Dear All: September 12, 2014 Check your calendar, as you can see, tomorrow is the 13th and that means it’s time for the Vienna train show (400 Center Street South, Vienna, VA 22180), I hope you’ll be able to join us for a day of fun! As a Reminder WB&A members can get in at 8:00 a.m. with others at 9:00 a.m.
After coming out to the Vienna show if you’re looking for some more fun, please visit the Vienna Train Station as they will be having an open house from 1‐5 p.m. (see 9.5.14 eblast for their flyer) and http://www.nvmr.org/
The eblasts and attachments will now be placed on the WB&A website under the “About” tab for your viewing/sharing pleasure http://www.wbachapter.org/index.html.
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.
YORK’N AND TRAIN STORIES BY CLEM CLEMENT I hope you have been enjoying Clem’s York stories, attached is another story from Clem that shows why York’n is near and dear to his heart. Enjoy!
2015 TCA CONVENTION See http://tcaconvention.org/ (new website link)
FALL EASTERN DIVISION YORK MEET http://www.easterntca.org/Site/documents/member _10_14.pdf Clem’s Primer can be found on the WB&A website at http://www.wbachapter.org/Clems%20Primer%20O ct14.htm Have you see the CTT YouTube from York April 2014, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj0v2cKTQjg&fe ature=youtu.be See what else you’ll be missing if you don’t come out to York at: http://www.easterntca.org/photo‐ gallery.htm
WB&A 2015‐2016 ELECTION Ballots will be forthcoming and ballots will be counted at our November 1 general business meeting with results announced at same.
UPCOMING WB&A EVENTS September 13, 2014 – Vienna Train Show November 1, 2014 – WB&A Members Only Semi‐ Annual General Membership/Swap Meet from 9‐12 p.m. at Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8 West Overlea Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206, contact Paul Pullen [email protected] for more information 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.
2014 WB&A DRAWING ITEM 4‐6‐2 P47 Blue Comet Steam Passenger set with Proto‐ sound 3.0; Jersey Central 4‐6‐2 P47 Steam Engine (Cab #833), Tender, (1)Baggage Car, (2) 70' Heavyweight Madison Coach Cars, (1) '70 Heavyweight Observation Car Product #20‐3460‐1 MSRP $999.95 If interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact Glenn MacKinnon at [email protected] the cost is $5 a ticket or 6 for $25, the drawing will be held the end of December 2014. Just 500 tickets for sale!
TOY TRAINS AND COLLECTIBLES Coming soon information for the date and information for our WB&A trip to Toy Trains and Collectibles, it will be a visit you won’t wanna miss! http://www.toytrainsandcollectibles.com/about/
STUDY SESSION Clem and Bruce are eagerly look forward to their next study session and the enjoyment of reviewing Lionel trains together. Their next session will be Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 10 am until 2 pm at 5233 Bessley Place, Alexandria, VA 22304. A buffet lunch will be served. Having completed their study of Lionel Standard Gauge, they turn to Lionel Prewar O Gauge, 1915‐ 1942. Their next session will study Lionel Prewar O Gauge locomotives Nos. 248, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 256 and 4 as well as Ives Nos. 3260 and 3261. The Ives locomotives incorporated the Lionel 248 body. In addition to studying the ten locomotives they would also like to study the sets that came with them. If your locomotive was acquired with what you believe are its original freight or passenger cars, please bring these with you. Please let them know if you plan to attend and about how many locomotives and sets you will bring. They want to plan for adequate display tables. Please call Bruce at 703‐461‐6991 or write to [email protected]. Clem and Bruce P.S. The Lionel Standard Gauge Guide is being printed. Books should be available at the York meet on October 16‐18.
WEBSITES/LINKS OF INTEREST/THINGS TO DO Courtesy of the VTC: Newsletters for The Susquehannock; Blue Ridge Dispatcher; The Green Block; Gulf Coast Railroading; The Automatic Block; Northstar Chapter NRHS September 2014 Newsletter; Key, Lock & Lantern News; and The Highball; C&O Annual Reports, 1910‐1945 http://www.chessieshop.com/index.php?main_page= product_info&cPath=31&products_id=3065; courtesy of Ralph Hawkins Nickel Plate Steam Videos http://youtu.be/jZ5kEGuxtrc; and http://youtu.be/184h77bsuoQ;
Fall may be upon us, but things are a blooming at the Green Spring Gardens Silent Auction – see the attached for all the information.
National Christmas Tree Railroad (see attachment) The National Christmas Tree Crew is gearing up for another Christmas Display at the Ellipse in DC.
CHRISTMAS! – National Christmas Tree RR A meeting scheduled for October 7th will kick off this year's planning. If you have an interest in joining the project, plan to attend. For anyone who likes to play trains and enjoys interacting with the public, this is it. They need your help. Feel free to contact John Zampino any questions you may have. [email protected] or 703‐234‐6013 (see 9.5.14 eblast also).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/WBA‐ Chapter‐TCA/1454100528142375
UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS (please send me items to include on the calendar) – if you like to see 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. September 12, 2014 – Deadline for articles for the September issue of the Trolley – contact Paul Pullen [email protected] for more information 4. September 13, 2014 – WB&A Toy and Train Show at the Vienna Firehouse contact Nada Boswell [email protected] or Dave Eadie [email protected] 5. September 13, 2014 – Hagerstown Model RR Museum, Inc. 9‐2 contact [email protected] 6. September 14, 2014 ‐Gilbertsville Train Show at the Gilbertsville Fire Hall, 1454 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 7. September 13, 2014 – Green Spring Gardens Silent Auction (see attached flyer) 8. September 18‐21, 2014 ‐ B&O RR Historical Society’s Annual Convention in Cumberland, MD see www.borhs.org under Events 9. September 20, 2014 – Railroadiana Collectibles Show in Phoenix, AZ contact Jim at [email protected] 10. September 25, 2014 – Steam Into History see http://steamintohistory.com/ 11. September 25‐27, 2014 ‐ Our friends in the rock world will be holding a Mineral and Fossil Show at the Hiddenite Center in downtown Hiddenite, N.C. (see 8.8.14 PDF), take a drive and go to the show! More information contact Rick at [email protected] 12. September 26‐28, 2014 – Steel Wheels Festival in Cumberland, MD see http://www.wmsr.com/static/Steel%20Wheels% 20Festival 13. September 27, 2014 – Go By Train – 10th Annual Smithsonian Museum Date in St. Louis, MD 14. September 28, 2014 Arbutus Train Show, for more information contact Frank Vacek and/or Sunny Vacek for tables 410‐465‐3782 15. September 28, 2014 – Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS/RR Historians of the Lehigh Valley for more information contact [email protected] 16. October, 2014 – Old Dominion Chapter – James River Ramblet in Dillwyn, VA, Buckingham Branch RR contact odcnrhs.org for exact dates and to order tickets 17. October 7, 2014 – National Christmas Tree Volunteer meeting (see attached information) 18. October 9‐12, 2014 – Missouri Pacific Historical Society – Annual Convention contact Kevin Love at [email protected] 19. October 15, 2014 – The Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia Group will celebrate its 20th Anniversary at the October York Meeting from 6‐8 p.m. at the Liberty Fire Company, call Todd 248‐ 214‐8186 or www.ttpandm.com (see 8.8.14 PDF) 20. October 16‐18, 2014 –Eastern Division York Meet, visit the ED website for information http://www.easterntca.org/Site/documents/me mber_10_14.pdf 21. October 16‐19 NMRA Annual Convention in Hagerstow, MD see http://nmra.org/ 22. October 17‐18, 2014 – in Ohio ‐ Ghost Tours – Dennison RR Depot Museum for more information call 877‐278‐9020 23. October 19, 2014: The Chesapeake Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America makes its Fall 2014 visit to the Baltimore Street Car Museum see: http://www.baltimorestreetcar.org/event1.html 24. October 24‐26, 2014 – Civil War Bus Tours http://www.ncdcr.gov/CivilWarTour?utm_source =cc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BusTou rCC 25. October 25‐26, 2014 – 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/ 26. October 25, 2014 – Baltimore Street Car Museum celebrates Halloween, see http://www.baltimorestreetcar.org/event1.html 27. October 25, 2014 – 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Buckingham Branch RR www.odcnrhs.org 28. November 1‐2, 2014 ‐ Central NY Chapter NRHS< Great NY State Model Train Fair visit www.modeltrainfair.com or [email protected] 29. November 1, 2014 ‐ Semi‐Annual General Membership/Swap Meet from 9‐12 p.m. at Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8 West Overlea Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206, contact Paul Pullen [email protected] for more information 30. November 2, 2014 – Golden Spike Enterprise, Inc. 37th Annual Gaithersburg RR‐Steamship‐ Transportation Artifacts Show & Sale in Gaithersburg, MD contact Charles Miller at [email protected] 31. November 4‐8, 2014 – ATRRM in Tyler, Texas visit www.atrrm.org 32. November 15, 2014 ‐ 10 a.m. Bruce and Clem Study Group contact them at 703‐461‐6991 for more information 33. November 22‐23, 2014 – Trains at Christmas at the Fredericksburg National Guard Armory 10‐5 on Saturday and 10‐4 on Sunday. For more information contact 540‐903‐0631 or www.rcnrhs.com 34. November 28, 2014 – January 12, 2015 – Dominion GardenFest of Lights in Richmond, VA http://www.lewisginter.org/news/media‐ room/DominionGardenFestofLights2012.php 35. December 2014 – Old Dominion Charter, James River Rambler in Dillwyn, VA contact www.odcnrhs.org for exact dates and to order tickets 36. December 6/7‐2014 – Fairfax Station Model train show and old cars http://www.fairfax‐station.org, more information contact Clem Clement [email protected] 37. December 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2014 – Baltimore Street Car Museum is visited by Santa Claus see: http://www.baltimorestreetcar.org/event1.html 38. December 7, 2014 ‐ Gilbertsville Train Show at the Gilbertsville Fire Hall, 1454 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 39. December 13, 2014 – Golden Spike Enterprises, Inc. 56th Buckeye RR Artifacts and Model Trains Show in Columbus, OH contact [email protected] 40. December 13, 2014 Arbutus Train Show, for more information contact Frank Vacek and/or Sunny Vacek for tables 410‐465‐3782 41. January 10‐11, 2015 – WGH in Hampton, VA visit www.wghshow.com 42. January 17‐18, 2015 ‐ WGH in Raleigh, NC visit www.wghshow.com 43. January 31‐Feb. 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/ 44. February 7‐8, 2015 ‐ WGH in Columbus, OH visit www.wghshow.com 45. February 14‐15, 2015 ‐ WGH in Louisville, KY visit www.wghshow.com 46. March 28‐29, 2015 ‐ WGH in Edison, NJ visit www.wghshow.com 47. 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/ 48. May 1‐3, 2015 – NY Central System Historical Society, Inc. 2015 Convention & Meeting visit www.nycshs.org 49. 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] 50. June 4‐7, 2015 – Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, 2015 R&LHS Convention in Altoona, PA 51. June 20‐28, 2015 TCA 2015 National Convention http://www.metca.org/2015convention.html 52. 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/ 53. September 18‐20, 2015 – ATRRM Fall Conference in Union, IL visit www.atrrm.org 54. 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/
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.
Vol. 21 September 2014 No. 9
Brad Dobbins will present the September program for the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS: "The Milwaukee Electrics in 1973". Included will be slides from a trip taken out in Montana and Idaho in 1973. Coverage includes the line between Harlowton, MT and Avery , ID. Some time was spent at both these points plus at Deer Lodge, the main shop for the "RMD". Other areas covered include various substations and stations and trackage along the right-of-way. Milwaukee Road trains are included but were limited due to two factors: the high fire hazard that summer, which restricted train movements; and the elimination of electric helpers at both Butte (Butte to Piedmont) and Avery (this occurred virtually just as we arrived!). Even so, I'll have slides of all three major electric types (i.e. boxcabs, steeplecab switchers, and the Little Joes) actually operating. Come take a look at some grand, electric railroading from days gone by at the September meeting.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014. 6:00 p.m. Charley's Restaurant. 707 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA.
Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS Minutes of Meeting - August 13, 2014
President Rick Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm at Charley’s Restaurant and welcomed 21 members and 5 guests. The minutes of the July meeting were approved as distributed and Lloyd Lipscomb was thanked for taking them. Treasurer John Tanner then reported.
Old business: Rick reported that Chase Gunnoe was unable to present his program at the July fun meeting and it will be re-scheduled. Rail Day was recapped and everyone who helped was thanked. Special thanks went to Barry Moorefield, Norris Deyerle and John Tanner for heading up the event, to John Siegle for the sound equipment and to Dale Diacont and Wayne McKinney for their programs. Barry reported that attendance was less than last year, but there were more vendors and visitors bought more this year. Jean Raas was thanked for managing the model contest. Chapter will need to re-negotiate with the Ruritan Club for the space next year, our multi-year agreement has expired. Before anything is said, Norris suggested that the Chapter vote to decide to have another Rail Day in 2015. Members voted without dissent to hold the event again. Gerald Duval observed that the rain seemed to knock the children out of the audience, but the adults who came were spending. Norris also thanked WSLS, WFIR, WDBJ and WSET for their help in publicizing Rail Day.
Under new business: The Fun Meeting for September will feature Lynchburg Fire Department Chief Brad Ferguson describing the April 30 derailment in downtown Lynchburg. It was announced that the Boones Mill N&W station was successfully moved to its new location, the Blue Ridge Chapter donated funds for this effort. NS Corporation donated building materials. The chapter picnic will be held on September 28, 2-4 pm in Waynesboro at Dale Diacont’s home. Vice President Ed Fielding presented Norris Deyerle with a vintage N&W first aid box in appreciation for his many years of involvement in Rail Day. National Representative Bob Leslie reported that election results for new NRHS officers will be released next week, but the financial reports were not good. Editor Garland Harper was thanked for another quality newsletter and there was no report from the Webmaster.
Brad Dobbins will present a program featuring circa 1973 Milwaukee electric railroading at the September 10 regular meeting. The evening’s program was presented by member Dale Diacont, featuring his trip to various California railroad in 2002. Jim Overholser won the 50/50 and the meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Thomas G. Ledford, Secretary
Obituary: Former Chapter member Bill Cabble. Marion R. “Bill” Cabble, Jr., 80, of Glenwood Park Retirement Village in Princeton, WV, formerly of Bramwell, died Monday, August 25, 2014, at his residence. Born August 26, 1933, in Freeman, WV, he was the son of the late Marion R. Cabble, Sr. and Cleo Calloway Cabble. Bill retired from the U.S. Army in April 1980 after 26 years of service and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a former member of Mount Pisgah Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Evington, VA. He had been a resident of Mercer County since September 2012, moving here from Evington, VA. He is survived by his loving wife, Douglass Carter Cabble of Princeton and many other family members. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Douglass and the rest of his family.
2 Significant Changes Coming As NRHS Stands at a Crossroads
Nearly 80 years after its founding, the NRHS stands at a crossroads. Just as the railroad industry transformed itself to adapt to changing times, so too must the NRHS form a new identity to survive. The society can no longer sustain itself with the same financial and membership model that has been used since 1935. Cost-cutting alone is not enough. As a result, we have formed a New Business Model Committee that will design a concrete vision for our future, including a new financial model that provides long-term stability while strengthening our core mission of rail preservation. In September, this new model will be presented to the NRHS Board of Directors. The board will then make their final decision to approve or reject the new business model. If successful, the new model that emerges will radically transform our organization. Substantial changes will come to our governing structure, our membership model, our financial model and our chapter relationships. What will not change is the society’s primary mission: to preserve and promote America’s railroad heritage so it can be enjoyed by future generations. We’re also fully committed to our 2015 convention to be held next June in Rutland, Vermont. At this time we can’t say which programs will be appropriate or affordable in the new business model, but we intend to continue the following: · Our annual Railway Heritage Grants program, which has awarded nearly $650,000 to restore and preserve historic equipment, structures, and collections. · Our successful RailCamp summer program, which filled to capacity in 2014, and provides hands-on railroading experience to young people. · Our national advocacy of railroad preservation, including our Most At-Risk list of endangered railroad landmarks. · The NRHS News and Bulletin, although the frequency and format may change during the transition period. The new business model committee is made up of experts in finance, the preservation field, the railroad industry, marketing, and management. We’ll be introducing them to you in the next update. They are devoting their summer to transform an 80-year old society into a focused, stable and successful organization that’s driven by passionate supporters of railroad history and preservation. We realize that swift changes and uncertainty are a great concern for our membership; however, this is a crucial time for NRHS that will shape our survival and future success. The committee’s September deadline was chosen so we can share future plans with our members prior to the 2015 dues renewal period. We pledge to keep you informed of our progress between now and September, as we work to remake the NRHS for the 21s century and beyond. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your support of rail preservation! -www.nrhs.com
Read the commentary about society today, the NRHS, and business models at this link. What do you think? http://cs.trains.com/trn/b/staff/archive/2014/08/28/will-the-nrhs-survive-part-one-how-did-we-get-to-this- point.aspx#comments
2014 NRHS Election results Announced
The 2014 NRHS Election results were announced August 25 and Al Weber, District 6 Director, was named president for the 2014-2016 term of office. He will succeed Greg Molloy, who has served as president since 1994. Weber and all newly-elected NRHS board members will take office during the November 14-16 Fall Conference in Johnson City, TN. The final ballot results follow:
President District 3 Director Al Weber - 1869 votes (W) Frank Fowler - 423 votes (W) Greg Molloy - 1321 votes District 4 Director Vice President Sam Williamson - 294 votes (W) Joe Maloney - 2963 votes (W) District 5 Directors Global Directors (2) Jim Pahris - 247 votes (W) Steve Barry - 2647 votes (W) District 6 Director David Flinn - 2042 votes (W) John Goodman - 381 votes (W) District 7 Director Steven Sigerist - 308 votes (W) District 1 Director District A Director Mia Mather - 353 votes (W) Jeff Smith - 275 votes (W) District 2 Director District B Director Harold Shaak - 426 votes (W) Jack Hilborn - 286 votes (W)
3 SIGHTINGS
Aug. 8 - C&NW C44-9W 8701 spotted behind Kemper St. Station leading NS train 204. This is one of two such engines in Union Pacific's fleet still in its original livery.
Aug. 13 - Former NS GP38-2, now FURX 5575, spotted under the coaling tower at CSX's Sandy Hook yard in Lynchburg.
Aug. 22 - Canadian Pacific AC4400CW 9610 with Canadian National power right on NS train 36Q behind seen behind Kemper St. Station.
Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS 2014 Calendar of Events 56th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Chapter A Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region Partner Compiled By Norris Deyerle Blue Ridge Chapter, 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, www.trains.com or [email protected]. There is no cost to promote your train show on these websites. It’s simple to add your event to their website and your event approval is fast and efficient. This is a website 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. September 2014 09-10-14: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Brad Dobbins “The Milwaukee Electrics” Slide Presentation, See the beautiful cover photo on this newsletter! Charley’s Restaurant, Lynchburg, Va. Guests are always welcome! 09-13-14: {Saturday} “WB&A” Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Chapter, TCA Toy Train Show & Sale, Open To the Public, 9:00 am -2:00 pm, Admission $5.00, Vienna Firehouse, 400 Center Street South, Vienna, Va. 22180 Info: http://wba-tca-eastern.org to see special admission prices and to download directions to the train show. Info: Dave Eadie, Phone 703-451-4149 or email [email protected] 09-13-14: {Saturday} Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum, Inc. Model Train Show Sale, Washington County Ag Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Sharpsburg, MD {3 miles North of Antietam Battlefield} Tables: $18.00 for 8ft. x 30” wide, 9:00 am till 2:00 pm. General Admission $5.00, under 12 free. Info – email: [email protected] Web: www.antietamstation.com or call 301-800-9829 09-24-14: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting”, A Lynchburg City Fire Department officer will have a special presentation on the 2014 CSX oil train derailment in Lynchburg, Va. 09-26 – 28-14: {Friday – Sunday} “Steel Wheels Festival”, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Cumberland, MD, Info: www.wmsr.com 09-28-14: {Sunday} Our Blue Ridge Chapter annual “Summer Picnic” will be at “Red Dog Manor” in Waynesboro, Va. I want to personally thank BRC member Dale Diacont and his wife Audrey for hosting our annual Summer Picnic this year. If it wasn’t for them we would not have had one. Dale and Audrey will cook the hamburgers and hot dogs. Attendees are requested to bring a covered dish or dessert to share with the others. 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm. Bring your camera since the railroad tracks are bordering their back yard! Info: [email protected] CONSULT MAP FOR DIRECTIONS, or plug 220 Chantilly Dr. Waynesboro, VA 22980 into your GPS device. October 2014 October 2014 Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS “James River Rambler” train rides on the Buckingham Branch Railroad, Dillwyn., Va. Info: www.odcnrhs.org for exact dates and ticket prices for these and other Fall train rides. Directions to the Diacont abode and our Summer Picnic 10-08-14: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber Presentation 10-11&12-14: {Saturday & Sunday} Appomattox Railroad Festival, Appomattox, Va. Contact info: TBD 10-12-14: {Sunday} BRC member Dale Diacont’s cookout at “Red Dog Manor” in Waynesboro, Va. BRC members and their guests are invited. Contact Dale for more info. Space may be limited since this is Dale and Audrey’s home. Info: [email protected] to get more details and make sure the cookout is still scheduled. 10-16-18-14: {Thursday – Saturday} Eastern Division Train Collectors Association York Train Meet, York Expo Center, York, PA, Train Show Open to TCA members and their guests, Info: www.easterntca.org for directions and to join the TCA. 10-25 & 26-14: {Saturday & Sunday} “The Great Scale Model Train Show”, Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace, Timonium, MD Info: www.gsmts.com November 2014 11-01& 02-14: {Saturday & Sunday} North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation & the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum, “Scenic Southern Rails” Fall Excursions, Virginia Autumn Special, Spencer, NC to Charlottesville, Va. Georgia Autumn Special, Spencer, NC to Toccoa, Ga. Tickets went on sale to the general public on July 9, 2014. Info: http://www.nctrans.org/Events/Fall-Excursions 11-02-14: {Sunday} 37th Annual Gaithersburg Railroadiana & Transportation Show, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: www.gserr.com 11-08-14: {Saturday} 13th Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club Trains & Railroadiana Show and Sale, Raleigh, NC. Info: www.nrvshow.org 11-08 & 09-14: Pocahontas NRHS Model Train Show, Bluefield Youth Center, 1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV, Contact Phone: 304-431-2593, Website: http://www.visitmercercounty.com Contact email: [email protected] 11-12-14: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Wayland Moore Presentation 11-25-14: {Wednesday} NO BRC “FUN MEETING” DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY December 2014 12-06-14: {Saturday} BRC Annual Christmas Banquet, Altavista, Va. 12-10-14: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Skip “Groundhog” Hansberry Presentation 12-20-14: {Saturday} BRC Annual Kemper Street Station Holiday Gathering
5 Class J 611 restoration continues
The restoration of the Class J 611 is in full swing. In the past few weeks, the mechanical teams have been working on the supherheaters and flexible stay bolt caps.
The Superheaters
The superheaters up close. Each superheater is carefully inspected and tested.
Superheater, steam expert and former Norfolk Southern General Foreman for Steam Bob Yuill (left) works with mechanical volunteer John Otey to inspect and repair the superheaters, which number sixty in all. The Elesco Type E superheater units re-heat the steam generated by the boiler, increasing its thermal energy and giving the 611 more efficient power. Bob inspects each superheater carefully, looking for any defects or thin spots in the steel tubes. After the superheaters are inspected and fixed, Bob fills the superheater with water and hydrostatically tests the units. If a superheater does not pass the test, Bob rebuilds the unit to its original design specifications.
The Staybolts and Caps
The staybolts are inserted through two sheets of steel.
Before and after: The cap on the right before cleaning and inspection. The cap on the left after cleaning and inspection.
A requirement of 611's 1472-day inspection is the inspection of each staybolt. To perform the inspection the cap must be removed, bead blasted and have its pressure bearing seat ground. The bolt is tested and if it is not broken a new copper washer is installed and the cap is reinstalled. With over 2,200 flexible staybolts the job is time consuming for the 611's mechanical crew.
Up next: the rear flue sheet In the next few weeks, the rear flue sheet will be removed and a new sheet fabricated by skilled craftsmen. "We are working directly off of N&W's plans for the rear flue sheet," said J. Preston Claytor, chairman of the Fire Up 611! Committee. "N&W built the finest steam passenger locomotive in the world, and we believe that deviating from the original design will not serve the project well."
6 New book available!
High Bridge: "The End of Our Fifteen Months' Labor" The story of building the Norfolk & Western viaduct near Farmville, Virginia
This book, published by Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park commemorates the 100th anniversary of the completion of N&W's "High Bridge" over the Appomattox River in Prince Edward County.
It features historical images created by Willis Vail, Resident Engineer on the construction project in 1913-1914. Learn about the people, equipment, and methods used to build historic High Bridge. View 77 images produced from Vail's glass negatives. Read captions taken from Vail's own descriptions. See a reproduction of the Sep. 1914 Engineering News.
Edited and annotated by Bob Flippen, Education Specialist at High Bridge Trail State Park, and Richard McClintock, PhD., Director of Publications, retired, Hampden-Sydney College.
"This book chronicles the construction of one of the most significant bridges on the N&W Railway. Photos of the project by Resident Engineer Willis Vail show each step in the construction of this engineering marvel. The text does a masterful job of describing construction methods and techniques used over 100 years ago without being overly technical." - Ron Davis, President of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society
~9 1/2 x 8 inches, soft cover, 96 pages. Copyright 2014. ISBN 978-0-9960082-0-4. $19.95 + Shipping, if applicable
All proceeds received by the Friends group from the sale of this book will be used to benefit Virginia's High Bridge Trail State Park. The Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Please use this link for more information on the book and ordering information, including retail outlets and on-line purchase instructions. https://www.sites.google.com/site/friendsofhighbridgetrail/high-bridge-book
Note that shipping (USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail) will be added to the price of the book: $5.60 for 1-2 copies; $12.35 for 3-15 copies. (Please contact us if you desire to order more than 15 copies.) Please allow typically 4-5 business days for your order to be processed your order. Please note that all sales are final; we do not offer refunds.
Railfan websites of interest. Compiled by Norris Deyerle
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 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
7 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND STAFF
President Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434‐660‐1113 [email protected] Vice President Ed Fielding, 4 Clifton St. Lynchburg, VA 24501 434‐845‐1740 [email protected] Secretary Tom Ledford, 2186 Woodcrest Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24503 434‐384‐2013 [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.
