THE DISPATCHER Newsletter for Central Oklahoma Railfan Club Ltd

**&§*<• THE DISPATCHER Newsletter for Central Oklahoma Railfan Club Ltd. Editor Address other club correspondence to: National Railway Historical Society Lawrence Gibbs 623 McFarland Jack Austerman 2613 NW 66th August 1979 Stillwater, OK 74074 Oklahoma City, OK

said in an interview he voted percent. Initial members are Dr. SPECIAL DELIVERY against the takeover because Under the order, the ICC also Stephen Levine of Midwest City, Anticipating the last Lone the commisson never talked to would allow other railroads Charles Stookey of Norman and Star run from Chicago on Sept. the Rock Island to find out temporarily to operate parts of Roger Elliott Carter of HO — Oct. 1. your editor is whether it is in fact out of cash. the Rock Island, under an Chickasha. hooked aboard that fateful trip. "We have not heard a single, arrangement that costs the "Our purpose is to either save Some other club members are solitary official word from Rock government nothing. the Lone Star or spend a long also scheduled to be aboard. Island," he said. Gresham The Rock Island strike time fighting for its restoration At this writing, your editor is would have ordered the Rock continues despite a back-to- and improvement," according planning to take all copies of Island to appear before the ICC. work order issued last week by to Carter. this edition of The Dispatcher The action marks the first President Carter. Shipments of "We'll also promote other with him on the Lone Star to time the ICC has used its 6-year- grain and other farm products promising rail routes through Chicago. old authority to order the have been snarled along the Oklahoma. This is imperative if Then, when the train begins takeover of a major shut-down midwestern railroad's 7,300- train service is ever to become its last run to Oklahoma, your railroad. Four years ago it mile, 13-state route. more practical and relevant to copy will be aboard. We will ordered two railroads to take Goldschmidt, in his letter the Sooner State." drop it in the mail somewhere over operation of the small Sept. 24 to ICC chairman A. An organizational meeting is along the route. (Check the Lehigh & New England Daniel O'Neal, urged the scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7, at postmark.) Railroad. agency to issue an immediate 8 p.m. at the Chickasha Hotel, If, lor some reason, Amtrak is The Rock Island shut down order to direct service over the apartment 2G — Jim Parks' forced to continue the Lone Star when clerks struck on Aug. 28. Rock Island. residence. lor a period of time, The The company says it doesn't DOT'S Federal Railroad If you plan to attend, or if Dispatcher will be mailed as have enough money to pay an Administration said after a July you'd like more information usual in Stillwater, OK. estimated $14 million it owes its survey of the Rock Island's write to Carter at 1120 S. 21st, But if nothing changes bet workers, nor does it have the $25 physical plant that about 1,700 Chickasha, OK, 73018. ween this writing and Sept. 30 — million to $30 million estimated miles of Rock Island's main line this very copy of The Dispat to start operations. track was "below standards cher was aboard "The Last The ICC has $14 million (and) by law cannot be ROUNDHOUSE RUMORS Train to Oklahoma!!" available to run the Rock Island operated." Equipment was (Editor's Note: This is a and has asked Congress for an found to be "dismal" and since regular feature of The additional $50 million. July, the reports said, con Dispatcher. Persons wanting to OCTOBER MEETING The strike has severely ditions have "further contact the author can reach -Note Change- disrupted grain shipments deteriorated." him at Rt. 16, Box 123, Tulsa, Because of two conflicting throughout the Midwest. Just As a result, the DOT also said OK, 74131.) meetings, the October meeting Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary it supports an offer by Southern By Frank Tribbey will be held on the second Bob Bergland urged the ICC to Pacific Transportation Co. to At 6:35 a.m. on Aug. 16, Saturday — Oct. 13. act immediately, warning that buy a 992-mile southern stretch Ringling Bros. Blue Train left Steve Levine will be the further delay in starting up the of Rock Island rail for $55 Tulsa for Perry. Via Santa Fe program. He'll report on his Rock Island "will have serious million. On Aug. 16, after my leaving railfan vacation to Denver. He consequences" throughout the Southern Pacific filed written Cherokee Yard, Daryl and thuh rode and photographed the 8444 midwestern grain belt served testimony with the ICC Sept. 24 kid viewed part of Daryl's steam special from Denver to by the line. asking to buy the 992-mile line recent efforts. Beautiful Sterling and return and spent Bergland said the strike is from Tucumcari, N.M., to rewards included much GTW in time photographing the costing farmers $4 million to $5 Kansas City and St. Louis. DOT Battle Creek, Mich., and Am Colorado Railroad Museum, million a day because they must general Counsel Linda Heller trak results in Chi-town. Among including the ex-California use truck transportation. Kamm called the proposal "a the Cotton Belt and MOP slides Zephyr cars. The ICC discussed the case