldwin No. 26 is nearing completion,” Steamtown Superintendent Deborah Conway tells Trains News Wire. “The engine is back in the shop for final assembly and adjustments, painting and finishing work. We look forward to having the engine operating next summer on our yard shuttles.” The locomotive was built by Baldwin in 1926 and was used as a shop switcher there and for the Jackson Iron & Steel Co. The engine came to Steamtown in January 1990. While Steamtown once had three steam locomotives in service in the late 1990s, it has since become known for having more operating diesels than steam locomotives. The last time the park had an operational engine was in 2012 when Canadian National 2-8- 2 No. 3254 was taken out of service for its 15-year overhaul. Two years before that, Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 No. 2317 was also removed from service. It is unclear if and when either locomotive will return to the rails. In fact, the next large engine to return to steam may be Boston & Maine 4-6-2 No. 3713, which has been under restoration for a number of years. (Trainsnewswire.com)

NYS DOT PFRAP Tie Replacement and Grade Crossing Repair Project (Buffalo Line) New York’s Southern Tier Rail Authority has received a contract from NYS DOT for funding for the project. The project would involve the replacement of 8,000 cross ties and the rehabilitation of four highway-railroad grade crossings on the section of the WNYP Buffalo Railroad Line between Olean, NY and the Pennsylvania State Line. The total proposed project will cost $1,345,630.56, comprised of $1,076,504.45 of grant funding from the New York State Department of Transportation Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRAP, at 80%), and $269,126.11 of cash match funding (20%) provided by WNYP. With the approval of NYS DOT, STERA and WNYP have executed a letter agreement for services to include construction contracting services. STERA and its engineering/construction agent WNYP will coordinate construction activities with the affected municipalities. The grade crossing construction has been completed, including a track realignment in Olean, NY. Crossties had been ordered for delivery in August, but ties have been difficult to obtain; only a fraction of the 8,000 ties have been received to date. Tie unavailability will cause installation to be delayed. This project should be completed in 2015, consistent with the NYS DOT contract. Proposed NYS DOT PFRAP Tie Replacement, Grade Crossing, and Switch Repair Project (Cattaraugus County Rail Rehabilitation Project, Southern Tier Extension Line) This is a $2,478,967.20 million project, involving $1,983,173.76 of NYS DOT grant funds and approximately $495,793.44 of WNYP funds (20% match rate). The project involves the installation of 10,000 rail ties between Olean, NY and Killbuck (Cattaraugus County), the repair of 11 rail switches, the installation of 12,000 tons of ballast, surfacing and alignment of track and turnouts, the rehabilitation of three at-grade crossings, and the rehabilitation of 11 turnouts. This project will start in 2015, and it should be completed by the end of 2015. (Southern Tier Rail Authority Meeting Minutes)

Central PA 2015 Membership Donations: The chapter would like to thank the following members for the donations they made to the Central PA Chapter NRHS with their 2015 dues payments in December. David Collins, James Dieffenderfer, V. Scott Graham, Jeff Gifford, and Mark Irvin. Special thanks also to V. Scott Graham for his donation to the” Ed Brouse Memorial Fund” for the installation of PRR signals at the White Deer Station.

2014 Recap at White Deer: It truly was a special year for the Central PA Chapter NRHS and the White Deer Station, the restoration of rail service in the fall of 2013 led to many exciting days at White Deer in 2014. The arrival of the NRHS Board of Directors Excursion train on April 25, and the unloading of 85 passengers at White Deer was just amazing. Our efforts and our abilities did not go unnoticed and the SEDA-COG JRA did a similar trip on September 10 for the dedication of the rail line, and a group of over 100 local dignitaries and invited guests detrained at White Deer for a ceremony and refreshments. Over 200 people arrived by train at the White Deer Station in 2014, that is truly special, and amazing given the loss of the bridge in 1996 and the subsequent efforts to restore rail service to Allenwood. Thanks again to all those members whom gave their time, money, provided food, or performed manual labor or provided other contributions in any way and supported the Central PA Chapter in 2014. THANKS AGAIN FOR MAKING 2014, A TRULY SPECIAL AND HISTORIC YEAR FOR THE CENTRAL PA CHAPTER. Let’s make 2015 even better, and continue the progress that we have made by installing the siding and getting the signals up as well.

New railroad bridge approved for NS Southern Tier line

An artist's conception of the new Portageville Viaduct, with the existing bridge in the background. New York Department of Transportation PORTAGE, N.Y. – The Federal Highway Administration has given the go-ahead for design and construction of a new bridge to replace the Portageville Viaduct over the Genesee River on Norfolk Southern’s ex-Erie Railroad Southern Tier line. The viaduct is at milepost SR 361.66 in the Town of Portage and the Town of Genesee Falls.Construction is to begin this year, with the new span located just south of the existing 1875-era structure. The high bridge is a favorite of railroad photographers, with waterfalls crashing under the high viaduct. Plans are to remove the old bridge when the new one is completed. The New York Department of Transportation has contributed $3 million in design costs for the project and secured $12.5 million in state and federal funds for construction. The balance will be provided by the railroad.

