the DISPATCHER

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL OKLAHOMA RAILFAN CLUB LTD

VOLUME XXIV NOVEMBER 1992 NUMBER 11

MANY IN WATONGA FOR CORC OKC TRAIN SHOW TO BE HELD LOCOMOTIVE #814 WATONGA By Roy Thornton CHIEF INAUGURATION By Howard Thornton The largest train show in the southwest US will be held in the 90,000 square feet transportation Passengers from at least 14 cities in Oklahoma building at the Oklahoma State Fair grounds on were in Watonga on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday, December 5, from 9 to 5, and on October 10 and 11, for the inaugural of the Sunday, December 6, from 11 to 5. Admission Central Oklahoma Railfan Club's completely is $3. Children under 12 are free, when rebuilt former Burlington-Northern locomotive accompanied by an adult. #814, now pulling the Watonga Chief. CORC is looking for volunteers to work during The locomotive was originally built in 1956 by this train show. Those who work at least 2 hours the General Motors Company as Northern during the train show will earn free admission. Pacific passenger locomotive #7003D and Gate attendants, hospitality room hosts, go-fers, became BN #814 when the Burlington took over loaders, contest coordinators, and security are the Northern Pacific. By accident the needed. Contact Ed Birch at Whistlestop Trains, locomotive was allowed to freeze up at from noon to 6 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, Livingston, Montana, at which time the BN 842-4846, to become a volunteer. declared it surplus and donated it to the Central Railfan Club, since they felt it. could not be This year, four gate entries instead of only one economically repaired. The Club was not will need to be manned. Again, the train show is convinced and spent the past five years making looking for each worker to donate cookies, chips, new parts and rebuilding it under the direction of or snack items to supplement the other food Guy Lynn of Norman, the club's mechanical items served to dealers in the hospitality room. chairman. Because the OKC Train Show has attracted The Federal Railway Administration has now 10,000 people annually, over 100 dealers and approved its use and will head the train during (See SHOW, Page 2) the fall season. It is an F9A and has 1750 horsepower. TABLE OF CONTENTS (See INAUGURATION, Page 2) UP 3985 Slide Show 2 Operation Li fesaver 2 NEXT CORC MEETING TO BE Charles Luna Dies 3 NOVEMBER 14. Rail Tax Exemption 3 Engineer Murphy & the Dead Cow 4 At Kirkpatrick Center, 2100 NE 52, 7 pm, Reprints from The Keystone 5 Saturday, November 14. Ed Birch will conduct Reprints from UTU News 6 the meeting. The topic will be the OKC Train Dream Train 6 Show. A slide show of past train shows will Arson Ruins Wanette Bridge 8 start the program. After presenting door prizes Reprints from The Pioneer 8 and serving refreshments, CORC members will What are Dynamic Brakes? 10 volunteer for various duties during the upcoming Strange Railroad Laws 10 OKC Train Show. The train show will be NRHS Agreement with L&RP 11 CORC's December Meeting. Timetable 12 Page 2 the DISPATCHER INAUGURATION, From Page 1 UP3985 SLIDE SHOW COMING Cities sending passengers for the weekend By Roy Thornton included Oklahoma City, Edmond, Dover, Ada, Shawnee, Anadarko, Norman, Mustang, The Canadian County Historical Society, located Midwest City, Del City, Yukon, Longdalc and in the old Rock Island passenger station in El Reno, will host a slide show in it's Popcorn Watonga. A limited number of seats were sold Theater at 7:30 pm, Monday, November 16, at the train on East Main street for the 2 pm 1992. The program will be given by Jackie River Train and 5 pm Dinner Train on October Main, who rode the UP 3985 steam excursion, 10, and for the 2 pm, Red Hill and Dinner trains sponsored by CORC, from Coffeyville to on October 11. McAlester last August 12. The public is invited to attend. • Trains also will operate on October 24, 25, and November 6, 7, 8, 21, 22, and 27. OPERATION LIFESAVER Reprinted from The Keystone Reservations can be made by calling or writing the Watonga Chief Reservation Office, 2936 Their editor has never witnessed a grade crossing Bella Vista, Midwest City, OK, 73110 - phone accident, and an incident on May 12, 1992 in 405-732-0566. • Berryville, VA has him hoping he never will. With NS train #154 out and running on the Hagerstown District, the dispatcher lined SHOW, From Page 1 southbound lite power move NS train #961 even large modular train layouts have signed up (3315, 8005, 8551, 8521, 3938, 5152 into the to attend. Dealer booth space is still available north end of the siding to meet the train. With for $50 each. A dealer booth is 10' x 10', #154 close, and not wanting to stop, #961 moved includes a sign, two tables, chairs, and slowly through the siding, as the northbound hospitality room privileges. Mr Birch has also climbed Pigeon Hill and rolled into town. Main Street crossing came alive as bell and crossing arranged dealer discounts with various area gates went into action. Train #154 (3296, motels. A swappers corner will be provided for 6130(CR), 5015(CR), 3205, r/c car 905-903 and $15 for only a table and chair, but no sign or 41 cars rolled past. As the COT flashed by, the hospitality room privileges. gates briefly went up as the dispatcher began rolling the switch over to align #961 out of the This year's show will feature trophies and siding. At the peak of the arc, the crossing gates ribbons for contest winners. Contest entries came alive and began going down. THEN IT must be made no later than 2 pm Saturday. HAPPENED. An idiot in a white Bronco drove Judging will take place Saturday night after around the lowered gate and lumbered out onto the track. Looking out his driver's side window, closing. Awards will be made Sunday. The Toy and watching almost 18,000 HP worth of Train Operating Society and the National Model locomotives close in on him, from the opposite Railroaders Association will have special direction, he panicked driving his vehicle directly activities including clinics and displays. through the crossing gate on the other side. McNally's Lionel exhibit is expected to be part Close call! I'm sure he was shaken, but so were of this. the train crews as was evident by the radio conversations. Am I upset? You bet I am. No Many smaller displays will be on hand to additional amount of grade crossing protection is complement the modular clubs. Local modular possible as long as people disobey common sense. As we are now into summer when we clubs attending are to be Oklahoma Rail enjoy spending time at trackside, take the time to Enthusiasts, Section Gang, and Oklahoma make your visit a safe one. Set an example for N-Rail. Tulsa N-Rail and Albuquerque HO the public at grade crossings and around railroad Scale have also signed up. • property. Remember OPERATION LIFESAVER is more than a bumper sticker! • the DISPATCHER Page 3