positive step. Approval of this in southern Illinois were lokeys He will share the films of his for several hours Tuesday after acquisition," she said, "will from B&O, A&S and a brace of adventure with us at the Oct. 13 Secretary of Transportation permit Southern Pacific to offer three Chessie System GP40s on meeting. Neil Goldschmidt wrote the better service and attract lost a Cotton Belt freight. Cairo Dr. Levine said the program agency saying he was "shocked traffic. It will also benefit produced interesting ICG will be "good medicine" for at the actions of the trustee." shippers by increasing com motive power combos of ICG, everyone. He said the trustee, William petition among railroads IC and GM&O. Refreshments will be M. Gibbons, had "failed to pay operating between the western Daryl confirmed the fact he's provided by ATSF signal wages when due, jeopardized United States and the East-West trying to beat both the fuel maintainer Ross and Shirley the safety of the public and gateway cities of Kansas City, shortage and rising inflation St. Louis and Chicago." Jamison of Cushing. Shirley's a railroad employees, and driven with concerted travel efforts good cook and Ross has service to shippers steadily Southern Pacific spokesman through this summer. But ony promised to leave the battery downward." Andrew Anderson said, "We half of his slides from these acid out of the coffee. The Kansas City Terminal hope to buy the Tucumcari line several jaunts were viewed! Don't forget the meeting will Railroad will take over the but we're also willing to operate On Aug. 17, Frisco's Nr. 330 be Oct. 13 at the Omniplex, 52nd Rock Island's operations im it without government" money, left Wichita with a GP-15 and and Eastern, promptly at mediately for 60 days. But the he said. two GP-7s (120, 594 and 620) so 7:19.34 p.m. order could be extended for Anderson said Southern the Geeps are present yet. another 180 days if the Rock Pacific will sink $250 million On Monday night, Aug. 20, Island cannot continue its own into rehabilitating the route eight souls joined in the Tulsa KCT TO RUN THE ROCK service. because "it's a 400-mile shorter Public Library to view two color The Interstate Commerce Kansas City Terminal now route for us and we don't want slide presentations of Mel Commission decided Sept. 26 to must form a management team to see it erode any further." Patrick, friend of Bill Gillfillan. order the Kansas City Terminal composed of the 12 railroads Chicago's Union Station and Railroad Co. to take over the that own it plus representatives also the Rigo Grande Zephyr service of the bankrupt from Southern Pacific, Western NARP IN STATE were beautifully featured. Chi's Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Pacific, and the Denver & Rio Three Oklahomans are in the Union Station simply becomes Railroad Co. Grande Western Railrod Co., to process of forming an more protogenic and nostalgis manage and direct the Rock The commissioners voted 7-1 Oklahoma Passenger Railroad with age while the RG Zephyr Island's service. in favor of the takeover. Association (OPRA), the state provides a sad glimpse of that Commissioner Robert C. The Kansas City Terminal affiliate of National Association previously-stunning class that Gresham, the only dissenter, line would be paid costs plus 6 of Rail Passengers (NARP). Continued and B&O units on Big Jawn Continued On Sept. 3 Daryl and thuh kid CVSAYSTHANKS Santa Fe in Gainesville, Tex. went to Coffeyville for Labor Bob Read, who along with his epitomized the earlier My sincere appreciation for Day. Much MOP action in wife, Mazie, and their son, Bob California Zephyr. that memorable Sapulpa station cluded several coal trains too. Jr. of Ketchum, own the Ron Kiser reports 18 new RI photograph is extended to Power ranged widely — MOP, Cimarron Valley Railroad boxes came through the City on Preston George. I much ap BN, Conrail and CNW. Among Museum in Cushing, said to the 21st. Fifteen were in the preciated the inclusion of the units on 10 different MOP trains "please thank everyone who standard blue, but three were in picture, because, although I'd were a blue CR GP40, and two came over to help paint and solid white, black lettering and often seen that old relic in the black (ex-PC) CR GP-40s. putty windows." a blue center on the oversized late 50s and early 60s, I was not Needless to add, we got results! Read said he appreciates "the R. ever privileged to photograph On Sept. 6, in Wagoner support shown by Central Rumors allege the ICC will the structure. Thank you, again, another black CR GP40 and Oklahoma Railfan Asso." in the order SP to operate RI soon but Preston, for reviving some very those two CNW SD40s were form of the paint and the many will not so order in'the event of a fond nostalgia. found among the many MOP manhours spent that day. clerks strike. On Sept. 2, Wagoner's MOP and UP units. Again, I'd missed He said "we went a long way" RI is steadily losing em agent reported a GTW unit in the UP and PNC units earlier on toward getting the caboose and ployees. Ron reports recently red 'n blue on a MOP freight. the Katy. depot ready for a hard winter. two engineers from Shawnee On Aug. 31 arrived a "red Watch those new 50-foot white "Tell the club members