The bridge was identified in 2009 as one of the 10 most significant rail bottlenecks in New York. The new bridge will boost economic growth by allowing more freight to move through the area quickly and efficiently, said New York Department of Transportation commissioner Joan McDonald. Wick Moorman, chief executive officer of Norfolk Southern, said the new bridge would help usher in “a new economic legacy in New York’s Southern Tier.” Construction is expected to take three years, and will result in a span that meets Federal Railroad Administration Class 4 speeds, while reducing ongoing maintenance efforts and costs. Located in Letchworth State Park, the bridge spans the Genesee River approximately 245 feet above the river gorge. The wrought iron viaduct is 820 feet long and sits on six steel towers constructed in 1875. Three spans of pin-locked deck trusses and ten spans of deck plate girders were built in 1903. Norfolk Southern acquired the bridge in 1999 as part of the Conrail transaction. (Trainsnewswire.com) January 2, 2015 Winter Train Excursions from Jim Thorpe and Port Clinton:

JIM THORPE, Pa. – The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway will operate diesel-powered excursion trains on Feb. 14-16 out of Jim Thorpe and Port Clinton, Pa. On Feb. 14-16 the railway will operate passenger trains out of Jim Thorpe for the town’s WinterFest 2015. Besides the train, WinterFest attractions will include woodcarving and ice carving demonstrations, shows at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, Kids’ Shows, and the Jim Thorpe Mug Walk. WinterFest trains will leave Jim Thorpe each day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Standard coach adult tickets are $13, while children 3 to 12 are $9, with children under 3 free. Call 570 325 8485 to purchase tickets.

On Feb. 14, the railway will run a special Valentine’s Day train from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return. The train will depart Port Clinton at 9 a.m. and arrive in Jim Thorpe after 11 a.m. It will leave Jim Thorpe at 3:30 p.m. to return to Port Clinton. Fares are $39 for standard coach seats, while private Pullman rooms are $125 per room. Operated by the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Co. as a sister company, the excursion railroad served a record 72,295 passengers last year. In 2014 the railway expanded its regular schedule to include stops in seven additional Pennsylvania cities. The stops in the additional communities and expansion of the railway's “Bike Train” and “Santa Claus Train” services, helped boost ridership.(Reading Blue Mountain & Northern RR)

A new Norfolk Southern GP33ECO stands outside the Altoona shops. Norfolk Southern ALTOONA, Pa. – The first locomotives funded by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program have been released for road testing by Norfolk Southern from its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona on 1/5. The first two GP33ECO locomotives sport a distinctive paint scheme that reflects their environmentally friendly mission and include an outline of the state in green. The locomotives sport flared radiators at the rear, reminiscent of Electro-Motive Division's SD45 model of the 1960s, but with four-wheel trucks. Railroad spokesman Robin Chapman tells Trains News Wire there will be 25 units, split with 10 going to Chicago and 15 going to Atlanta. The remaining units will be delivered by the end of the year. After in-service testing in the Altoona area, the units will be permanently assigned to their respective grant award areas of Chicago and Atlanta. Funding for the locomotive to be used in the Chicago area was awarded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency, sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Funding for the locomotive to be used in Georgia, on Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta Terminal, was awarded by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. NS will hold dedication ceremonies in the coming weeks. (Trainsnewswire.com & NS)

YOU ARE INVITED TO OLD CAR AND TRAIN DAY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2015 12-5 PM

THE CLEMENT HOME

12106 GARY HILL DR FAIRFAX VA 22030

Bring your significant other, kids, parents, and any other train, antique or old car lovers to join in the fun and fellowship of antique trains and old cars.

Weather permitting, additional antique cars may join us. New additions to the antique train collection are on display and some trains are under power. Bring “show and tell” trains, if you like, and we’ll try to run them. If you have trains to be repaired, this is a good time to drop them off.

A favorite appetizer, finger food or dessert brought for sharing would be gratefully appreciated.

DIRECTIONS: Take Route 66 West to Exit 55, VA 286 (old Route 7100) South to Braddock Road. Turn right toward Clifton/Centreville. Turn left at the traffic light onto Colchester Road and go 2.2 miles. Cross Popes Head Road (Church on corner), turn left on Saddlehorn Drive (Through the brick entranceway into Colchester Hunt Village.) Second right is Gary Hill Drive. We are the first house on the left.

Alternate route: Take Braddock Road West off the 495 Beltway. Travel west about 15 miles, cross under Fairfax Parkway and turn left at the traffic light onto Colchester Road and continue as above.

See you on Train and Old Car Day!

Sandy and Clem Clement Ph. (703) 830-5597 C (571)-239-1701 Email: [email protected]