8 SEPTEMBER 2014THE THE AUTOMATIC AUTOMATIC BLOCK BLOCK Page 1
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Published by
WESTERN MARYLAND CHAPTER, NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Vol.36, No. 9 P. O. Box 1331, Cumberland, MD 21501-1331 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHAPTER ORDER BOARD within the next few months, the restoration CHAPTER MEETING - A social meeting will work needed to finish the WM Chapter’s heavy- be held Wednesday at 7 PM on September 17, weight railcar, recent sales of railroad history 2014 at the South Cumberland Library, Cum- publications in 2014, signing up chapter vol- berland Maryland. Details on page 1. unteers to man the exhibits on local railroad September 13 -- Hagerstown Model Railroad history during upcoming events, plans for the Museum’s model train sale at the Washington next social meetings on Sept. 17 and Oct. 15, County Ag Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, and beginning the nomination process for the Sharpsburg, MD from 9 AM till 2 PM. Admis- annual election of chapter officers and direc- sion charged. For more information visit tors scheduled for Nov. 19. www.antietamstation.com or call 301-800- CHAPTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — Two 9829 for voice mail. I will be attending this weekends in September will be very busy for show as a buyer and if you wish to ride with WM Chapter members who wish to volunteer me to the show, I have seats available in my for chapter activities during upcoming local rail van. Call Bob at 301-759-3605 for details. events. The Mount Savage Iron Rail Days will September 13-14 -- MT. SAVAGE IRON RAIL take place on Sept. 13-14, and the WMSR Steel DAYS will include various activities commemo- Wheels Festival will be held around rating the manufacture of the first rolled iron Cumberlandís historic Western Maryland Rail- rails made in America by the Mount Savage way Station two weeks later on Sept. 27-28. Iron Works in 1844. See page 1 for additional Chapter members are needed to man our dis- details. play on local railroad history in the old Union September 18-21 -- B&O Railroad Historical Mining Company office building along Foundry Society’s National Convention in Cumberland, Row near the 1901 C&P Railroad office build- MD. Further details on page 2. ing in Mount Savage MD. This event will be Sep. 27-28 -- Amtrak Exhibit Train to visit open to the public from 10 AM until 5 PM on Cumberland. Further details on page 4. both Saturday and Sunday. Oct. 12 -- Alto Model train Museum Associa- During the WMSR Steel Wheels Festival two tion train meet in the Altoona area at the Blair weeks later, the WM Chapter’s CRR 1072 ca- County Convention center on the upper level boose at the WM Railway Station will be open from 9 AM until 2 PM. Admission charged. for guided tours from 10 AM until 5 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Sign-up sheets for this Western Maryland Chapter News event will be passed around during the social by meeting on Sept. 17, so please consider donat- Richard Kirsch - Chapter Secretary ing some time for this festival. Volunteers may WM CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETING ON contact WM Chapter Secretary Richard Kirsch AUG. 20 was held in the South Cumberland by telephone (301-722-7519) after 7 PM in the Library at 100 Seymour Street. Among the top- evening. ics discussed were the current status of chap- WM CHAPTER SOCIAL MEETING ON ter membership and the expected delivery of SEPT.17 will be held at 7 PM in the commu- the 2015 NRHS Membership Renewal Notices nity meeting room at the South Cumberland Page 2 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014
Library, located on the corner of First and around Cumberland. Seymour streets. Parking is available near the On Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 AM, the buses Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, which is handi- will depart for the 25-mile long trip to Rom- cap accessible. This meeting is open to the pub- ney WV, where conventioneers will board the lic, and anyone interested in railroads may at- B&O-painted Potomac Eagle excursion train tend. Renown railroad photographer and au- for a trip on the B&O Railroad’s former South thor, Tom Biery, will give an interesting illus- Branch Valley Railroad. The train will first trated talk on the history of the B&O Railroad travel northward to Green Spring with its coming to western Maryland, and how, after junction connecting to the B&O mainline the Civil War, its passenger trains brought tracks, then the train will go south through prominent Americans to the new tourist resorts the Trough “where eagles fly,” before return- at Oakland, Mountain Lake Park and Deer ing back to Romney. This trip will include a Park. In an age before air conditioning, people photo runby, and a box lunch will be provided in Baltimore and Washington could escape the on the train. Between 2:25 and 4 PM, there oppressive summer heat by taking the train to will be a bus tour of the B&O Railroad loca- the mountianside of Maryland. Several Ameri- tions at Keyser and Piedmont WV. After re- can presidents and other famous persons are turning to the Ramada Hotel in Cumberland, known to have vacationed in Garrett County. the convention banquet will be held from 7 to B&OHS CONVENTION IN CUMBERLAND 9:30 PM. The guest speaker will be photogra- SEPT.18-21 — The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad pher and CSX locomotive engineer Tom Historical Society will hold its 2014 convention Kraemer, who will talk about the Challenge in the downtown Cumberland Ramada Hotel of Running Trains on Sand Patch Grade and at 100 South George Street on September 18- How It has Changed Over Time. On Sunday, 21. On Thursday, Sept. 18, from 7:15 to 9:15 Sept. 21, from 8 to 9 AM, the Annual Busi- PM, there will be evening presentations in the ness Meeting will be held. From 11:30 AM to hotel conference room by Dave Downton, Other 3 PM, conventioneers may ride the steam- Railroads in Cumberland; Henry Freeman, powered excursion train on the Western History and Facilities of the B&O Railroad in Maryland Scenic Railroad from Cumberland Cumberland, and Dave Ori, B&O Railroad to Frostburg and back. For more details of Operations in Cumberland. On Friday, Sept. the 2014 B&ORHS Convention, visit the 19, the morning from 8 AM to 11:30 AM will be website (http://www.borhs.org/ spent on a bus tour of important B&O Rail- 2014annualcumberland.pdf). road locations around Cumberland. After a box AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN VISITS SEPT. lunch, the bus tour will continue with explora- 27-28 — On Saturday and Sunday , Septem- tion of the WMSR shop facilities in Ridgeley ber 27 & 28, from 10 AM to 5 PM, the Amtrak WV, including views of the 2-6-6-2 C&O 1309 Exhibit Train will be open for free tours at steam locomotive as it is being restored to ser- the historic Western Maryland Railway Sta- vice. From 5 to 7 PM, a special dinner train tion in Cumberland MD. With a total length will operate from Maryland Junction westward of 510 feet, this special exhibit train consists through the Narrows, then returning to the of two locomotives, three re-configured bag- Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumber- gage cars used for displays, and a former café land, The train ride will be narrated by John car used as a gift shop, all wearing historic Hankey and Dave Downton. Back at the Amtrak paint schemes. The Amtrak Exhibit Ramada Hotel from 7:30 to 10:30 PM, the Train features various displays on board, in- evening presentations will include Bill Hopkins cluding interactive railroad signals and a lo- showing photographic slides of The B&O Rail- comotive control stand. In addition, there are road and WM Railway in Cumberland from the exhibits of photos, uniforms, vintage posters 1950s to the 1970s, and Dave Parks talking and memorabilia from the beginning of about Modeling the B&O Railroad in and Amtrak in 1971 to today’s modern sleeping SEPTEMBER 2014 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK Page 3 cars and high-speed trains. For more informa- terior woodwork. The 204 is described as one tion about the Amtrak Exhibit Train, visit the of the most complete and significant early steel website (www.amtrak.com/exhibit-train) passenger cars in the country and a significant PREVIEW OF OCT. 15 SOCIAL MEETING artifact of Maryland’s railroad heritage. — Program Chairman Jack Reckley reports The funding is through the Maryland Heri- that WMSR Media Coordinator Jody Shaw will tage Areas Authority, which coordinates the show a recently-made video which features the administration of 13 designated heritage areas arrival and unloading of the 1948 Baldwin- throughout the state. built 2-6-6-2 compound articulated steam lo- The Pullman Co. built car 204 in 1918 as a comotive, C&O 1309, at Ridgeley WV on private railroad car for New York’s Peter Rouss. Thursday, 24 July 2014. Other items may be The interior featured an observation room with included in this October program. Stay tuned traditional open platform, four bedrooms, for more details next month! shower and bathrooms, dining room, kitchen/ NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE FORMED — pantry and crew quarters. The annual election of WM Chapter officers The Western Maryland Railway acquired and directors is scheduled for November 19. the car in 1943 for use as a mobile office and During the August 20th business meeting , the meeting place for company officials. For more Nominations Committee, consisting of Tom than 20 years, the car traveled throughout the Biery and Richard Kirsch, was formed to seek Western Maryland Railway system and it vis- candidates for 7 officers and 5 directors who ited Cumberland often. In 1964, the railroad will be elected in November to serve during sold the car. For the next 50 years it was used 2015. Some incumbent officers and directors as a summer cottage and home at Deep Creek have indicated that they are willing to serve Lake. another term if re-elected. Yet more members In early 2014, the family of the late R. R. are needed to stand as candidates in the up- Johnson donated the car to WMSRDC through coming election, especially for Board of Direc- Carl Belt Inc. Other donors to the project have tors. During the next six weeks, this commit- included Bill Miller Equipment, Garrett tee will put together a slate of candidates for County Roads Department, Garrett County the election ballot. Any regular chapter mem- Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Highway Ad- ber who wants to serve as an officer or as a ministration, Maryland State Police, Allegany director next year should contact a member of County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland Police, this committee by October 31, Keystone Lime Co., Maryland Minerals and Atkinson Welding. The Western Maryland Sce- WM Scenic Railroad gets $85,000 grant nic Railroad Foundation has also received to restore old office car grants from the Tom E. Dailey Foundation and CUMBERLAND -- The Maryland Historical the National Railway Historical Society to sup- Trust is awarding $85,000 to the Western port the car’s restoration. Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corp. Cumberland Times-News, July 18, 2014 to assist with the restoration of former West- ern Maryland Railway Office car 204. Growing CSX expected to hire The car will be used in regular excursion thousands trains and for special charters. It will also serve New jobs product of increase in freight as a unique classroom on wheels for a variety business of school and learning initiatives, according to Matthew Bieniek, staff writer the WMSR. CUMBERLAND - - While the hiring is under- The grant will be matched dollar for dollar way, CSX Transportation has confirmed that by WMSRDC and the Western Maryland Sce- hundreds, and eventually thousands, of work- nic Railroad Foundation to help fund work on ers will be hired to fill new jobs at the growing the car’s roof and sides, open platform and in- railroad. Page 4 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014
The railroad needs workers because of in- Doolittle said. creased demand for the rail freight business A big part of that investment is a project all across the country, but especially in the to expand the rail system to make it more ef- northern tier of CSX’s operations, company of- ficient. ficials said. The Cumberland rail yard employs about Officials did not say how many of those jobs 750 people, the company said. could come to Cumberland. In Maryland, the company: “At this point, it’s not possible to say *Operates and maintains nearly 1,400 whether any of the jobs that we are filling will miles of track be in the Cumberland area or Maryland gen- *Maintains more than 760 public and erally. Staffing plans are still evolving and it private grade crossings. would be premature to comment,” said Rob *Handled more than 1.1 million car- Doolittle, a spokesman for CSX. loads of freight on the state’s rail network (in The top official at CSX explained the why 2013). behind the company’s hiring plans. *At the end of 2013, CSX employed “To propel service and capture growth op- nearly 1,600 people. portunities, CSX is adding front-line person- *Throughout 2013, CSX reported nel and making targeted investments in ,in- nearly $116.9 million in compensation for em- frastructure and freight cars to efficiently grow ployees, including former employees. our business and create competitive advantages Cumberland Times-News, August 6, 2014 for our customers,” said Michael Ward, CSX chairman and chief executive officer. “With the WMSR Steel Wheels Festival on Sept. broad based economic momentum we are see- 26-28 ing, the core earning strength of this company The first annual Steel Wheels Festival, is improving and driving value for sharehold- sponsored by the Western Maryland Scenic ers.” Railroad and the WMSR Foundation, will be “CSX reported evidence of that momentum held in Cumberland MD and Ridgeley WV in announcing financial results for the second during the three-day weekend of September quarter of the company’s fiscal year on July 15,” 26-28. This festival will be full of events de- Doolittle said. “In announcing the results, the signed to promote the continuing awareness company reported an all-time record $3.2 bil- of railroad transportation and its heritage. lion in revenue in the quarter on volume growth The prime attraction this year will be the of 8 percent, with strength across CSX’s major 510-foot long Amtrak Exhibit Train promi- markets. In addition to the positive economic nently on display at Cumberland’s century-old environment, growth trends in the intermodal Western Maryland Railway Station along Ca- and oil and gas markets are contributing to nal Street. Led by a pair of General Electric CSX’s expectation for modest full-year earnings passenger diesel locomotives, this four-car growth in 2014.” train carries a free, traveling exhibit that tells Intermodal transport involves freight the interesting forty-year history of Amtrak shipped using multiple modes of transporta- intercity passenger trains. Visitors may go tion. aboard three display cars which are former The company is also making an investment baggage cars that have been transformed for in the future. the display of artifacts, memorabilia and in- “These expectations are the foundation for teractive exhibits. At the end of the exhibit an increase in this year’s capital investment of train is a re-configured cafe car where visi- approximately $100 million, to $2.4 billion, to tors may browse in the gift shop for souve- support sustainable growth. The increase fur- nirs and other items. The Amtrak Exhibit ther enhances key infrastructure and adds Train will be open free to the public from 10 freight cars to help chive long-term growth,” a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. SEPTEMBER 2014 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK Page 5
If possible, the recently acquired 95-year leading the Maryland Junction Express into old Western Maryland Railway 204 business West Virginia on Sunday, leaving Cumberland car may be on display with the Amtrak Ex- at 9 a.m., 12 noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 P.M. On hibit Train. This 82-foot long heavyweight rail- the previous Saturday, LVC 126 will travel five car was towed by truck to Cumberland last times to the Ridgeley steam shop, where the January after being stationary for fifty years passengers will be able to tour the facilities. near Deep Creek Lake where it had been used Here C&O 1309, the 1949 Baldwin-built as a summer residence. The WM 204 railcar 2-6-6-2 compound articulated steam locomo- has an open platform at one end and an ad- tive which was newly acquired from the B&O joining observation lounge, followed by four Railroad Museum in Baltimore, may be seen sleeping compartments and a dining salon as it undergoes extensive work to restore it to which could seat ten persons around the table. operating condition by 2016. At the railcar’s other end are a kitchen, a pan- Other activities during the Steel Wheels try, and crew quarters. Festival include two night photo sessions led Nearby the Western Maryland Chapter by Chase Gunnoe and Joe Gonzalez. On Fri- NRHS will have its fully equipped 1948 ca- day evening from 8:45 to 10 p.m., railfan pho- boose, CRR 1072, open for guided tours from tographers will be able to focus on the impres- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sun- sive 322-ton compound articulated steam lo- day. Visitors may see where the freight train comotive, C&O 1309, while it is being restored conductor and rear brakeman once lived and in Ridgeley. On the following Saturday evening worked, and even try out the seats in the cu- from 9 to 11 p.m., the 242-ton Consolidation pola at the top of the caboose. From here the class steam locomotive, WMSR 734, may be crewmen would be looking for anything that photographed next to the Amtrak Exhibit could be a hazard for the freight train, such as Train at the Western Maryland Railway Sta- over-heated wheel bearings smoking, or shift- tion. Earlier at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, a ing cargo on the flatcars, or unauthorized per- special WMSR dinner train will depart from sons boarding the freight train such as hobos. the Cumberland station. on board will be rail- They could even stop the entire freight train road author Jim Porterfield, who has written in case of an emergency. Dining by Rail and From the Dining Car. The Steel Wheels Festival will feature Nearby in the Allegany Museum on the cor- three historic steam locomotives representing ner of South Mechanic and Pershing streets, different aspects in the “Golden Age” of rail- railroad history exhibits will be displayed on roading. WMSR 734, the 1916 Baldwin-built the second floor. In the museum’s Great Hall 2-8-0 steam locomotive will provide motive will be a model train layout provided by MTH, power for the regular Mountain Thunder pas- using solely their factory equipment. At this senger excursion train to Frostburg on all three same location will be other displays provided days of this festival. This steam-powered train by model railroad clubs, railroadiana vendors, departs from Cumberland at 11:30 a.m. and railroad historical societies, and Operation arrives in Frostburg at 12:30 p.m., then after Lifesaver. a 90-minute layover, it will leave Frostburg at 2 p.m. and return to Cumberland at 3 p.m. LVC Carpendale’s Hiking Trail 126, the 1931 Vulcan-built 0-6-0 tank engine, One hot summer Saturday, my wife and I de- was used by the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. cided to hike the recently opened Carpendale Now affectionately named “Sadie”, it will be hiking trail, across the Potomac from Cum- providing the special “Hands on the Throttle” berland. We thought we could access the trail experience of operating a real steam locomo- from the Maryland side of the former West- tive for approximately 30 minutes on Friday ern Maryland right of way. After a fruitless afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. This 40-ton search for a parking location on the Maryland steam locomotive will make four round trips side, We head ed for West Virginia. Carpendale Page 6 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 is accessed through Ridgeley of off Route 28, The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was often the Potomac Street. Locate Mineral St. and head west target of Confederate attacks during the sum- to Main St. Turn right on to Main which turns mer months of 1864. The overall commander of into Miller in Carpendale. In Carpendale turn the Rebel forces instigating the railroad’s de- right on Cedar and follow it around to Miller Lane struction was Lt. Gen. Jubal Anderson Early, and and the small parking lot at the trail head. Start- was not yet finished with this appointed task in ing at the Caprpendale end, it is just a short walk late August. On Thursday, August 25, Early sent to the 1500 foot tunnel.The tunnel is lighted, how- three Confederate units north toward the ever if you want to examine the limestone cre- Potomac River, threatening a new invasion of ations, a flash light would be in order. Emerging Maryland and Pennsylvania. Fighting occurred from the tunnel you are almost immediately on near Kearneysville WV on the B&O Railroad at the newly redecked bridge over the Potomac Mile Post (MP) 92.2 and at Shepherdstown WV River. The bridge is more than 350 feet long and on the Potomac River five miles to the north- has recently had new decking. The decking al- east. However, the river fords were well guarded lows handicap access, and a great view of Cum- by Federal troops, and nothing came out of this berland. You can fish from the bridge with a Mary- Rebel movement. Two days later on Saturday, land license, however it is a good drop for your August 27, skirmishing took place between Rebel line before you touch water. On the return trip, I and Union soldiers at Duffields Station (MP 87.7) noticed the water seeping from the walls, creat- in Jefferson County, West Virginia. ing new crystals. All in all, it was a cool trip, To provide more effective leadership for the double entande intended. Union troops in the Mountain State, 35-year old Bob Bernier -Editor Brig. Gen. George Crook was appointed as com- mander of the Federal Department of West Vir- Juvenile allegedly sets fire to railroad ginia, replacing the controversial Maj. Gen. crosstie David Hunter on Tuesday, August 30. Less than CUMBERLAND - - Cumberland Police arrested three weeks later on Saturday, Sept. 17, Jubal a 16-year-old Saturday after he was reportedly Early began another advance upon the B&O observed setting fire to a wooden crosstie on the Railroad. He started his march northward from Western Maryland Scenic Railroad bridge over Stephenson’s Depot on the Winchester & the Potomac River, which was being used by a Potomac Railroad just six miles from Winches- train with five employees aboard. ter VA, heading toward the large B&O Railroad Police received a call regarding the fire at 3:46 shops at Martinsburg WV some 22 miles to the p.m. and arrived on the scene with members of north. However, Early’s four small divisions were the Cumberland Fire Department who extin- perilously spread out, leaving them subject to guished the fire. attack by nearby Union troops. At this time Early Police said the suspect was observed running had about 12,000 men, compared to the total field from the scene but was stopped a short time later. force of more than 40,000 troops commanded by Several witnesses identified the subject as being 33-year old Philip Henry Sheridan, recently the person who set the fire. placed in charge of the Union Army of the The juvenile was arrested and later released Shenandoah. Upon learning of the dispersed con- to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Ser- dition of Early’s units, Sheridan moved to attack vices. No injuries were reported, however dam- the Rebel base near Winchester. Early was able age was estimated at $2,000, according to police. to quickly concentrate his forces and fought Charges against the juvenile include mali- fiercely with the Yankees along Opequon Creek cious burning first degree, arson second degree, north of the town. On Monday, Sept. 19, the five counts of reckless endangerment disorderly Rebels were badly beaten, and Early’s dwindling conduct, trespassing on posted property and ob- command was forced to retreat farther up the structing and hindering, Shenandoah Valley. Cumberland Times-News, Sept. 1, 2014 September 1864 was a time for change among the Union defenders of the B&O Railroad. Sev- B&O reopens to Cumberland in Sept. 1864 eral “hundred-day” Ohio infantry regiments SEPTEMBER 2014 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK Page 7 which had faced Confederate attacks during the Chase near Columbus OH on Tuesday, August previous month, were ending their tour of Fed- 30, and the men were mustered out on Friday, eral service and returning back to their home Sept. 9, the last hundred-day Ohio unit to do so. state. The 152nd Ohio National Guard Regi- Farther to the west along the B&O Railroad ment, under the command of Col. David Putnam, was stationed the 154th Ohio National Guard had moved to Cumberland MD (MP 178.6) on Regiment, commanded by Col. Robert June 29. Since that date, the 821 men of this Stevenson. The soldiers of this regiment moved unit served along the B&O Railroad and at Cum- by train to New Creek (MP 201.4) and other lo- berland until Thursday, August 25. During their cations along the B&O Railroad west of Cum- time in Federal service, one enlisted man was berland on July 25. They saw action at New killed in action, while twenty died from disease. Creek (as Keyser was then called) on August 4, They mustered out at Camp Dennison near Cin- successfully repelling the attack by Rebel cav- cinnati OH on Friday, Sept. 2. Another unit based alry led by Brig. Gen. John McCausland. The in Cumberland was the 156th Ohio National regiment’s losses during Federal service included Guard Regiment commanded by Col. Caleb one enlisted man killed in action and three en- Marker, which arrived in this western Maryland listed men died from disease. This regiment was city on 31 July 1864, and set up its bivouac at moved by train to Camp Chase near Columbus Campobello (where Allegany High School is pres- OH on Wednesday, August 10, and then to Camp ently located). It had a combat engagement with Dennison near Cincinnati OH on Monday, Au- the enemy near Folck’s Mill along Evitts Creek gust 22. There the regiment’s soldiers were mus- three miles east of town the next day on August tered out of Federal service on Thursday, Sep- 1. During the period in Federal service, the regi- tember 1. ment lost one officer and 22 enlisted men due to As commander of Union forces along the disease. It was mustered out on Thursday, Sept. B&O Railroad who was responsible for the pro- l. tection of this vital rail line, Benjamin Franklin Although the regimental headquarters for the Kelley was promoted to brevet major general on 153rd Ohio National Guard Regiment, com- Friday, 5 August 1865, following the successful manded by Col. Israel Stough, was at Paw Paw defense of Cumberland and New Creek. With WV (MP 154.4), its 753 soldiers were strung out the Ohio regiments returning to their home along approximately fifty miles of the B&O state, Kelley had to make some adjustments in tracks between Hancock (MP 122.9) and North his defensive positions along the B&O Railroad. Branch Bridge (MP 172.6). The soldiers of this He requested to retain the hundred-day regi- regiment saw action at South Branch Bridge (MP ments until replacement units could be found. 162.5) and Patterson Creek Bridge (MP 170.6) He redistributed his forces along the rail line, on July 4, by the water tank at Sir Johns Run moving units from locations where Confederate (128.6) on July 6, and at Green Spring (MP 164.2) attacks were less likely, and placing them where on August 2. During their hundred days of Fed- there was a greater probability of Rebel raids. eral service, one officer and two enlisted men During the previous several weeks of sum- were killed in action, and 26 enlisted men died mer, Confederate units under the command of due to disease. The regiment was moved to Camp Jubal Early had destroyed 75 miles of track be- Page 8 THE AUTOMATIC BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 tween Cumberland and Harpers Ferry. The destruc- tion included burnt bridges, wrecked water tanks, HELP - HELP - HELP and damaged engine houses and other repair fa- We could use your help here if you have inter- cilities. By this fourth year of the war, B&O con- net access. We can e-mail your The Automatic struction crews had considerable experience in rap- Block and save postage costs. Three obvious ad- idly repairing the railroad. Within fifty days, the vantages are you receive it earlier, some pictures necessary repairs had been made so that through are in color in the e-mail version and more of trains could once again move along the complete your dues go to the restoration of our museum route. car and other projects. To receive the AB via e- On Friday, Sept. 23, the entire 379-mile long mail, send your internet address to mainline track of the B&O Railroad from Baltimore “[email protected]”, and I will add your address MD to Wheeling WV was reopened after extensive to our bulletin distribution list. repairs to the damage done by Rebels had been com- NOTE: If you receive our bulletin as an exchange pleted. A correspondent for the New York Herald, for your chapter’s bulletin, we are considering N. Davidson, was at Harpers Ferry and reported dropping this exchange unless we can go to the that on the first day of restored train service, sev- e-mail option. eral hundred coal cars had passed by on their way to Cumberland for more coal. “The first through The Automatic Block is published monthly passenger train came up ... under the charge of by the Western Maryland Chapter, NRHS. Conductor H.G. Perry, one of the old veterans of President - Thomas A. Biery the route,” Davidson wrote. “The train was heavily Vice Pres - Thomas Dulz laden, and had a fair portion of through passen- Secretary - Richard W. Kirsch gers.... W.P. Smith, superintendent of the [rail-] Treasurer - Edward R. Albiker road, and his assistants deserve much credit for Nat’l Rep - Frank B. Fowler the energy with which they have [performed] the Historian - Patrick H. Stakem work on the route to [its] successful and early con- clusion.... “ A.B. Editor - Robert Bernier THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 Volume 55 • Number 9
Official Publication of the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc.
www.cnynrhs.org MEMBERSHIP MEETING PROGRAM “ROADS, RIVERS, & RAILS - VOLUME 2” Delaware & Hudson’s Susquehanna Division Heritage Trail By John Taibi WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 - 7:30 PM ART & HOME CENTER - NEW YORK STATE FAIRGROUNDS
Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4012 - Steamtown NHS, Scranton, PA Photos by Ed Post CNY CHAPTER OFFICERS BIG BOY NO. 4014 quickly shipping supplies and munitions to PRESIDENT both coasts during World War II. Al Kallfelz (488-8208) Union Pacific’s specially-trained team In its day the Big Boys made a mighty [email protected] will soon begin overhauling the steam impression on all who saw them powering FIRST VICE PRESIDENT locomotive known as Big Boy No. 4014. It their way uphill. “The exhaust was a loud, Jack Humphrey (656-8984) is the world’s largest engine and holds a [email protected] loud whistle, and the ground actually special place in the history of railroading. vibrated a little. It was an unforgettable VICE PRESIDENT & RECORDING SEC’Y Jeff Paston (682-8144) Early in May, Union Pacific moved the experience to see and hear. [email protected] Big Boy #4014 from a Southern California Now the UP Steam Staff faces the TREASURER museum to the company’s rail yard in daunting and expensive challenge of Josie LeMay (289-3346) Cheyenne, Wyoming. It will be the third restoring the long dormant 4014. Dickens [email protected] steam engine to be made a part of the won’t promise a delivery date beyond CORRESPONDING SECRETARY railroad’s fleet of historic rail stock. saying it will take “three to five years.” Herb Meinking (699-5198) [email protected] Fans of American rail history are UP has not operated a Big Boy since ecstatic at the prospect of having the engine NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE 1959, so the infrastructure that was there Open Position back in operation. Impressive crowds back then is gone and the staff that worked greeted the locomotive at each stop during 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS on and ran them is gone as well. Phil Edwards Gus Nordone the 10-day journey. A steady stream of Dickens is confident they will succeed. Tom Edwards Dick Palmer train enthusiasts chased the train, Weeks of inspections and tinkering even Jack Humphrey Jeff Paston attempting to keep it in sight whenever before the locomotive was relocated Al Kallfelz Tom Pierson possible for video, photos or memories. Josie LeMay Bob Townsend convinced him most pieces can be put back Gerrit Vanderwerff Railfans were impressed with how into service, including “the most critical good the retired engine looked. There were COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS part: the pressure vessel. The boiler walls no signs of aging stiff joints, even where the show no signs that rust or cracks have ELECTRONIC MEDIA COORDINATOR Jeff Paston (682-8144) massive engine is designed to bend in the undercut the integrity of a vessel that needs [email protected] middle to get its unnaturally long body the ability to withstand 300 PSI. MEETING PROGRAM COORDINATORS around tight curves. The steam team found the trip from Dick Palmer (475-8748) “The magic of the Big Boy” is how the California a useful opportunity to learn Tom Pierson (447-2272) Phil Edwards (451-6551) project manager Ed Dickens Jr. describes it. about the Big Boy. They had to make sure [email protected] He had to convince skeptics in and outside all the wheels and suspension were in good LIBRARIAN & ARCHIVIST of the Union Pacific the restoration was not working order before taking it out. Dick Palmer (475-8748) a folly, or worse, a monster that would The next step is to entirely disassemble [email protected] damage the freight-carrier’s valuable tracks. No. 4014 to a stage where, to the casual RAILROADIANA STORE MANAGERS “Over the last 20 years the question has observer, it will only look like “a pile of Tom & Barb Pierson (447-2272) [email protected] been asked, ‘Can a Big Boy run?’” Dickens parts.” In some cases new specialty parts, said. He believes the trip from California to STATE FAIR DISPLAY COORDINATOR like the giant suspension springs, will be Al Kallfelz (488-8208) Wyoming dispelled many of those fears. built from scratch by the companies who MARTISCO STATION MUSEUM CURATOR The last Big Boy was retired in 1962. provide parts for UP’s modern rail fleet. Open Position Twenty-five Big Boys were built in the Given the locomotive's age and [email protected] 1940s and put into service hauling freight complexity the restoration group doesn’t CENTRAL SQUARE MUSEUM CURATORS and coal through the steep mountain passes entirely know what challenges they will Bob Townsend (668-6727) Harvey Harke (676-3501) of Wyoming and Utah. To climb those face. “This locomotive is so massive,” [email protected] grades, UP had been adding helpers to Dickens said. “Everything is designed to fit MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON nearly every freight train to make the trip. together so intricately that there is almost no Tom Edwards Designing a steam engine that could room” to get to some pieces and parts. [email protected] generate over 6,000 horsepower meant one When Big Boy No. 4014 rolled into EDITOR & HISTORIAN locomotive could do the job. Leaving Ed Post (635-9552) Cheyenne the mayor and nearly 1,000 [email protected] Ogden (Utah) on an eastern train one Big admiring fans bore witness. While the FINANCIAL ADVISOR Boy could haul 3,200 tons all the way to “steam whistle” blew, it was being powered Paul Shinal (568-5286) Laramie, a significant savings of fuel, labor, by hydraulic air pressure the steam team [email protected] and equipment. had rigged up. Getting the boiler to make EXCURSION COORDINATOR The first Big Boy went into service as steam is a long ways off. For the fans, it Rick Faigle (446-1423) war engulfed the European and the Pacific didn’t matter. MODEL RR EXHIBIT COORDINATOR Excerpts from Bill Kelly article, NET News Phil Edwards (451-6551) theaters. The Big Boys were very critical to [email protected] THE GREEN BLOCK is published monthly by the Central New York Chapter, National Railway MODEL TRAIN FAIR COORDINATORS Historical Society, Inc., Box 229, Marcellus, NY 13108-0229. Statements and opinions expressed Phil Edwards (451-6551) in THE GREEN BLOCK articles and editorials do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions Tom Pierson (447-2272) of the Central New York Chapter or the NRHS. Subscriptions are free with membership, and are Jeff Paston (682-8144) $12.00 per year for non-members. Articles, photos, and announcements from chapter members [email protected] and from other NRHS Chapters are welcomed and appreciated. No paid advertising is accepted. PAGE 2 THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW NRHS NOTICE CHAPTER PROGRAMS PRESIDENT The September BOD Meeting NY State Fairgrounds ELECTED Minutes will appear in the Art and Home Building October Green Block due to Wed. Sept. 24, 2014 - 7:30 PM Members of the National the postponement of the BOD Railway Historical Society have meeting from September 3 to “Roads, Rivers, & Rails elected Al Weber as their new September 10. Volume 2 president. He will succeed Delaware & Hudson’s current President Greg Molloy Susquehanna Division who has served in that capacity 2015 CHAPTER DUES since 1994. - SEE PAGE 5 - Heritage Trail” Weber won with more than By John Taibi two thirds of the vote. In the 2014 CNY Chapter Based on His Latest Book certified results, there were Board of Directors of the Same Name 1869 votes for Weber and 1321 Nomination Deadline John will present the the Delaware for Molloy, according to NRHS October 15, 2014 and Hudson between Oneonta and Secretary Bob Ernst. Binghamton starting at Pony Farm Chapter members interested in Road Bridge at Oneonta’s south end, A total of 9,708 ballots were being a candidate for election to the and then on to Otego, Wells Bridge, mailed to the membership. 2014 Central New York Chapter, Unadilla, and Sidney where the D&H NRHS Board of Directors should crossed the O&W. He’ll show the ROOM CHANGE FOR submit their name in writing along Susquehanna River bridges both with a resume to Membership Chair north and south of Sidney, and cover DICK KOWELL Tom Edwards by 6 PM, Wed, Bainbridge. South of Bainbridge, Mr. Dick Kowell October 15, 2014. he’ll show the Jennison power Loretto Cunningham Bldg. # 1001 Tom Edward’s mailing station (at one time the largest 700 E. Brighton Ave address is: Anthracite coal burning power plant), and at Afton explore the fabulous Syracuse 13205 202 Walrath Drive Phone: 416-8809 brick home at the south end of the Chittenango, NY 13037-1021 village that has become an iconic and his email address is: setting for photographs. The Afton CONDOLENCES [email protected]. wye, Nineveh Junction, Harpursville, to and the tunnel at Tunnel atop Belden Peter Bergamo Candidates for election to the Hill will be explored before reaching BOD will be announced at the Binghamton by way of Dyes, on the Passing of Member Meeting on Wednesday, Sanitaria Springs, and Ports Crane Peter’s Daughter October 15, 2014. and Dickinson. ______Ballots will be mailed out before Kathy Delevan Wed., October 22, 2014. Submitted Wed. Oct. 15, 2014 - 7:30 PM candidate resumes will be included "The O&W, Life after Death" CONDOLENCES with the ballots. Plus to Marked ballots must be "COAL, The Powder River returned before the beginning of the Jeff Hagan Annual Member Meeting on Wed., Basin,” on the Passing of November 19, 2014. By Norm Barrett Jeff’s Nephew Votes will be counted at the Annual Member Meeting on Wed., October Green Block November 19, 2014. Deadline CONGRATULATIONS Final results will announced at to the end of the member Meeting on SEPTEMBER 22 Rena Faigle Wed, November 19, 2014. E-mail inputs to: who won a prize for Late arriving marked ballots are Ed Post, Editor purchasing the void. [email protected] Or: 7611 Merritt Drive “50,000th Potato” at the Visit Us on the Web at Baldwinsville, NY 13027 State Fair Potato Booth http://www.cnynrhs.org 315-635-9552 SEPTEMBER 2014 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO STAFF Saturday, September 13, 12 Noon to 5:00 PM GREAT NYS MODEL TRAIN FAIR Garden Railway Tour, Mr. Keith Kostoroski, 209 Saturday, November 1, 10 AM to 5 PM Syracuse Street, Oswego, N.Y. (342-3409) Sunday, November 2, 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday, September 13, 12 Noon to 4:00 PM Garden Railway Tour Plus HO & N Scale, Mr. Jim New York State Fairgrounds Leach, 10 Harris Street, Fulton, N.Y. (402-2399) If Available: Contact Fran Meinking Saturday, September 20 699-5198 or [email protected] NYO&W Chocolate Train Festival, Hamilton, NY Saturday, September 20 No experience required. The Model Train Fair AAPRCO Convention Special Train Running from is the single most important fundraiser for the Binghamton to Syracuse on NYS&W Chapter every year and is very much a Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 PM “GROUP EFFORT.” Each and every member CNY Chapter Member Meeting is encouraged to join in the fun and help this Art & Home Bldg, NY State Fair year’s show be a financial success. Saturday, Sept 27 & Sunday, Sept 28, 10 AM to 4 PM Finger Lakes Live Steamers Open House REGIONAL TRAIN SHOW SCHEDULE 302 Clyde-Marengo Road, Clyde, NY September 2014 Saturday, October 4, 12 Noon to 4 PM ESPA Meeting, Backstage Pub, Schenectady, 9/6-9/7: Clayton -1000 Islands Model Train Fair, Cerow Contact bbecker@esparail to register Rec Park Arena Wednesday, October 15 9/14: Buffalo – TTCS Buffalo Trains At The Grove, 2014 CNY Chapter BOD Nomination Deadline George F. Lamm Post Williamsville Wednesday, October 15, 7:30 PM 9/27-9/28: Massena – St. Lawrence Valley Train, Toy & CNY Chapter Member Meeting Collectible Expo, Massena Arena Art & Home Bldg, NY State Fair 9/27-9/28: Buffalo – Artcraft Toy Trains Show, VFW Saturday, Nov. 1 (10 to 5) & Sunday, Nov. 2 (10 to 4) Post Lakeview Road, Hamburg, free admission The Great New York State Model Train Fair October 2014 New York State Fairgrounds, Dairy Exhibit Center 10/5: Buffalo – TTCS Buffalo Falling Leaves Show, Sponsored by Central New York Chapter, NRHS Joseph’s Country Manor Depew 10/19: Kingston - Kingston Model Train and Railroad TUVWXYVWXYZ Hobby Show, Murphy Midtown Center 10/25: Hudson - New York Central Train & Toy Show, CNY CHAPTER HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS Hudson High School (this is a Saturday show) ON THE ADIRONDACK RAILROAD 10/26: Olean – TTCS Autumn In Allegany show, Carter All Trips Leave from Wegmans Dewitt - Bus to Utica Event Center Sunday, September 28, 9:30 AM - Fall Foiliage Limited 10/26 – Scranton, PA – Fall Scranton Model Train to Thendara for spectacular views of fall colors. $49 adults, Show, Radisson Hotel (former DL&W Station) $39 under 16. Information provided courtesy of Railroad.net. Please Sunday, October 12, 9:30 AM - Buffalo Head Special to report any changes, additions or deletions to the Forestport to dine at the famed Buffalo Head Restaurant. Green Block Editor. $35 adults & under 16 (Does not include dinner.) Friday, November 28, 9:30 AM - Adirondack Christmas R&GVRM Fall Foliage Excursions in Old Forge for an “old fashioned” Christmas celebration. Saturday, October 18, 2014 The village is joyfully decked out for a fun day of fabulous The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum will be shopping plus sleigh/hay rides! Santa lights the tree at 5 operating a series of Fall Foliage Excursions with the cooper- PM. We head back at 7 PM. $45 adults, $37 under 16. ation of the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad between Lakeville and Industry, New York. Ride in the museum's Sunday, December 7, 2:30 PM - Polar Express to the reconditioned Budd streamlined coaches built in 1941 for the “North Pole” (Remsen) where Santa and Mrs. Claus will join New York Central's Empire State Express hauled by Alco the train with gifts, cookies, and hot chocolate. $40 adults, Century locomotives provided by the LA&L. This is your $35 under 16. opportunity to take a 'rare mileage' trip over the rails of the Sunday, December 21, 2:30 PM - Polar Express Cocoa freight-only LA&L. Trains will depart from the Conesus Lake Sportsman's Club, 5883 Stone Hill Rd, Lakeville, NY 14480, at Class to the “North Pole” (Remsen) on private dining car 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm. Tickets available by where Santa and Mrs. Claus will give out gifts, cookies, and pre-sale only from participating Wegmans ticket counters. hot chocolate.$60 adults, $55 under 16. Adults (18+) are $25.00 each, Seniors (65+) and Youth (Ages For more info and tickets go to www.cnynrhs.org, or call 3-17) are $20.00. Children 2 and under occupying a lap ride (315) 488-8208. free. See details on the web site at www.rgvrrm.org/fallfoliage. PAGE 4 THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 NRHS 2015 CONVENTION LINEUP START PLANNING FOR 2015 The National Railway Historical Society has released the CHAPTER DUES RENEWAL schedule of trips for its 2015 annual convention to be held in Rutland. The convention will include trips over the Saratoga & By Greg Molloy North Creek Railway and Vermont Railway System, including At this time, we still can't give you a firm plan for national several “rare mileage” excursions over freight only trackage. The renewals. The NRHS is converging on important decisions convention will be held June 14-20, 2015. regarding the Society's business model and services, and we expect Planned convention trains include: some major changes. But the designs are not final and the decisions are not officially made, so we really can't announce any · A Vermont Rail System “photo freight” from Rutland to specifics until late September. Ludlow and return, powered by a classic Alco RS-1, through But the NRHS Chapters should be making plans for their own the scenery of the Green Mountains on June 14. dues renewal campaigns. To help with those plans, here are some · A Saratoga & North Creek round trip excursion from things we do know at this point. Saratoga Springs to North Creek, N.Y., led by rare EMD BL2 Chapters should bill their own members for chapter dues and diesels on June 15. Passengers will have the option of riding chapter donations. Do not attempt to collect national dues or Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express between Rutland and Saratoga national donations. Springs. NRHS does not have up-to-date information about chapter · A VRS trip from Rutland to Bellows Falls and return over the dues. Any questions received at the national office regarding a Green Mountain Railroad and the former route of the original chapter dues question will be referred to the chapter in question for Steamtown excursions on June 16. a response. · A VRS passenger trip from Rutland to Burlington and return, NRHS will solicit members for national donations, including a two-hour layover at the Burlington waterfront or membership (not necessarily as currently defined) and optional a three-hour tour of the Shelburne Museum on June 18. purchases in the weeks and months to come. The exact schedule · A rare-mileage trip on June 19 from Rutland to the Omya and the range of options offered are not yet final. processing plant on the remains of the original Clarendon & As plans are developed, the information will be shared Pittsford Railroad near Florence. primarily through e-mail and the NRHS website. As a service to · A VRS passenger excursion between Rutland and North your chapter members, we ask that chapters share this information Bennington/Hoosic Junction and return, passing the one-time with your chapter members who do not have electronic access. home of Norman Rockwell and the summer home of Robert Chapters will no longer have to fill out renewal status Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln and the spreadsheets. As new communications systems are developed, we one-time president of the Pullman Palace Car Co. will share the information with the chapter electronic billing Tickets are expected to go on sale in mid-September with contacts. We have not yet finalized a system for updating member dome, lounge, and business car seating available. For more information. information, go to www.nrhs.com. Trains News Wire NRHS Telegraph – August 2014
FORMER NJ TRANSIT GE U34CH TO BE MOVED AND RESTORED The legendary chug, rattle, and roar of General Electric's In August 1994, NJT retired the U34CHs from regular U34CH could soon return to the suburbs of northern New Jersey. commuter service, although a few remained in work train service The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey has obtained until the end of 1994. One of the engines, No. 3372, was preserved permission to move its former NJ Transit U34CH No. 3372 from by URHS and has been sitting at the former New York & its current location in Passaic to the group's restoration facility in Greenwood Lake Railroad yard in Passaic for a number of years. Boonton where it will be repainted and restored to operation. The Unfortunately, the engine has fallen victim to vandals and, move comes on the 20th anniversary of the locomotives' last runs according to Gross, windows have been broken and copper wire in commuter service. has been stolen from the engine. URHS President Larry Gross said that the locomotive's Despite the damage done, Gross says the engine is a good upcoming move is a big step forward in preserving an engine that candidate for restoration, a fact backed up by the preliminary played a big part of New Jersey railroading. Thirty-two U34CHs mechanical inspection that took place on the locomotive earlier this were built for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, later year. Once the locomotive is moved to Boonton, a more extensive NJ Transit, between 1970 and 1973 for use on the Erie inspection will take place and the group will be able to determine Lackawanna's commuter lines out of Hoboken. The locomotives how much the project will cost. were the first GE units built exclusively for passenger service and Gross says the group will first cosmetically restore the engine the first locomotives to have head-end power, now standard on before diving into the mechanical restoration. Once done, the passenger engines. Because of the U34CH's head-end power, the URHS hopes to run excursions behind the locomotive somewhere engines had a unique and constant roar, even when they were in New Jersey. stationary. For more information about the restoration or to make a “It was a revolutionary locomotive and it laid the ground work donation, go to www.urhs.org. for the locomotives of today,” Gross says. “It's unique and it's the By Justin Franz, only one in existence.” Trains News Wire Exclusive SEPTEMBER 2014 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 5 STATE FAIR THANK YOU Finger Lakes Railway Track Upgrades By Al Kallfelz Finger Lakes Railway is upgrading six miles of railroad tracks Another State Fair is history. No major problems. Thanks that run from Cayuga Lake through the former village of Seneca especially to Rick Faigle for being there all day for 12 days Falls. Work is being done by the 10-member track maintenance soliciting donations for restoration of Car 102. department of Finger Lakes Railway. Thanks to all who participated in getting the two displays ready. Lots of work went into preparing Car #102, with a team led There will also be grade crossing improvements at Lamb Road by Gus Nordone. Also a lot of work went into moving and setting and replacement of crossing lights and gates at Cayuga Street. The up the model railroad modules. railway has hired a contractor to cut brush and remove trees along Thanks to Tom and Barb Peirson, and their parents for setting the right of way adjacent to the tracks. up and taking down both Chapter stores and working shifts. “Our crews inspect the tracks every week and make general Albert Kallfelz, Joe Ukleya, Jeff Hagan, Gus Nordone, and safety repairs all year long,’’ said Jon Gadsby, track manager. Phil Edwards were present all twelve days, opening up, closing On this project Gadsby said the track maintenance department up and working shifts, etc. Many were present for multiple shifts. plans to replace rails and ties using sophisticated equipment. Flower City Trackers sent several participants to help on Finger Lakes Railway has applied to the state DOT for a grant operating the Modular Layout. Thanks guys to make the upgrades including realigning the rail line with the The Not too Serious Model RR Club covered a shift on the right of way and making further grade crossing upgrades at Park, Modular Layout with 4 members. Thanks guys. State, Mynderse, Clinton and Walnut Streets. The upgrade project Additional individual participants in no particular order, who worked one or more shifts, are as follows: Chris Gerhardt, Paul has a $2.16 million price tag of which railroad would pay 10 %. Shinal, Andy Rogers, Josie and Andy LeMay, Doug Helm, Charlie Finger Lakes Railway owns and operates 167 miles of track, Abbott, Dick Anderson, Ed Post, Mary Rochette, Neal Shantz, including the line that goes to the former Seneca Army Depot in Bob McNamara, Jack Humphrey, Tom Hancock, Herb and Fran Romulus where rail cars are stored. Its customer base has grown Meinking, Mario Scalzo, Dick and Karen Thomas, Dick Palmer, to 89 active shippers, with connections to the CSX, NS, CP, and Phil Buffham, Tom Leo, Jeff Paston, Dave Wright, Rena Faigle, NYS&W. Since Finger Lakes Railway began operations in 1995, Joe Weinberger, Tom Edwards, Al Edwards, Max Smith, and it has hired 45 full-time employees and now has 14 locomotives. It Gerrit Vanderwerff. also leases 581 railcars to serve its customers. It was a very productive event for the Chapter. We received Excerpts from a Finger Lakes Times article by David Shaw many nice comments on the appearance of the exhibits. THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S EFFORTS.