went to the Santa Fe in the city, hot" rumor that completion of Rock boxes. At least three or they're always welcome to three engineers from Shawnee terms on three union contracts four bear the marking W&OV. come over and visit our went to the Cotton Belt in Tyler, is apprently the only block to a Railroading is interlaced with collection and display. They Tex., and five from Little Rock merger of Frisco into BN. The irony — Rock Island is bankrupt don't just have to come on a went to the MOP. report states BN and Frisco and strike bound and probably workday. They can come any Daryl M. says that on his officials hope to have con will not survive the current time. They're always early August trip into Colorado summated the merger before strike. Yet it currently is welcome," he said. and Wyoming he found in the the end of 1979. Brace your receiving some of the prettiest Read said the day was also a joint MOP-D&RGW yard in selves, boys — Frisco might new box cars of any line in the treat for friends of theirs — the Pueblo a blue B&O GP40 and soon accomplish that which has industry. Batesons from Prague. Mrs. also another B&O GP40 in always eluded the chronically- On Sept. 11 thuh kid chased Bateson had purchased a set of Chessie System colors. suffering Rock Island! Katy from Kellyville to Bristow. glasses with some of John On probably Aug. 18, Daryl A recent informative letter Before Bristow's dark red brick Holbird's work etched on them. had found another blue B&O from Bill Fisher in the City station passed westbound two She was marveling about the GP40 between a MOP SD40 reports a trip on Aug. 13 to Enid. GP-38s and GP40 with a 48-car glasses that day at the museum and MOP GP-35 on a grain There Bill found a combo of Katy train. after having taken Mazie home train. an ATSF GP-20 rebuild, B&O And on Sept. 11, Tulsa hosted from a funeral. Also Daryl stated Lester in GP40 in Chessie Colors, and a four SCL units — 2 U33Bs, GP40 Bob said, "You want to meet the Wagoner depot had seen one blue B&O GP-38. Later Bill and GP-38. The first U-boat was the artist?" Well, of course, or two Western Maryland units found another blue B&O GP-38 in Family Lines colors while the Mrs. Bateson said. in red and white. On one recent among Santa Fe units on a three trailing units were in "That's him up there on the occasion Lester spotted three northbounder through the City. black with yellow trim. depot cart puttying that win CNW horses heading a grain On Sept. 2, a southbound grain Among MOP units seen in dow," Read noted. train, with CNW cab, south train derailed five or six loaded Wagoner on Sept. 12 was And it was. bound on the MOP. hoppers two miles north of another black CR GP40. And a Thanks to everyone who Also, a UP U30C and UP SD- Irving, Tex. Frisco, like other Katy F-7a trailed two GP40s on turned out to help with our 40 were spotted recently on a roads, restricts grain trains (or a Katy southbounder. workday at Cimarron Valley northbound Katy freight in any movement of 100 tons plus And on Sept. 15, a UP SD40-2 Railroad Museum. Wagoner. per load) to 40 mph. However, (3512) was found in the Tulsa On Sept. 1, T-SU's switcher 12 to 20 mph is the critical engine area in addition to a OKC BUS SHELTERS 103 returned from the speed; then the loads bounce Santa Fe three-unit combo: F- The proposed ordinance to Springfield shops to Tulsa. and sway more than at any 45, FP45 and SD45. allow the erection of shelters at Normally these runs are other speed. busy bus stops in Oklahoma uneventful — but not this one! That RI strike has prompted City came before the City The little switcher would go Frisco, which normally uses RI TRANSIT DISTRICT LAW Planning Commission on Sept. only 3-4 mph uphill. Fur between Fort Worth and Dallas, At recent CORA meetings, 13 and was approved in the thermore, the engineer pilot to detour via both MOP and there have been a number of exact form requested by the and conductor pilot were caught Cotton Belt to the two points. reports concerning the transit authority. by the hours of service law at Also, Katy, on Aug. 31, legislative progress of Prior to the meeting, certain Verdigris. To add insult to in commenced a bi-weekly detour Proposition 51, the proposed jury, Nr. 139's crew also "hog elements in OKC who oppose via Frisco between Tulsa and constitutional amendment any improvements in the transit lawed" behind the 103 at Ver Oklahoma City. Power which would permit the digris that night. Finally, system had tried to amend the generally has included GP40s organization of public transit ordinance in such a way as to another train stopped on the and GP-38s. However, Sept. 15 districts in Oklahoma. following morning to rescue the virtually make the erection of (and the 14th too) brought a At a preliminary legislative entire mes! the shelters impossible. return of the covered wagon to council meeting on the matter The Planning Commission On Aug. 31, Daryl McGee Sapulpa! Yup, at 3 p.m. Katy last month, the State Tran brushed aside all of these completed another of his rolled east with three units: GP- sportation Department came proposed amendments and famous Parsons turns. Seen 38, F-7b and GP40. And, at 55 out in firm support of the idea, went on record urging the were at least four of Katy's