CHARLES LUNA DIES RAIL TAX EXEMPTION COULD SET By Roy Thornton DANGEROUS PRECEDENT Reprinted from UTU News On Thursday, October 1, 1992, Charles Luna, 82, died of a massive heart attack at his home in Owners of a locomotive repair shop in Montana Dallas. Services were held in Dallas on October are waging a scare-tactic campaign in an effort to 5. The Eulogy was given by Graham CI aytor, get out of paying Railroad Retirement taxes for Chairman of Amtrak's board of directors. His their workers, and the UTU and others are wife, Opal, survives along with children and fighting for the workers' rights and against a grand children. potentially dangerous precedent.

"Charles" was the UTU representative on the The Livingston Rebuild Center, a rail car repair Amtrak Board of Directors. He helped to shop and sister company of the Montana Rail organize Amtrak and was it's first board member Link, has twice been turned down by the courts to sign up and his appointment was always in efforts to win exemption from paying Railroad renewed. He was the Board's strongest advocate Retirement and Railroad Unemployment for returning Amtrak service to Oklahoma and Insurance taxes. It is now waging a media was instrumental in the build up of Amtrak campaign to get an amendment attached to a tax service in Texas. His advice to Oklahomans was bill to exempt it from the coverage, claiming it to rally their congressional delegation into cannot compete with companies that are not approaching Amtrak's board as a unit and paying into the fund, and it has convinced demand a free train on the basis that every state Montana Sen. Max Baucus (D) to quickly offer has at least one free train and that Amtrak is up such an amendment to existing tax legislation, supposed to be a "National" Railroad Passenger H.R. 11, without necessary hearings. Corporation. He addressed regional NARP meetings and met with many railroad activists to The UTU, all three members of the Railroad advise them on this matter. retirement Board and others are warning that enactment of such an amendment would "Charley" was the central figure in the jeopardize the retirement system in a number of organization of the United Transportation Union ways and would set a dangerous precedent. It from more than a dozen separate railroad unions would immediately harm all shop employees who and was it's first president. He worked with have been paying into the system and count on several Presidents of the United States in regard retirement and other benefits, and, most to Union matters. He served on the Board of importantly, would prompt similar car repair Directors of the Chicago Union Terminal, the shops and others, perhaps even Class I railroads, Washington, DC Union Terminal, former board to seek identical exemptions which would have a member of the Providence and Wooster Rail­ devastating effect on its employees and the road, consultant for the ICC, and member of the financial health of the Railroad Retirement National Wage and Rules Committee 1949-1951. System.

He was also a personal friend of CORC member, The UTU and others argue the best way to help Howard Thornton, for the last fifteen years. Livingston Rebuild, its employees and other rail This good friendship started when Charley was workers is to revoke the exemptions of those asked by the UTU to develop a travel program firms that won them, thereby creating a "level for UTU retirees. He had heard that Howard playing field" for all. Such a move also would had promoted railroad tours for groups. For help address the long-standing practice of about ten years, UTU retirees and Charley went contracting-out of work, a problem that has on tour with Howard in the US, Canada, and plagued the retirement account for years. Mexico. After seeing how it was done, the UTU decided to organize and promote these tours Cong. Gerry Sikorski (D - Minn.) has offered themselves, but "Charley" and a few other UTU language which would "level the playing field" in members continued to go on some of Howard's his tax legislation, H.R. 4385, and UTU tours. • members are urged to contact their lawmakers to show support of such provisions.