Photos by Ed Post Above, the GE 45 ton switching locomotive donated to the Chapter by the Crucible Steel Company in 2013 received a fresh coat of paint for the State Fair. The Rio Grande Car #102, shown below was also painted on one side and the rear.
Track work progresses on Finger Lakes Railway line at Cayuga. Photo by Dick Palmer. PAGE 6 THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 THE SYRACUSE AND ONONDAGA RAILROAD BY RICHARD PALMER Railroad Company.” Moses D. Burnet, Eliu Walter, Stephen W. PART ONE OF THREE Cadwell, Harmon W. Van Buren and Stephen Smith were named as commissioners. (2) ORGANIZATION & PLANNING The quarries sought to be reached by the Syracuse Stone During the 1820s or before it was discovered the quality of Railroad Company lay on what was then termed “the stone house limestone at what was eventually known as the Split Rock quarries farm,” owned by Henry Benedict, a well-known character in his about five miles west of Syracuse was very suitable for building day, and remembered by the older residents of the neighborhood. material. The site was situated in the town of Onondaga. Since the These quarries were known as the “Benedict stone quarries.” stone was near the surface it was easily accessible and did not The Syracuse and Onondaga Railroad Company was require heavy excavation. The expense lay in the cost of haulage incorporated for the same period. Under the terms of its charter it from the quarries to Syracuse. was authorized to construct a railway from the village of Syracuse However, stone from these quarries had been used in the to “the stone quarries in the town of Onondaga.” Vivus W. Smith, construction of the five locks between the Salina branch canal and Daniel Elliott and Henry Raynor were named as commissioners to Onondaga canal in 1823, the locks at Lodi, as well as for much of open subscriptions for the capital stock and distribute the same, and the front stone for the locks on the Oswego canal. After the railroad the first meeting of the stockholders for organizing a company was was built, the quarry furnished stone for the so-called “first to be held within one year from the date of incorporation. enlargement” of the canal. Like the first company, it had authority to purchase such stone In a report to the New York State Canal Commissioners, dated quarries as might be required for carrying on its operations. The March 5, 1836, John B. Jervis and Holmes Hutchinson, two noted point this company desired to reach was “Split Rock,” which was civil engineers of the day, wrote that stone from the Onondaga closer to Syracuse than the Benedict quarries and from which much quarries was of “close, firm texture,” and many years’ trial “as of the building stone then used was obtained. Those involved in proved it to be equal to the best building material of this kind in these enterprises were reputable business men. They believed this New York State.” Although the stone was somewhat expensive to railroad would be a profitable and safe investment. For several cut, it possessed a toughness and durability that rendered it months there was sharp rivalry between the two companies. This valuable for the construction of culverts, aqueducts and locks. ended by a compromise in which both interests were recognized Since the normal mode of wagon transportation was very costly, and the Benedict line was abandoned. the report recommended the construction of a railroad from the The board of directors, as agreed upon by the combination, quarries to the canal in Geddes to “materially lessen the cost of was composed of Vivus W. Smith, John Wilkinson, John G. cartage.” This would enable the state to procure a supply of stone Forbes, Elihu Walter, Moses D. Burnet, Henry Davis Jr., Daniel for public works projects at a reduced price “at nearly if not all Elliott, Hiram Putnam and Stephen Smith. Elliott was elected seasons of the year.” president of the company, Wilkinson as treasurer and Smith, As it developed, practically all of the stone used in the secretary. Elliott superintended the construction of the road, and reconstruction of the canal between Syracuse and Rochester, afterward continued as superintendent for a time. (3) including the second Rochester aqueduct over the Genesee River The Oswego Palladium on July 12, 1837 published this news between 1836 and 1842 was taken from the Onondaga quarry. The item: use of the stone in that important structure gave these quarries a great reputation, which continued for decades. The deposit was “It is expected that the railroad from Syracuse to the Onondaga seen as practically inexhaustible, and the material excelled in stone quarries - in length about four miles - will be completed about durability and beauty. At the time the cost of transporting stone by the 15th inst. at an expense of about 50 percent of the capital stock, wagon from the quarry to the canal was equal to one half the price which is $75,000. There are employed about the quarries, about of transporting freight on the canal from Syracuse to Rochester, a 1,500 persons, 1,000 of whom are artisans. The quarries furnish in distance of 98 miles - depending on travel conditions. (1) great abundance the following varies, viz: 1 Grey Lime; 2 Blue Lime; 3 Water Lime; 4 Gypsum. These quarries will furnish the The demand for this fine building material induced some local materials for locks, &c. on the Erie canal, and for several locks on entrepreneurs to consider building a railroad to connect the quarries the Black River canal near Rome. It is supposed that the stone can with the canal. The result was the passage of two legislative acts be delivered on the banks of the canal ready dressed for building at on May 13, 1836, incorporating two companies, each with power the price of brick. Watertown Eagle.” to construct a railway from Syracuse to the quarries. The Notes companies were created for a period of 50 years and each were capitalized at $75,000 with shares of $100 each. The first was (1) “Report of the Canal Commissioners, in answer to a resolution called the “Syracuse Stone Rail-Road Company” and its purpose of the Assembly relative to the quality of the stone in the was to construct a railroad between the village of Syracuse and the Onondaga quarries. This included the Report of Holmes stone quarries on the south half of farm lot No. 88 in the town of Hutchinson and John B. Jervis, in relation to the quality of stone Onondaga. The line was to begin in the village of Syracuse and run in the Onondaga quarries.” New York State Assembly Document thence to the quarries on such route as might be best adapted to the No. 261, March 7, 1836. purpose of transporting stone to the village of Syracuse. The (2) Chapters 347 and 348, 59th Session, Laws of New York, commissioners named in the respective acts were required to open passed May 13, 1836, pp 487-493. subscription books and distribute stock within one year. The (3) “The Stone Railroad,” Syracuse Sunday Herald, January 20, second organization was called the “Syracuse and Onondaga 1883. SEPTEMBER 2014 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 7 CATERPILLAR FALLS BEHIND GE SODUS BAY RAILROAD BOB TITA & JAMES R.HAGERTY said consultant Sean Graham-White. BY RICHARD PALMER An 1874 Seneca County map clearly Wall Street Journal Caterpillar will rely on overseas sales shows the Sodus Bay Railroad. Looking at Caterpillar has fallen far behind General of Electro-Motive locomotives to sustain the map, one would have no reason to even Electric in the race to offer a railroad the business during its U.S. market absence. consider the possibility that this railroad locomotive that complies with stricter Overseas orders make up about 30% of never actually operated. emission standards that take effect next year. Electro-Motive's overall annual sales, Caterpillar's Electro-Motive Diesel unit which last year reached $2.5 billion, The first railroad in Seneca County was said its freight locomotives probably won't according to analysts' estimates. begun in 1841 to connect Auburn with Geneva through Seneca Falls and Waterloo. be available until 2017. Caterpillar said it is When Caterpillar acquired Electro- As early as 1851 there is documentation of working to speed up its schedule and could Motive four years ago for $820 million, the serious efforts to build a railroad from have demonstration models available as Peoria, Ill., company promised to deliver an Sodus Bay, through Wayne, Seneca and early as next year but doesn't anticipate “industry-leading range of locomotive, Tompkins Counties so as to extend to the having production units ready until 2017. engine and emissions solutions.” Electro- Pennsylvania coal mines. No serious action GE is already testing locomotives that Motive was expected to benefit from was taken until after 1869 when the New comply with diesel-engine exhaust Caterpillar's long experience in designing York State Legislature authorized towns regulations that take effect Jan. 1. The and manufacturing engines for bulldozers, and corporations to bond themselves in aid company has added a pollution-reduction mining trucks, ships and generators. of railroad enterprises. system to its existing locomotive engine and Caterpillar said its own diesel engines The town of Seneca Falls voted to bond expects full-scale production of emissions- are being used in passenger locomotives itself for $200,000 to aid in the construction compliant locomotives to start next and smaller freight locomotives for short of such a railroad. Within a few days other summer. “We've got units operating so we hauls. North American railroads have shown towns held similar meetings. On February can demonstrate performance,” said Tina little interest in powering Electro-Motive's 18, Farmer Village (Interlaken) people Donikowski, vice president for GE's long-distance freight locomotives with raised $5,000 and expected to raise another locomotive business. Caterpillar's diesel engines, according to $5,000. One farmer put up $1,000 of his Caterpillar's sluggish engine efforts are rail industry analysts. Instead, the railroads own money. Covert was bonded for a setback for a company that prides itself on continue to prefer Electro-Motive's $50,000, and Ovid bonded for $60,000. building large, high-horsepower Diesels for mainstay 1984 engine model, which has Waterloo agreed to $160,000 in bonds, but off-road vehicles and industrial uses. been updated repeatedly over the years. taxpayers forced a resolution instructing the The freight locomotive market is prone "It's a simple engine that's railroad commissioner not to issue the to sharp swings in demand. Sales in North ultrareliable," said Edward Biggs, president bonds to the town. As a result, Waterloo America this year are likely to top $6 billion of rail-equipment consulting firm Biggs was left out of the designated route of the as railroads expand their fleets in response Appraisal Service in Marietta, Ga., "That's railroad. Officials in Romulus, Varick and to congestion and new business, such as what the selling point of [Electro-Motive] Fayette did not show interest in the project. crude oil. Railroads are buying this year has been for the last 50 years." Other interests were competing to keep because emissions components will add Despite its popularity, the engine can't this Sodus Bay Railroad. Just two weeks 15% to 20% to a heavy-haul locomotive's be easily retrofitted to meet new federal later, a charter was recorded for the building price, which averages about $2.5 million. requirements for reducing diesel soot of the Geneva and Ithaca Railroad. In GE has an estimated 60% to 70% of the particles and smog-causing emissions, Geneva, the steamboat company and coal U.S. locomotive market. Electro-Motive's forcing Caterpillar to come up with an interests were trying to defeat the building two-year absence is expected to solidify alternative engine. of railroads throughout the counties. GE’s lead, especially if GE's locomotive is The uncertainty over Electro-Motive's Another railroad was being projected from a hit with the railroads, analysts said. ability to produce a compliant locomotive Sodus Bay which was to go through Phelps Caterpillar is “definitely going to lose could entice other locomotive and other areas of Ontario County. market share for the years that GE will have manufacturers to step into the void for a A ground-breaking ceremony was held something ready to sell,” said Lawrence De second freight locomotive brand to June 3, 1871. Contracts were awarded to Maria, an analyst for William Blair & Co. GE. Wabtec Corp.'s MotivePower division local companies. By 1873, the railroad had Caterpillar played down the builds smaller locomotives for freight and been graded, fenced and road signs put up significance of the gap, predicting that passenger service. A recently formed from Waverly, PA to Sodus Bay. Ties were railroads will delay buying locomotives passenger locomotive venture between scattered all along the road, but nothing else with the reconfigured engines. “History Siemens and Cummins Inc. also could was ever done. This railroad was caught in indicates that the railroads are slow to adopt expand into the freight business. the disastrous economic collapse known as new technology until it is fully proven in the Spokesmen for Siemens and Cummins the Panic of 1873. field,” a Caterpillar spokeswoman said. declined to comment on whether the Despite its never being completed, U.S. freight locomotive production companies are interested in the freight there were still the bonds to be repaid. As ranges from about 500 to 1,000 units a year. locomotive market. A spokesman for late as 1918, the Town of Covert still owed But orders this year have already reached MotivePower said it had no plans to expand $3,000 on the principal and the Town of about 1,300 locomotives, the highest its locomotive line for the long-distance, Ovid owed $6,000. The Town of Seneca volume since before the 2008 recession, heavy-haul market. Falls debt was not repaid until July 1925. PAGE 8 THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 J======KLRAILROAD NEWS BRIEFS BNSF Offers $100,000 Reward Fort Lauderdale Station Plans for Information in Homicide of Employee All Aboard Florida officials unveiled designs for a Fort Lauderdale station. They also alluded to plans to construct the BNSF is offering a $100,000 reward for information proposed Orlando-to-Miami passenger-rail system in two phases. leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for the murder of BNSF railway employee, Mr. To be located adjacent to the Florida East Coast Railway Robert Limon in Tehachapi, California on August 17, 2014. corridor on the northern end of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the nearly 60,000-square-foot station will feature a modern, multi- The hunt is on for a suspect in the murder of a railroad worker story lobby spanning an elevated passenger lounge area and in Tehachapi. The Burlington Northern-Santa Fe employee was parking facilities. shot to death at a BNSF maintenance shop. Kern County Sheriff's detectives are investigating with assistance from railroad police. All Aboard Florida plans to build two additional stations in South Florida, one in Miami and one in West Palm Beach. All “There's always the possibility that Mr. Limon may have Aboard Florida officials plan to launch initial service between interrupted a burglary or a theft in progress at the shop or on the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in 2016. property,” sheriff's spokesman Ray Pruitt told Eyewitness News. “That's one of the scenarios we're looking at.” The segment running from West Palm Beach to Orlando still is in the environmental study phase and is facing opposition from The BNSF shop is in an industrial complex in the 1500 block some Treasure Coast residents and officials because there are no of Goodrick Drive. Robert Limon, 38, was found there Sunday planned stops there and are concerned about potential backups at night at about 6:45. The coroner's office reports Limon died from grade crossings and drawbridges. Progressive Railroading multiple gunshots. The sheriff's department said he was injured in the upper body. Mass to Purchase Knowledge Corridor Line Surveillance video shows a man walking in the parking lot Massachusetts officials have agreed in principle to purchase heading to the area of the BNSF shop at about 6 PM. “Hopefully from Pan Am Southern a 49-mile track segment between East somebody in the community will recognize this person of interest Northfield and Springfield. and we can talk to that person,” Pruitt said. Known as the Knowledge Corridor, the line is undergoing a BNSF spokeswoman Lena Kent said Limon was liked and major restoration that will result in more efficient passenger-rail respected. She said Limon worked for the railroad for 13 years. service in response to demand, and will allow Massachusetts to He was based in Barstow but was working in Tehachapi last maintain and enhance freight service. Pan Am Southern is a joint weekend. Co-workers last saw Limon at about 5 p.m., when he left venture between Pan Am Railways and Norfolk Southern Railway. work in the field to return to the shop. She said BNSF is doing The agreement to purchase the line represents a milestone in everything they can to get justice for Limon, and they hope the the Knowledge Corridor/Restore Vermonter project. The project public will help. KBAK/KBFX and Friends of the BNSF will restore the original route of Amtrak's Vermonter traveling between St. Albans, Vt., and Washington, D.C., from its current BNSF Plans Second Bridge at Chokepoint route via Palmer and Amherst. One of the more challenging capacity constraints affecting Work will include upgrades to the 50-mile Pan Am Southern BNSF's Northern Corridor is the 4,769-foot long bridge across Connecticut River Line between Springfield and East Northfield. Lake Pend Oreille outside Sandpoint, Idaho, not far from where The restoration will relocate the Vermonter north-south service to BNSF and Montana Rail Link (MRL) converge. BNSF is now the corridor by year's end, state officials said. looking into the bold concept of building a second bridge, nearly a Work will include replacement of 95,000 ties; installation of mile long, adjacent to the existing one. new continuous-welded rail, new active warning signals and The bridge becomes a frequent choke point for BNSF and crossing gates at 23 grade crossings; upgrades to six bridges; and MRL because not only is it single-tracked, the surrounding area the first phase of a new signal installation. The project is expected also has a 35 mph speed limit stretching several miles. During to be completed in 2016. Progressive Railroading periods of heavy traffic, trains from all directions stack up as they wait their turn to cross the lake. NYAB, Bendix Establish Lab at RIT Preliminary plans call for the bridge to be 4800 feet long with New York Air Brake LLC and Knorr-Bremse Group sister concrete spans and steel pilings and with a 50-foot track center company Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, working in from the current bridge. BNSF must obtain permits to build the conjunction with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), have bridge. That process could prove difficult, considering the created the Knorr-Bremse Mechatronics Laboratory at RIT in opposition that is coming from some residents in the region against Rochester, N.Y. The laboratory will open this fall and serve both BNSF's growing oil and coal business as well as the impact on the RIT students and engineers from Bendix and New York Air Brake. lake’s shoreline environment. Bendix and NYAB, members of the Knorr-Bremse Group (a The current bridge over Lake Pend Oreille, completed in 1905 global manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial with steel decking on concrete piers, replaced a long wooden trestle vehicles) have a long-standing relationship with RIT and helped which Northern Pacific Railroad had built as part of its original develop its Mechatronics Engineering Certificate Program. main line construction in the 1880s. In 2008, BNSF installed new Mechatronics is the intersection of electrical and mechanical steel piers and decking at the bridge's west end and more recently engineering and is a critical component in advancing many performed similar work on the bridge's east end. Railway Age commercial vehicle and rail safety technologies. Railway Age SEPTEMBER 2014 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 9 J======KLRAILROAD NEWS BRIEFS Acela Departs Before Boarding Passengers China Opens Rail Line Extension into Tibet Amtrak passengers in the Northeast are still scratching their Chinese officials have opened Tibet’s second rail line, heads following a “bizarre” incident at New York's Penn Station on according to Reuters. The new extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Sunday, August 3. Railway crosses spectacularly rugged and remote territory, Amtrak’s Acela Express No. 2253, departed for Washington at connecting the capital of Lhasa with Shigatse, a key site in 3 pm without boarding 85 ticketed passengers. Amtrak spokesman Buddhist culture. The first railroad into Tibet opened in 2006, Craig Schulz said an “apparent miscommunication resulted in the linking China with Lhasa. train leaving the station before the passengers could board.” The new line represents yet another controversial move by the “They sent us to the wrong platform and the conductor took off Chinese government. In addition to its disputed control of Tibet, without any passengers,” said passenger Damien Miano. “The right critics claim the new route will encourage mass immigration that hand didn’t know what the left hand was doing.” will threaten the region’s culture and traditional way of life. The passengers were later accommodated on a local that left Having the new railway across the Himalayas also gives the about 5:15 p.m. Trains News Wire military a strategic advantage, which concerns neighboring nations. Travel times between Lhansa and Shigatse have been reduced Amtrak Adjusts Viewliner II Order from four hours by road to two hours by rail. Groundbreaking for Amtrak has reduced its order for 25 Viewliner II baggage- construction of the new line began in 2010. Numerous bridges and dormitory cars from 25 to 10, and added 15 cars to the straight tunnels were required to build the new extension, resulting in baggage car order of 55 for a total of 70. The original order for 25 China’s most expensive rail construction project per-mile to date. diners and 25 sleepers still stands. The cars are being built by CAF To cope with the harsh high-altitude environment, the railway USA at Elmira Heights, N.Y. and so far, one prototype of each type uses specially designed Bombardier coaches that carry oxygen of car has been released for testing. Railfan & Railroad Hot News supplies and have special UV glass coating. Trains are hauled by M&E to Open NJ Transload Facility GE NJ2-class diesel locomotives, based on the popular C44-9W The Morristown & Erie Railway (M&E) is building a rail-to- and customized to operate reliably in the higher elevations. truck bulk transloading facility on Troy Hills Rd in Whippany, NJ. As part of the Chinese government’s plan to open up the Scheduled to open in fall, the 36,000-square-foot facility will western provinces for development, future rail extensions are help facilitate the seamless transportation of goods and materials in planned to the borders of India, Nepal, and Bhutan by 2020. the Hanover area, M&E officials said in a press release. The facility Trains News Wire will include indoor warehousing space and a laydown area for Wheeling & Lake Erie Shop Tour storing products on-site, and feature a capacity of 13 rail cars. American Steam Railroad is sponsoring a tour of the Wheeling The transload terminal is designed to handle virtually all & Lake Erie Railroad shops in Brewster, Ohio on Sept. 27. The commodities shipped by rail or truck, including plastics, grain and tour will start at 10 a.m. and last until noon. Also included will be lumber, M&E officials said. A nearby bridge will accommodate stop at the Wandle House Museum for a visit to the exhibit “Life bottom-dump unloading of rail cars into a dump truck, which is of the Wheeling Railroader” from the steam era. Tickets are $72 useful for commodities such as coal, gravel, road salt or cement. and include a box lunch and bus transportation to and from the “With the construction of this transload facility, businesses no event. All attendees are required to enter the property via the tour longer need to be located along the railroad to be railroad bus. Bus pick up locations are in Columbus and Brewster. customers,” M&E officials said. “The Troy Hills Road location American Steam Railroad is working to restore Frisco 2-8-2 will be one of the closest public transload facilities to the ports of No. 1352 to service, and the shop tour will help raise funds for that Newark and New York.” effort. For more info, go to www.americansteamrailroad.org. Earlier this month, the New Jersey short line also announced Trains News Wire it’s acquiring additional locomotives to enhance the motive-power fleet's reliability, expand operating capacity and better meet $10 Million for New RBM&N RR Bridge customers’ needs. Progressive Railroading The Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBM&N) Amsterdam, Chuctanunda & Northern RR recently won a $10 million state grant to build a new railroad bridge over the Lehigh River near Nesquehoning in Carbon County. The only customer on the Amsterdam, Chuctanunda & RBM&N will also contribute $4 million to the project. Northern Railroad, Fiberglass Industries, is closing operations. Does this signal an end of the Amsterdam, Chuctanunda & The new bridge will provide the regional line with an efficient Northern Railroad ????? The AC&N is the only RR with a switch and safe north/south route connecting the Philadelphia region to back to get up out of the Mohawk Valley. CSX must be happy they New England and eastern Canada. RBM&N will offer the use of do not have switch it anymore. Gerry Schulitz this route to both Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific railroads, both of which already use part of RBMN’s mainline. Panama Canal turns 100 The bridge will provide RBMN with the fastest and most The Panama Canal marked its 100th anniversary last month. economical route into the Marcellus Shale territory in northeast On Aug. 15, 1914, the canal officially opened when the S. S. Ancon Pennsylvania, and enable unit trains of double-stack intermodal moved through the 48-mile international waterway, crossing from containers to flow in and out of the Port of Philadelphia to points the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. Progressive Railroading in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. Progressive Railroading PAGE 10 THE GREEN BLOCK SEPTEMBER 2014 J======KLRAILROAD NEWS BRIEFS Carstens Publications Shuts Down Youth Charged with Erie RR Depot Fire It is with regret that Carstens Publicatons, Inc. will be closing A 14-year-old male is facing multiple charges, including permanently at close of business on Friday, August 22, 2014. arson, in connection with a fire that engulfed the former Erie Carstens has been a leading publisher of leading hobby magazines Railroad Depot in Salmataca, NY on July 29. The youth, whose for over 50 years. Unfortunately the current economic climate has name is being withheld due to his age, has been charged with placed us in this position. We thank you for your patronage over fourth-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree the years, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. burglary and second-degree reckless endangerment, Salamanca Negotiations are taking place with several companies Police Chief Paul Myers said. He will answer his charges in regarding the future publishing of Railfan & Railroad, Railroad Cattaraugus County Family Court at a later date. Myers said the Model Craftsman, and Flying Models magazines. All involved ask fire started in a barrel inside the depot. for your patience at this time. The blaze started at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July Henry R. Carstens, President, Carstens Publications, Inc. 29. The fire was under control during the early evening hours but Cold Train Express Service Suspended destroyed the bulk of the structure. The property is owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians. It had Cold Train announced it suspended its Cold Train Express been owned by the Salamanca Industrial Development Agency intermodal service from Quincy, Wash., because of scheduling (SIDA) until 1990, when the property reverted to the Seneca issues on BNSF’s Northern Corridor. Nation because it was no longer used for railroad purposes. The issues have been occurring since late last fall due to Salamanca Mayor Carmen Vecchiarella told The Press following increased congestion on BNSF's lines as result of surging crude oil the fire he had been in discussion with Seneca Nation officials and coal traffic on the corridor. From November 2013 to April earlier in the month to discuss potential demolition of the former 2014, BNSF's on-time performance dropped from an average of depot. Excerpts from a Salamanca Press article by Rich Place over 90 percent to less than 5 percent. BNSF also reduced intermodal service from Washington to CSX Program for Fresh Food Distribution only one train a day and service became two to three days slower. To support local distribution of Fresh Food to those that need The service changes caused some of Cold Train’s costs to double it, CSX and The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated and prompted many customers to use other transportation service, to finding conservation solutions that balance environmental and so that the Cold Train lost most of its fresh produce business. economic needs, teamed up to create a program that will help Cold Train’s company business model is based on three-day farmers and distributors to enhance their delivery capabilities. rail service to and from Chicago. As a result of BNSF’s decision Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be made available to instead provide six-day service, it now takes twice as much to entities that distribute fresh produce/perishable food in the 23 equipment, refrigeration and fuel, to move the same freight. For states where CSX operates. The grants can support a range of the past three months, Cold Train executives have worked with the activities related to transportation such as: acquiring refrigerated BNSF officials to accommodate the service changes, but efforts vehicles for direct delivery to markets; financing “veggie vans” to have been unsuccessful. Progressive Railroading bring fresh food to isolated communities; providing better access to food hubs or other sites, and purchasing produce boxes and cold Iowa Pacific Deal Falls Through storage bins to keep unsold food fresh for the next day's farmers Billionaire Sam Zell's investment company, known generally market. CSX Press Release as Chai Trust, has declined to invest in Iowa Pacific Holdings. Agreement Reached over Garbage Trains Iowa Pacific President Ed Ellis reports that negotiations with Chai Trust faltered, and Iowa Pacific is moving on. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York has secured a Iowa Pacific planned to sell an 80 percent stake in the commitment from CSX Transportation CEO Michael Ward that the company in exchange for the capital to “promote growth among railroad will “do everything possible” to keep trains hauling IPH's railroads.” The remaining 20 percent ownership would stay garbage from being parked in residential areas of Buffalo and in the hands of Iowa Pacific President Ed Ellis and other founding Depew along Walden Avenue. Ward also offered to use and current partners. The plan was immediately seen as a done deal deodorizers to reduce the stench that has long bothered neighbors prompting speculation about Iowa Pacific's financial health and who live near the idling trains. In addition Schumer has also whether Ellis would lose control of the vision for his mini-empire. secured a pledge from CSX that trains carrying hazardous materials will not idle in Depew. Buffalo News “I enjoyed working with the Zell people,” Ellis says. “It was not a problem with control; it was more about valuations.” Iowa CN Returns Bessemer SD38-2 to Service Pacific's bankers, he notes, are confident enough in the company to With the Canadian National in need of motive power, shop refinance its debt and “add more money to the pie.” crews have removed Bessemer & Lake Erie SD38-2 No. 878 from “I'd like another investor because we have a whole bunch of the Woodcrest Shop storage line in Homewood and returned it to opportunities we'd like to pursue,” adds Ellis. “We're now at $200 local service around Chicago. million-plus in assets, and with my list of opportunities I could It is one of eight built by EMD for the Bessemer between 1973 spend another $200 million.” and 1976. CN acquired the Bessemer in 2004 with its acquisition Chai Trust spokesperson Terry Holt declined to comment on of holding company Great Lakes Transportation, a deal which also the transactions. Trains News Wire included the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range. Trains News Wire SEPTEMBER 2014 THE GREEN BLOCK PAGE 11 Union Pacific Intermodal Crossing the Diamond at Rochelle, Illinois. Photo by Ed Post, July 17, 2010. THE GREEN BLOCK BACK PAGE CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER, NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC
• 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS • CHAPTER MEETINGS Phil Edwards • Tom Edwards • Jack Humphrey • Albert Kallfelz Chapter meetings are held on the third Wednesday of Josie LeMay • 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, 2014 First Vice President ...... Jack Humphrey Regular (Includes National & Local): ...... $62.00 Vice President & Recording Secretary ...... Jeff Paston Senior (62 and over, National & Local): ...... ….....$58.00 Treasurer...... Josie LeMay Family Member (Add-on to Regular & Senior): ...... $10.00 Corresponding Secretary ...... Herb Meinking Additional (National Membership National Representative ...... Open through another Chapter): ...... $12.00 Electronic Media Coordinator...... Jeff Paston Student (Ages 13 thru 24, National & Local): ...... $28.00 Program Coordinators...... Dick Palmer, Tom Pierson & Phil Edwards Youth (Ages 5 thru 12, National & Local): ...... $17.00 Librarian and Archivist ...... Dick Palmer · Regular and Senior dues include $39.00 paid to the Railroadiana Store Managers ...... Tom & Barb Pierson National Society State Fair Display Coordinator ...... Al Kallfelz · Student dues include $16.00 paid to National Martisco Museum Curator...... Open · Family dues include $7.00 paid to National Central Square Museum Curators...... Harvey Harke & Bob Townsend Membership Chairperson...... Tom Edwards · Youth dues include $5.00 paid to National Editor & Historian...... Ed Post · Additional and Youth do not have voting privileges Financial Advisor...... Paul Shinal At Large Member (National Member Only): ...... $50.00 Excursion Coordinator ...... Rick Faigle Green Block Subscribers (Non Members): ...... $12.00 Model RR Exhibit Coordinators ...... Phil Edwards Dues and Subscriptions run from January 1 to December 31 Vol. 52, No. 8 ••• September 2014 GULF C OAST R AILROADING Official Publication of the Gulf Coast Chapter – NRHS, Inc., and Texas Railroading Heritage Museum
Houston & Texas Central Class M-10 2-6-0 Mogul #563 was built by Baldwin in 1909 as part of a six locomotive order. A note on back of this postcard photo says “prior 1912.” H&TC’s steam locomotives were renumbered according to the T&NO numbering scheme in 1912; #563 retained the same number. Location and photographer unknown. Photo courtesy Cypress Historical Society, J. Sigmund Collection Big Texas Train Show George R. Brown Convention Center - Hall A Sponsored by Gulf Coast Chapter - NRHS, Inc. Members - Please volunteer to help - See the flyer inserted with this issue! - This is our big chance to “plug” our museum - Two Preparation and Two Show Days Prep: September 4 and 5 Show: September 6 and 7
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 1 GULF COAST From the Editor... RAILROADING Bill Willits
Vol. 52, No. 8 • September 2014 Times are a’changing
The pace of life in general has quickened a lot since my early years as a train- watcher. I often read nostalgia pieces in Classic Trains or Trains or Passenger Train Journal or any of several other rail-interest magazines relating tales of getting to know train crews and taking rides in the cab and other such “happy” events, and I compare these words to what we all know today. Those days are long gone (for most of us anyway), but certainly not forgotten.