mph those Katy crews travel much to the surprise of many construction of shelters as soon covered wagons, a PNC unit faster on the Frisco than they do railfans. as possible. The matter is now (ex-Southern SD-24), several on their own main line! Don't be More recently the plan has scheduled to come before the red GP-7s, two Alco road surprised if Katy remains been publicly endorsed by Gov. city council at an early date and switcher hybrids, UP SD40 and permanently on Frisco's Tulsa- Nigh. A public hearing was all indications are that the U30C, and all three of Katy's OKC line despite the fact Frisco originally projected for the ordinance will be passed, U23Bs. Four UP U30Cs were reportedly doesn't want to be proposal but now, since all of perhaps unanimously. also stuck temporarily on the bothered! the expected opposition seems It may seem strange that a Chanute branch. However — another rumor to have evaporated, there is railfan club should concern Daryl stated a rumor reports persists. An ex-Frisco engineer some question as to whether a itself with improvements to the a total of 25 B&O-C&O units — in (now ATSF) who returned public meeting is even bus systm, but let's face it, the both paint schemes — on the recently to the City reports on necessary. people who ride the bus are the MOP apparently including the M-Day Santa Fe is ready to Of interest to railfans is the ones who are going to even one WM unit seen through operate one train each way fact that the backers of the tually demand the introduction Claremore on several oc daily (automobiles, perhaps?) amendment are considering the of Light Rail Rapid Transit in casions. between the City and Tulsa to inclusion of language that would this area. Recent correspondence from Kansas City. And again, Frisco permit the state government to Mark Godsin in Durant reports reportedly wants no part of the step in and block the aban a continuation of both UP and operation. But, when I've posed donment of rail service in the CNW units on the Katy. One the question no one seems to state, whether freight or MODEL CONVENTION train was headed with a Katy know (or they're not telling) passenger. Don't forget the big model SD40-2, UP C30-7 and UP SD40- exactly WHAT Frisco has in This is a very complicated railroad industry convention in 2. A later set was comprised of mind for the Oklahoma sub situation (and may make the Oklahoma City the weekend of three CNW units: SD45 and 2 division. amendment harder to pass) but Oct. 5-7. SD40s. On Sept. 9 Nr. CTB left Tulsa all railfans should be ready to If you still need information Mark and Joe had also for Memphis behind three UP help pass this amendment when or can volunteer to help, call Ed photographed a number of C&O •inits - U30C, C30-7 and U30C. the time comes. Carr. GEORGE ON GEORGE shots. some such spot. However, a AN EXAMPLE — Here's an (Editor's Note: Preston The next year I moved to shot from near rail level is example of the super George of Edmond has a wealth Denver and met Kindig, a very sometimes nice, giving a sense photographs made by CORA of Oklahoma train history — on likeable fellow. He took this of size and power to the engine. member Preston George. This film and in his head. He writes a misplaced Okie under his wing And last but not least, as you is Rock Island 4024, 4-8-2, on No. regular monthly column for The and soon we were out along look at the train in your 112, "Memphis-Californian," Dispatcher. Why would anyone various Colorado main lines as viewfinder, let it get so close leaving Elk City. Seven cars, 25 waste time and money decades he gave me an education in the you think it is going to run right mph. Taken March 23, 1947. ago shooting pictures of dirty, techniques of getting good shots through your camera before Note how Preston observed all noisy steam engines? We of steam in action. you snap the shutter. Otherwise of the tips he offered in his thought maybe some of you The following will be of very the train will be too far away to column this month about would be interested in why and little use to you because you will look best in the picture. Of railroad photography. how he took train pictures, one have so few opportunities to course, don't stand on or too of his many hobbies.) shoot steam locomotives. It near the track! By PRESTON GEORGE scarcely applies to diesels. If After you have found this as much as possible on film. I grew up on a small farm one can find a diesel sitting still perfect setting for your shot, My main handicap was about a block across our it will usually make a better and have spent three or four gasoline rationing, me with one pasture from the railroad track. picture than if it is moving. This hours waiting for a train to car and an "A" ration of aout 3 Kaw City was a water stop for is because the hot vapors from come along in the right direc or 4 gallons a week. But I did my the many freight trains that the diesel stacks distort the tion, you will see that the sun best and have some really nice passed. The water tank was background scenery, yet are not has moved around until the Oklahoma photos to show for it within sight of our house. distinct enough to add anything lighting is no longer right. Then before the diesels took complete Here I must have