(See TAX, Page 5) Page 4 the DISPATCHER ENGINEER MURPHY AND THE DEAD COW (From "Yarn", a magazine for railway enthusiasts, Auckland, New Zealand, and Dana Dawes, National Director of North Western Illinois Chapter, who shared this wilh Rail Canadien, submitted by Jack Beatty, which we have reprinted. Memo to Superintendent: Hit cow, Mileage 123. Engine OK, Cow dead. Engineer Murphy.

Memo to Engineer Murphy: Your report as to the demise of a bovine creature is to hand. You are hereby advised that a further report is to be submitted as per the example on Circular B S/15/16789. Please forward promptly. Superintendent. Memo to Superintendent: No more to say. Engine still OK. Cow still dead. Engineer Murphy. Memo to Engineer Murphy: Your unsatisfactory report is to hand. Your attention is again drawn to Circular B S/15/16789 which sets out the following questionnaire: What was the boiler pressure at time of incident? Was sand gear working? Was throttle fully open? What was position of cut-off lever? Was brake applied? What was nature of weather and direction of wind? What was the name of fireman and brakeman? What was the nature of injury to the creature? Give description of creature: age, sex, type, markings etc. What is your assessment of damages claimable by this office? Advise immediately of these particulars. Superintendent.

Memo to Superintendent: No steam. Yes. No. None. Yes. Cow not killed by weather, wind, fireman or brakeman. Not enough left of cow to find out the rest. Engineer Murphy.

Memo to Engineer Murphy: Your further unsatisfactory memo is at this office. You are forthwith to explain why your locomotive was not under steam at time of incident and also why it is not equipped with the standard steam cut-off lever. For prompt and full report. Superintendent.

Memo to Superintendent: Driving diesel engine. Needs no steam. Has no cut-off lever. Engineer Murphy.

Memo to Engineer Murphy: This office still awaits your full report as to how creature was killed by your locomotive. For urgent and immediate return to this office. Superintendent.

Memo to Superintendent: Saw cow walking over line. Engine swerved to left to miss cow. Cow kept walking. Engine hit cow. Engineer Murphy. Memo to Engineer Murphy: You are hereby fined $3.00 for insolence. Please advise the nature of the injury to the creature without further delay. Superintendent. Memo to Superintendent: Went to where cow killed. Cow is definitely dead. This cost me $3.00 expenses. Engineer Murphy. Memo to Engineer Murphy: Herewith find special payroll No L80/247 to be signed in duplicate for $3.00 expenses as claimed. This correspondence is now closed. Superintendent

PerR.B.P. Ch'kd. M.D.M. Int. H.R.R. App'ved. L.A.R. Filed H.H.G. Cert. C.A.F. the DISPATCHER Page 5

TAX, From Page 3 The Florida East Coast Railway has approached "We wholeheartedly support our brothers and Amtrak about resumption of passenger service sisters at Livingston Rebuild. We cannot allow along their 300 mile mainline. All steam era such backdoor, scare tactics by the company to facilities were scrapped, and most of the stations succeed. I am urging all UTU members to help were torn down. these workers get the protections they have earned and deserve, and to help themselves as FROM: Turntable Times, Roanoke Chapter well by protecting our Railroad Retirement NRHS: System," said UTU International President G. Have you ever wondered how the Nickel Plate Thomas DuBose. • Road name came about? The Van Sweringen brother, Otis P. and Mantis J., were two bachelor boys that left the farm and went to the Reprinted from The Keystone big city to make their fortune. And make it they did - first in real estate and then in railroads. In FROM: National NRHS News: 1916 they acquired the New York, Chicago, and In Croatia, the civil war has closed about 35 % of St. Louis from the New York Central. While the rail system due to damage of destruction dealing with the NYC for the NYC&St.L, they including 48 km of its track, 16 bridges and were astonished at the asking price. One of them 336km of catenary. As of June, the Croatian replied, "It must be nickel plated." Thus, the Railways faced an estimated repair bill of $602 name. (Whistle Stop) million (US dollars).

FROM: The Trainmaster, Pacific Northwest Amtrak continues to make its trains more Chapter NRHS: compatible to more people and their lifestyles. A 41-year old Detroit man drove his pickup into Auto Train now carries vans. The firm recently the side of a moving Grand Trunk freight, and converted six tri-level auto carriers into bi-levels was dragged a mile before it dislodged and broke thus creating an 85 inch clearance versus 65 free. The driver climbed from his truck onto a inches. Each of the two train sets will have two flat car, where he remained until the train of these carriers while the remaining two will act stopped, 17 miles from point of impact. He told as spares. The vans will be carried for the same fire department officials who found him price as autos this summer, but in the future the warming up in the locomotive cab "It was one carrier will charge more for carrying vans. heck of a ride and it was very cold." He was (From Cinders: car numbers involved are ticketed for driving around a crossing barrier. renumbered 9090-9092, allowing for one car in (Orderboard) each trainset plus a spare).