Well, friends, changes come in big bunches around here, too. Please read the articles Gulf Coast Railroading is published in this issue about the changes taking place in our chapter and simultaneously in 10 times each year by Gulf Coast NRHS. On the local level, we have formed a new board specifically to govern future planning on Texas Railroading Heritage Museum. Our Gulf Coast Chapter board Chapter, National Railway Histori- continues as before to handle chapter matters and work with NRHS. cal Society, Inc., P.O. Box 457, Houston, TX 77001-0457. Opinions Our guest speaker for the September Membership Meeting program, Paul Burgess, expressed herein may not reflect the will be presenting a program of train slides from an area (Chicago) where I have official position of the Gulf Coast spent some of my happiest days “chasing trains” over the years; see page 5 and join Chapter or the National Railway His- us for this program. torical Society. Also, please note that the October “Planning Meeting” has been changed to a Editor ...... W. E. (Bill) Willits Membership Meeting featuring a program (I’m committed to doing that one and I Circulation...... J. Dorcz, P. Jones think you will enjoy it; see page 5). We have ended Planning Meetings until further notice as the new museum board is formed. Gulf Coast Chapter, National Rail- way Historical Society, Inc. is a To the extent possible I will try to keep you informed on the latest from NRHS. non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational or- National is planning to send out information about NRHS renewals after the Fall ganization incorporated under the NRHS Directors Meeting which occurs in September, but as I wrap up this issue laws of the state of Texas. well into August the “latest” I have is on these pages.
Meetings of the Membership are open to the public and take place on the third Tuesday of designated months except December. See Time- table Notes on page 16 for dates and location of upcoming meetings. Welcome Aboard!
Gulf Coast Chapter - NRHS, Inc. owns John Buckley, James D. Strachan a collection of rail equipment: Texas Railroading Heritage Mu- seum. The collection is now in stor- age awaiting completion of a new Notice of Upcoming Meetings museum site: to be announced. For more details, visit us on the web at The September Membership Meeting of the Gulf Coast Chapter - National Railway our NEW address: Historical Society, Inc., will be held.on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at www.texasrrmuseum.org Logan’s Roadhouse. See Membership Meeting page 5 for directions and program.
2014 Officers Contributing to Gulf Coast Railroading: we welcome submissions. The deadline President ...... Chris Beetle for submitting material to the editor is the 12th day of the month prior to the VP-Nat’l Rep ...... Tom Marsh respective cover date. Material may be submitted on a CD or DVD in text or Word VP-Mechanical ...... Al Dykes format along with a hard copy, or e-mailed as text or with a Word or text attachment VP-Membership ...... Perry Jones to [email protected], or you may mail a typed or printed copy to: W. E. Willits, VP-Events ...... Doug Weiskopf Editor, P.O. Box 457, Houston, TX 77001-0457. Time-sensitive news items will be Secretary ...... Dave Bateson given priority over general interest subjects. The editor reserves the right to edit, Treasurer...... Jerry Dorcz hold or omit material at his discretion. VP-Museum Ops ... David Taveirne VP-Editor ...... W. E. (Bill) Willits
2 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 Chapter & Museum News
Summary of the Chapter BOD Meeting, Logan’s Roadhouse on US 290 (NW Freeway) Tuesday, July 1, 2014 secured for meetings through November, 2014. Dave Bateson, Chapter Secretary Full minutes respectfully submitted by Chapter Secretary Dave Bateson; Summary by the editor. Meeting called to order at 7:05 P. M. by President Summary of the Chapter BOD Meeting, Chris Beetle. Present: Directors Bateson, Dykes, Weiskopf, and Tuesday, August 5, 2014 Willits, and Past Presidents Beetle, Dorcz, Marsh, and Dave Bateson, Chapter Secretary Whitley. No guests present. Minutes of the June 3, 2014 BOD Meeting approved. Meeting held at the IHOP Restaurant, 6508 Washing- Treasurers Report for the period ending June 30, ton Avenue, Houston, Texas. 2014 approved. Meeting called to order at 7:00 P. M. by President No Membership Report due to the absence of Chris Beetle. Membership Director. Present: Directors Bateson, Weiskopf, and Willits, Board Retreat scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2014, and Past Presidents Beetle, Dorcz, Marsh, Scheps, and from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Tomball Community Center. Whitley. New Board members Rob Maxwell and David SLI Group Civil Engineering Survey and borings at Riddle were also present. No guests were present. the museum site are progressing and topographical plans Minutes of the July 1, 2014 BOD Meeting submitted awaiting developments. by Chapter Secretary Dave Bateson approved. Actions of the Board: Treasurer’s Report for period ending July 31, 2014, Motion for possible de-accessioning of Verde Valley submitted by Chapter Treasurer Phil Scheps approved. to the Arizona Railway Museum; tabled, further study. No Membership Report due to the absence of Motion for development of “Entry Plaza” including Membership Director Perry Jones. Board determined that sales of “Memorial Bricks” for the proposed museum in the absence of Perry, the current chapter membership location in Tomball. Visitor Experience Committee to status and future renewals/new members should be begin planning an entry plaza; renamed to “Interpretive revisited during a future BOD meeting. Plaza.” Passed. Board Retreat Saturday, July 26, 2014, at the Tomball Discussed status of Good Cheer trucks/wheelsets. Community Center was deemed a success. Phil Scheps Accruing storage fees that now total $1000.00 and will suggested that due to the progress made during the continue until the car is moved. Motion to spend up to retreat, the Board was sufficiently prepared to continue $3000.00 to move the trucks from current location in with Texas Railroading Heritage Museum (TRHM) Kansas City, Missouri, to Mark Bucol’s facility in St. planning without the direct involvement of Mary Beth Louis, Missouri. Passed. Harrington, the Nonprofit Expert the Chapter has engaged Motion to possibly provide funds to supplement City for assistance in developing the TRHM. Also, a separate of Tomball’s offer on property for museum site. Passed. BOD which will govern the museum will ultimately need Committee Reports: to be appointed for TRHM. The Gulf Coast Chapter Site Design and Layout Committee reported on BOD will continue to govern the chapter, which will preliminary measurements taken at the site using average retain ownership of the equipment and archival collection. dimensions, then exact dimensions. Actions of the Board: Equipment Upgrade and Safety Committee reported Phil Scheps moved, seconded by Tom Marsh, that the floors are almost complete and cosmetic work Jerry Dorcz assume the Chapter Treasurer position being continues on the Alton in preparation for exterior paint. vacated by Phil Scheps, who resigned his position so that The Board also discussed the construction of doors for he could devote more time to chapter fundraising for the the Good Cheer in preparation for exterior restoration. TRHM. Unanimously passed. Visitor Experience and Interpretation Committee Doug Weiskopf moved, seconded by Tom Marsh, reported that with tonight’s board approval, design of the that the issue of the de-accessioning of our ATSF sleeper, Interpretive Panels for the Interpretive Plaza can begin. Verde Valley, to the Arizona Railway Museum, continue to Big Texas Train Show Committee report - table sales. be tabled until further discussion of several aspects of the Discussion - The Railwood site still needs signals donation are completed with that museum to insure that removed before the landowner possibly disposes of them. the Verde Valley is not “parted out” or scrapped, without Upcoming Program and Planning Meetings: the chapter having a first right of refusal. Passed. The July 15th meeting will be a program on the Santa Fe by Gordon Bliss. (Chapter & Museum News - continued on page 4)
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 3 (Chapter & Museum News - continued from page 3) Tom Marsh moved, seconded by Jerry Dorcz, that Have you served on “the board?” the Board convene a Special Session on August 12, 2014, by Chris Beetle, Chapter President to discuss board development and a governance agree- ment for the TRHM. Passed. If you can’t answer “yes” to the title of this article, Phil Scheps moved, seconded by Tom Marsh, that now is the time to step up. Nominations are open for the Chapter contract with the civil engineering firm, members to serve on “the board.” This may sound Jones and Carter, Inc.; this firm has submitted a proposal confusing in light of what follows in this article, but for site feasibility / due diligence report at no cost to the please read on and I will explain it. Chapter. Passed. Governance. For several years our Gulf Coast Tom Marsh notified the Board that the Chapter’s Chapter board has had to deal with both chapter and Internet Domain Names are about to expire and recom- museum issues simultaneously as a single governing mended the Board authorize renewal. Jerry Dorcz body. As far back as 2011 we discussed possibly moved, seconded by Doug Weiskopf, that the Board creating a separate board for the museum, but that was authorize Tom to pay total cost for the renewals. Passed. too early in the scheme of things and no further action Discussion Items: was taken then. But the idea and the need have been Jerry Dorcz requested that board members not floating out there ever since and we have had to conclude discuss the negotiations between the City of Tomball and in 2014 that it is time to “build a museum board.” It is property owners regarding acquisition of property for the happening. TRHM other than in Chapter Board meetings. Also On July 26, 2014 at the Tomball Community Center, reported the City will vote on October 20, 2014, on the joined by several members of the ESCH professional final contract between the TRHM and the city. consulting group we have been working with and City of Committee Reports: Tomball and Harris County Precinct 4 representatives, Site Design and Layout Committee Chairman, Tom our chapter board attended a four hour session conducted Marsh, reported that the relationship between the Chapter by Mary Beth Harrington, a consultant to non-profit and the SLI Group civil engineering firm had come to an groups, on appropriate procedures and practices for amicable end, with both sides agreeing that continued SLI governing non-profit organizations such as ours. Also in Group involvement in the TRHM was not required. July we welcomed two new board members, both There was no written agreement and no financial arrange- representing the Tomball area. Rob Maxwell and David ment between the two groups, and therefore, no need for Riddle are professionals providing insights we have the Board to act on the decision. needed as planning for our new museum goes forward. Equipment Upgrade and Safety Committee Chairman, On August 12 at a special “Governance” meeting Chris Beetle, reported that the Wednesday Gang continues conducted by Gulf Coast Chapter past president Tom to do “touch up” work on the stored equipment, but is Marsh the board examined and discussed Bylaws, a limited due to accessibility and electrical supply issues. Chapter-Museum Corporation Contract and an Operating Visitor Experience and Interpretation Committee Agreement by which a separate museum board would Chairman and Co-Chairman, Bill Willits and Doug conduct business relating to creation and operation of the Weiskopf, displayed preliminary designs of the Panels for museum. Three museum board members are to come the Interpretive Plaza. The 16 preliminary illustrations, from our current membership, one each from the City (of sized 11”x 8.5”, give an idea of the type of information Tomball) and one from the county, and up to an additional that could be placed on the actual panels and include four with capability to help us raise additional funding are chapter-related and general Texas railroading as well as to be recruited by the museum board for a total of nine Tomball-specific railroading history. members. One area of particular importance is that the Big Texas Train Show Committee Chairman Tom Chapter retains ownership of the collection, including any Marsh reported that with the show 1 month away, total future donations or acquisitions (accessioning) of table sales are at 75. Tom also reported 4 Billboards will equipment. go up August 11th, ads will appear in community news- Where we started… papers on August 20th and 21st, and Online advertising But wait, we still have an NRHS chapter to run! Our will begin on August 25th thru August 31st. bylaws stipulate ten positions on the Gulf Coast Chapter Upcoming Program and Planning Meetings: board and we just gave away several people. All ten Chris Beetle reported the August 19th meeting will be positions are open for replacements every year, and held at Logan’s Roadhouse on SH 290. The program is besides, some current board members may wish to be still TBD at the time of the August 2014 BOD meeting. replaced. To offer your service, call me: 281-970-6708 Full minutes respectfully submitted by Chapter Secretary Or email: [email protected]. Dave Bateson; Summary by the editor.
4 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 “A National Dilemma” Membership Meeting 09/16/14 The September 16 Gulf Coast Chapter Membership by Perry Jones, Chapter Membership VP Meeting will be held at: Logan’s Roadhouse If you have been reading your issues of NRHS News 12950 Northwest Freeway (US 290) when they come to your mailbox every couple of Houston, TX 77040 months, you know that the National Railway Historical Logan’s Roadhouse is located between Bingle and Society at the national level has some serious problems. Hollister on the north side of the Northwest Freeway (US NRHS has lost a lot of members over the past few years; 290). If traveling west on US 290, such as from the simultaneously the national organization has also been Loop 610 area, take the West 43rd/Bingle/Pinemont spending more money than it has been taking in and as a exit off 290 and proceed on the frontage road past result is in a deep financial hole. Pinemont 1/4 mile or so to Logan’s (it’s just past In August we were informed officially (though it had Hooter’s!) on your right. If coming east on US 290, been rumored previously) that each NRHS chapter should such as from the Sam Houston Tollway, take the plan to handle 2015 renewal billing for its membership, Pinemont/Bingle/West 43rd exit to Bingle, make the U- and NRHS nationally would come up with a plan to Turn under the Freeway onto the westbound frontage handle renewal billing for NRHS separately. We are as a road, proceed west past Pinemont 1/4 mile or so to Chapter gearing up to perform the local renewal process. Logan’s. The Gulf Coast Chapter will be sending out a We will be meeting in a separate room, so tell the 2015 “chapter-only” renewal form to all members on host/hostess you are with the railroad group. Come our rolls shortly. When you get yours, please fill it early to eat and to greet your friends. out and return with your check and generous dona- The brief Membership Meeting starts at 7:30 tion in the envelope provided. You will continue to p.m. and a program immediately follows. receive Gulf Coast Railroading, Chapter Membership Meetings and other activities will go on as always and September 16 Program creation of Texas Railroading Heritage Museum will Mr. Paul Burgess has been invited to present a continue ahead full speed. program of slides on the Villa Grove Sub in the Chicago Do we have your current address? See “Mem- area. This line, now Union Pacific territory, was once the bership Information current?” below. domain of Chicago & Western Indiana trackage from As to the NRHS national renewal plan? We all await downtown Chicago to Dolton and Missouri Pacific’s information on that. Nobody wants to see NRHS fail. Its subsidiary Chicago & Eastern Illinois from Dolton declared mission as a national organization to preserve southward, with lots of train action then and now. railroad history and educate the public about railroading remains the same. A lot of dedicated people are trying to repair the damage and keep this national train rolling. When you receive your “NRHS-only” renewal, please NOTICE: October, November continue to support this important rail-preservation The October 14 and November 18 Chapter society. Once the current crisis period is over, we’ll all Meetings are NOW designated “Membership Meet- be glad we stayed aboard. ings” and include programs. No further “Planning Meetings” will be held, as the planning function is shifting to the newly formed museum board. Membership information current? Please let Perry Jones, Chapter Membership VP, October 21 Program know as soon as possible about any address, Are you familiar with the Trinity & Brazos Valley phone number or email address changes by (T&BV), B-RI, FW&D, BN and BNSF? Bill Willits will contacting him via e-mail: present a program featuring the railroad(s) that have ([email protected]) or served Tomball since 1907 and a little local history to ([email protected]) liven the mix. or by phone: 281-844-0951 (Mobile). Please include your membership ID (NRHS Member November 18 Program Number) and mention “Membership Change.” Tom Marsh will present our 31st anniversary Chapter Photo Contest entries. We will have a chance to view and vote on our favorites. A lot of talented photographers make this annual event one of our best-attended meetings every year.
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 5 The Local
(Reprinted from Railway Age) over the right-of-way. The transaction is expected to be Harris County MTA eyes UP right-of-way consummated on or after August 28, 2014 (30 days after by Douglas John Bowen, Managing Editor the exemption was filed).” Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Tex, Well blow me away! (Houston’s METRO) has filed a motion with the Surface The previous item about the former SA&AP, later SP, Transportation Board to formally acquire nearly 58 miles later UP, Bellaire Branch right-of-way (remember, there is of right-of-way from Union Pacific Railroad. a Tollway on part of it these days) came as a surprise, but STB Docket No. FD 35846, published Thursday, probably shouldn’t have. Sounds like Fort Bend County Aug. 14, 2014, notes METRO is making the move “to has a plan… - Ed. acquire from Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) the right to restore rail service over a rail-banked right-of- (From progressiverailroading.com) way between milepost 3.48 near Bellaire Junction in BNSF lands 20-year lease agreement at Houston to milepost 61.2 near Eagle Lake, a distance of Texas logistics park 57.72 miles, in Harris, Fort Bend, Austin, Wharton, and BNSF Railway Co. recently entered into a 20-year Colorado Counties, Tex.” lease agreement with CMC Industries at Gulf Inland A METRO spokesperson on Friday, Aug. 15, told Logistics Park in Dayton, Texas. Railway Age “that METRO is not buying this property. Running through 2034, the lease involves CMC’s This is related to a sale to Fort Bend County of all rights storage-in-transit rail facility and includes two five-year in the corridor from the county line with Fort Bend out to extension options. The facility, which stores and switches Eagle Lake.” rail cars, supports the area’s fast-growing petrochemical METRO, based in Houston, currently operates light industry, CMC officials said in a press release. rail transit and bus services primarily within Harris Served by BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad, Gulf County, but has been exploring regional passenger rail Inland Logistics Park has direct access to U.S. Highway (“commuter”) options for the past few years. 90 and Highway 146, and is ideally located for industrial, With STB approval granted in August 2000, UP “was logistics and manufacturing businesses, they said. CMC authorized to abandon the line,” STB noted. But, STB is the developer and on-site manager of the park and added, “Subsequent to that filing, UP and METRO CMC Railroad. reached an agreement for rail banking of that segment of “The long-term commitment from BNSF allows [us] the line. The agreement was accompanied by a deed to accelerate the development of Gulf Inland Logistics without warranty, pursuant to which UP conveyed the Park into a world-class intermodal hub,” said CMC railroad easement, together with all of UP’s other rights, President Marcus Goering. “We look forward to further title, and interests in the right-of-way to METRO, subject capitalizing on the strong demand for rail-served facilities to certain conditions and exceptions.” in the Gulf transportation network.” A follow-up pact between METRO and UP to railbank the route for future use “was likewise accompa- nied by a deed without warranty, pursuant to which UP On Other Rails conveyed the railroad easement, together with all of UP’s rights, title, and interests in the right-of-way to METRO, (From progressiverailroading.com) subject to certain conditions and exceptions,” STB said, Rail car and locomotive statistics: “Thus, METRO is the interim trail user and obtained from Fleet Stats 2014 UP its consent to seek Board approval to acquire the North American railroads, lessors and other asset rights to restore rail service over both segments of the owners continue to invest in rolling stock as they prepare line. METRO explains that it did not know, at the time, for the next phase of the rail renaissance. In the first that Board authorization was necessary for it to acquire quarter, rail-car orders totaled 24,050 units compared the right to restore rail service. METRO now, after the with 14,865 units in fourth-quarter 2013 and 23,901 units fact, invokes the Board’s authorization for that acquisition in first-quarter 2013, according to the American Railway through a notice of exemption,” STB said. Car Institute Committee of the Railway Supply Institute. Though STB cautioned that, per earlier cases, “the Orders totaled 12,753 units in third-quarter 2013 and right to reactivate a rail-banked line is not an exclusive 14,850 units in second-quarter 2013. Although tank-car right,” it does note that “here, the notice indicates that UP order activity continues to dominate the freight-car did not wish to retain rights related to the line because, by environment, officials at Economic Planning Associates a deed without warranty, UP conveyed to METRO both Inc. (EPA) say they are “enthused” by the strong recent the right-of-way itself and the right to restore service growth in demand for mid-sized and small-cube covered
6 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 hoppers, as well as the high level of backlogs for hi-cube the rail system, and provides $400 million to pay for equipment. roadway improvements, Austin officials said in a press On the locomotive side: The 665 new units Class Is release. placed in service last year were the most since 2008, The proposed rail system would be operated by the according to Association of American Railroads data, and Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and would the major roads continue to set aside millions of dollars serve the East Riverside Corridor, downtown Austin, for locomotives and locomotive-related equipment. Union State Capitol complex, a medical school complex, the Pacific Railroad increased its total spending plan to $4.1 University of Texas, Hancock Center, Austin Community billion this year, and the additional capital will be used to College Highland campus and surrounding neighbor- acquire equipment — including 29 more locomotives. hoods. BNSF Railway Inc. set aside $1.6 billion to acquire The proposed roadway improvements, which the locomotives and other equipment (as well as freight City Council determined to be transportation projects of cars). CN’s 2014 equipment expenditure budget is $300 regional significance, are designed to relieve congestion, million and includes the acquisition of 45 more new high- enhance safety and mobility and manage traffic in various horsepower locomotives. By year’s end, the Class I will corridors, Austin officials said. have acquired 763 high-horsepower locomotives over a 10-year period, representing more than half of the high- (From progressiverailroading.com) horsepower mainline fleet. BNSF begins double-track project in New Mexico (Thanks to Tom Marsh for online link to original article) BNSF Railway Co. recently launched work on a $68 Heartland Flyer operation million double-track project west of Vaughn, N.M. A recent online article from the Wichita (KS) Business The Class I plans to build 9.3-mile second main track Journal titled “Amtrak: We’re the best choice for operat- to eliminate one of only four remaining single-track ing the Heartland Flyer” cited concern by Amtrak officials sections on its Southern Transcon route between Chicago regarding the search by Texas and Oklahoma transporta- and Los Angeles. Grading work is under way and track tion departments for an alternative operator to Amtrak for construction is scheduled to start in early 2015, with the the Heartland Flyer. double track expected to enter service in mid-2015. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari was quoted as The additional capacity will improve velocity and saying: “We believe Amtrak remains the best choice for enhance service along the Transcon — one of the safe, reliable intercity Heartland Flyer service well into the railroad’s most important routes, BNSF officials said in a future,” and. “Amtrak brings proven expertise in deliver- press release. ing passenger rail service, railroad operations, safety and After the project is completed, only 25 miles of single security, equipment maintenance and repair.” He also track will remain on the route, including a 2.3-mile declared that talks with Texas and Oklahoma about costs segment in Ft. Sumner, N.M., over the Pecos River, they continue. said. Responding to claims by a spokesman for Passenger The project is part of BNSF’s $5 billion capital plan in Rail Oklahoma that a lower cost operator than Amtrak 2014, of which $2.3 billion is budgeted to improve the could be obtained, Magliari referred to recent statements railroad’s core network and related assets. about a supposedly successful Indiana alternate-to- Amtrak operator search for which no contract exists yet. (Thanks to Tom Marsh for online link to original article) He also cited the 2008 congressional mandate that Shreveport to Vicksburg (or further) via Amtrak? requires supplemental payments from states to operate A recent item from shreveporttimes.com states that a such a passenger service and requires states to pay 12 month study has been initiated to examine the feasibil- capital charges. ity of setting up Amtrak passenger rail service from Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, to Vicksburg, Missis- (From progressiverailroading.com) sippi. A study by TxDOT and Amtrak has already been Austin ballot measure to address underway recently for service between Dallas-Ft. Worth transit-rail funding area and Shreveport, and eastward extension would seem The Austin City Council last week (early August) a possibility. In addition, future logical extension might approved a ballot measure that calls for funding portions include a Vicksburg to Meridian link. (The Crescent of the 2014 Strategic Mobility Plan, including the issu- between New York and New Orleans presently serves ance of $600 million in bonds and notes for a fixed Meridian - Ed.). transit-rail system for the Texas city. The Shreveport-Bossier City to Vicksburg study will The measure, to go before voters on Nov. 4, would look at the condition of existing railroad tracks between allow for the bond issue under the following conditions: the cities, potential stops, hours of operation and the cost the city obtains a grant or match funding for the cost of (On Other Rails - continued on page 8)
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 7 A Wednesday trip: 07/23/14 expanded as a museum on a site at the former junction of by the editor H&TC and SA&AP) and the H&TC/SA&AP 1921 Union Depot. Giddings Chamber of Commerce has dubbed On a typically hot and humid summer day, Wednes- their town “The Depot Capital of Texas.” day, July 23, 2014, nine railroad enthusiasts from the On the return trip the group visited the Carmine Houston area in three cars visited (by prior arrangement, Depot and museum (moved across the highway from the since usual hours don’t always include midweek visita- station’s original location). Each of these facilities has tion) several interesting and historic railroad sites in east been renovated and restored by hard-working volunteers central Texas. We were welcomed by enthusiastic with local assistance and each houses some very interest- docents to the former H&TC Burton Depot and llater to ing artifacts of railroad and local history, plus some the Giddings H&TC freight station (now moved and exhibits of wider Texas content.
Below: An archaeological dig near the former Burton H&TC Below: At the relocated Carmine depot late in the afternoon, depot has uncovered a water storage cistern. The depot was Brent Lamb appears to hide, Fred Stigale unravels his camera originally located somewhat south and west of this location. strap and Perry Jones admires a rail-crane like the one in the Photo by Tom Mather GCC collection. Photo by Tom Mather
Left: The troops line up before the relocated and expanded Giddings H&TC freight house, now a museum and Chamber of Commerce office. All the locations visited on this trip are either on or a short distance off US 290, so are easy to reach. From left - Fred Stigale, Tom Mather, Jerry Dorcz, Bill Willits, Phil Whitley, Brent Lamb, Chris Beetle and Perry Jones; not pictured, R. Lynn Leone. Photo by Jerry Dorcz
(On Other Rails - continued from page 7) Reminders from the Editor I need your articles for the October issue by Friday, to operate the service, according to Kent Rogers, execu- September 12, for the November/December issue by tive director of the North Louisiana Council of Govern- Sunday, October 12. Thank you. ments.