acquired to the picture, one reason I quit you must move on to some other charge. my love of trains. taking train action pictures. spot where things are right at During those World War II But I never thought of taking Here are the general rules for that particular time. years, I was fortunate to be pictures of them, although I steam engines. Find a place With all of the above in mind, able to obtain a letter from the wasted several rolls of film on along the track where the train study a rail line on which you Santa Fe allowing me to be on our cattle, horses, dogs and will be running upgrade as it plan to take photos. Make notes its property to take photos. Of cats. About 1935 I ran across a comes toward you, for engines of which spots would be good in course they had a letter from copy of Railroad Stories, later usually put out the most smoke the morning, which at noon and me absolving them of any ac renamed Railroad Magazine, when working hard. In winter, which later in the day. cident I might sustain while on and saw the many photos of there will also be much steam. Sometimes you can even find a its property other than areas locomotives and trains. This Have the sun behind your back place where pictures can be open to the public. I took ad started me on a new hobby. At so the parts of the train that taken of trains coming from vantage of that permit brazenly first I took still pictures of show in the picture will be either direction. and often, but believe it or not I engines with a cheap camera sunlit. Try to find a place where After this the main ingredient was never once challenged or and traded prints with other weeds are at a minimum is patience. Trains seldome asked to show my authority for fans. (ballast and track show up well) come when you expect them. being there. In 1940 I was lucky to get a and where wire lines and poles Oh, yes. If you are leaving hold of a postcard-size Graflex are not in the way. your auto on a road near some camera, an excellent piece of Block signals, cattle guards main line it would be well to hand-held equipment in its day. and crossbuck signs are ac leave the hood raised. That way It had a focal-plane shutter, top ceptable — they often add in the Highway Patrolman will GOODIES, PROGRAM speed 1-lOOOth second and used ter st to a picture. The latter think you are off somewhere If you'd like to provide a roll film. It is the same type as emphasizes the engine. Try to seeking help rather than program some time this winter, used by Richard H. Kindig, Otto find all the above where the tramping along the track. give our program chairman, C. Perry and many other rail background scenery adds in In 1944 I moved back to John Hines, a call in Midwest action experts. Earlier such terest to the picture. Oklahoma and immediately City. cameras had been used by We usually tried to shoot from realized we had as interesting Or, if you'd like to volunteer many sports photographers in a higher elevation than the trains and scenery in Oklahoma to bring refreshments to any getting good football action track, from the top of a cut or as in Colorado. So I set out to put meeting, also call Hines. This is Jim Bradshaw's train." .is the stretch along the Washita column "From this Moment" in "She's long and she's tall.. .she River, through the Arbuckles. the Seminole Producer. came down from Birmingham on The porter still comes through the Wabash Cannon ball." the car, announcing "last call for "I'll be waitin' up for heaven, breakfast", but the guy is miss A little bit of train tribute, and countin' every mile of railroad ing who used to come by in the trivia... track, that takes me back." old days selling newspapers, I got up early last Sunday a.m. "I guess the sound of the out Cracker jacks, and ham sand and yawned over to Oklahoma ward bound made me a slave. . wiches. City, for a last ride. .to the wayward winds." The chairs are comfortable. . A last ride, that is, on a And many more. .and if you get tired of sitting on a passenger train, in Oklahoma. train, you can always walk A lot of folks are doing that, I One of the OKC station hands, around and see who's in the next found out, as the Amtrak service who may lose his job in a week, car down. in Soonerland winds down to an tells the eager-to-board to stand The trainmen all seemed to Oct. 1 finale. back on the platform.. .as the big regret the Lone Star's impending They bring along their kids, light on the front of Amtrak gets shutdown. Most of them are still ^ from bottle babies to teenagers.. near. puzzled as to why. More people .so that these young people won't Compared to '42 standards, the are riding the train now than have to go through the long lives engine sort of glides in, almost ever. . .but granted, some are ahead of 'em without being able noiselessly. . . like a monorail like me-wanting to get in one last to say: "I rode a train once. . model. There's no ear-splitting, one while the getting's still here. .besides in an amusement park." followed by a steam blast, like As sentimental as I am about There were about a hundred the old coal-burners used to let the demise of the Lone Star, and others in the waiting room at 8 out. as much fun as I had riding it a.m. And true to its venerable Most of the train hands, back