FROM: Gulf Coast Railroading, Gulf Coast FROM: Bill Soeakman, submitted article from Chapter, NRHS: Wall Street Journal dated 8/21/92: Union Pacific plans to dispose of all their Train spotters, (railfans keeping track of remaining diesel rotary snowplows by the end of locomotives, train numbers, etc.) in London 1992, according to George Cockle of their glimpse or log every machine listed in texts such Public Relations Department in Omaha. as "locomotive Stock Book:. The London's Evening Standard calls this pastime "the world's According to Cockle, UP feels that their roadbed dullest hobby". It can take years to finish and and the plows currently installed on all diesels there are no prizes, just a fresh book to start will be sufficient for all but the most severe scratching off numbers again. Most train weather conditions. In Wyoming, for example, spotters are middle-aged men who took up the steady winds eliminate most drift buildup during hobby as boys, when 20,000 steam engines most years. traveled through Britain. Some spotters now log planes or busses instead, since the number of Persons interested in learning about the locomotives have diminished. The "true disposition plans can contact Union Pacific at spotters" stay loyal to trains. Spotting began in their Public Relations Office, 1416 Dodge St., Victorian times, but didn't take off until 1942, Room 605, Omaha, NB 68179. when a 20-year old rail clerk named Ian Allan became weary of riders' constant queries about (See KEYSTONE, Page 6) Page 6 the DISPATCHER

KEYSTONE, From Page 5 will now form blocks of auto carriers bound for train types He decided to list the railway's stock the same destination and move them manually. in a terse book called "ABC British Locomotives." Mr. Allan has sold 100 Whoosh: Michigan officials have asked DOT to MILLION copies of it and related texts. Women set aside the Detroit-Chicago rail corridor for are now joining this once all-male fraternity. possible high-speed rail passenger and freight Most newspapers and uninitiated people consider service at speeds in excess of 250 kpm (150 it arcane, and many fans pester workers for mph). "inside" information, climb atop stations for better views, etc. (Sound familiar to the U.S.?) Control: The Union Pacific has filed with the Many are now using voice recorders to keep a ICC to win the right to vote the roughly 25 % of better record so they don't miss anything, and the stock it holds in the Chicago and North log the numbers at home. Western and to increase its investment in the Bill's comment - "Some people just don't carrier. Also, the UP is asking ICC approval to buy 100% of the C&NW in the future, possibly understand the romance of trains." after mid-1994 when a current agreement FROM: The Trainmaster, Pacific Northwest expires. Chapter NRHS: Record: The nation's railroads originated more The Tarantula Railroad's tourist line, the Fort intermodal trailers and containers during the Worth and Western RR, began operation January week ended September 5 than in any other week 18. But the tourist train's access to the Fort in history, according to reports. Intermodal Worth Stockyards was delayed after construction volume so far this year is ranning more than 8 % workers discovered a mother lode of pig manure above last year. Total traffic is up more than 3 % just south of the terminal. The pig poop from last year. apparently was used to fill a gully around 1911. Lease: The Illinois Central says it will lease its "You can't lay track across it, because it's like entire downtown Chicago intermodal facility to Jello. It shakes and quakes," FWW president the Southern Pacific. IC says it will use the told the Fort Worth Star Telegram. The PIG proceeds from the lease to develop an idle POOP PIT is 350' long, 45' wide and 25' deep, classification yard just south of Chicago into an or about 19,000 pickups full. "The train comes intermodal facility. around a curve and the tracks end in the abyss," he said. Commuter: Denver commuter authorities are studying the potential for two commuter rail lines Other than that, the steam tourist train carried between downtown and its western suburbs. The about 1,000 passengers a day since it started. trains would run over Denver and Rio Grande The trains operate seven days a week, 3-4 times Western and Burlington Northern tracks. • a day. They use SP ten-wheeler #2248 and two coaches. (Arkansas Railroader) • DREAM TRAIN COULD SERVE The Following are Articles Reprinted STATE CITIES from the UTU News Reprinted from The Sunday Oklahoman Growth: The Southern Pacific says its Oklahoma City and Tulsa are among the many double-stack service between Los Angeles and stops proposed along a futuristic rail network Chicago has experienced double-digit monthly that, if built, would carry passengers across the growth since its inauguration in late 1991. The country at 200 mph. carrier says it's now moving more than 1,700 containers a month on the route, up from 300 Proponents of the high-speed rail system say it when the service started. would complement the air travel industry and one day possibly replace air travel as the preferred Smooth: Conrail is trying to eliminate claims mode of transportation. from automakers by halting the humping of multilevel auto carriers. The railroad said it (See DREAM, Page 7) the DISPATCHER Page 7