8 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 982 “event” at Nau Center site work that had been done on 982 prior to its incorporation by the editor into the Nau Center, (which is) to be built around it. The locomotive looks good, not true museum quality but For those of us who were involved in trying to obtain much better than it had been…” Southern Pacific 2-10-2 #982 for our Gulf Coast Chapter The lower cab-side sheets which contained the equipment collection between 2001 and 2004, an event locomotive number on them had become corroded, so August 13, 2014 witnessed by several of our members were replaced by Wasatch Railroad Contractors, the brings mixed feelings. company which has done the 982 cosmetic restoration in Al Dykes, our Mechanical Vice President who led the 2014. With approval of the Nau Center project manager, effort in the early 2000s, said on August 14: “Yesterday I the old sheets have been given to our chapter. spent the afternoon watching the activity between the ball Al also said: “The tender is another story...” It is park at Union Station and the George R Brown Conven- going to the Heber Valley Railroad in Utah. No comment. tion Center. We had been invited to inspect the renovation
Above: Tender trucks remained sitting on the track behind Above: The 982’s tender body is hoisted aboard a low-boy the locomotive. They would later be placed aboard a trailer. trailer by crane for transport; it will serve Heber Valley Below: Doug Weiskopf, Al Dykes, Chris Beetle, John Railroad’s ex-UP 2-8-0 #618 in Utah. Photo by Tom Mather Rimmasch of Wasatch Rail Contractors and Phil Scheps; John explained the planned lift to work on the track in preparation for building the Nau Center around 982. Photos by Tom Mather
Far right: 982 is “all up in the air” during the two-crane lift. It was turned 90 degrees while elevated and put on the ground so the track could be prepared for permanence on the site. Photo by Al Dykes
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 9 Early Texas Railroads
Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe January 22, 1885 by W. E. (Bill) Willits “We do not believe the rumor that the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe road is soon to pass under the control of the Part 3 Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe management. We are of the opinion that the G. C. & S. F. is able to work out its The GC&SF had firmly established itself in Ft. Worth own salvation, and that it will not encumber its operations and was preparing to build north. Because Indian with other lines. Territory was federally controlled on behalf of the tribes Since starting west from Temple on the “Lampasas settled there, legislation by the U. S. Congress and line” the construction crews had made good progress: approval by the President was required in order to cross May 28, 1885 that region: “Track laying on the Santa Fe extension has reached July 10, 1884 a point ten miles west of Lampasas.” “The bill granting right of way through the Indian June 25, 1885 territory to the Southern Kansas railroad, a branch of the “A large force of men is engaged in the work of Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, has been approved by extending the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe railroad the President. Denison is the objective point in Texas.” northward from Lampasas towards Brownwood.” The eventual meeting Business alliances point of the AT&SF and sometimes shifted as traffic GC&SF was to be in Indian The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe opportunities changed. Territory, but in July 1884 Railroad has accepted the $20,000 bonus Earlier the “Gould system” had entered alliances with the the expectation was slightly and right of way, and has agreed to build different: GC&SF’s competitors to July 17, 1884 to Coleman, the county seat of Coleman thwart that line; now there “It is announced that the county. The news almost set the people was a new alliance coming: G. C. & S. F. road is making crazy. Property jumped up about 300 per July 9, 1885 active preparations to form a cent., and the town is enjoying a “A New York special to junction with the A. T. & S. tremendous boom. the Galveston News says that F. road in Kansas, and that a general pool has been the work will begin at Ft. agreed upon by the Gould Worth in a short time.” system, the Houston and The desired bill had passed and the way was open to Texas Central and the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe build northward and across the Red River: railways, and it is thought the Texas and St. Louis road July 17, 1884 will also join the agreement. The result will be an ad- “By the signature of the President the bill granting the vance in freight rates. By pooling each road in the pool right of way to the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe railroad gets its pro rata share of the business.” through the Indian Territory has become a law. This The amended charter points mentioned in the follow- insures our State another competitive route to the North ing item were not all reached in exactly the manner and East.” indicated, but the railroad did succeed in reaching and Despite actions in the courts preventing the GC&SF expanding the town of Coleman in Coleman County. As from taking legal control of the Central & Montgomery noted in the original charter issued years earlier, the after reaching Navasota via the connection from GC&SF had planned all along to continue across north- Somerville, it was evident that the GC&SF was not west Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, an letting that stop eastward construction to extend the objective it never was to reach directly. C&M’s existing line east from its present terminus. The July 23, 1885 GC&SF would cross the I&GN at a place known as “The amended charter of the Gulf, Colorado and Conroe Switch, a small lumber shipping community Santa Fe railway was filed with the Secretary of State on established by a young man named Isaac Conroe: the 3d of July, the same having been adopted by the board September 25, 1884 of directors on the 8th inst. The substance of the “The Santa Fe railway company will soon commence amended charter is as follows: ‘The road is to run in a work on the extension of their road east from Montgom- northwesterly direction through Bell, Coryell, Lampasas, ery; they want to reach the International.” Brown, Coleman, Runnels, Taylor, Tom Green, Nolan and Again there was talk of AT&SF acquisition of the Mitchell (counties), crossing the Texas and Pacific GC&SF: Railroad in the latter county, and thence through the
10 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 GC&SF built through the Algoa area, only about 25 miles from Galveston, during early construction. Years later the Saint Louis, Brownsville & Mexico Railway (StLB&M) was completed to Algoa May 28, 1907, where it crossed and connected with the GC&SF. Through a trackage rights agreement StLB&M trains used the GC&SF to reach Houston. This 1908 photo post card shows the joint station at Algoa used by the two companies. The GC&SF side says “Gulf Coast & Santa Fe R. R.,” not “Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe.” The StLB&M circular herald on that road’s side of the station displays “Gulf Coast Lines” in center. Courtesy Ken E. Stavinoha Collection border counties of the Indian Territory; thence northeast two months ago. – Bellville Times.” to the Canadian river, at some point between the eastern In the meantime the GC&SF western extension from boundary of the Panhandle and the 102d degree of Temple was moving along well beyond Lampasas: longitude; thence up said river to the State line, thence to January 7, 1886 Santa Fe.’” Some of the objectives would be reached “The Santa Fe railroad has been completed to many years later, but not exactly as planned. Brownwood.” Without a bonus payment, many a village was to fail The GC&SF wanted to expand into northeast Texas in its wish for a railroad, but a bonus usually insured as well; this would fulfill plans made several years earlier: success: January 14, 1886 October 8, 1885 “The Santa Fe has made a proposition to Dallas to “The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad has extend the road to Paris, provided a subsidy of $200,000 accepted the $20,000 bonus and right of way, and has be raised The distance is 90 miles. Business men of agreed to build to Coleman, the county seat of Coleman Dallas are pushing the matter with probability of success.” county. The news almost set the people crazy. Property The rumor mill was always alive; the AT&SF had in jumped up about 300 per cent., and the town is enjoying fact acquired the GC&SF, but lack of confirmation made a tremendous boom.” it just another rumor and the GC&SF continued business A labor strike was always disruptive to railroad as usual. Texas law required retention of Texas manage- operation: ment for railroads in the state no matter where the money November 12, 1885 came from: “The employees of the Santa Fe railroad went on a March 18, 1886 strike at noon last Tuesday. Up to the time of going to “It is reported that the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe press the situation was still unaltered. The strikers are railroad company have purchased the Gulf, Colorado and acting quietly, and the situation is similar to what it was Santa Fe road. The report lacks confirmation.”
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 11 has been previously laid to Temple, on the main line. – Bellville Standard.” An often-heard rumor had come true: Actually, AT&SF bought control- ling interest in the GC&SF in 1886, but the GC&SF continued as a separate company until formally merged into the AT&SF nearly eighty years later, in 1965. April 8, 1886 “According to telegrams sent from Boston by President Sealy, of the G., C & S. F. railway, that company has been finally merged into the A. T. & S. F. system, one of the wealthiest corpora- tions in the country.” A clarification had to be issued: April 29, 1886 “George Sealy, president of the G., C. & S. F. road, and recently elected a director in the A. T. & S. F. road says there has been no sale of the S. F. but simply a consolidation of the two roads. The connection between the two roads will be made within the next twelve months.” Out on the various lines of the expanding GC&SF, progress was evident: May 13, 1886 “The Santa Fe railway is erecting a new passenger depot at Temple.” The GC&SF was continuing to build across western Texas beyond the town of Brownwood to an eventual terminus at Coleman and seeking business in the Brenham: on arrival in April 1880 the GC&SF built its own depot at this track newly opened countryside with its crossing site; H&TC’s was several blocks east. A “Union Depot” is shown on cattle-raising. During 1886-87 the 1891maps and in 1906 this new larger depot was constructed here. Upper view tracks extended through Santa Anna to a looks southeast at one end of the depot across GC&SF track, the lower color post junction (Coleman Junction) a few miles card view northeast across the H&TC track. Some platform bricks remain. southeast of the town of Coleman and Photos courtesy Brenham Heritage Museum from there one line was built westward to Ballinger on the Colorado River and La Grange already had one railroad link, the GH&SA another line a short distance northwest to terminate at branch from Columbus, was soon to be on the Taylor, Coleman itself: Bastrop and Houston too (TB&H, soon to be a part of May 13, 1886 the MK&T), but wanted another: “Fred. B. Allen, Travelling Freight Agent of the G., C. March 18, 1886 & S. F. Ry, who was here several days this week working “The citizens of LaGrange are making an effort to up business for his road, requests us to state that unless secure a branch of the Santa Fe railroad.” prevented by untoward weather or some unforeseen Replacing iron rails with steel was often reported: cause, track will be laid and a new station established on April 8, 1886 that road twenty miles west of Santa Anna and nine miles “The gang engaged in laying steel rails on the G., C. from the Colorado River by May 1st, next Saturday. The & S. F. road reached the depot about noon on Monday, road is ready to make contracts to deliver freight at that and will continue laying track at the rate of a half a mile new station on May 1st, and by May 10th it is calculated a day until they reach Brenham, from which point steel that regular trains will be running to the Colorado river,
12 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 both freight and passenger, and the road fully open for January 27, 1887 business. – Tom Green Enterprise. (San Angelo) ” “The Sealy Local Freight says the Taylor, Bastrop Fast horses were always admired, fast iron horses as and Houston railroad, which is now being constructed by well. Everybody was impressed with speed: the manager of the Missouri Pacific system, will cross November 25, 1886 the Santa Fe at Sealy, beyond a doubt, and states further “A passenger on the down train last Tuesday night that they have authority for this statement direct from stated that the train left Brenham at 7:31 and reached headquarters.” Bellville at 7:57, making the rate of speed nearly a mile a Far to the north above Ft. Worth the track crews had minute. – Bellville Times.” covered a lot of miles beyond the Red River: People at Cleburne on the GC&SF line between January 27, 1887 Temple and Ft. Worth had taken the initiative: “The track-laying corps of the G., C. & S. F. railroad, December 2, 1886 having reached Gainesville some time ago, have now “The city of Cleburne has secured the Gulf, Colorado completed ten miles of track in the Indian Territory, and & Santa Fe shops by donating 100 acres of land suitable will connect the A. T. & S. F. at the Columbian river.” for the site.” The GC&SF was continually looking to expand into Far to the south the town of La Grange was still new territory; the line west from Coleman Junction had interested in getting the GC&SF to come their way: reached Ballinger in 1886: December 2, 1886 February 3, 1887 “Mr. Waters Davis, of “It is proposed to extend Galveston, representing the the Santa Fe road from Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Ballinger to San Angelo next railway, arrived in town March.” Tuesday evening and The Cleburne shop immediately sought and complex was becoming a interviewed a number of our reality: leading citizens in regard to February 10, 1887 the building of a branch of Above: This June 1893 Official Guide timetable shows “The Santa Fe has that road to this place. He three GC&SF trains per day each way provided passenger commenced the erection of informed that he was service between Houston and Galveston. Note that these a machine shop at authorized to say that GC&SF trains operated out of the first Grand Central Cleburne.” LaGrange could have the Station (H&TC) which had opened a few years earlier, not The junction between road, by obtaining for it the GC&SF’s own depot at St. Emanuel and Congress Avenue. the GC&SF, building north right of way and depot from Texas, and the AT&SF, grounds. He was informed that while our people were building south out of Kansas, was expected to occur committed to do all they could for the extension of the soon: Taylor, Bastrop and Houston road and did not propose to March 3, 1887 go back on that company, yet, they would consider his “The Santa Fe railway has 45 miles of track laid proposition and do everything in their power to facilitate beyond Red River, in the Indian Territory.” the building of his company’s road. – LaGrange Jour- Meanwhile, on the GC&SF about a dozen miles south nal.” of Sealy the San Antonio & Aransas Pass (SA&AP) was Ft. Worth had become an important junction of planning a crossing: several railroads and expected to have major GC&SF March 17, 1887 facilities, but didn’t get all the concessions it wanted: “It is said the Houston extension of the Aransas Pass December 9, 1886 road will cross the Santa Fe at Wallis.” “The G., C. & S. F. road having decided upon The following item does not specify which railroad locating their shops at Cleburne, much disgust is felt by was involved; GC&SF, GH&SA or possibly NYT&M, but Ft. Worth citizens.” could have been any of these. At the end it seems the The Taylor, Bastrop and Houston (TB&H) was reporter spoke somewhat crudely considering the results: acquired by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MK&T was April 7, 1887 at that time under Missouri Pacific control which ended “A special came through here yesterday consisting of in June 1888) and actually terminated at Boggy Tank five one sleeper and an engine, carrying a number of R. R. miles east of Fayetteville for several years. But then the officials, and after leaving Rosenberg we hear that a test MK&T of Texas (MK&TofT), organized to comply with of speed was made, when 50 miles per hour was attained Texas charter requirements in 1891, built from there with the following results: a broken wheel and a demol- eastward via Sealy to Houston in 1892-93. Therefore, ished sleeper and considerable destruction to rolling stock the following announcement, while true, was premature: generally, not to mention the officials who were broken
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 13 up considerably, and one is not expected to live. We the hills of Central Texas, real civilization in the form of commend the new system of tests, if any are to be made. the railroad was coming none too soon to West Texas: Let them be so with a body of officials on board; it is a June 14, 1888 step in the right direction. – “Work on the extension Richmond Opinion.” of the Gulf Colorado and The GC&SF had met the Santa Fe road to San Angelo AT&SF at last: is progressing rapidly, the May 5, 1887 grading having been parceled “On last Tuesday the out and sub-let to various Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe parties who are anxious to get railway and the Atchison, through with their part of the Topeka and Santa Fe roads contract. The completion of were connected at a little this line will obliterate an town in Indian Territory called important theater of the stage- Purcell. About the 1st of June robbing industry.” through trains – two each The Navasota roundhouse way daily – from Kansas City would soon be occupied: to Galveston will be put on.” June 28, 1888 The Bellville reporter “Work on the Santa Fe identified the railroad being railway company’s new round crossed as the AT&SF in the house is progressing rapidly following item, but of course and it will likely be completed the GC&SF actually remained within two weeks. It has under its own management: stalls for two locomotives. – July 7, 1887 Navasota Tablet.” “Track laying on the Little tidbits of news Aransas Pass road was sometimes confused rather completed to Wallis on than helping to clarify: Monday, where a connection July 26, 1888 was formed with the “On August 1st, the Gulf, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Above: This timetable from the June 1893 Official Colorado and Santa Fe will Fe. The road has been Guide shows the GC&SF’s linkage with the AT&SF pass under the management building less than two years, to provide Chicago to Galveston passenger service via of the Atchison, Topeka and but in that time has con- Kansas City. But there was also an alternate route via Santa Fe.” Well, not really. structed 330 miles of road. – a connection with the SL&SF (Frisco) after 1888. The GC&SF continued under Bellville Standard.” Below: Service via Paris, Texas, and the Frisco to St. its own management, al- July 14, 1887 Louis and Chicago. though now closely affiliated “The management of the financially and operationally Aransas Pass railroad have with the AT&SF. issued an announcement that Over on the Sap line, they are ready for business in rumors were flying: connection with the Gulf, May 8, 1890 Colorado and Santa Fe railway.” “President Lott emphatically Navasota, on the GC&SF denies that the Aransas Pass branch east of Somerville, was road has been sold to the proud of its growth: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe March 22, 1888 system.” “The Santa Fe railway The establishment of company’s surveyor is now irrigated rice farming would here laying off ground for a mean some large car loading roundhouse, near the freight numbers for the railroad near depot, where the present Houston: ‘stable’ is now located. – July 2, 1891 Navasota Tablet.” “Texas Progress: A large Far away from the East field of rice is now growing Texas woods and out beyond near Alvin, on the line of the
14 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 Santa Fe road, between Galveston and Houston. The sod August 17, 1893 was broken this year. The crop is irrigated by means of “Bellville Times-Standard: The fast train of the Santa an artesian well. The result of this experiment is looked Fe, the Columbian Limited, has been discontinued. Only forward to as a probable demonstration of a valuable use one passenger train a day each way is now being run. which may bring thou- The Times-Standard sands of acres under understands that the cultivation another year.” discontinuance of this Things were looking extra train is not altogether good in early 1893, but this due to a lack of patronage, was to be a year later as it is stated that the known worldwide for the Columbian Limited hauled financial “Panic of ’93.” more passengers than the The GC&SF was handling regular train now running, heavy shipments to but rather a desire to Galveston for international curtail expenses on the export: part of managers has February 23, 1893 obliged this step to be “Sealy News: Three taken.” thousand car loads of For a lengthy period wheat passed south on the the AT&SF controlled the Santa Fe in the last thirty SL&SF; both roads also days for export from had Fred Harvey (Harvey Galveston. A considerable House) facilities. The quantity of Texas flour has Frisco connection to the also passed lately billed GC&SF which provided through to Liverpool.” passenger travel between Benjamin F. Yoakum Chicago and Galveston via was already widely known A map from the June 1893 Official Guide shows the GC&SF- St. Louis resulted from throughout the U.S. for his AT&SF and GC&SF-SL&SF passenger routes available to construction of a branch role in railroading, and he travelers between Galveston and Chicago at that time. (the Frisco’s Central agreed in 1893 to join the Division) southward from GC&SF as general manager and third vice president: that railroad’s mainline at Monett, Missouri, beginning in April 6, 1893 1880. “San Antonio Express: The Express congratulates Mr. Through a combination of acquisition of smaller B. F. Yoakum on his promotion to the most important railroads and continued extension southward in Arkansas railway position in Texas, and the Santa Fe on securing and then southwestward across the Choctaw Nation’s the services of so capable an official.” land in eastern Indian Territory, the Frisco reached Paris, April 20, 1893 Texas, in 1887. There it connected with the Texas & “The promotion of Mr. B. F. Yoakum to the manage- Pacific’s so-called “Trans-continental” line to Ft. Worth ment of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe system gives and with the Dallas-Paris GC&SF line when that line also general satisfaction.” reached Paris in 1888. At this time daily passenger service was available SL&SF (it would become SL-SF in a 1916 reorgani- between Chicago and Galveston through Kansas City and zation) established a long-standing sleeping car service Purcell via the AT&SF and GC&SF. But there was also between St. Louis and Paris connecting with the GC&SF another choice of routes and a special train. The follow- which ended in 1947. All GC&SF passenger service ing item is particularly interesting, because the Columbian between Paris and Dallas ended in 1956 and all passenger Limited, named to honor the currently-running Columbian service on the Frisco to Paris ended in 1958. (The Exposition of 1893-94 in Chicago, had been launched northern portion of the former Frisco Central Division, some time earlier to great fanfare. Listed in the Official Monett to Ft. Smith, is now owned and operated by the Guide of June 1893 as No. 6, it ran opposite the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, the host railroad for most Galveston Limited, train No. 5, via Dallas and a St. Louis excursion trips during the 2014 NRHS Convention). & San Francisco (Frisco) connection at Paris, Texas, to St. Louis. From St. Louis the train then went on to Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Chicago utilizing the AT&SF’s short-lived affiliate Chi- End of Part 3 cago, Peoria & St. Louis line, an arrangement too tentative to last:
Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 15 Timetable Notes
NOTE: Meetings Watch for monthly Membership Meeting Tuesday, November Gulf Coast Chapter Board location announcements in this newslet- November 4, Meeting at the IHOP on Washington and ter, on the Chapter website and on 7:00 p.m. I/10 (south side of I/10). Facebook. Tuesday, November Membership Meeting of the Gulf Tuesday, September Gulf Coast Chapter Board November 18, Coast Chapter - NRHS, Inc., at Logan’s September 2, Meeting at the IHOP on Washington and 7:30 p.m. Roadhouse, 12950 NW Freeway (US 290), 7:00 p.m. I/10 (south side of I/10). Houston, 77040.
Tuesday, September Membership Meeting of the Gulf Tuesday, December Gulf Coast Chapter Board September 16, Coast Chapter - NRHS, Inc., at Logan’s December 2, Meeting at the IHOP on Washington and 7:30 p.m. Roadhouse, 12950 NW Freeway (US 290), 7:00 p.m. I/10 (south side of I/10). Houston, 77040. Sunday, Tentative date for the annual Gulf Coast Tuesday, October Gulf Coast Chapter Board Meeting December 7, Chapter Holiday Party. Details and October 7, at the IHOP on Washington and I/10 (south 5 - 8 p.m. reservation forms will be mailed out in 7:00 p.m. side of I/10). November.
Tuesday, October Membership Meeting of the Gulf NOTICE! As always, there is NO Chapter-wide October 21, Coast Chapter - NRHS, Inc., at Logan’s meeting scheduled in December. 7:30 p.m. Roadhouse, 12950 NW Freeway (US 290), Houston, 77040. (Note: changed to a 2015 meeting dates and locations will be Membership Meeting with program, not a listed beginning in the November/December Planning Meeting). 2014 issue.
Saturday, Last day for entries in the 31st Annual November 1 Photo Contest.
Work Party Information Gulf Coast Railroading by PDF? Remember: “Just one volunteer day a Members: Get the PDF version of Gulf Coast month will make a big difference!” Railroading early via e-mail! Send your e-mail IF/WHEN MUSEUM WORK PARTIES ARE SCHEDULED address to [email protected] and tell us “I want Gulf Coast Railroading via PDF.” See contact information below and at right. “Wednesday” - confirm w/Chris Beetle 281-970-6708 “Thursday evening” - confirm w/Al Dykes 281-367-7019 “Saturday” - confirm w/Jerry Dorcz 281-357-4141 Contact us! We want to hear from you. If you have comments, THE MODEL RAILROAD IS CURRENTLY STORED questions or suggestions concerning your chapter, please do not hesitate to contact these officers. An announcement will be made when the layout located in the baggage end of ex-ATSF Railway Post Office car No. Chris Beetle, President...... [email protected] 3401 is again available for work and operation. Tom Marsh, VP-Nat’l Rep...... [email protected] Al Dykes, VP-Mech ...... [email protected] CONTACT INFORMATION Perry Jones, VP-Memb...... [email protected] David Taveirne, Museum Director Doug Weiskopf, [email protected] 281-454-6725 (evening) Dave Bateson, Secretary...... [email protected] Jerry Dorcz, Treasurer ...... [email protected] Al Dykes, Mechanical Vice President David Taveirne, VP-MusOps [email protected] 281-367-7019 W. E. (Bill) Willits, VP-Editor...... [email protected]
16 Gulf Coast Railroading • September 2014 KEY LOCK & LANTERN
Jul/Aug 2014 NEWS Issue No.28 The Bi-Monthly Digital Supplement to Key Lock & Lantern Magazine
Key Lock & Lantern 2014 Convention
Spring Brookline North Creek to Host Nickel Plate 765 Railroadiana Auction Annual Rail Fair Event Excursion Schedule Key, Lock & Lantern A non-profit membership KEY LOCK & LANTERN corporation dedicated to the preservation of transportation history and railroad memorabilia The mission of Key, Lock & Lantern is to gather and publish information on the NEWS history of the transportation industry, The Bi-Monthly Digital Supplement to Key Lock & Lantern Magazine and to support the preservation of railroad artifacts. KL&L members have WWW.KLNL.ORG an interest in all aspects of railroad & transportation history, from research and Jul/Aug 2014 Issue #28 preservation projects to the conservation and restoration of all types of historical From the President’s Desk ...... 3 memorabilia. Originally formed in 1966, Key, Lock & Lantern, Inc. was officially Railroad Event Calendar...... 3 incorporated in 1988 as a non-profit, 2014 Key Lock & Lantern Convention educational, membership corporation ...... 4 in the State of New Jersey, under the North Creek to Host Annual Rail Fair...... 6 provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Spring Brookline Railroadiana Auction...... 8 Membership is open to anyone with an interest in transportation history and in KL&L Issue #173 Sent to Members...... 10 achieving the goals of the organization. N&W 611 Restoration Tours...... 12 Officers & Trustees Railroad Preservation & Museum News...... 12 Chairman of the Board Amtrak Issues Summer/Fall Timetable...... 13 John Brainard Nickel Plate 765 Excursion Schedule...... 15 [email protected] Museums to Trade Locomotives...... 15 President & Editor David Hamilton Want Ads & Announcements...... 23 [email protected] Membership Application ...... 24 VP- Membership / Treasurer Editor...... David Hamilton Marie Brainard KL&L News [email protected] The Key, Lock & Lantern News is published bi-monthly as a digital supplement to the quarterly Key, Lock & Lantern magazine. Recipients may repost or forward complete Secretary and unmodified copies of this newsletter to other hobbyists and websites, but its content Marie Brainard (Acting) may not otherwise be copied or distributed without the permission of the KL&L Board of Trustees. Copyrights are held by the respective authors and photographers. Excerpts of Chaplain news items may be published with the credit line “Key, Lock & Lantern News” Vacant Annual membership dues for Key, Lock & Lantern are $30 for residents of the USA, and $40 for outside of the USA (by money order or electronic payment in US funds). Counsel Members receive four issues of the quarterly KL&L magazine, delivered via first class Jeremy Tuke mail. Memberships for additional family members are $5 each (only one magazine is sent per family). Applications for membership & address changes should be forwarded to the Historian VP-Membership at the e-mail address listed at right. Online membership forms and dues Peter Gores payment via Paypal are available at www.klnl.org. Trustees at Large Contributions of articles, photos, and news may be forwarded to the editor at the e-mail Cal Bulman, Lyman Gray, Patti address listed at right. Hard copy articles should be written on 8 1/2 x 11” paper, and typed Gray, Sam Lombardi, Joel Shaw, or neatly printed. 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Current deadlines are listed in the Key, Lock & Lantern Advertising Guide, which is available on the KL&L website at www.klnl.org, or by contacting the editor. KL&L News - Page 2 2014 KL&L Utica Convention Railroad Event Calendar Turns a Lemon Into Lemonade When I received the news from Marie Brainard that our traditional convention hotel in Albany was not going to be available this year, I was more than a little concerned. After checking alternate locations in the area and coming up with very few leads, it seemed as though the convention might not even be held this year. While discussing our predicament with members Bill Moll and Pete Gores, the idea of holding the convention in nearby Utica, NY came up. Pete sprang into action and arranged for meeting space at the historic Hotel Utica, and an optional train excursion on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. With a narrow window before the hotel would be booked for the summer tourist season, the convention committee scrambled Upcoming historical society conventions, special to put together a program on short notice. The only question events, railroadiana shows & auctions. Listings that remained was whether or not an event that has been so subject to change. Check show web sites before strongly rooted in tradition would survive such a big change. traveling and visit www.klnl.org for updates. See Thanks to the efforts of Pete Gores and the committee, we submission guidelines at the end of the calendar. were able to take a lemon and turn it into lemonade. The Sep 6 Perris, CA - Fall Swap Meet. Orange Empire advance registration for the convention was the highest in Railway Museum. recent years, with almost 40 members signed up in advance. Info: www.oerm.org. The exhibit room was over 1000 square feet larger than in Sep 6-7 Houston, TX - Big Texas Train Show. George our previous location, and we still sold out all table space. Brown Convention Center. Including spouses, guests, and “at the door” registrants, over Info: www.bigtexastrainshow.com. 80 people attended this year’s event! Sep 7 Catalog Auction - Railroad Memories Mail & Online Bid Railroadiana Auction closes. While there were a few rough spots with the transition, Info: www.railroadmemories.com. we were able to work through almost everything and hold - Burlington Route Historical an event that preserved most of the popular aspects of Sep 11-13 Rock Island, IL Society Annual Meeting. Holiday Inn. the convention in Albany, while introducing several new Info: www.burlingtonroute.com. activities to the program. All of this was accomplished while - Train Expo Colorado. keeping our costs at about the same level as last year. Sep 12-14 Colorado Spr, CO Freedom Financial Services Expo Center. In short, the 2014 Key, Lock & Lantern was one of the best Info: www.tecoshow.org. in recent years, from the atmosphere of the historic Hotel Sep 12-13 Middletown, NY - Erie Lackawanna Historical Utica, with its ornately decorated lobby (and pub that stayed Society Convention. Holiday Inn. open late for us), to the opportunity to enjoy a train ride, and Info: www.erielackhs.org. the many new faces that attended. I myself came home with Sep 13 North Creek, NY - North Creek / D&H Railroad a nice NYC&HRRR lantern with a green cast globe, and was Festival. North Creek Depot Museum. also able to considerably lighten the load in my train show Info: www.northcreekdepotmuseum.com. “for sale” boxes. Sep 13 Sharpsburg, MD - Hagerstown Model RR And while the railroadiana displays were excellent, the best Museum Sale. Washington Cty Ag Ctr. part of the convention is always the good conversation and Info: www.antietamstation.com. camaraderie that comes from getting together with a great Sep 13 White River Jct, VT - Amtrak Exhibit Train. bunch of people who share a passion for railroading. We’re White River Jct Glory Days. already making plans for next year’s event, and I hope that Info: www.amtrak.com. you will be able to attend. Sep 18-21 Cumberland, MD - Baltimore & Ohio Dave Hamilton Railroad Historical Society Convention. KL&L President & Editor Info: www.borhs.org. Sep 19-20 Excelsior Spr, MO - Wabash Railroad Historical Society Annual Meeting. On the Front Cover: Info: www.wabashrhs.org. With marker lamps displayed (by KL&L members), the Sep 19-20 Phoenix, AZ - National Association of friday night excursion train is ready to depart on the Timetable Collectors Convention. Adirondack Scenic Railroad during the 2014 Key Lock & Info: www.naotc.org. Lantern Convention in Utica, NY. David Hamilton photo. Continued on Page 26 KL&L News - Page 3 Key Lock & Lantern Members Enjoy 2014 Convention in Utica
KL&L members enjoyed a change of scenery at the 2014 The New York Central steam locomotive on display seems Key, Lock & Lantern Convention, with the annual event to be watching as Amtrak train #48, the eastbound Lake taking place in Utica, NY this year. Over 80 members, their Shore Limited, arrives at Utica Union Station. Several Key guests, and railroad history buffs attended the railroadiana Lock & Lantern 2014 Convention attendees arrived by train. swap meet and exhibits on Saturday, June 7th, in the historic Hotel Utica. Built in 1912, around the same time as the New the former Canadian National coaches, while others went to York Central Railroad was constructing Utica Union Station, the baggage car to enjoy the party atmosphere of the “Beer the hotel provided the perfect venue for the event. & Wine Tasting” theme train. Several members chartered Activities began on Friday afternoon, with the traditional the railroad’s Boston & Maine caboose and hung kerosene “room hopping” as members unpacked memorabilia for markers on the rear platform for an authentic “freight train the following day’s show. In the evening, many members experience.” headed over to Union Station and boarded the Adirondack After a brief stop at Remsen, where riders could tour the Scenic Railroad’s excursion train to Remsen, NY. Those reconstructed station (complete with a working telegraph who wanted a quiet ride settled into comfortable seats in operator’s office) and enjoy a snack, the train returned to Utica. A few members hung around Union Station to watch the arrival of the Lake Shore Limited, while others gathered in the pub at the Hotel Utica. The “old timers” showed the younger members that they had some steam left in them, by closing the bar at 2am and still showing up for breakfast at 8am on Saturday morning. In recent years, the exhibit room in Albany has been filled to its capacity, with additional tables overflowing into the hallway and an adjacent smaller meeting room. This year, the convention committee was able to take advantage of the move to Utica, and arrange for a larger room, with over 1000 square feet of additional space. Even with the extra room, all table space was sold out, with many new exhibitors attending this year. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad excursion train prepares There were a variety of displays, including memorabilia to depart from Utica Union Station, with KL&L members on from the Ontario & Western, Railway Express Agency board for a trip to Remsen on the Utica & Black River line. Continued on Page 5 KL&L News - Page 4 2014 KL&L Convention Continued from Page 4 artifacts, Brady’s patent lanterns, signals and signs from the Utica area, lanterns from the Poughkeepsie Bridge Route, and a large display of Lehigh Valley railroadiana. Most members brought extra items from their collections for sale or trade, with much memorabilia changing hands. Attendees were among the first to see John Taibi’s new book about the Delaware & Hudson Railway, with the author selling signed copies at the show. Although there were many excellent displays that were worth taking note of, the “Best in Show” award went to Devan Lawton’s extensive exhibit of railroadiana from the Erie, Delaware Lackawanna & Western, and Erie Lackawanna lines. A brief membership meeting was held in the morning, and after exhibitors were given time to take a lunch break at the hotel pub, the annual fundraiser auction was held in the early afternoon. Thanks to many generous donations from KL&L members, which included all types of railroadiana, auction participants were able to take home some interesting items for their collections (some at bargain prices) and the History meets modern railroading: a westbound CSX auto organization raised funds for future projects. rack train passes New York Central Signal Station 30 at Utica Union Station during the 2014 KL&L Convention. One thing that has been missing from recent conventions is the Saturday night banquet, due to the fact that the hotel restaurant in our former Albany location has been closed. This year, many KL&L members met at the restaurant in the Hotel Utica for an informal “banquet,” with others dining at the Trackside restaurant in Union Station. And once again, the conversations about railroading at the bar lasted until closing time, bringing back an old Key Lock & Lantern Convention tradition. After such a long day, most members showed up a little bit later for the hotel buffet on Sunday morning, and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before loading up for the trip home. A nice day, with plenty of sunshine allowed for additional train Continued on Page 16
The beautifully restored historic 1912 Hotel Utica provided the perfect setting for the 2014 Key, Lock & Lantern Convention. Photo courtesy of Marie Brainard. After packing up the displays, many KL&L members headed out for some local railfanning, or to visit the many historic railroad sites in the area. From the former New York Central signal station that once controlled train movements in Union Station to the remnants of the O&W branchline, there was plenty to see. A constant parade of CSX and Amtrak trains on the mainline (visible from many members’ hotel rooms) provided non-stop entertainment for the entire weekend, and a variety of other photo locations were found within a half hour drive. Railroadiana exhibits and sales tables filled the 2400 For Additional Photos, Visit the KL&L Page square foot meeting room at the Hotel Utica, during the on Facebook. Use the link at www.klnl.org. Saturday railroadiana show and swap meet. KL&L News - Page 5 Annual Rail Fair Returns to North Creek The North Creek Depot Museum, located on the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad’s former Delaware & Hudson Ry branch from Saratoga Springs, NY, will hold its annual Rail Fair on September 13th. Railroad memorabilia exhibits and vendors will be set up in an old industrial building adjacent to the museum, with special tours and railroad presentations offered during the day. The North Creek, NY station has a significant place in history, as it is the site where Theodore Roosevelt received the telegram informing him that he had become president, following William McKinley’s death at the hands of an assassin in 1901. Teddy Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand will return this year, giving talks on the platform and visiting with passengers who arrive on the Saratoga & North Creek’s excursion train. Retired D&H conductor Bill Bibby will also be presenting a program on the history of the railroad line to North Creek
A variety of historic equipment will be on display at the North Creek Depot’s 2014 Rail Fair. Dave Hamilton photo.