of from OKC to Ardmore, I'll admit form, the train was running the diesel locomotive, are black it cost more than had I driven. . about a half hour late. men. One alights and drops the .even at 96.9 per gallon and with But that's part of the fun. thing you step on, to get onto the all the other automotive wear What's a train ride, if the train's train, and gives the ladies an and tear costs. on time? The old Santa Fe sta tion looks the same as it did when assist onto the car. Mass transit for this part of the I rode out of it in early '42, head The train doesn't tarry long at country will succeed only a short ed for San Diego and the Navy a stop. . .of which there are Nor haul, commuter type basis, I'm boot camp. . .along with six or man, Purcell, Pauls Valley and afraid. . .at least, in this time. seven cars of other recruits. Ardmore, before crossing Red There isn't the population density Most of us had never been out River. to make it pay off, what with the side of Oklahoma, Lincoln, Pott "Boaahh'd", pipes the con infatuation between the people and Cleveland Counties, so when ductor. and autos showing no letup. . .no we got about down to Pauls I had to get off at Ardmore. . matter what the price on the Valley. . .that was foreign ter .but as I watched the train pull pumps. ritory. out for Gainesville, I was kinda If anything, the bicycle and The tall buildings sticking up at wishing I could stay on plumb 'til jogging are the only means of OKC were the Biltmore Hotel, Houston. getting anywhere that are mak First National Bank and then There were old train stations at ing any kind of inroads on the Ramsey Tower. There was no places like Wayne and Paoli and roads. shiny Myriad. . .a jungle of Wynnewood and Davis, but the When I was in New York City, fourth-rate Reno and California engineer whisks by these so fast one time, a taxi driver pointed to Street hotel flats, second-hand you barely have time to read the a square block high-rise housing furniture stores and tough beer sign to see what town it is. complex and said 30,000 lived up joints being in command of that I browsed around the Ardmore and down there. That's density of sector. station awhile. . .went to the population. Most of them rode the As I rode down Norman way, restroom, where the wall panels subway, he said.. .or walked. Sunday, I couldn't help but turn have been painted over, the same But hang it all. . .my last hur over in my mind what a heroic ones that were there when only rah on the rails was great. job the trains did in the World "white" folks were allowed in I hate to see it go. War II era. . .the most romantic that one. for the railroads since the Jesse And "colored" folks had their James days.. own, too. KATY SESSION They moved soldiers, sailors, The two sets of folks waited in The Katy Railroad Historical and marines to their stations separate waiting rooms. . .ac Society will meet in Parsons, around this country, from cording to the state segregation Kan., Oct. 5-7. Bangor to Bremerton, from San laws. Headquarters for the Francisco to Savannah. . .and The proverbial pot-bellied weekend will be the Parsonian when it was time to come home- stove wasn't around in the mid Hotel. For information contact on leave or at war's end-the no dle of the depot, anymore, but Mazie Read at Box 844, ble train was there. there was a lot of the old stan Cushing, OK. They even had to clear the dard depot gear still there. Katy has given the society its cobwebs from some of the old Like the metal-wheeled con blessings in several ways and coaches that must have hauled traption they rolled out to haul off will again provide tours of the World War I servicemen. Some the mail sacks and baggage. . big facility (shops and yards) at of the seats were so straight up .one of the main reasons Parsons for members. and down and hard that a few GIs passenger train service is nigh on Dues are $7.50 per annum. would climb up in the baggage nil in these parts. racks to sleep. There are no more rail mail More songs and music have sacks, to speak of. AMTRAK HEARINGS been inspired by train travel than Then, there is the board on the At this writing, there are all others combined. . .save wall, over the station platform, several court cases pending — perhaps, the horse. telling when the trains arrive and including the one financially I found myself reminiscing in a depart, and telling whether assisted by CORA (we voted to line or two of a few... they're late, or on time. pay the attorney $100 at our last "The clickety clack comes meeting. echoing back, the blues in the I always like to ride on a train, We missed our deadline by night." because you go through country several weeks, but still can't "It's the only one that sounds and parts of towns you'd never report on any outcome other that way. . .on the Atchison, see in a car. It gives a new than, as it stands now, the Lone Topeka and Santa Fe." dimension. Star will be sidetracked of "Just bought me a long train When you straddle a trestle ficially on Oct. 1. ticket.. .gonna use it at 4 p.m." over a river, you can't see any Watch your local newspapers "Dinner on the diner, nothing bridge rails. . .only the water for the latest information. could be finer. . .than to have down there. And you hope that Of course, we'll have com your ham and eggs in Carolina." whatever's under you holds up. plete information at our "The old home town looks the The Lone Star's greatest scenic meeting Oct. 13. same. . .as I sten down from the moment. . .through Oklahoma. A Private Railroad Car To Florida by Lynn Patterson