DREAM, From Page 6 transportation modes, this is the way to go. This But before packing your bags or calling a travel can carry a lot of people at a cheaper cost with a agent for ticket reservations, take note that this lot less delay." While feasibility studies are rail system of the future is just that. Not being conducted, those working on the project scheduled for completion until 2020, the system are struggling for greater recognition, Parente is still only on die drawing board. said. The rail system called "Interport Railway "This is something we desperately need in this System," is being promoted by Global country. We need for the federal government to Transportation Associates of Nashville, Term. get on the ball and mandate this, and then you'll see a lot more done on it," he said. "Oklahoma City is not too far from Dallas, and it's linked with Dallas and Tulsa (in plans for the Currently in the works is a similar system in rail network)," Tony Parente, a spokesman for Texas, called the Texas High Speed Rail the group said. "It can be expanded to have other franchise, which will serve a triangular route routes going out from Oklahoma City." through Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. The Texas project, privately funded at Interport is being designed to complement the a cost of $5.5 billion, is scheduled for completion airline industry, which is suffering from rising in two years, he said. costs and greater congestion, Parente said. The new system would offer a punctual, affordable, "We feel (Interport) should be both a public and convenient and environmentally sound private project to get something this size off the alternative, he said. ground. Once it gets going, it's going to snowball, like the highway system did in the It is designed to travel on dual-track corridors '50s" Parente said. that are about 110 feet wide. Overhead power lines and the elimination of ground-level Proposed funding of the cross-country rail system crossings make the network safer than traditional will be done by issuing tax-exempt investment rail systems, Parente said. bonds of $10 billion a year and targeting private land-leasing options of the next 25 to 30 years. The visionary system already is a reality in Japan The land leases could be done through contracts and France. Japan's system, called Shinkansen, spanning over 99 years, Parente said. has been in use for about 28 years, and the French rail, called TGV, has been running for "It would cost the government a lot less money about 11 years, Parente said. that way. There are other ways of doing it, but this looks like the best right now," he said. Though the trains travel at 200 mph, Japan and France have not had a single accident or fatality "Also it would get the people involved, which with their systems, he said. needs to be done a lot more in this country. Too many times people don't really know what's "Safety is one of the main features of these going on with their land, and this will get them trains, and it has to be because of the speeds," he more involved as well as keeping it a lot more said. The track it operates on is safer than honest," Parente said. anything Amtrak offers." The total cost of the project is estimated between Aside from its speed advantage over Amtrak, the $200 billion and $300 billion, but interport would proposed American "Heartland Express," is create from 350,000 to 400,000 jobs during its more efficient and environmentally sound construction over the next 25 to 30 years, he because it runs on electricity and is built upon said. rolling terrain so that it travels over hills rather than the track being laid through mountains, The plan initially would cross-link the four most Parente said. congested airports in the country, in Chicago, Atlanta, New York and Dallas. At least a dozen "It also makes for a very scenic ride for the other airports would be included in the process, people traveling in the train. It's very which would lead to swifter development of the beautiful," he said. "If you look at all the (See SPEED, Page 8) Page 8 the DISPATCHER

SPEED, From Page 7 Brumbloe said this marks the second time in Minneapolis, Miami, Boston and Houston lines, three years a bridge has been intentionally burned Parente said. on the same highway. The arsonists in the first incident never were caught. • Interport, once fully operational, would be used for distances of less than 500 miles while air The following articles are reprinted travel would focus on flights of more than 500 from The Pioneer miles, according to the plan. Some news, courtesy of Bob Snavely: While Global Transportation associates estimates one train spotting in Bcnsenville, Bob Snavely and train would be able to move nearly 1,000 Ron Doerr helped move some automobiles which passengers between Chicago and Atlanta in a were illegally parked on some old tracks in an little more than three hours, Parente said. • area which is now a residential complex but which was industrial only five years ago. The ARSON FIRE RUINS BRIDGE NEAR crew of the Soo switcher which had to use the WANETTE track in question was very appreciative. Ron Reprinted from The Daily Oklahoman and Bob talked with the crew for a while and learned that the reason so many tracks are being WANETTE ~ Arsonists have destroyed what removed in Bensenville is that the yard is being may have been the state's oldest railroad truss prepared for double stack and container service. bridge for a reason that's still unknown, a Pottawatomie County commissioner said. IRM stars in Hollywood summer blockbuster! Charles Brumbloe, District 2 commissioner, said arsonists apparently poured diesel fuel on the Anyone who has seen Penny Marshall's latest 780-foot bridge near the end of State Highway film, A League of Their Own, may have ex­ 102 about midnight Sunday, Oct 4, 1992. He perienced dejavu during the first two reels when said the bridge, which crosses the Canadian the girls travel on the Burlington Zephyr from River five miles south of Wanette, still was Oregon to Kansas and on to Chicago. burning Monday afternoon. The train they rode was The Nebraska Zephyr, a Authorities decided to let the fire burn itself out familiar friend to anyone who's ever visited the even though Wanette firefighters saved part of Illinois Rail Museum in Union, YL. In fact, all the bridge, he said. railroad scenes-in the yards, on the train, on the road, and in the station-were filmed on location The one-lane bridge, made of creosote lumber, at the Illinois Rail Museum. was maintained jointly by Pottawatomie and McClain counties. Although the Zephyr looked brand new and glis­ tening on the silver screen, she is in need of res­ "It's a terrible thing that somebody would do toration, a project which is currently under way. that to that bridge. Everyone says kids but you The first step in the process was a professional never know who did it," he said. external cleaning of the train for A League of Their Own in 1991. The interior of the par­ For now, motorists are being diverted to Ada lor-observation car was also repainted and while authorities decide whether enough money thoroughly cleaned. is available to rebuild the bridge. The very expensive work of rebuilding one of Brumbloe said the Pottawatomie County side of the Silver Pilot's prime movers, work on springs the bridge was redecked last year at a cost of and shock absorbers, reupholstering, repainting $14,000. interiors, and Venetian blind repairs throughout the train will be completed in stages. The IRM The cost to replace the structure would run about would greatly appreciate donations for this $1 million, he said. project. (See PIONEER, Page 9) the DISPATCHER Page 9