Roosevelt’s midnight ride to the presidency. The depot still functions in its original capacity, serving excursion trains on the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad. The Rail Fair will take place on Saturday, September 13th, from 10am to 3pm, with additional evening events to be held at the nearby Garnet Hill Lodge. The North Creek Depot Museum is located in downtown North Creek, NY, which is located on Route 28, between Warrensburg and Blue Mountain Lake, or by train from Saratoga. For more information, visit the North Creek Depot Museum website at www.northcreekdepotmuseum.com, and the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad website at www.sncrr.com.
Teddy Roosevelt greets visitors to the North Creek Depot Museum at the 2013 Rail Fair. Dave Hamilton photo. and the mines at Tahawus. Food and craft vendors, along with activities for children, will also be part of the festival, making it an event that the entire family will enjoy. Permanent exhibits at the museum include a highly detailed model of the Adirondack Railroad in the North Creek area, memorabilia from ski trains and the nearby Gore Mountain ski resort, original artifacts from the Delaware & Hudson Retired D&H conductor Bill Bibby will again offer a railroad Railway and its predecessors, and a display about Theodore history presentation & display. Dave Hamilton photo. KL&L News - Page 6 Railroadiana Auction – October 11, 2014 – Brookline, NH Preview: Fri 12:00-8:00pm, Sat 8:00-10:30 am, Auction starts at 10:30 am Brookline Auction Gallery LLC, 32 Proctor Hill Road, Brookline, NH 03033 Auction information including photos - www.tagtown.net Scott Czaja - Sales Manager (978) 779-2904 an auction by a collector for collectors
140+ Lanterns, lamps & globes, 200 annual passes, Canadian dater dies in groups, wax sealers, switch keys, slides, negatives & prints – books - framed Pennsy calendars - Lots of hardware
Now on LiveAuctioneers.com - We also accept absentee bids via: email & mail Quality consignments are welcome for future sales - call Scott or email: [email protected] KL&L News - Page 7 Brookline Adds Video Screen for Spring Railroadiana Auction Bidders For the past several years, Brookline Auction Gallery has conducted semi-annual consignment auctions of railroadiana at its modern Brookline, New Hampshire facility. Last year, owner Ron Pelletier joined the current trend among other traditional auctioneers and added live online bidding through the Live Auctioneers internet service. Collectors who are unable to attend the auction are now able to monitor the progress of the sale from home (or wherever they may be), and place bids in real time using their computer or mobile device. If the number of lots going to the “internet bid” table in the last two sales has been an accurate indicator, the new online service is very popular. Many collectors still prefer to attend the auction in person, though, and the auction gallery usually fills up with “floor bidders” on the day of the sale. Although auction manager Scott Czaja is known for providing detailed item descriptions and clear Above, Brookline auctioneer Ron Pelletier takes a bid, while attendees view a photo of the current lot on a projection screen. Photo by Jane Silvernail. photos in his online catalogs, many collectors still like to inspect the lots first hand. There is also the opportunity to size up the competition, and judge the pace of the sale, when it comes to deciding whether or not one more bid might take home that scarce artifact. The internet may have changed the auction environment, but being there in the gallery is still the way to go for many collectors. In the spring 2014 auction, Brookline added a video projection screen for its floor bidders. As each lot came up, a picture from the auction catalog was displayed behind the auctioneer, giving attendees a closer look at the item as the sale was in progress. For those with many lots checked off on their “bid lists,” it was helpful to see which lot was being sold, and get a reminder of what it included. This new feature was much appreciated by those attending the auction, and gave the runners a break, as well. The spring auction included a variety of railroadiana from lines around the country, with the usual selection of rare memorabilia from New England companies. With the availability of internet bidding, there weren’t any real “steals” at the auction, but plenty of reasonably priced lots sold throughout the day. With several collections coming up, it will be interesting to While Brookline has recently added live online bidding for its see what is offered in future sales. auctions, many collectors still prefer to attend in person and inspect the lots first hand. Photo by Jane Silvernail. Photos Continued on Page 9 KL&L News - Page 8 Spring 2014 Brookline Auction Continued from Page 8
This Rutland Railroad brass heart lock made by the somewhat scarce (and old) manufacturer T.M. Motley went to the high bidder for $450. Brookline Auction photo.
A high bid of $150 took home this Atlantic Coast Line Railway Palmetto pattern footed compote, produced by Liberty China. Brookline Auction photo.
A nice Grand Trunk Ry Adams & Westlake bellbottom lantern, with a little surface rust, and matching red cast globe sold for a reasonable $325. Brookline Auction photo.
A $130 bid was needed to take home this 1891 Northern Pacific Railroad pass with an ornate vignette of a train A rare brass top lantern by the Railroad Signal Lamp & passing though the mountains. Brookline Auction photo. Lantern Company, marked for the Hartford & Connecticut Western RR sold for $600. Brookline Auction photo. Photos Continued on Page 18 KL&L News - Page 9 Key, Lock & Lantern Issue #173 is Sent to Members Issue #174 in Production for September Mailing
Key, Lock & Lantern magazine Issue #173 was mailed Railroad, and the Central New England Railway. His article to current 2013-2014 members at the end of June, after also features some unusual locks, including a dual-marked publication was delayed slightly due to the editorial staff PR&NE and Philadelphia & Reading fancy cast lock, and working on preparations for the 2014 KL&L Convention. a steel New Haven lock with a CNE cut key. Lock and key Issue #174 will be printed on an accelerated schedule, in order collectors won’t want to miss this issue! to bring publication back on track. With extra donations by With oil train safety making the headlines in recent months, our members, and the support of our advertisers, Issue #173 we couldn’t help but get on the bandwagon with a report is yet another 24-page expanded edition. about an oil train wreck on the Erie Railroad in 1903. The In this issue, we return to “windy city” through the camera fact that most of the injuries and fatalities in the incident of photographer Jack Delano, with additional images of the were suffered by spectators to the cleanup effort is somewhat Chicago & Northwestern Railway (and some memorabilia of an eye-opener, when compared to today’s concerns over from the C&NW, courtesy of Railroad Memories). We then liability and security. Back in the days before reality TV, the head west, with views of the line to Clinton, Iowa. local train wreck was a source of public entertainment, and we Farther west, on the California coast, the Pacific Electric get a full account in the railroad commission investigation. Railway once operated the largest electric interurban system Additional Dietz catalog pages from the collection of Sam in the nation, with 700 miles of trackage spreading out in all Ferrara are reprinted in this edition’s “General Stores Dept.” directions from Los Angeles. Through the extensive transfer column, and Larry Davis has provided another excellent ticket collection of Wilson Bryant, we are able to retrace the view of railroaders posing in front of a yard engine, with many interesting routes traversed by the “red cars.” their lanterns all polished for the photo. As always, our Perhaps unknown to many railroad historians, the Buffalo “Want Ad” section contains a variety of railroadiana offered Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway, absorbed by the Baltimore for sale by our members, along with requests for information & Ohio in 1932, still existed as a corporation until last year. and offers to buy memorabilia. The interesting story of how the company remained alive The printed Key, Lock & Lantern magazine is only sent on paper is told, along with a brief review of its history. Of by mail to members, and is not available for download. If course, the article is illustrated with BR&P memorabilia. you are not currently a member of KL&L, there is no better We then take a railroadiana trip across the Poughkeepsie time than the present to join. New members will receive Bridge, through the collection of Phil Simms. Opened in four issues, beginning with #175. A membership form is 1889, this monumental feat of civil engineering formed a included on the last page of this newsletter. Back issues key link in the railroad gateway to New England. Phil’s are also available for individual purchase. If you have any collection of locks and keys from the “Poughkeepsie Bridge questions regarding your membership status, and to inquire Route” includes examples from the Central New England & about the availability of specific back issues, contact KL&L Western Railroad, the Philadelphia Reading & New England VP-Membership Marie Brainard at [email protected]. KL&L News - Page 10 Just Reading the KL&L News? You’re Only Getting Half of the Story!
Don’t Miss The Quarterly Key, Lock & Lantern Magazine, With In-Depth Articles About Railroad History & Collecting - Sent Only to KL&L Members!
Articles in Recent Issues Include: Winter in Chicago, The Bundy Lantern, Southern Pacific Badges, New Haven Line vs. The Squirrel, Switch Lock Diagrams, Lanterns of the Western Maryland RR, Railroad Slang, Monument to the Prince of Erie, Long Island RR Badges, Early Punched Tin Lanterns, Ticket Dater Maintenance, Q&A Column, Members Displays, and More. Join Today with Online Dues Payment at www.klnl.org KL&L News - Page 11 Railroad Preservation & Museum News North Carolina Transportation Museum Tours Highlight Progress on N&W 611 Restoration Norfolk & Western Railway J-Class steam locomotive No. 611 arrived at its temporary home at the North Carolina Museum of Transportation in May of 2014, to receive a complete overhaul in the museum’s shops. After briefly being displayed at the “Streamliners at Spencer” railroad festival, work immediately began on returning the locomotive to operable condition. Visitors to the museum, located in the former Southern Railway Spencer shops, have the rare opportunity to view the rebuilding of a steam locomotive first hand. A special program offered by the “Fire Up 611!” committee and the museum includes a presentation on the history of the locomotive and a guided tour of the shop where restoration is taking place. The program is presented by 611 committee chairman Preston Claytor, or fireman Cheri George, both The Virginia Museum of Transportation’s Norfolk & Western Railway J-Class experts on the history of the locomotive. steam locomotive No. 611 is undergoing restoration at the North Carolina Tours are given at 1:30pm on Fridays, Museum of Transportation’s Spencer shops. Norfolk Southern photo. Saturdays, and Sundays, with an extra fee of $5, in addition to regular museum admission. With a VIA Rail Canada Begins Work on limit of 30 people per tour, advance reservations are highly recommended. For additional information, visit the museum Brockville, ON Station Project website at www.nctrans.org or call LeAnne Johnson at 704- On July 29th, VIA Rail Canada officially launched an 636-2889, ext. 258 for advance ticket sales. extensive renovation project which will transform its station in Brockville, Ontario. The Honourable Senator Bob Runciman, Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament of Leeds- Long-Time Railroad Publisher Grenville, David Henderson, Mayor of Brockville, and VIA Rail’s Magdy Fahmy, Senior Director, Capital Projects Carstens Closes its Doors attended an event at the station, marking the beginning of The following statement was recently posted on the Carstens the work. websites, confirming the rumors that have been circulating Renovations to the station, originally built in 1872, include for the past several months: a new roof, a new building envelope, and new lighting and It is with regret that Carstens Publicatons, Inc. will be finishes, door and window replacement, the installation of closing permanently at close of business on Friday, August an automatic door and other accessibility improvements for 22, 2014. Carstens Publications, Inc. has been a leading people with disabilities. As well, a building adjacent to the publisher of leading hobby magazines for over 50 years. station will be demolished and a passenger shelter will be Unfortunately the current economic climate has placed us in built in its place. The work is expected to be completed by this position. Discussion is continuing with several parties November 2014. who expressed desire to take on the continuance of the The renovations to Brockville station are part of a nation- magazines. At this point there is still hope that all three titles wide project to improve VIA Rail stations and infrastructure. will remain in existence. But I can offer no guarantees. We The work is being funded through the Government of thank you for your patronage over the years, and wish you Canada’s capital funding, totaling over one billion dollars the best of luck in your endeavors. since 2007, the largest investment of its kind in VIA Rail. Henry R. Carstens, President (News courtesy of VIA Rail Canada) KL&L News - Page 12 Amtrak Summer/Fall 2014 Timetable Now Available Explore the new summer/fall Amtrak System Timetable to plan a train adventure and take advantage of special deals to save on summer travel. The new timetable is now available and effective with departures starting June 9th. One highlight is that the timetable includes Amtrak service to the newly restored Union Depot in St. Paul, Minn. There are also various minor schedule adjustments, changes to the Empire Service for track work, and seasonal summer weekend service for the Pacific Surfliner and the southbound Ethan Allen to accommodate traffic to racetracks at Del Mar, Calif., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. SmartFares, limited-time special offers, USA and California rail passes, and everyday discounts are available for AAA members, students, military, seniors, children and more. The timetable can be ordered and viewed on the Amtrak website at www.amtrak.com with schedule information also available on the Amtrak iPhone, Android or Windows apps, and by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. The timetable cover photo is of a modern and energy-efficient ACS-64 electric locomotive leading a Northeast Regional train through Claymont, Del. These new locomotives now entering service will help power the Northeast region’s economic growth and continued prosperity. News & photos courtesy of Amtrak. Contributors Sought for Key, Lock & Lantern YouTube Channel & Other Online Resources Key, Lock & Lantern members who are reading this digital newsletter are no doubt familiar with the KL&L website, Facebook page, and YouTube Channel. Several new online resources were launched by KL&L over the last two years in order to “test the waters” regarding their use in achieving the goals of the organization. The KL&L Facebook page has proven to be very effective in promoting the organization and keeping members who are Facebook users in touch with KL&L. Our handful of test videos posted on YouTube have also received a positive response, and we plan to expand the offerings of the KL&L YouTube channel. KL&L members who have original video clips of historical railroad subjects are invited to submit them to KL&L to be included on our YouTube channel. The copyright for material submitted will be retained by the contributor. For many of us, movies and videos that we shot over the years could now fit into the “historical” category, so feel free to share whatever you have, even if it is not of “professional” quality. Also, KL&L members are invited to submit photos of their collections for inclusion on our Facebook page. For more information, contact KL&L editor Dave Hamilton. KL&L News - Page 13 Presenting The Dale R. Falk Collection at Auction November 8th and 9th, 2014 (Dates are subject to confirmation.)
A 50 Year Collection of Railroadiana and Transportation At press time we are only able to provide limited information, along with images provided by the estate executrix. But we know from our initial inspection that this is a finely cultivated collection upgraded over many years and now filled with rare examples in nice condition.
Highlights Include: • Collection of Railroad Dining Car Silver Hollow Ware • Collection of Railroad Dining Car Silver Flatware • Collection of Railroad Dining Car China • Fred Harvey and Santa Fe Items • Many Rare MK&T Items • Depot Prints and Pictures • Collection of Railroad Ephemera • Large Post Card Collection • Large Timetable Collection • RR and Bus Line Badges and Pins • Lanterns, Steps and other Hardware • Railroad and Bus Signs and Advertising • Literally 1000s of pieces of Railroadiana • A large Collection of Route 66 and other Drive-In Americana
This will be a complete single-owner offering with no additions and nothing held back. There is a strong emphasis on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas line with many hard to find items and many unlisted items still to be discovered as we begin our inventory and cataloging. Please check our web site for updates and additional information.
Depot Print Titled ‘Katy at San Antonio’ with MKT logo
Located at 529 W. Lone Jack Lees Summit Rd., Lone Jack, MO 64070 816.697.3830 | www.DirkSoulisAuctions.com | [email protected] Railroad Preservation & Museum News St. Louis Museum of Transportation and Virginia Museum of Transportation to Trade Historic Locomotives The Museum of Transportation, St. Louis, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation are in discussions to bring Norfolk and Western Y6a steam engine #2156, currently in the St. Louis museum, back to its place of origin at Roanoke, Va., on a five-year loan for display at the Virginia museum, in a transaction facilitated by Norfolk Southern. In exchange, the Virginia museum will send to St. Louis a Southern Railway diesel General Motors EMD FTB unit to complement the St. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR Louis museum’s FTA demonstration unit. “This will reunite the last surviving Y-class locomotive, Welcomes Nickel Plate 765 for one of the hardest pulling steam locomotives ever built, with September Excursions the J-611 and the A-1218 in Roanoke, where all three were Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has announced its 2014 designed and built by Norfolk and Western,” said Molly Steam in the Valley events on September 6 - 7 and 13 - 14, Butterworth, cultural site manager for the St. Louis Museum featuring the largest steam locomotive east of the Mississippi of Transportation. “In return, our historic FTA, built in 1939 and authentic Nickel Plate Road open window passenger to demonstrate to the rail industry the efficiency of diesel cars. power, will be reunited with its complimentary B unit.” CVSR will again be welcoming the historic steam engine “We are thrilled to welcome the Y6a home again,” said Bev Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 Berkshire No. 765 from Fort Wayne Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Virginia Museum of Railroad Historical Society. This locomotive is a high- Transportation. “We’re grateful to the St. Louis Museum of stepping, fourteen wheeled magnificent machine that stands Transportation for this opportunity to reunite three powerful 15 feet tall, weighs 404 tons and goes over 60 miles per hour. sisters of steam in their home town.” It has been restored to the way it looked and sounded when The Museum of Transportation, a St. Louis County Park in it was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1944. This west St. Louis County, Mo., houses what has been recognized engine is the largest operating steam locomotive east of the as one of the largest and best collections of transportation Mississippi. vehicles in the world. With over 70 locomotives, half of Passengers will also have the rare opportunity to ride in them “one-of-a-kind” or “sole survivors” of their type, authentic Nickel Plate Road open window passenger cars. the Museum has one of the most complete collections CVSR has arranged to use coach cars #62 & #90 from of American railroad motive power, and its collections the Midwest Railway Preservation Society for this event. of automobiles, buses, streetcars, aircraft, horse-drawn Built in the 1930s, both of these passenger cars have been vehicles, and riverboat materials are constantly expanding maintained to their original open window configuration, to reflect the ever-changing nature of transportation. which creates a unique chance to experience the sound and The Virginia Museum of Transportation, Virginia’s official smell of a large steam locomotive at work! Movie buffs transportation museum, is home to two of the most powerful may also recognize these historic cars from the 1984 movie steam locomotives in existence today: the N&W Class A 1218 “The Natural”, where they co-starred alongside actor Robert and the N&W Class J 611. The Museum attracts visitors of Redford. all ages from across the U.S. and around the world. Through Two-hour excursions with photo run-bys are available from exhibits, artifacts, and an outstanding collection of rail Brecksville Station on September 6 and 7 and from Akron equipment, cars, trucks, airplanes, and more, the Museum Northside Station on September 13. One-hour excursions tells the story of Virginia’s rich transportation history. (News with photo run-bys are offered from Boston Mill Station courtesy of Norfolk Southern) on September 14. Tickets are $18 - $53 depending on trip length and level of seating. Visit www.CVSR.com or call Railroad Museums & Historical Societies (800) 468-4070 to purchase tickets and for more information. Send in news & photos to CVSR will also be running its regularly-scheduled National Park Scenic excursion trains and Bike Aboard! during Steam KEY LOCK & LANTERN in the Valley. (News courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic E-mail KL&L Editor Dave Hamilton at: Railroad - Photo courtesy of Norfolk Southern) [email protected] KL&L News - Page 15 2014 KL&L Convention Continued from Page 5 chasing for those heading east or west along the former New York Central mainline. Several members also made stops at the antique shops in nearby Bouckville, still hoping to find that last minute deal. Overall, the 2014 Key, Lock & Lantern Convention was a huge success, with most of our “regulars” still able to attend despite the last minute change, and many new participants registering for the first time this year, finding the new location to be more convenient. The train ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad added an element to the program that has been requested by participants for several years, and having an evening gathering place was a welcome addition after a several year absence.
Devan Lawton points our the highlights of his exhibit to other KL&L members. The convention provides a forum for the discussion of railroad history and memorabilia.
Devan Lawton receives the 2014 “Best in Show” award from KL&L President Dave Hamilton (left) and Chairman John Brainard (right). Photo by Marie Brainard.
A big “thank you” goes out to Pete Gores and our convention Bill Roberts’ displays of DL&W memorabilia in previous committee for making this one of the best events in recent years were a tough act to follow. His Lehigh Valley exhibit years. Also, thanks to all of our members who participated at this year’s convention was just as well done, though. by bringing scarce railroadiana for display, setting up a table in the swap meet, donating auction items, or just being part of weekend. The committee is looking into the possibility of returning to Utica for the 2015 convention, and your comments and suggestions are always welcome. We’re all looking forward to an even bigger and better convention for next year! Photos Continued on Page 17 KEY LOCK & LANTERN Can Help Promote Your Auction, Show or Event
Contact KL&L Editor Dave Hamilton at John & Marie Brainard displayed a variety of railroadiana [email protected] from the Delaware & Hudson and Ontario & Western lines. KL&L News - Page 16 2014 KL&L Convention Continued from Page 16
The KL&L Convention provides the opportunity to network KL&L members take a ride in the Boston & Maine caboose with other railroadiana collectors and railroad history buffs. on the Friday night Adirondack Scenic RR excursion.
Local railroad history books and related memorabilia were Paul Pietrak displayed his complete collection of Key, Lock offered by the Utica & Mohawk Valley NRHS chapter. & Lantern newsletters & magazines, back to the first issue.
The annual fundraiser sale is always an entertaining event, With the forty tables of railroadiana packed into one room, with the chance to take home something new for the there was plenty of time to see everything and still visit and collection and raise money for Key, Lock & Lantern. share stories with fellow collectors of railroad memorabilia. KL&L News - Page 17 Spring 2014 Brookline Auction Continued from Page 9
Some of the keys in the auction included a Montpelier & Wells River ($160), a Winona & SP “Car” key ($600), and Old Colony & Fall River ($650). Brookline Auction photo.
Fixed globe lanterns remain popular, with a later model Boston & Albany (left) bringing $250 despite a cracked globe, and an Eastern Railroad cut globe by New England Glass selling for $425. Brookline Auction photo.
Wax sealers usually command high prices, with an Atlantic Coast Line from Whitaker, NC selling for $325 and South Norwalk on the New Haven for $900. Brookline photo.
The $180 high bid for this ticket validator machine was due to the fact that it contains the Sacandaga, NY die from the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville. Brookline Auction photo. This rare New York, New Haven & Hartford, Old Colony Division fancy cast back lock with Old Colony keying went Photos Continued on Page 19 to a new home for $500. Brookline Auction photo. KL&L News - Page 18 Spring 2014 Brookline Auction Continued from Page 18
Several extensive lantern collections have been consigned to Brookline and have been offered in recent sales. From left to right, a Western Maryland Railway with clear cast globe ($350), a New York Ontario & Western with clear cast globe ($350), and Missouri Kansas & Texas with a clear MKT of T cast globe ($190). Brookline Auction photo.
From left to right, a Southern Pacific marked “SP Co” with a clear cast “SPRR globe ($275), a fancy Union Pacific clear cast shield logo globe in a UP frame ($250) and a Norfolk & Western by Armspear with a clear cast “N&W” globe ($210). In the days before online bidding, a collector could probably walk away with these lanterns for under $50 each at an auction in New England, but these days they don’t go unnoticed by bidders in their home states. Brookline Auction photo.
Photos Continued on Page 20 KL&L News - Page 19 Spring 2014 Brookline Auction Continued from Page 19
How often do you find a cast “HOUS RR” globe from the Housatonic Railroad in near perfect condition? Almost never. The cost to take one home if you do? $950 in an The wall clock from the Maine Central agent’s office in unmarked Dietz frame. Brookline Auction photo. Portland, ME sold for $1050. Brookline Auction photo.
Dater dies from Waukegan, IL on the Chicago, North Shore Two examples of wax sealers in the auction included & Milwaukee ($170) and North Anson, ME on the Maine Peterborough, NH on the Boston & Maine ($400) and an Central Railroad ($260). Brookline Auction photo. interesting Chicopee Centre from the B&M Connecticut River Division ($500). Brookline Auction photo. Photos Continued on Page 21 KL&L News - Page 20 Spring 2014 Brookline Auction Continued from Page 20
From left to right, a Hocking Valley Railway Keystone Casey lantern with “HV Ry” clear cast globe ($300), a nice Chesapeake & Ohio Railway by Armspear with a red cast “C&O Ry” extended base globe ($250), and a scarce New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad by Adlake with a “NYNH&HRR” blue cast globe ($2600). Brookline Auction photo.
From left to right, Old Colony Railroad with matching 6” red cast “OC RR” barrel globe ($600), scarce Star Headlight Company marked for the Boston & Maine, with clear cast “B&M RR” barrel globe ($375), and Frisco marked on the bell bottom with amber etched “Frisco” logo globe ($400). Brookline Auction photo.