A.uto-Trai. n Corporation has introduced a unique top management briefing sessions prior to a convention feature to its Washington-Florida service—a Private Rail or business meeting," he observed. "This is particularly road Car, an elegantly appointed entertainment or office true as more and more conventions and meetings are facility reflective of the Golden Age of Railroading. being held in the Orlando-Disney World area." The Private Railroad Car: Hand-rubbed mahogany Garfield also noted that many top executives are now paneling. Porcelain ceiling. Wall-to-wall carpeting. Three recognizing the need to spend time with their families, staterooms with private baths. Separate quarters for chef despite the demands of business. "Now the-executive can and butler. Fine china, silverware and crystal. Floor-to- join his family for a special time prior to or immediately ceiling mirrors. Color televisions. Radio-telephone. Fully following a Florida vacation or trip to the Nation's equipped kitchen, complete with charcoal grill. Spacious Capital. The executive may not be able to spend the dining/conference room and living room. vacation week with the family, but the private car experi Vintage 1914, the Auto-Train's one-of-a-kind railroad ence will be so memorable that it will make up for his car also features a menu of gourmet dishes, complete absence," Garfield points out. from hors d'oeuvres to liqueurs and fine cigars. Mrs. Ronni Garfield, who introduced gift boutiques A handsome personalized brass name plate. "The housed in refurbished cabooses to the Auto-Train enter Private Car of . . ." is framed in the doorway of the car. prise three years ago, has personally been involved in the At the end of the journey, it may be removed for display restoration and furnishing of the 1914 railroad car. at home or office. "Our intent is to capture the true feeling of the Golden Consistent with Auto-Train's unique service, the Private Age of Railroading, of elegant living when railroading Car's "owner" is also able to transport one or two was the only way to travel," explains Mrs. Garfield. "The

personal automobiles from Washington, D.C. to Sanford, Private Railroad Car is a very important part of our Florida, and/or return. nation's heritage, a tradition to be cherished." The Private Railroad Car service is designed for a select Built by Pullman-Standard, the car was first used as a clientele, tailored for those accustomed to an elegant life parlor-observation car by the Sante Fe Railroad. It was style where cost is second to comfort and convenience. purchased and rebuilt in 1948 by the Seaboard Railroad For those with homes in the north and in Florida, for which named it the "Birmingham" and later the "South company or association executives seeking a special set land." It was used extensively by Seaboard's president ting for a planning session, for family en route to or from prior to its purchase by Auto-Train in 1972, and since that Walt DisneyWorld, for a once-in-a-lifetime card party, or time has been used as a business/conference car by for combining a honeymoon night with the romance of Auto-Train's management. railroading. Another feature of the private car, as well as Auto- The private car, serving up to a party of six, costs Train's service in general, combines flying with railroad $1,500, or $3,000 round-trip. ing. One may travel one way by Auto-Train and one way Auto-Train commenced service in 1971 to save indi by Eastern Airlines. Auto-Train will transport the auto viduals and families the long, tedious drive between mobile both ways. central Florida and Washington, D.C. It sees its Private Those wishing additional information about the Private Railroad Car as an expansion of its marketing program. Car, or wishing to place a reservation, are directed to "As national associations continue to move their head phone the Office of the President, collect, at (202) quarters to Washington and private industry becomes 785-4036. more active here, we recognize some rather unique The trains depart daily from Lorton, Va., and Sanford Fla., needs that Auto-Train is equipped to satisfy," observes at 4:00 p.m., arriving at their destination at 9:00 a.m. the Auto-Train Chairman Eugene Kerik Garfield. following morning. Passengers and their automobiles must 32 "The Private Car provides an excellent opportunity for be at the terminal one hour prior to departure.—END