PIONEER, From Page 8 in addition to other trains. Painting of its metal parts and sandblasting of its stonework should Hell Gate Bridge, the most important bridge on also improve Amtrak's image. The bridge may Amtrak's Wasliington-Boston line, will get a also be illuminated at night. (Bruce Russell-Rail long overdue rehab thanks to $55 million in Travel News) Government funds. Built in 1917 by the New York Connecting Railroad, a subsidiary of the New York, New Haven & Hartford, the colossal If you don't already have a copy of Rand structure made possible direct Perm Station, McNally's Railroad Atlas you might consider NY-Boston passenger service. Before its com­ picking one up now. R-M has discontinued the pletion, trains from Washington, Baltimore and publication of its Handy Railroad Atlas, the Philadelphia had to take a circuitous route via single most useful map booklet of the existing Poughkeepsie to reach New England points. railroad routes in the country. (The Timetable)

As long as the New Haven remained prosperous, McDonnell Douglas eyes rail market. As the four-track bridge received adequate main­ defense contracts dwindle, defense contractors tenance with several work crews perpetually are looking for livelier markets, and one of the painting and renewing it. However, in the post biggest contractors, McDonnell Douglas, is WWQ years, upkeep was cut to a minimum. By reported to be considering moving from missiles 1965 the basic color of the metallic portions was to maglev, specifically a system called HAMLET rust. The stonework piers also started to fissure (Highspeed Aero-assisted Magnetic Levitation and crack, with pieces falling into the park below Elevated Transport). McDonnell is not the first and sometimes onto private homes. After the aircraft manufacturer to consider entering the merger of the New Haven with the Perm Central maglev industry: Grrumman Aircraft of Long in 1969, most of the freight over the bridge was Island is heavily involved in New York State's redirected to other routes. This and with pas­ efforts to create a maglev industry. (Railway Age senger volume at an all time low, the Hell Gate via The Timetable) Bridge continued to languish. Safety was never compromised, but it was a major eyesore. The coming of Amtrak preserved passenger opera­ Amtrak has begun testing a satellite service from tions over it but did nothing to correct deferred American Mobile Satellite Corp, on its Empire maintenance. The NEC Improvement Program Builder. The link will allow Amtrak to monitor enabled new trackage to be laid and a couple of and respond to passenger space availability, food new stations built and others given major and beverage re-supply requests, safety issues, facelifts., but allotted little if anything to the and mechanical problems. A keyboard, bridge. In an ironic twist, the re-routing of transceiver, and antenna on the train are used to heavy freight traffic probably allowed the New send messages via satellite to Amtrak's opera­ Haven to avoid a major rehab. Had it been re­ tions center in Philadelphia. A long-range quired to handle the number of freights as it did navigation system indicates the train's location by in the 1950's, metal fatigue might have resulted latitude and longitude at all times. Amtrak in a collapse or total condemnation by FRA in­ Chiefs of On-Board Services will be alerted to in­ spectors. coming messages. (Spike and Tie)