KL&L News - Page 21 Railroad Event Calendar Continued from Page 2 Sep 20-21 Dayton, NV - Dayton Valley Railroad Days at Oct 18-19 Roanoke, VA - Amtrak Exhibit Train. Virginia Dayton Depot Restoration Project. Museum of Transportation. Info: http://daytonnvhistory.org. Info: www.amtrak.com. Sep 25-27 Middlebury, IN - Penn Central Railroad Oct 19 Kingston, NY - Railroad Hobby Show. Murphy Historical Society Convention. Midtown Center. Info: www.pcrrhs.org. Info: www.kingstontrainshow.com. Sep 26-28 French Lick, IN - Monon Railroad Historical Oct 19 St. Charles, IL - ChicagoLand Railroadiana Technical Society Convention. Show. Kane County Fairgrounds. Info: www.monon.org. Info: www.rrshows.com. Sep 26-28 White River Jct, VT - Central Vermont Oct 19 Vermillion, OH - Fall Model Train Show. Railway Historical Society Convention. German’s Villa. Info: www.cvrhs.com. Info: www.norwalkandwesternrr.com. Sep 27-28 Cumberland, MD - Amtrak Exhibit Train. Oct 25 Indianapolis, IN - Railroadiana Show. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Ramada Inn East. Info: www.amtrak.com. Info: www.indyrrshow.com. Sep 27 Rutland, VT - Rutland Railway Assn Show. Oct 29-31 San Luis Obispo, CA - Southern Pacific Holiday Inn Rutland/Killington. Historical & Technical Society Convention. www.therutlandrailwayassociation.org. Info: www.sphts.org. Sep 28 Easton, PA - Lehigh Valley NRHS Train Show. Nov 1-2 Gaithersburg, MD - Railroadiana Show & Sale. Charles Chrin Community Center. Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Info: [email protected]. Info: www.gserr.com. - Nickel Plate Road Historical & Oct 2-5 Canton, OH Nov 1-2 Syracuse, NY - Great NYS Model Train Fair. Technical Society Convention. New York State Fairgrounds. Info: www.nkphts.org. Info: www.modeltrainfair.com. Oct 3-5 Memphis, TN - GM&O Historical Society Convention. Memphis Central Station. Send listings to: [email protected] Info: www.gmohs.org. There is no charge for calendar listings. Train shows must include dealers of authentic Oct 4-5 Brampton, ON - Brampton Model Railroad railroad memorabilia or related material, and auctions must include at least 20 lots of railroadiana. Other events must be directly related to railroad history (special Show. Brampton Fairgrounds. exhibitions, lecture programs, conventions, limited excursions, etc.). Regular monthly www.bramptonmodelrailroadshow.com. group meetings, model train meets & scheduled tourist train trips are not eligible, unless related to a special event. Events are listed space permitting, at the editor’s discretion. Oct 4 DeLand, FL - Florida Rail Fair. Volusia County Listings are subject to error or change. Always check show web sites before traveling. Fairgrounds. Info: www.gserr.com. Visit www.klnl.org for Updates Oct 5 Griffith, IN - Blackhawk NRHS Swap Meet. American Legion Post 66. The New York-Pennsylvania Info: www.blackhawknrhs.org. Oct 9-12 Joplin, MO - Missouri Pacific & Frisco Historical Societies Joint Convention. COLLECTOR Info: http://mopac.org/. Living with Antiques, Art & Americana Oct 11 Brookline, NH - Railroadiana Consignment A Auction. Brookline Auction Gallery. Monthly Publication Featuring News & Info: www.tagtown.net. Articles About Antique Collecting & History Oct 18 Kingston, NY - Walter Rich Collection Auction. JMW Auction Gallery. Auction & Show Listings Info: www.jmwauction.com. Club Meetings & Events Identification & Fakes Antique Restoration Tips KEY LOCK & LANTERN Museums & Historic Sites Can Help Promote Your Dealer & Flea Market Ads Auction, Show or Event Subscription & Advertising Information: Contact KL&L Editor Dave Hamilton at 1-800-518-0875 www.nypa-collector.com [email protected]
KL&L News - Page 22 WANT ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Want Ads are FREE to Key Lock &Lantern members on a space available basis, in the KL&L Magazine and the KL&L News. E-mail to [email protected] or mail to: John & Marie Brainard, 35 Nordhoff Place, Englewood, NJ 07631 For Sale Wanted For Sale: Railroad Artifacts & Memorabilia: Everything from keys, locks Wanted: Keys, locks, lanterns, fly fishing leader boxes, passes, buttons & hardware to china, paper, and more. Jane Silvernail. Website: http:// & other from the Denver, South Park & Pacific Ry - Denver, Leadville & timestreasures.rubylane.com or contact by e-mail at timestreasures@ Gunnison Ry - Union Pacific Denver & Gulf - Colorado & Southern Ry. sohotechnical.com. Leonard Walmsley, 11044 Claire Circle, Northglenn, CO, 80234 or call For Sale: Switch Lamps, Markers & Parts. Website: JerrysRRStuff.com. 303-429-8674. Phone: 206-778-0386. E-mail: [email protected]. Wanted: Switch key for the PCRY (Pacific Coast Railway), not PCRR For Sale: CB&Q RR Special Police badge and CB&Q RR Special (Penn Central), probably made by Fraim. Contact Steve Mott at 805-544- Watchman badge. Will consider trade for other RR police badges. Dan 5339 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Pottebaum. [email protected] or call 712-274-8847. Wanted: Brass burner for a Dressel double wire tall globe railroad lantern For Sale: Keys, Locks, Lanterns, Ephemera, etc. Mostly NE including & twist off font with burner for a Dietz 39 Vulcan wire frame. Also buying ME narrow gauge. Jerry Devos, PO Box 376, Towaco, NJ 07082. 862- Western Maryland locks, keys, lanterns & globes, and C&PRR items. 222-5264. [email protected]. Joseph G. Hauger, 401 2nd St., Terra Alta, WV, 26764. E-mail address: [email protected] or phone 304-789-2229. For Sale: Original steam, electric & diesel locomotive builders plates. Currently wide range of N&W diesel plates in stock. E-mail for current Wanted: Hardware items from Gary Railways, EJ&E and CLS&E, NYCL list: [email protected] or call Ron Muldowney at 609-397-0293. oiler keys, NYC Subdivision tags and livery and dray badges. Contact Jeff Wolfe at [email protected]. For Sale: Old (1850’s-1890’s) New England railroad paper items. Lots of old name railroads, also Rutland, Central Vermont, Housatonic, Fitchburg, Wanted: Lanterns, globes, locks, keys, hat badges, RR PD or RR Fire etc. Most in good to excellent condition. Contact Chuck Hall at 315-824- Dept items, Long Island RR & Staten Island Rapid Transit. Bob Myers, 1674. 36 Pine Hollow Lane, Greenlawn, NY 11740. 631-757-9540. robertrail@ yahoo.com. For Sale: Railroadiana II: The Official Price Guide for the Year 2011 and Beyond. Softcover, $65 + shipping. Railroad Memories. 303-759-1290. Wanted: Items from the Surry, Sussex & Southampton Ry. Jerry Rakes, www.railroadmemories.com. PO Box 384, Tappahannock, Va 22560. For Sale: Lanterns: BR&P, D&M, B&A, NYNH&H, CRRofNJ, B&M, Wanted: B&O Yale signal locks, cast B&O or Y&T Butler, Charleston, CCC&StL, PPCo. Paul Pietrak. [email protected]. Delphos, Ohio River & Shenandoah divisions. David W. Robinson. [email protected]. 540-820-8998. Wanted: Factory marked ICRR tall lanterns by Defiance, Universal Wanted Spinning & Stamping, Prier Brass Co. Globe not important. Good Wanted: Oil type cab lamp with shade. Contact Aubrey Keller at akeller@ condition & complete. Larry Davis, 5110 Hollywood Ave, Shreveport, LA utm.edu or call 731-587-4723. 71109. 318-469-7825. Wanted: New York Westchester & Boston Ry Signal lock and other hard Wanted: Railroadiana from Huntington & Broad Top Mountain RR (and to find signal locks such as Long Island and any I do not have. Contact Coal Co.). PA shortline 1850’s-1950’s. John Houp - call 610-745-2923 or Jeff Irvin 2524 Big Bear Ln. Indianapolis, IN 46217 - [email protected]. e-mail [email protected]. net or 317-882-2336 Wanted: Cast brass fancy back railroad switch locks. Instant cash paid for Wanted: Switch keys from the L&HR, WVRR, SRR, NY&ERR. Stock any lock not already in my collection. I also have a list of approximately Certificates: Wawayanda RR, Mine Hill RR, Pequest & Walkill RR, and 125 rare cast switch locks for sale or trade. Contact Warren at 239-440- Southfield Branch RR. Phil Simms, 8 Still Waters Drive, Campbell Hall, 4254 (new number) or [email protected]. NY, 10916. Call 845-427-5051. Wanted: Lanterns, locks, timetables & passes of all types from Southern Wanted: Looking for small hardware items from the Northhampton Ry, Richmond & Danville, East Tennessee Virginia & Georgia Ry, & Bath RR such as keys, badges, brass time/tool checks or any other Washington & Old Dominion, Washington Ohio & Western, Washington significant small item. Have some interesting items to trade from US Steel & Ohio, Alexandria Loudoun & Hampshire. Contact Andrew Ramsay at roads. Contact Jeff Wolfe at [email protected]. [email protected]. Wanted: Memorabilia from the NY & Greenwood Lake Ry. Jerry Devos, Wanted: Diesel locomotive builders plates from the following: Canadian PO Box 376, Towaco, NJ 07082. 862-222-5264. [email protected]. National / Northern Alberta Ry London built or Pointe St. Charles rebuilt GMD-1; Canadian Pacific Montreal Locomotive Works RS-18; former : Factory marked inspector lamps. Must be complete and in Wanted Pacific Great Eastern / British Columbia / BC Rail locomotives; former reasonably good condition. Marked globe a plus. Need RDG C&O B&O Northern Alberta Ry / Canadian National GP-9; any EMD NW-5 plate. GCT SOURY (or S RY) Erie Acme model plus others I may not be aware Contact Corey Panchyshyn at [email protected]. of - Contact Larry Davis, 5110 Hollywood Ave; Shreveport, LA 71109. Phone: 318-469-7825. Wanted: Diesel builders plates, especially EL and other northeastern US railroads. Have plates to trade. E-mail: [email protected]. Wanted: Pennsylvania RR Macbeth #220 pearl glass globes with straight letters 3/4” in height, “PRR” in rectangle. Need clear and red globes. Have Wanted: Railroad Horse Car Bells. Will buy one or an entire collection, traders or cash. Joel Shaw, 31 Sandle Drive, Fairport, NY 14450. Phone: or have bells to trade. Contact Roger Plaquet at [email protected] or 585-385-3776. call 519-354-4538. Wanted: Delaware Lackawanna & Western keys & locks. Contact Bill Roberts. 8812 Mourning Dove Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20874. E-mail: For Trade [email protected] or call 301-977-3025. For Trade: LC&N Co Casey lantern, 6” Penna Co globe, D&RGRR cast lock by Dayton, SRRR, GF&ARy, C&A Ry tapered keys, T&OC dessert Wanted: LV, D&H, CV switch, signal, mechanical, motive power dept. knife by R&B. I collect southern lower Michigan and also want 6” colored lock sets. Uniform cap badges. Anything northeast. Chuck Hall. 315-824- globes. Walter Sulowksi at [email protected] or 313-295-7306. 1674. E-mail: [email protected]. Upgrade to Display Ad for as little as $15. Visit our website for details. KEY LOCK & LANTERN Index on Computer CD Index of all KL&L Magazines from Issue #1 through Issue #151 in searchable Acrobat (PDF) format. $7.95 postpaid. Contact: Marie Brainard 35 Nordhoff Place Englewood, NJ 07631-4810 All submissions for the KL&L magazine, Membership Brochures news items for the digital KL&L News Are Available in PDF Format for Printing & general inquiries should be sent to: & Distribution at Railroadiana Shows, KL&L President & Editor Historical Museums, Railroad Club Meetings David Hamilton & Other Events 244 Elm Ave Download the Current Version at Delmar, NY 12054 www.klnl.org E-mail: [email protected] Send membership applications, dues Join or Renew Your payments, address changes & want ads to: KL&L Chairman John Brainard & KEY LOCK & LANTERN VP-Membership Marie Brainard 35 Nordhoff Place Membership Online at Englewood, NJ 07631 www.klnl.org E-mail: [email protected]
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Membership in KL&L includes 4 issues of the magazine, and the annual membership period begins in July of each year. New members joining before April will receive all previously published magazines for the year, and will be due for renewal in July. New members joining in April, May or June will have their dues applied to the next membership period, beginning with the Jul/Aug/Sep issue, unless otherwise requested. KL&L News - Page 24 Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley Two groups…. ….one mission! & Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS
Announce
th 38 Annual Lehigh Valley Regional Train Show & Expo
(Previously the Dieruff Train Show)
Sunday September 28, 2014 10 AM to 4 PM Charles Chrin Palmer Community Center 4100 Green Pond Road Easton, PA 18045 *Timetables * Lanterns * Toy Trains * Pictures * Railroad China *Operating Layouts * Model Trains * Books & Magazines
* Food and beverages available on site * Ample parking on site *Kids can enter a raffle to win an HO-scale trainset Admission: $4 per person (12 & under are free) DIRECTIONS
th Dealer Table Fee & Contact: $30 per table FROM ROUTE 22: Exit at 25 Street/Route 248. If coming from the west, take the exit, turn Jim Rowland [email protected] 610-737-3431 left at the light and cross under Route 22 and
make a left on Northampton Street. If coming Venue Information: http://www.palmercommunitycenter.org/ from the east, take the exit, at the light turn left, and then make a right onto Northampton Street. Continue on Northampton Street. Make a right on North Greenwood Avenue, and then a left on Green Pond Road. Charles Chrin/Palmer Community Center will be on the left side of Green Pond Road. Distance from Routes 22/248 to Chrin Center is about 1.5 miles.
FROM I78: Take the Route 33 North exit. Follow Route 33 north about 3 miles to the Route 22 eastbound exit. Follow the “From Route 22” directions listed above to reach the 22 EAST site.
Look for TRAIN SHOW road signs My current train layout has been in progress since about 1948. Some day…
LAYOUT #1
Daddy bought me an O gauge set just prior to the war. We set it up on the dining room table. It did not work and we scratched the table. Not good. One night Daddy was fooling with it and here came a banging and yelling at the door. The local Air Warden saw light around the drawn shades and started yelling that we could be seen from the air. Daddy was a warden as well and knew the guy, so the fuss got quieted down. Then he saw that we were working on the trains and offered to fix the layout. He did and the trains ran fine. I watched in horror as the first train crash as the crummie had gotten left at the figure 8 crossing and the loco came around and hit it. I was not allowed to play trains as my folks were afraid of electricity, so I hadda watch the crash. I cried because they were supposed to be my trains and I could not play with them.
LAYOUT #2 After the table scratching episode and the air warden’s concern, Mother went to Wriggins General Store in Woodbury, NJ, and bought me 2 sets of Hafner windups. That layout got put on the floor in the dining room so Mother’s table was saved. Thus layout #2 was born and served for a few years. The electrics remained boxed (203 steamer with a bell ringing sloppy-backed tender)
LAYOUT #3 After the war, Daddy noticed a train collection for sale in nearby Pitman, NJ. We all went to see these wonderful trains, packed in a huge wooden box in the basement. They were standard gauge which I had never seen. I was stunned at the huge trains. Daddy said that if I gave him a hug, I could have the trains. (That image of Daddy sitting on an old dusty box in a smelly basement under a single 60 watt bulb getting my hug has carried me through many a tough situation. Sadly I think that was the last time I hugged him, as kids did not hug their parents in those day. Now I hug my kids every time I see them). Home came the trains. Layout #3 was standard track all over the dining room floor. The Lionel #8 loco did not run and we did not know where to take it. So for several years, I pushed the huge cars around the dining room floor and loved it! Daddy began to put his foot down (literally) as he would come in late and step on the track. Some discussion ensued resulting in permission to build a layout in Mother’s favorite room – her sun room. Many years before I was born, she had had a whole section added to the house: 50x20 sun room on the first floor, above that a closed in porch of the same size for sleeping and above that an open sundeck. (She musta known a train nut was coming someday.) I got the sun room.
LAYOUT #4 Layout #4 began with the chase for wood structure parts. Daddy found three 4x8 sheets of plywood from somewhere. Dunno where and don’t want to know. Then we needed 2x4’s and main long beams. Daddy was a canoeist and enjoyed canoeing on the Delaware River. We went together after wood. Many trips gathering 2x4’s 2x6’s and what ever. This was nasty work as the River was full of oil sludge and every thing had to be cleaned. Also the canoe always came home with an oil ring around the waterline. Then came the big find: two huge beams 4x6 and about 20 feet long. We drug them behind the canoe to Daddy’s car and tired to load them on the canoe rack. I remember telling Daddy that that lift was all I had in my skinny arms. We cleaned them forever to get the tar removed.
We began construction by cutting everything by hand. The big beams had to come thru the windows as they would not negotiate the doors. We trimmed the beams to 16 foot in length. Daddy could not afford another piece of plywood, so there was always a 4 foot hole as the second panel of the layout. As I could find them, smaller pieces of plywood were used to close the hole some. I used it as a popup entrance to the layout. We cut up Mother’s rubber knee pad and put small sections under the table legs to reduce the sound. Then back to the river to find paint. There were always paint cans floating around and after a while we snagged a can of green for the layout color. (The Wilson Lines used green to paint their deck rockers. The painters would toss the ½ full cans overboard rather than return them. Some times they tossed the rockers over as well and we had several for porch rockers-all painted in layout green!) Layout #4 stayed up for many years. Eventually it was dissembled and store in Mother’s basement.
After my military career and a three year stay in Medford, NJ, we moved back to the DC area. What layout did we reassemble? You got it: the same one Daddy, Mother and I built in the 40’s. First in the basement and now upstairs. So it is still up today, the beams had to be cut further to get them upstairs, but they are here and the 3 plywood panels again echo with the sounds of trains on them. More bench work and panels were added.
LAYOUT DESIGN The layout is basically a dog bone bent at the ends. It covers the long wall of the 47’ X 27’ train room and most of the two sides. There is an open area in the middle of the room and a settee along the open side in front of shelving. Larry House and Jack strange had much to do with the design. The idea is to have a place to sit, enjoy company and chat. The displays of trains, representing happiness in kid’s lives, seems to draw warm and comforting conversation out of those in the trains’ presence. The layout has seven loops of track: two standard, one three–rail and one two-rail O gauge, two loops of I gauge: one three-rail and one two-rail, an S gauge loop and several lines of disconnected track that acts as a yard. Signals, stations and odd things fill in the gaps. I enjoy running the different gauges on the same layout for comparison and visitor interest. The green plywood is now covered with indoor/outdoor carpet thumb tacked down. The track just sits still on the carpet. When I grow up and decide what my layout should look like, I’ll secure the track to the table.
Under the layout is an O-27 layout screwed upside down to the bottom of the trains table. This extends to almost the same lengths as the top side layouts. Larry House and Carl Ramling taught me this trick. That trackage is for the accessories and the track-side lighting. Any lamp/building /acc needing power has wire run thru the table top and to a track clip on the O-27 layout. No upside down soldering or permanency. The clip can be easily removed if there is a problem. This makes short circuit chasing easy. I have tuned K transformers at each end of the layout providing power to the O-27 loop. Also my train table light bulbs are fired, but not near full bright. Thus I burn out very few bulbs.
For lighting I have 13 imbedded spot lights in the ceiling facing straight down. That is the default position the room lighting is used. Then the wall shelves are lit by 28 adjustable floods wired in two circuits. The look I like is with the wall lights on and the center floor lights out. (I’m sure every one knows not to use neon lights due to the UV output.)
One design that I am not happy with is the shelves in front of the table. They are not lit so those trains don’t get the emphasis they should. Also the table should be 2 inches higher. I don’t care what the big boys say about table height. For me, I should be able to crawl on my knees under the table and not have my backbone scrape on the underneath cross beams. Storage capability under the layout should allow for computer paper boxes to be stacked two high.
That is how much progress I have made since 1940: four layouts in 66 years. I can’t wait for the next four layouts.
Enjoy,
Clem Clement PRR Electrification 1934~ 1935 Booklet One
Happy Labor Day 2014 Railway Age November 24. 1934
PRR Electrification Project Sub Station 1934~1935 PRR Electrification Project 1934~1935 Catenary Pole Foundation PWA -55 Gang Northeast MD J.W. Wolf Photo
PRR Electrification Project 1934~1935 Catenary Pole Foundation Boring Truck J.W. Wolf Photo June 20. 1935 Work safe and have a great Labor Day
Volume 54 September 2014 Number 10
Meeting Information Jackson Ward. Over 150 photographs cover people, Bill Todd places and events. About 15 relate to streetcars and
The September ODC meeting will be held at Hull the men who maintained or ran them. Two are of St. Station at 7:30 on 9/15. The program will be railroad subjects. These views of long-gone "Train Orders & Train Wrecks." Bob Dickinson Richmond and her people are a welcome addition - will present a special program describing the a most enjoyable trip down the lanes lost in time importance of train orders and have taped A/V news and to redevelopment. The author was the guest on the train wreck on CSX (ex.SAL) several years speaker in July at a Virginia Historical Society ago between Franklin & Boykins, Va. Members lunch-time program featuring materials from the will vote on who was at fault. Refreshments will be Stilson collection. I suspect there is yet more to served. Come and bring a friend! come. One attending the lecture asked if all the streetcar materials could be collected into one book.
$18.95, from the author, 120 pages, paperback
Chase City Depot Greg Hodges
No doubt most of us have taken note of the many railroad artifacts that are displayed in our museum and perhaps wondered just how they were originally used or displayed by a particular railroad. Thanks to the help of two gentlemen from Mecklenburg County we know just how one of these special artifacts appeared when "in service". A large green and white Southern Railway sign, now Hawaiian Shirt Night (Courtesy Randy Ridgely – displayed on the north wall of the freight room, Photographer Charles Curley) once welcomed folks to the pleasant community of Chase City, some 80 miles SW of Richmond. Andy Book Review Young and B Dale Wilson of Chase City have Brandy Martin graciously provided us with a photo of the large On the West Clay Line / Jackson Ward, Carver freight depot that once graced the downtown area of and Newtowne West their town. by Kitty Snow The Richmond and Mecklenburg RR Company was Published by Kitty Snow, 2013 incorporated by special act of the state of VA. in March of 1875. The line was finally completed in Kitty Snow first authored From a Richmond 1884, and extended from Keysville southward to Streetcar, telling the story of her great-grandfather Clarksville where a connection was eventually Harris Stilson and his recording of local images made with the Oxford and Clarksville RR allowing while a motorman in Richmond for over 20 years trains to operate all the way to Durham, NC. around the World War I era. Now she revisits more The trackage came under the ownership of the of his work, illustrating everyday life in and around newly formed Southern Railway in 1894, and 88 years later in 1982, fell under the auspices of the Norfolk Southern Corporation. In recent years the line has been operated by short lines Virginia Southern and most recently, Buckingham Branch. Golden bales of tobacco and other agricultural products from this rich growing area were no doubt once stacked high under the eaves of the Chase City depot's long trackside loading dock, ready for shipment to points near and far. Mr. Wilson recalls that the depot was still standing when he left for Air Force duty in the late 1950s but had been demolished by the time he returned to reside in the area in the early 70s. Today, trains still rumble past the vacant site of the old Chase City depot primarily hauling coal south to Link to Old Guides John Demajo the Mecklenburg Power Station operated by Dominion VA Power at Clarksville. But it does not There is a place where you can download old take a lot of imagination to visualize, perhaps, the "Official Railway Guides" in PDF format for free. spirit of a long departed Station Master, lantern in http://www.naotc.org/oldguides/index.html hand, patiently waving towards the tracks as one more train slowly makes its way past the deserted When you select the item you want to download, site of the old depot. you get a page that has a little gear symbol in the upper right hand corner. That is where you click in order to download the thing as a PDF, otherwise, you have to just read it on line through Google's viewer. I had to hunt for the gear icon.
Members’ Photo Shares
Ray Potter
Boy Scouts Charles Curley
On August 14, the ODC hosted a group of Scouts working on their railroading merit badges. Below are a couple of pictures of Calvin Boles instructing the Scouts.
I just found this photo. It was taken in the early morning in Greenville, SC when I was waiting to board the Southern Crescent to New Orleans, LA. This was the last year that Southern ran this passenger train before it was taken over by Amtrak. I was prompted to take this trip by an article in Time magazine touting the joys of this train and that it was soon to be gone forever. This old, historic station was torn down several years later and replaced with one of the new, modern boxes with no covered platform.
The pics are from Francis and Wendy Bare. We went September Archives Photo down the weekend the 611 arrived in Spencer. Then Charles Curley we had to go to Roanoke to visit the 1218 again, as well! (Editor’s note: These are much better pix of Norfolk and Western 2-8-8-2 Y3 #2028 is seen on 1218 than the ones I got. Thanks to Francis and the turntable at the Lamberts Point roundhouse in Wendy for sharing!) this view by Evan Siler in 1957. This engine was probably being used in yard and transfer service.
Museum Host Schedule
Linda Nelon
6 Saturday Ned Krack Gift Shop Calvin Boles Host Bob Stevens Host
7 Sunday Greg Hodges Gift Shop Jim Lewis Host Stanley Clark Host
13 Saturday Linda Nelon Gift Shop Ned Krack Host Chuck Breeden Host
14 Sunday Linda Nelon Gift Shop Charles Curley Host
Carl Brummer Host Steve Tarrant – Floodwall Tour Fall/Santa Trips Kim Young 20 Saturday Greg Hodges Gift Shop Bill Taylor Host Ticket sales for the fall and Santa trips continue to Chuck Breeden Host be steady. Pending results from Roanoke Tours, the 1:30 train on 10/11 is sold out, and both 11:30 Santa 21 Sunday Carl Steiner Gift Shop trains have fewer than 10 seats left. We have two Jack Newsome Host large groups scheduled for the 1:30 this train and Bob Williams Host one for both trains on 10/18. We could definitely 27 Saturday Randy Ridgely Gift Shop use some extra help on both of these. Sam Williamson Host There will be a work session in Dillwyn on 9/27 to Ray Potter Host get the train ready for the trips. For additional 28 Sunday Ned Krack Gift Shop information on helping with this and/or the trips Bob Dickinson Host contact Ned Krack [email protected] Jerry Grosshans Host
Board Elections Update on 611 Ned Krack Kim Young The annual meeting of the Old Dominion Chapter, I recently received an email from Fire Up 611 with NRHS will be held on Monday, November 17th. At an update on her restoration. Work is currently that time, elections will be held for the Board of focused on the superheaters. These are being Directors. We currently have one unfilled seat and inspected and hydrostatically tested by Bob Yuill, a several seats up for reelection. In order to serve, you former Norfolk Southern General Foreman for must be a member in good standing and not have Steam. The staybolts are also undergoing their served more than six consecutive years on the 1472-day inspection. Also, the rear flue sheet has board. If you wish to be a board member, please been removed and will be replaced with a new one contact Ned Krack at 804-239-4067 or fabricated to original N&W specifications. [email protected].
From the Trains Magazine Newswire Also, volunteers are needed for the elections Kim Young committee. If you wish to serve please contact Ned Krack 8/15 Crews filming the move Ithica spent the
week of 8/11 shooting primarily exterior scenes on th the Western Maryland Scenic before moving here to Buckingham Branch Railroad 25 Anniversary do some mainly interior ones in our own Dinwiddie Celebration Ned Krack County at Hallsboro. (See below.) The film is based on the WWII novel The Devine Comedy by The Buckingham Branch RR will hold their 25th William Saroyan. Anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 25th in Dillwyn. 8/20 Investigators from the NTSB have Two excursion trains will be operated – 10:30 AM announced that the southbound train involved in the and 1:00 PM. Between trains Bob Bryant, Chairman 8/17 head-on collision in Jonesboro AK missed of the Board, will speak at 12:30 PM. multiple signals including a final stop signal. The The Old Dominion Chapter has been asked to help trains collided at a control point. The line north of with the excursion trains. If you are interested, that point are double-track and single-track south please contact Ned Krack at 804-239-4067 or thereof. Both crewmen on the southbound train [email protected] were killed in the accident.
8/21 Tickets are now on sale for the North Richmond Railroad Museum Report for August Carolina Transportation Museum’s fall excursions 2014 from Spencer. The Nov. 1 trip will run to Reported by Bob Dickinson Charlottesville VA and Nov. 2 to Toccoa GA. For Visitors: 325 (YTD -1948) more info go to www.nctrans.org. Donations: $2,236.00 (includes $2,000 from the 8/21 SRR 2-8-2 #4501 made its return-to-steam family of Preston Harrison) debut during Chattanooga’s Railfest Sept. 6-7. (I Volunteer hours: 411 believe this is the locomotive used in the movie Chapter meeting attendance: 30 October Sky but can’t get a good enough look to Gift Shop Sales: $673.78 tell for sure. If anyone knows, please email me. I Special tours - August 14th: 51 Richmond Autism understand that the engineer in the movie is O. Integration Network and 24 Boy Scouts Winston Link.) Floodwall Tour- August 10th: 6 (Tours scheduled for 2nd Sunday of month –weather permitting. 9/3 13 passenger cars plus passenger car parts intended for the ill-fated Greenbrier Express will be Thanks to all that participated in activities at the auctioned 9/18 in Pottstown PA. museum in August. The number of volunteer hours
(411) reflects the amount of work involved in operating the museum! Mr. Mark Olinger, Director of Richmond’s Dept. of Planning and Development and his assistant Doug Mawby visited the museum at the ODC’s request. As for the disposition of the old ties, they will We discussed our ideas about securing the track probably not be sold or given away as the railroad next to First Street and listened to his department’s does not want litigation…..ties are treated with preferred but still unformalized ideas for enhancing creosote, an acknowledged carcinogen. public access to and enjoyment of the Manchester In other railroad news, the big thing seems to be the Canal area, including adaptive re-use of the VEPCO acquisition by White River Productions of both The hydroelectric plant and the Manchester Board & Railroad Press and Railfan & Railroad. White Paper Company. River already puts out Passenger Train Journal The gift shop has a limited number of brakeman’s and Railroads Illustrated in addition to several and conductor’s lanterns for sale for $125 each. dozen “in house” publications for various historical Ray Potter has been working with members of the and railfan organizations. This would leave only Museum Committee and several sign vendors Kalmbach (Trains Magazine) as the only designing informational signs for the Museum. competition. Since the Chapter will be operating trips on the BB Norfolk Southern has transported the UP Centennial during October the next Museum Committee is 11/1 from the National Museum of Transport in St. at 9:45. Louis to their Pennsylvania Shops for repainting. It
is presumed that when #2156 leaves there, for Railroading Today Roanoke, NS will do the honors. Gerry Grosshans Union Pacific is testing four tier IV emission compliant GE units, believed to be the only tier IV Continuing with the CSX maintenance…Most of units in existence. the work appears to have been completed as of the As for personal news, I now have telephone service end of August, but I will try to explain what has restored to my house at 804-233-7170 and have happened. Last month I mentioned the procedure of started the process of moving back in to an almost distributing the new ties. After they are set out, the new house. I will also eventually get on line. actual replacement is done by small backhoe type machines, equipped with grappling claws instead of a bucket. This type of machine is quite common on DC Chapter Excursions Wayne Poates the lots of dealers of construction machinery. For rail use the crawler tracks are replaced by small The DC NRHS chapter has excursions aboard the railroad wheels. These machines usually are Dover Harbor planned for 10/4, 18, & 19. Go to accompanied by a small 4 wheel trailer similar to www.dcnrhs.org for additional information. the one restored at the museum, to carry ties, spikes (in buckets) tie plates, etc. CSX used at least 3 of Ihica Shooting at Hallsboro these, and in addition to the grapple equipment, at Randy Ridgely least one similar machine goes along to pick up old These pixs are of the day they did film. This was the spikes, tie plates and other steel/iron debris, using set up Thur. morning before everybody got there. In an electromagnet on the boom. After the ties are the end they had thee 18-wheelers, 17 duce and replaced, other machines stir up and adjust the halfs, and about 100 autos. The large tent at the end ballast, after which traffic is resumed, first at a slow of the property is the food tent, and they had 3 big speed and gradually increasing to the normal speed vents blowing air condition air in the tent. They also for the area had a single air conditioner blowing in the end of The old ties as they accumulate are picked up by the "Dinwiddie County". The two big tents are for another specially adapted vehicle, a large over-the- filming from outside the car (one on either side of road truck with a grapple crane behind the cab. This the car), and of course they had a filming crew truck is accompanied by a large 4 wheel trailer inside the car. There were about 140 people out equipped only with rail wheels. After truck and there and everybody had a specialty as unions were trailer are loaded, they go to an area to unload, often involved. I left before they finished but some of the creating a very a very large pile (at Bellwood Yard crew was supposed to leave around 7:00 P.M. to there is such a pile on the west side, accessible from finish up in Petersburg. I understand they finished Gettings Lane). up around midnight. The next day most everything was gone, and that was cleaned up by 3:00 P.M. They left the area in good shape and nothing was damaged.
The SUSQUEHANNOCK Newsletter of the Central PA Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society Chartered November 1973 Volume # 482 September 2014
September 24th meeting: Bonanza Restaurant in New Columbia PA at 6:30 pm Program: Working on the PRR & the Penn Central in the 1960’s & 1970’s by Allen Keller
The September 24th meeting will be at the Bonanza Restaurant in New Columbia beginning at 6:30 pm with dinner, followed by the meeting and program beginning at 7:30 pm. Member Allen Keller will provide the program about his work experiences in the motive power department of the Pennsylvania Railroad and then the Penn Central. Allen always provides an entertaining and historical perspective from being in the locomotives, and on the ground on the PRR. He will also discuss the operation of the PRR E8’s on the Reading & Northern as the owner of 1 of the units. Come out and learn about the PRR and its operation from Allen. 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.
Train Show Report: The 39th annual train show was on Sunday August 17, and we had 168 persons pay admission, and it was a very successful day with a total profit of over $ 1200. Harry & Gloria Schmitt and the kitchen crew had a great day as well with proceeds from the kitchen contributing $ 503 – thanks to them and everyone that worked the train show, or donated food, cash, or materials to this successful event. Thanks to Dave Hollenbach and Al Bubb for their efforts in organizing this for the chapter. A lot of work is put into this event.
8/25 Meeting notes: 30 members attended the 8/25 meeting and enjoyed the annual picnic meeting with plenty of food for all. Thanks to Linwood Hill for doing the grilling, Scott & Carla Brouse for providing the drinks and Mark & Connie Eyer for providing the hot dogs, sausages and rolls. In a voice vote, Larry Maynard was given membership approval to proceed with a bid of $ 2,750 for the installation of new gutters with leaf covers and downspouts at the White Deer Station. The existing spouting is not sufficient for heavy rain events and this will reduce water damage that is occurring at the station. Mark Eyer presented a program on the Streamliners at Spencer and Scott Brouse asked for help with the 9/10 excursion to the station & Allenwood.
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The passing of Station Master Ed Treibley: The chapter is very sad to report on the passing of member Charles Edwin “Ed” Treibley at the age of 80 on August 20. Ed joined the NRHS in 1996 was our station master at White Deer and over the years contributed hundreds of hours at the station on many projects and on the upkeep. Ed’s daughter and son in law, chapter members Cindy & Bill Batdorf brought Ed to the train show on 8/17, and he was very happy to be able to come to our event. You will recall his wife, June, had passed away in May of this year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill & Cindy on the passing of both parents in a very short time. Memorial contributions in Ed’s memory were designated to the chapter and we thank the family for this designation.
Our thoughts and prayers are also with chapter members Dale Hill and Linwood & Barbara Hill on the passing of Dale’s wife, Wilma Hill on 8/21. Wilma was 91, and Dale and Wilma were married 65 years. Dale & Linwood are charter members of the Central PA Chapter NRHS, cards can be sent to Dale Hill at 354 Vine St Milton, PA 17847.
Al Weber elected new President of the NRHS: The NRHS announced on 8/23 that Al Weber of the St. Louis Chapter was elected to a 2 year term as President by a vote of 1,829 votes to 1,321 for 20 year incumbent Greg Molloy. The financial path facing the NRHS is dire indeed, and I will be attending a special NRHS board meeting on 9/20 that will determine the track the NRHS takes going forward. This meeting will impact the future of membership, dues renewals and everything involving the direction of the NRHS. Al Weber will not take office till the 11/17 board meeting and the meeting 9/20 will determine the course going forward and the implementation of a business plan. Under discussion is a plan for chapters to “affiliate” with the NRHS and pay an annual affiliate fee to the NRHS for the chapter to be associated with the NRHS and use the resources and name of the NRHS. Membership by individual members is also on the table and if we actually have members or donor members. This determination will impact how and when and if you receive a 2015 dues notice from the NRHS. It’s possible that you will receive a dues renewal form from the Central PA Chapter –White Deer, and a separate member or donor form from the National. I will have a full report in the October newsletter. I thank those members that returned the NRHS ballots and supported Al Weber for President. Right now, current president, Greg Molloy has suspended the publication of future NRHS Bulletins and the NRHS News to save valuable funds while a path is determined by the Board of Directors at the 9/20 special meeting. (Mark Eyer-NRHS Board of Directors- District 2)
Special Train to Allenwood on 9/10: The Union County Commissioners are sponsoring a special passenger train on Wednesday 9/10 departing from Lewisburg at 3:30 pm to Allenwood and return to commemorate the rebuilding of the White Deer Creek Bridge, and the rehabilitation of the trackage to Allenwood by the SEDA-COG JRA. The train will be operated by the Union County Industrial Railroad and will feature the train set owned by the North Shore Railroad Co. The Union County Commissioners will have the train stop at White Deer on the return trip for drinks and desserts to observe the occasion and have the riders detrain, have some special remarks made by dignitaries and tour the White Deer Station.