service in Oklahoma will be a It says Oklahoma is going to around to get to Houston!! AMTRAK SUIT sad day for the state, and should lose its only passenger train, As The Dispatcher goes to be prevented if at all possible. but that's OK (because) press, the date for the "another Amtrak train, the REMEMBER THE CHANGE preliminary hearing for the Inter-American, serves almost IN MEETING DATE lawsuit save the Lone Star has IRON HORSE MANURE the same area. The Inter- ..IT'S OCT. 13.. not been set. There are all kinds of facts American runs through Little Steve Levine and Roger and figures flying back and Rock from Chicago to Laredo." Carter assure us all interested forth about Amtrak's route ANNUAL MEETING trimming. Good, Okies who want to members will be notified when catch a train can hop over to It's still a couple of months the schedule is established The And here are two good Little Rock ... away, but don't forget our lawyers want as many people as examples of misinformation: The second item was on the annual meeting coming up Ln possible to attend this hearing This first one comes from a December. It will be a family in order to impress the court front page of the New York syndicated column distributed Times. It notes one of the trains affair. that the matter is really in the to small newspapers. It is set in public interest. to be cut is Amtrak's Lone Star, big, easy-to-read type and is "from Chicago to Seattle ..." So THAT'S what happened to called "News Just For Kids," The loss of all passenger Boy, that's the long way Steve Davis! |!DWSSDD+SJ!d

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American Passenger Train Service Is At Crossroads Back in 1929, when the new sound tax money as surely as the airports miles per hour. motion pictures drew stage actors and interstate highways that have The most distinctive and enjoyable from New York to Hollywood, their helped make airlines and bus kind of train is also the kind most travel itinerary was automatic. It companies profitable. in jeopardy from the proposed cuts. was the crack Twentieth Century or The most recent ridership figures It is on long-distance trips that Broadway Limited to the Windy lend support to Amtrak's cause. inveterate rail travelers savor dome City, and from there the plush Super Most long-distance trains are now cars, old-fashioned dining car ser Chief. fully booked for weeks in advance. vice, sleeping car and Slumber coach A half century later, you can still A sample week in May showed a compartments, and spacious lounge go from coast to coast by train. But 20% rise over 1978 in the number of cars that don't need to be dressed up don't hold your breath waiting for Amtrak customers and a 31% with patriotic prefixes. These are the movie stars. What was once the increase in passenger-miles. Com real amenities of Amtrak travel, left predominant mode of travel now puter records reveal a tenfold jump over from the railroad company carries less than 1% of our intercity in instances of "denied space," in days. Passengers will be interested to traffic. which a customer is told his train is see how many of them survive in the modern incarnation, when the first Are trains highballing toward sold out for his first-choice date. full, long-haul train of newly built inevitable extinction? Or does this "In a way I wish there had been Superliners leaves Chicago's Union neglected means of transportation no gasoline crisis," says Amtrak Station for Seattle this fall. Diners still make sense—particularly now spokesman Joe Vranich. "Even and sleeping cars are among the 284 that cheap and plentiful gas is a without it, we would have set a new new Superliners Amtrak has memory? all-time record, exceeding the ordered. The issue is more than something figures for 1977 and 1978, which to ponder while waiting in gas lines. had surpassed the 1974 Arab oil Statistics show that trains are the Secretary of Transportation Brock embargo peak. "Then there might safest, most energy-efficient and Adams has recommended a 43% have been more recognition of most environmentally sound means cutback in the 27,000-mile rail Amtrak's potential." of transportation. To move one ton system of Amtrak (officially the Since its creation eight years ago, one mile, according to U.S. govern National Railroad Passenger Amtrak has struggled to woo ment research, a locomotive uses 750 Corporation), which took over nearly passengers back to the trains in spite British Thermal Units of energy, all passenger' service from the of old equipment, neglected while a car, bus or truck requires railroads in 1971. roadbeds, and sometimes less than 2,400, and an airplane 63,000. Congress has modified, but not perfect cooperation from the rail Most observers agree that Amtrak rejected, the Adams proposal. roads, which still own most track will probably never be a profit- Though the gasoline shortage and employ conductors and engin making operation overall. How prompted the Administration to eers. Currently underway is a $1.6 extensive our passenger rail system soften its position slightly, it still billion rehabilitation and electrifica will be therefore depends ultimately contends that the present Amtrak tion program on the Northeast on the taxpayers who must foot part system should be pruned. corridor between Boston and Wa of the bill. They can make their shington, where Amtrak now owns wishes known with their votes in Supporters of rail travel observe and maintains track. When complet next year's election, and that the highly regarded trains of ed in the early 1980s, the im Europe and Japan receive govern provements will permit the popular As Secretary Adams says, "We ment subsidies. Railways are a Metroliners to achieve speeds of 120 are going to let people vote by public service, they argue, deserving buying tickets."