Legislation recently introduced by NY Senator Daniel P. Moynihan and passed by Congress Sad news for excursions: Most steam trips provides Amtrak with $55 million to fix the old planned on CSX tracks this year have been disap­ structure before major defects develop. This proved by CSX HQ, reported to be due to a new money represents a separate appropriation above executive who does not smile on excursions other and beyond the normal monies allotted to the than those which have a sort of long tradition be­ NEC Improvement Program. Basically, its' hind them, like the New River Trips over the old identical to the grant which will make electrifica­ C&O main through West Virginia. One the tion from New Haven to Boston possible. The other hand, CSX is quite willing to let #765 make funds should be more than enough to repair the non-revenue ferry moves over their tracks rather bridge and prepare it for train operation into the freely (Ties and Tracks) next century. By 1996, Swedish-built X-2 high speed passenger trains will be whizzing across it, (See PIONEER-A, Page 10) Page 10 the DISPATCHER HONEER-A, From Page 9 outside force turning the drivers is gravity (the Is it the Soo Line anymore? The Answer: No. weight of the train), and the braking action is Anyone phoning the Soo Line these days will created by the resistance of the motor's magnetic hear the operator answer, "CP Rail." Soo Line field. employees confirm that the CP will eliminate the Soo Line name on everything but the books. It's like putting your car in second gear when The changes will undoubtedly be slow, but the you're going downhill. In that case you're using day will come when all rolling stock will be the mechanical resistance in your car's engine repainted. (The North Western Limited) and transmission to hold the car back.

The Union Pacific plans to dispose of all remain­ There's no practical way to store or use the ing diesel rotary snowplows by the end of 1992 electrical energy thus created, so it's run through because they feel that plows now on all diesels banks of electrical resistors and dissipated as are sufficient. (Gulf Coast Chapter) • heat. That's what happens inside the distinctive blister often seen on the tops of locomotives Reprinted from Mistletoe Leaves which are equipped with dynamic brakes. (Electrified railroads can actually return this Kiowa County Historical Society has completed energy to the overhead wire and use it.) renovation of the old Rock Island Depot as its museum. Among items already donated to the Obviously, dynamic brakes aren't useful on a museum are a Kiowa headdress, pewter spoon railroad that has no hills, and so their extra cost mold, wood burning cook stove, seed planter, can't be justified. For mountain railroads they're and old photographs. (Hobart Democrat Chief, a bargain. Some railroads buy some of each, Hobart) • depending on the districts in which they plan to run them. • Reprinted from Mistletoe Leaves STRANGE BUT TRUE RAILROAD Pauls Valley Historical Socity has begun to restore the Santa Fe Depot as a museum. Plans tioprmied front old Dominion Chapter call for landscaping, placing of benches, Highball farmers' market, concerts, community meeting room, and observation and dining cars. (Pauls A law in Kansas reads: "When two trains Valley Democrat, Pauls Valley) • approach each other at a crossing, they shall both come to a full stop, and neither shall start up WHAT ARE DYNAMIC BRAKES? until the other has gone." WHAT ARE THEIR ADVANTAGES AND Indiana law forbids anyone to attack a train. In DISADVANTAGES? Maryland, it is illegal to "knock a train off the Reprinted from Model Railroader tracks." In South Dakota, firecrackers on railway and trolly tracks are illegal, especially if Let's look at how diesel locomotives (more pre­ lit. cisely diesel-electric locomotives) work. The diesel engine turns an alternator that produces A law in Louisiana decreed that all depots be electricity. This electricity goes to electric equipped with a spittoon, while Texas required motors that are mounted transversely on the one spittoon for every three seats in parlor cars axles and turn the wheels. and every two seats in the smoking car. Keep in mind that an electric motor and a gener­ Rhode Island made it a crime to run a passenger ator are really the same device. When we apply coach between a locomotive and a carload of electric current to a motor, it turns and produces dirt, and photographs of train holdups are rotational power. If, instead, we apply rotation­ outlawed in Montana. al power (say from a waterfall or a windmill) to No Iowa state official was allowed to accept a the motor, then it generates electricity. railroad pass, but New Jersey railroads were Dynamic braking takes advantage of this prin­ required to carry the governor, game ciple to help keep trains in check going down­ commissioners, prison inspectors and some fifty hill. Each motor becomes a generator. The others free of charge. (The Pioneer) the DISPATCHER Page 11

NRHS AGREEMENT WITH L&RP Reprinted from The Lake Shore Timetable

The National Railway Historical Society and Locomotive recognizes that L&RP is a unique publication with its editorial & Railway Preservation magazine have announced an agreement focus on preservation. The magazine addresses many central which will result in reduced subscription rates for all NRHS missions of NRHS and provides a forum for leadership in the members. This unique agreement - which will not be offered to preservation movement. any other organization - recognizes the many points of common — Here are the specifics of the subscription rate agreement with interest between the goals of NRHS and L&RP. L&RP: Locomotive & Railway Preservation, founded in 1986. is a 1. All current NRHS members may subscribe to L&RP for 72-page bi-monthly magazine. It is known for its distinctive $2.50 per year below the regular rates. NRHS subscription editorial voice on issues that pertain to railroad preservation and rates are: history. Editorial style is comprehensive, with generous $19.00 for one year integration of historic and contemporary preservation-related (versus the regular rate of $21.50), photography. Since 1986. L&RP has grown to become North $36.00 for two years America's third largest railway enthusiast magazine. The (versus the regular rate of $41.00). magazine has earned considerable recognition in the rail and NRHS rates outside the US are $22.00 and $42.00 non-rail community. In 1987 - for example - the magazine was respectively. selected by Library Journal as one of the fourteen best new 2. These rates apply to renewals of existing subscriptions as well magazines in the United States. In 1992, an L&RP article. 'We as new subscribers. Built the Best: Industrial Craft and Culture at the Lima 3. Members will subscribe to L&RP in the normal manner, except Locomotive Works,* won the Railway & Locomotive Historical that the Interurban Press circulation department will need Society's "Best Article Award." demonstration of NRHS membership. Initially, this will be the During the summer of 1992, L&RP was sold to Interurban Chapter name (or "Associate"), which will be checked Press of Glendale, California. The magazine will continue to be periodically against NRHS membership records. created and edited by the original editorial staff located in 4. Beginning with the 1994 membership year, members may start Richmond, Vermont. or renew L&RP subscriptions as part of the regular dues renewal Last fall. NRHS entered into negotiations with L&RP Editor process. This feature will NOT be ready in time for the Mark Smith. Mark is a member of NRHS and has been active upcoming 1993 dues renewal process. behind the scenes on several important projects for NRHS. We 5. NRHS members who currently hold two-year or longer both recognized that L&RP could be utilized as a means to subscriptions to L&RP are entitled to an equivalent extension for provide additional value to NRHS members. each year of unfulfilled subscription. In order to claim this A second goal was the creation of a stronger bond between extension the member must enclose his/her mailing label and L&RP and NRHS. Mark Smith wants L&RP to be more readily write to: available to all NRHS members because of the importance of Circulation Department communicating to a broader audience and developing the Locomotive & Railway Preservation Magazine magazine's circulation. He also wants to work more closely with P.O. Box 6128 the NRHS leadership, helping to stimulate NRHS's focus on Glendale, CA 91225-0128 railway heritage and its preservation. Conversely, NRHS

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MAIL TO: Interurban Press P.O. Box 6128 Glendale, CA 91225-0128 TIMETABLE Listings in this column are handled as follows: -REGULAR SCHEDULED- runs until a change is submitted -EXTRA BOARD- runs until date expires or canceled. Submit listings to: Neal Baucom; CORC Timetable; 431 E. Mohr Lane; Mustang, OK. 73064; - or Call 405/376-2148. Deadline for publication is first Saturday of month. REGULAR SCHEDULED -METRO AREA- Central Oklahoma Railfan dub - November 14, 1992, at Kirkpatrick Center, 2100 NE 52, 7pm CORC Board of Directors Mtg - October 30, 1992, 7:00 PM, 5323A W. Reno, OKC Model Railroading Clinic -- For modelers in any scale. Held at North Park on the first Sat each month. Oklahoma "N"-RAIL~Sat 10:00 to 6:00 -operating session-North Park Mall. 2nd Wed 7:00 PM - business meeting. For information call Gerald Morton 405/341-2226 Oklahoma Passenger Rail Assoc.—Rail Consumer Advocate Organization. Meets bi-monthly. For information write or call Roger Carter; 1120 S. 21st; Chickasha, OK. 73018; 405/224-7423 Oklahoma Rail Enthusiasts (HO)-Wed 7:00 - 10:00 PM for Info call Bill Parks at 405/672-5015 The Section Gang (HO)-Fri 7:30 PM & Sat at North Park Mall. 405/329-1262 Gordon MacNiven. Yukon's Best Railroad Museum~Thu/Sat/Sun and by appt. Located 1 Blk N of Main and UP tracks in Yukon, OK. Call John Knuppel 405/354-5079 for times and info OUT of TOWN Railroad Museum of Oklahoma-Tues thru Fri afternoons, Sat mornings. HO & N layouts. Meets 3rd Tue 7:00 PM at old Santa Fe freight depot 702 W. Washington, Enid, OK 73701 405/233-3051 EXTRA BOARD Toy Train Operating Society- Looking for volunteers to help operate large toy train at Kirkpatrick Center, OKC, 405/528-1122, E. Swan

The DISPATCHER is the official monthly publication of the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Memberships are available at the following rates: Regular Membership - $15.00 per year, Senior Member (Retired) - $10.00 per year and Student Member (Full Time Student) - $10.00 per year. National Railway Historical Society dues are $14.00 per year (wives, an additional $2.00). Dues for membership will be sent to Membership Chairman, Carl Webb, 5713 NW 83rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. Any other correspondence should be mailed to Editor, (Roy Thornton) 2921 Bella Vista Dr., Midwest City, OK 73110.

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