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2015 Chapter Election Notice: At the October 22nd meeting will be our annual election of chapter officers for 2015, this year the Nominating Committee is chaired by Linwood Hill. If you wish to run for a chapter office in 2015, please call Linwood at 570-742-7734 or via email at [email protected]
Annual “Ed Brouse Memorial” Chapter Slide & Photo Contest on November 19:
The Central PA Chapter will again have its annual slide & digital photo contest at the November 19th meeting. Going forward, we will accept digital photos and scan slides. All the items will be scanned prior to the meeting and presented in one digital format. Please begin to think about what you may like to submit for the contest. With the passing of Ed Brouse, we have named the photo contest in his memory for his many contributions to the chapter. The categories in the 2015 contest will be as follows: 1. Steam 2. Mainline Diesel –(NS, CR, CSX, BNSF, UP, CP, CN Amtrak &Predecessor lines only) 3. NS Buffalo Main Line ( photos from CP Wye to CP Gravity on NS Buffalo Line only) 4. Shortlines & Regional Railroads -excluding the North Shore RR System 5. North Shore System Roads ( LVRR, NSHR, NBER, UCIR, SVRR, JVRR only) 6. Night Photo 7. Rolling Stock 8. Miscellaneous ( Structures, human interest etc) 9. Traded or Bought 10. Snow Scenes ( 2 entries per member are allowed in each category as before) Slides can be given to Mark Eyer at the October meeting or mailed to him at 283 Tanger Road Boiling Springs, PA 17007 for scanning. All submissions will have to be received by Nov. 15 to be included in the contest. We will not be able to accept submissions at the November 19th meeting. Digital photos are to be emailed to Mark Eyer at [email protected]
Fall Train Rides on the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Lines: The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, the North Shore Railroad System, and Penn Valley Railroad along with local sponsors will again offer train rides this fall throughout the area. October 11: Catawissa to Northumberland round trips at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on the North Shore Railroad ex DL&W Bloomsburg Branch. Tickets are $15 for adults and $ 10 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets are strongly recommended by calling 570-441-1422 as these trips sell out fast. Sponsor is the Roaring Creek Valley Historical Society and benefits restoration projects. October 17, 18 & 19: Bellefonte train trips, sponsored by Bellefonte Historical Railroad and the Nittany & Bald Eagle RR. Ticket info at 814-355-1053, again, order tickets in advance. Multiple departure times. October 25 & 26: Williamsport Great Pumpkin Express train trips from Burger King at 50 Maynard St. Sponsored by the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce and the Lycoming Valley Railroad. Trains this year will operate to Muncy this year starting at 11 am each day and tickets are $ 10 each and can be obtained by calling 570-327-7700 or [email protected]
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Pennsylvania Rail Freight Grants Awarded: Governor Tom Corbett announced 8/19 that 39 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain nearly 34,000 jobs across Pennsylvania were approved for funding from two PennDOT-managed programs. “Transportation is a proven economic driver and these investments will help these companies maintain and create more jobs,’’ Gov. Corbett said. “Ensuring that these facilities and assets are ready to meet consumer demands is vital to keeping our state competitive.” The State Transportation Commission (STC) voted to approve nearly $35.9 million for 13 projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and 26 projects through the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). RTAP is a capital budget grant program funded with bonds and RFAP is underwritten through the new Multimodal Fund, created by Act 89. Among the projects receiving funding and grants, the following are located in the Central Pennsylvania area and affect local rail lines.
For railroads: Cambria, Clearfield, Clinton and Indiana counties: RJ Corman Railroad Group PA Lines -- $4.3 million to install cross ties and switch ties, renew several crossings, install bridge ties and other track work. Carbon County: Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad -- $5 million to construct a new bridge across the Lehigh River and 1,200 feet of new connecting track. Blair County: Hollidaysburg & Roaring Spring Railroad -- $295,942 to repair two bridges and improve public grade crossings. For Shippers and for new customers: Bradford County: Northeast Freight Transfer, Inc. -- $697,417 to install 1,800 feet of track, a new switch, two conveyors and a track scale. Bradford and Wyoming counties: Lehigh Railway LLC -- $353,500 to rehabilitate, raise, line and surface rail sidings at the Wyalusing Terminal. Carbon County: Horsehead Corporation -- $700,000 complete bridge repairs including pier support, tie replacement and approach rail work. Centre County: SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority -- $250,000 to complete improvements including track and turnout construction, upgrading rail and installing drainage for Graymont Lime Co.. Columbia County: Autoneum North America, Inc. -- $250,000 to relocate and replace a turnout, construct 1,600 feet of track and install a grade crossing in Bloomsburg. Dauphin County: Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad -- $203,000 to upgrade 300 feet of track, install a turnout and a track greaser to decrease friction on a curve. Luzerne County: Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County -- $497,000 to replace five switches and install 3,000 ties. Lycoming County: Jersey Shore Steel. --$224,000 to construct 800 feet of track providing new rail service at the Montoursville facility. McKean County: Western New York PA Railroad Company, LLC -- $448,078 to repair a railroad bridge including timber repairs and replacements, and track approach repairs near Clermont Jct. Schuylkill County• Reading Anthracite Company -- $493,850 to upgrade a retaining wall, relocate tracks pave loading dock floors, and complete other work at two locations in the Butler and Norwegian townships site. •Waste Management & Processors, Inc. – $534,100 to rehabilitate 700 feet of track, repair a retaining wall, repair paved areas and install other improvements. Union County: Heller’s Gas Inc. -- $250,000 to construct a turnout, 500 feet of track as well as improvements for offloading rail cars. (This will be on the White Deer & Reading Railroad owned by the chapter and near Leiser Road and should be open in 2015.)
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Reading & Northern awarded $10 million for bridge project Published: August 20, 2014 in Trainsnewswire.com
Photo by Robert Kaplan PORT CLINTON, Pa. – The Reading & Northern Railroad has been awarded a $10 million State Capital budget grant to build a new railroad bridge over the Lehigh River near Nesquehoning in Carbon County. Reading & Northern will also contribute $4 million to the project.
The new bridge will provide the short line with an efficient and safe north/south route connecting the Philadelphia region to New England and eastern Canada. Reading & Northern will offer the use of this route to both Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific railroads, both of which already use part of the short line’s network.
According to Andrew Muller, Jr., owner and CEO of the railroad, the bridge will enable Reading & Northern to provide improved service to dozens of its existing customers. It will be the fastest and most economical route into the Marcellus Shale territory in northeast Pennsylvania, and it will assist in the development of the Port of Philadelphia enabling unit trains of double-stack intermodal containers to flow in and out of the Port of Philadelphia to points in the northeastern U.S. and Canada.
“I have been working for almost two decades to bring this bridge and resulting new route to fruition. This bridge will enable us to better serve our customers and it will bring economic development and jobs to northeastern Pennsylvania,” Muller says. “We are proud to work with PennDOT and our elected officials in bringing this important project to fruition." Muller notes that, during the 18-month construction period, 140 direct jobs will be created. Under the terms of the Aug. 15 grant, the state funds will be made available over two fiscal years with half of the funds released each year. (Trainsnewswire.com)
Loyalsock Creek Bridge dedicated at Montoursville on 8/13: The SEDA-COG JRA and the Lycoming Valley Railroad operated a special train for invited guests, the JRA Board and the media on 8/13 from Newberry to Montoursville for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 am with speeches by local officials.
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National Railway Historical Society releases 2015 convention line up for Rutland, Vermont
Published: August 19, 2014
Vermont Railway GP38-2 No. 201 on an excursion. Photo by Barton Jennings
Rutland, Vermont: The National Railway Historical Society convention is being held in Rutland, VT from June 14 to June 20, 2015 with some excellent excursions on the Vermont Railway being planned. Some of these trips are very rare mileage. The convention headquarters hotel will be the Holiday Inn and rooms will approximately $100 per night plus taxes. All excursions are on a per ticket basis allowing you to ride the trips of your choice.
A Vermont Rail System “photo freight” from Rutland to Ludlow and return, powered by a classic Green Mountain Railway Alco RS-1 diesel, through the scenery of the Green Mountains on June 14. A Saratoga & North Creek round trip excursion from Saratoga Springs to North Creek, N.Y., led by rare EMD BL2 diesels on June 15. Passengers will have the option of riding Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express between Rutland and Saratoga Springs. A VRS trip from Rutland to Bellows Falls and return over the Green Mountain Railroad and the former route of the original Steamtown excursions on June 16. A VRS passenger trip from Rutland to Burlington and return, including a two-hour layover at the Burlington waterfront or a three-hour tour of the Shelburne Museum on June 18. A rare-mileage trip on June 19 from Rutland to the Omya processing plant on the remains of the original Clarendon & Pittsford Railroad near Florence. A VRS passenger excursion between Rutland and North Bennington/Hoosick Junction and return on June 20, passing the one-time home of Norman Rockwell and the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln and the one-time president of the Pullman Palace Car Co.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in mid-September with coach, dome, lounge, and business car seating available. The equipment used will be from the Vermont Railway’s excursion fleet and is very well maintained, and motive power will change from day to day as list above. This is a convention that is within access of Central PA.
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Volume 45 #7 Northstar News Resumed September 2014
Contents (Special Report) Meeting Notice Officer Contact Directory P1 The Next meeting of the Northstar Chapter of Directions to Meeting Site P2 the NRHS will be held Saturday Sept 20, 2014 Editors Column, NRHS report P2 May meeting Minutes P2 6:30 pm, at Roseville Lutheran Church at 1215 High Speed Rail Plan P3 Roselawn Avenue, midway between Lexington LS&M RR Recovery P3 and Hamline Avenues in Roseville. Oil Trains thru Minnesota P3-4 See map on page 2. Streamliner Weekend P4 MTM Acquisition, NARP news P5 Probable Program after the meeting – NRHS Convention P5-P6 Vintage Railroad Slides by Greg Smith from his Lt Rail Ride P6 collection. Northstar RR Historical Soc Picnic P6-P7 There will be a pre-meeting get-together at the Northstar RR Historical Soc B&SV RR trip P7-P8 June Heavy Rains, and Flooding Pics P8 Keys Cafe and Bakery at the northeast corner of D&NE #28, and other steam Report P9 Lexington and Larpenteur starting about 5:00 Hutchinson depot Pics & John Cartwright P9 pm. PLEASE CALL Bob Clarkson at 651-636-2323 Fire on Ayer Sub Pic P10 Railfan events P10 and leave a message with your name and the Electronic edition only(bonus content) P11-P16 number of persons coming with you.
Northstar Chapter Officers President H Martin Swan [email protected] 612-961-1684 Vice President Richard Tubbesing [email protected] 763-757-1304 Past President Dawn Holmberg [email protected] 763-784-8835 National Director John Goodman [email protected] 612-839-0905 Treasurer Russ Isbrandt [email protected] 651-426-1156 Secretary Dave Norman [email protected] 612-729-2428 Trustee Gary Rumler [email protected] 651-385-8752 Staff Program Chairman Richard Tubbesing [email protected] 763-757-1304 Newsletter Editor Committee: Richard [email protected] 763-757-1304 Tubbesing, Dawn [email protected] 763-784-8835 Holmberg Newsletter Distribution Richard Tubbesing [email protected] 763-757-1304 Trip Director John Goodman [email protected] 612-839-0905 Chapter Librarian/Historian John Cartwright [email protected] 651-481-8479 Web Master Dan Meyer [email protected] 763-784-8835 Chapter Mailbox Northstar Chapter NRHS PO Box 120832 St Paul MN 55112 Library Data Base Russ Isbrandt [email protected] 651-426-1156 Administrator
Page 1 Northstar News Sept 2014
Editor’s Column Meeting Site From the east or west take MN 36 to Lexington Avenue. Drive south From the Editor: (photos B&SV RR by Dawn Holmberg) on Lexington Avenue to Roselawn Avenue and turn right. The large lighted parking lot is on your right as you travel west on Roselawn. Use the lower entrance to the church and turn left through the commons area. We’ll be in room 40, The Diamond Room.
Our summer activities were well attended. We had over 20 persons join us for a trip on the new Light Rail ‘Green Line’ in June. In July we had a great turnout (the best we have had in the last few years) of our society picnic at Presecott WI, We witnessed about 9 BNSF trains pass over the St Croix Bridge and by our picnic area. Our Bus trip to the Boone & Scenic Valley RR to ride behind their Chinese Steam Engine was well attend. Everyone seemed to have a great time!
Challenges are forthcoming to NRHS due to its financial condition. Al Weber was recently elected President, and hopefully this will bring new ideas to lead the organization. Congratulations Al!! See Report below. Also congratulations to John Goodman on his election win to the NRHS BOD!!!
______NRHS Report ______Election Results are in and NRHS will have a new President beginning at the Fall BOD meeting in Johnson City, TN on November 15-16, 2014. District 6 Director Al Weber has defeated long time President Greg Molloy by over 500 votes in recent election. In round numbers Weber received 1800 votes to 1300 for Molloy. Al Weber represents the possibility of bringing a new direction to the NRHS in the future. In other news from the National Office: As you probably already know from our recent NRHS News that you should have received in the US Mail....President Molloy and the BOD (at the Summer Convention in Arkansas) set up a committee of several members to consider a different direction for NRHS to go towards. This committee will have several meetings and conference calls with the present BOD and report back by September 20th at a specially called BOD meeting. This plan will have a "thumbs up or down" vote by this present BOD about the future of NRHS. As soon as the results are known from these meetings, we will report back to the chapter what the results are. John Goodman Chapter National Representative
Meeting Minutes Northstar Railroad Historical Society May 17 2014 The meeting was called to order by chapter president H. Martin Swan at 6:30 p.m.in the Roseville Lutheran Church with 18 members and guests present. Marty noted that this would be the last monthly meeting until September. Those present were asked to introduce themselves. The question was asked, were there any additions or corrections to the Minutes of the April 19, 2014 Membership Meeting, as published in the May 2014 issue of Northstar News? Hearing none, a motion to approve the minutes, as published, was made, seconded, and carried. It was noted that NRHS national president Greg Malloy took exception to the report by John Goodman on the NRHS board meeting that John had attended in late April. Greg wants us to publish a special edition of Northstar News with his description of the same event. John gave his comments on the situation. He also reported pn plans for future NRHS national conventions. The 2015 convention will be in Rutland, VT. John also talked about other aspects of the national NRHS. Ballots are being sent out for election of national officers. John also reported on planned trips by the chapter. We will be riding the Metro Transit's Blue Line and Green Line Light Rail lines and the Northstar commuter train on June 21st. The trip will start from the 28th Avenue station in Bloomington. There was a discussion of details of the trip. The chapter's annual picnic will be July 19th at Prescott, WI, next to the BNSF mainline. The chapter will provide part of the food, but members will need to bring the rest for themselves. In August, we are planning a trip to the Boone & Scenic Valley excursion railroad in Iowa. If the temperature is under 90 degrees, they will be running their Chinese steam locomotive. If it is hotter than that, they will pull the train with a Diesel loco. Forms are available to sign up for the trip and membranes are asked to help publicize the trip to others. There was a report on National Train Day 2014, which took place on May 10th, mostly at the St. Paul Union Depot. Amtrak had several passenger cars on display and the Minnesota Transportation had the "Hustle Muscle" locomotive and several vintage passenger cars on display. Our chapter gave out 2005 Minnesota Railroad Calendars and membership application brochures. A number of other organizations also participated in the event. One estimate is that as as many as 10,000 people may have attended the event. Earlier this month, Amtrak started using the restored St. Paul Union Depot instead of its station in the Midway. Also, today Metro Transit opened the new station at Target Field in Minneapolis. Some interest has been shown in extending Northstar train service to St. Cloud. It was noted that Amtrak only schedules the Empire Builder to stop at St. Paul Union Depot for 8 minutes. Russ Isbrandt presented the treasurer's report and reported on membership. Northstar News editor Richard Tubbesing reported that the May issue went out and there will be a special issue in June. He also reported on programs planned for meetings. Russ Isbrandt will present the program tonight and Greg Smith is scheduled for September. At this time, nothing is scheduled for October. In November, Roger Libra will present the program. At this time, we do not have a speaker lined up for the Holiday Party. Russ Isbrandt reported on the chapter library. Joe Stark reported on sales by the chapter at recent model railroad flea markets and other events. Dawn Holmberg was not present to give a report on the calendar. Cheer Committee - Dee has contributed more cards. A motion to increase the yearly chapter dues by $3 per year, starting in 2015, was made, seconded, and carried. There was no other business. Announcements - Milwaukee Road steam loco 261 has been reared and is ready to pull excursion trains again. There are plans for a trip to Duluth in September. There were no other announcements. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and carried at 7:36 p.m. After a break, Russ Isbrandt presented a program of slides from his collection. Respectfully submitted, Dave Norman, Secretary, Northstar Chapter NRHS
Page 2 Northstar News Sept 2014
County opposes Minnesota high speed rail plan. Trains Magazine Newswire. Published: August 22, 2014. (Following items Provided by Rick Krenske) RED WING, Minn. * The Goodhue County board has reversed an earlier decision and approved a resolution that opposes the proposed Zip Rail high speed rail project between the Twin Cities and Rochester, the Rochester Post-Bulletin reports. The resolution says the project "would carve the county in half, be located outside the median of Highway 52, disrupt the flow of people and goods throughout the county, infringe on landowner rights, and provide no direct benefit to county residents." It reverses a 2012 resolution from Goodhue County that supported the project. That unanimous decision comes on the heels of a lengthy public hearing in Kenyon where not one person spoke in support of the high speed rail project. Perhaps the biggest complaint from residents was how many county and township roads Zip Rail would intersect and potentially close, which could have a significant economic impact on the agricultural community. "You've got to keep this in perspective," says Chuck Michael, Zip Rail project manager. "A decision on this is a long way off so an informed decision today is impossible." Michael and the Zip Rail team are currently engaged in a multi-year federal study on potential routes and impacts of connecting major metropolitan areas through rural landscapes. Goodhue County is requesting that the Zip Rail be sited within the existing U.S. 52 right of way to reduce local impacts. Michael says that remains an option but further study is required to show the positives and negatives of the potential routes. A major concern for Zip Rail staff is travel time, which would be increased by selecting a route in the existing U.S. 52 right of way. Michael said train speeds, which are projected to reach 220 mph, would be restricted to the point the trip would take an additional 10-15 minutes and potentially lose ridership. A no-build option also remains an option, and is supported by at least a few regional legislators. Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, announced intentions earlier this week of drafting legislation that would block a project he characterized as 'a California-style boondoggle.' Michael and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, both take offense with Garofalo's words. "It's easy to say those things now because you don't challenge them on proving it," Michael says of critics, who have become especially vocal in recent weeks."You can say anything you want. We just can't do that because we have to show our work and that doesn't come overnight. Any way you put it, it's jumping too soon." Gov. Dayton is even more succinct in his assessment. "It sounds like a good way to get a headline," he says of Garofalo.
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Recovers From Flood. 08/17/2014 WDIO.com By: Briggs LeSavage [email protected] After flooding a couple years ago wiped out bridges along the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad's route, volunteers thought it might be the end of 35 years of showing tourists the St. Louis River Corridor by train. "We didn't know if we'd be back up in operation, if it was going to be economically feasible for the (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad) to actually replace the bridges, so our future was in question," Harold Dols, a 11-year volunteer with the LS&M Railroad, said. The railroad had to stop running for a few months in 2011 and then the entirety of the 2012 season because of flooding, but with repairs complete and service back to full throttle two years later, Dols said the railroad is now finding issues in higher insurance costs. "Significantly higher insurance costs have been taking a toll in terms of us being able to plan forward with seasons and our operation," Dols said Part of the tracks LS&M Railroad runs on are BNSF property. Dols said if LS&M would be able to avoid higher insurance costs if they consider moving launch sites. "We have some potential ideas of moving our operations and starting off in Riverside and we'd be completely on our own LS&M tracks and from there we could actually continue on with our $5 million liability coverage." Volunteers are also looking for new ways to show off the area's rich history—a similar goal to the city. "I think we could be a wonderful asset to the development of the recreational potential of this area. We've been here for well over 35 years bringing people down close to the St. Louis River and showing it's wonderful beauty and history. I think we could continue to do that and bring people and kayaks and bikes and so forth down to this area," Dols said. But he said there might also be other options on the table for the railroad, including adding a bike path. Dols said LS&M Railroad hopes to be able to work in collaboration with any projects. Sharon Broscious is visiting Duluth from Richmond, Virginia. She said it's encouraging to see so many working so hard to help their railroad."We thought that was pretty impressive that there's a group of people who are willing to make that commitment to keep this railroad running," Broscious said. "I think it's a great idea and hopefully they can keep doing it." Minnesota crossed by 50 oil
trains a week.
Article by: DAVID SHAFFER ,
Pictures by R Tubbesing Star Tribune: July 26, 2014.
Newly released details show trains pass close to state's populated areas. Fifty oil trains, each loaded with more than 1 million gallons of North Dakota crude oil, pass through Minnesota each week, and almost all of them go through the Twin Cities, according to the first detailed reports on the state's crude-by-rail traffic obtained by the Star Tribune. The reports, submitted to state officials by railroads and stamped 'confidential,' say that oil trains can be more than 100 tank cars long as they pass through 39 of the state's 87 counties. The greatest concentration is on the BNSF Railway main line between Moorhead and the Twin Cities. Canadian Pacific, another railroad serving North Dakota's Bakken region, sends far Page 3 Northstar News Sept 2014 fewer oil trains through the state, the data show. Almost all of the oil trains pass through populated areas. Ramsey County and Clay County, which borders Fargo, N.D., have the most traffic, 45 per week on average. In the seven-county metro area, every county except Scott and Carver sees at least 40 oil trains per week. "We are getting a fuller picture of what is actually passing through our communities that have densely populated areas right next to these rail lines," Rep. Frank Hornstein, chairman of the Minnesota House transportation finance committee, said of the state's decision to release the oil train data. Before now, state officials have said only that seven or eight oil trains run daily through the state. The detailed county-by-county information had been declared nonpublic by the state Public Safety Department until the Star Tribune asked officials to reconsider that classification. Minnesota's disclosure comes two days after U.S. transportation officials announced draft regulations to retrofit or retire thousands of older tank cars to reduce accident risks from crude oil and ethanol trains. At least 15 major accidents involving crude oil or ethanol trains have occurred in the United States and Canada since 2006. The worst was just over a year ago in Lac-M'gantic, Quebec, where a runaway oil train derailed, exploded and burned, killing 47 people. At least 10 other states, including all of Minnesota's neighbors, have already disclosed details about oil trains crossing their states. Railroads in May were ordered by the U.S. Transportation Department to supply states with information about trains carrying at least 1 million gallons of Bakken crude oil. BNSF and Canadian Pacific, whose U.S. headquarters is in Minneapolis, had pushed state officials not to disclose the oil train information. On Friday, Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman reviewed the state's position and concluded the information is public under a recent Federal Railroad Administration declaration that it's not sensitive security data. The reports, which pre-sent the train counts as weekly averages, noted that traffic can vary from week to week.Where do they go? Almost all of the oil trains passing through Minnesota cross into Wisconsin, traveling along the Mississippi River before turning east, often to East Coast oil refineries. About three oil trains a week travel BNSF's tracks through the far southwest corner of the state, where rail lines lead into Iowa or South Dakota. Duluth and Rochester have no Bakken oil train traffic, according to the reports. But Dave Christianson, senior rail planner for freight at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, said a few trains carrying crude oil from Canada pass through Duluth on another railroad. They're not in the reports because the federal order applies only to Bakken crude. Ethanol trains also are not counted in the reports, but state officials have said they also pass through the Twin Cities. Moorhead is a major crude oil crossroads for BNSF, the reports show, with 10 oil trains per week going southbound out of the area, and another 35 trains per week heading east. Eventually, most of the shipments pass St. Cloud, where BNSF tracks parallel Hwy. 10 into Anoka County. Exact routes are not specified in the reports, however. After passing through the Twin Cities, oil trains head southeast along the Mississippi, where BNSF owns tracks on the Wisconsin side and Canadian Pacific owns tracks on the Minnesota side. But Canadian Pacific reported only four North Dakota oil trains per week passing through the metro area and then going southeast through Dakota, Goodhue, Wabasha and Winona counties. BNSF reported 10 times that number through the Twin Cities and onto its Wisconsin trackage. Neither BNSF nor Canadian Pacific would comment on the reports Friday, but both railroads said they have taken steps to improve rail safety. They also have policies to encourage shipment of oil in newer, more- robust tank cars. "[Canadian Pacific] has undergone comprehensive companywide strengthening of our operating rules and employee training," said Canadian Pacific spokesman Ed Greenberg. "We have increased track and train inspections across our network, including through the state of Minnesota. We really have redoubled our efforts around emergency preparedness, including collaborations with local first responders and planning and training." Under a 2014 state law sponsored by Hornstein, Minnesota also is adding new rail inspectors and taking other steps to address oil train risks. Christianson of MnDOT said two inspectors plus a new hazmat expert will be hired within weeks. Meanwhile, the state Transportation Department is studying the risks of 500 road crossings on railroad tracks that carry oil trains, he said. The goal is to identify the highest-risk intersections, and invest in safety improvements. Hornstein said that when it comes to oil trains, both the state and federal government need to increase oversight of railroads, including requiring disclosure of more precise routes and times to local officials. But he said the release of the county-by-county data is a positive development. "I think it should be taken a step further," he said. David Shaffer * 612-673-7090 * @ShafferStrib
STREAMLINER WEEKEND Steamliner Weekend June 2014 at Spencer NC. F-units and E-units were gatherered together for a weekend show at Spencer NC. Assiting in assembly of this classic fleet of existing Streamliner locomotives was Norolk Southern RR. It included SOO #2500 from the LSRM. (also including Doyle McCormack’s ALCO PA-1 in NKP Paint, not yet operable) These are pictures from Railnet.com provided by John Goodman.
Roundhouse Spencer NC Line up, including ‘Q’ E-5 Silver Pilot PRR E-7’s
Doyle McCormack‘s ALCO PA1 (Soo #2500 departing Duluth) EMD FT Page 4 Northstar News Sept 2014 Carstens Publications shuts down. Published: August 22, 2014. Trains Magazine Newswire. NEWTON, N.J. * Carstens Publications Inc. is closing at the end of business on August 22, 2014. "It is with regret that Carstens Publicatons Inc. will be closing permanently at close of business on Friday, August 22, 2014. Carstens Publications Inc. has been a leading publisher of leading hobby magazines for over 50 years. Unfortunately the current economic climate has placed us in this position," says Henry R. Carstens, president. "...We thank you for your patronage over the years, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors." Carstens published Railfan & Railroad, Railroad Model Craftsman, and Flying Models. . Latest Report: Assets of Carstens Publications has been purchased by White River Publications, (our printing source for our Calendar)
Minnesota museum acquires former Burlington dome 'Silver Castle' By Steve Glischinski Published: July 10, 2014 ST. PAUL, Minn.
Al Chione slide of the Silver Stirrup
* The Minnesota Transportation Museum has acquired former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy dome car Silver Castle, one of the road's two 'home built' dome cars. The museum, based in the former Great Northern Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul, purchased the car from the Branson Scenic Railroad. Branson Scenic sold the car to the museum at a significant discount for historic preservation. The car has a direct connection to the museum's mission of preserving Minnesota railroad history, as it once operated on the Burlington Route's Twin Zephyrs between Chicago and the Twin Cities. Silver Castle, CB&Q No. 4709, was one of two home built Burlington dome cars sometimes called 'pattern' domes. The first, Silver Dome, was converted from a coach in 1945, the first modern dome car constructed. Silver Castle was rebuilt from a coach first built in 1940 by Budd into a dome in 1949. Unlike other domes, the dome area was built with flat, rather than curved glass. The two cars do not have a depressed floor below the dome, thus the area was used for seating and aisles went down both sides where there was more headroom. Silver Castle survived into Amtrak service before being sold in 1977. In private ownership it operated on several excursion trains before being sold to Branson Scenic Railway. The interior is still in the 1970s era Amtrak scheme, with royal blue carpeting on walls and floors and blue upholstery. The museum intends to restore the car for operation on its Osceola & St. Croix Railway based in Osceola, Wis. However, much work must be done to make it roadworthy, including replacement of glass in the dome. For now the car will be stored at the Jackson Street facility. For more on the Minnesota Transportation Museum, go to www.mtmuseum.org.
NARP Enters Supreme Court Case on Behalf of Railroad Passengers (submitted by H Martin Swan)
Joined by ELPC in Fight to Address Harmful Train Delays July 31 2014 NARP NEWS
Responding to increasingly serious delays across the national train network, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP), represented by the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), will file an amicus curiae, or "friend of the court," brief with the United States Supreme Court in the lawsuit between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads. The brief will argue that a lower court was mistaken in ruling that it is unconstitutional for Amtrak to participate with the Federal Railroad Administration in setting performance standards. These metrics helped ensure that Amtrak's trains-which operate on tracks owned by the private freight railroads-met minimum standards of service quality, and they were developed in conjunction with the Surface Transportation Board, freight railroads, states, rail labor, and rail passenger organizations. NARP believes that the recent decline in on-time performance by Amtrak trains is at least in part due to lower court's ruling (U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit; Association of American Railroads v. U.S. Department of Transportation, et al., No. 12-5204). NRHS Convention in June 2014 Springdale AK The NRHS Convention held in springdale Arkansas was deemed a success. Most rail trips were hosted by the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad powered by its fleet of vintage ALCO locomotives. The Convention was attended by our members John Goodman, Dawn Holmberg and Dan Meyer, and they had a grand time. Following are pictures contributed by Dawn Holmberg. These trips were: June 10 Arkansas & Missouri train on the Bentonville Branch (NW) June 10 Arkansas & Missouri train south to Mountainburg Photo Freight, Night Photo Page 5 Northstar News Sept 2014 June 11 Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Dinner Train June 12 Arkansas & Missouri Train South to Fort Smith AK Round Trip, Shop Tour June 13 Fort Smith Arkansas Trolley Museum June 14 Arkansas & Missouri train North to Monett Round trip June 15 Arkansas & Missouri train N to Butterfield Round trip .
I Springdale to Monett Trip
Springdale to Butterfield Trip
June 21 2014 Light Rail Trip on the Green Line Northstar members turned out for a ride on the new Green Line Light Rail between Minneapolis and St Paul along University Ave. The trip started at the Bloomington 28th station on the Blue Line to Target Field Station in Minneapolis. There we boarded the Northstar Commuter train to Big Lake. We brought lunches and had lunch at the Big Lake Station, where two BNSF WB trains passed by. Then upon returning to Minneapolis, we boarded the new Green Line Siemens Light Rail Vehicles to St Paul Union Depot, where we had a rest stop, and then boarded the Green line back to Minneapolis and transfer to the Blue Line Bombardier cars back to Bloomington. Thanks to Russ Isbrandt and John Goodman for planning this trip. Pictures from Video by R Tubbesing
Northstar Commuter at Big Lake New Green Line Siemens Light Rail cars at St Paul Union Depot
Northstar RR Historical Society Picnic at Prescott WI July 19 2014 A well attended picnic was held at Prescott WI on the busy BNSF St Croix Sub with view of the lift bridge across the St Croix River where it empties into the Mississippi River. Members brought meat to grill on a grill provided by Bill Dredge, Snacks and Beverages were provided by the Historical Society and the effort of John Goodman. Nine BNSF trains passed by, including, Stack, Z-train, Grain, Oil Can and Manifest trains. Pictures from video by R Tubbesing, Roger Libra. (Thanks to Bill Dredge and John Goodman!)
Page 6 Northstar News Sept 20
BNSF Oil Can Trains on the St Croix Lift Bridge.
Members having a great time!
Bus Trip to the Boone and Scenic Valley RR in Boone Iowa August 16 2014 Another well attended successful Northstar Railroad Historical Society event was completed. Our Bus left our Library Location on E Hennepin Ave promptly at 8am. We headed south on I35 to Iowa, had a rest stop at the I35 rest stop just across the Border in Iowa, Proceeded to Boone Iowa where we arrived at about 12:15pm, stopped for a lunch break and then proceeded to the Boone & Scenic Valley Depot at about 1:15pm where we were greeted by the President of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, given our tickets to the 1st class air conditioned ex C&NW gallery car, and waited to depart on our scenic train ride at about 1:30pm. Our train was powered by their Chinese 2-8-2 Steam Engine, one of the last engines to be manufactured in China. Our route crossed over a High Bridge over Bass Point Creek, and a low deck bridge over the Des Moines River to the end of the line. The steam Engine then ran around our train for the return trip to Boone. Some members chose to the ride the ex CSS&SB interurban car to Downtown Boone and return for a mere $2 fee. We then boarded our bus and headed to Clear Lake Iowa (which was the western terminus of the Iowa Traction line in Mason City, and near where Buddy Holley died in a plane crash.) We stopped to have dinner, and then proceeded home on I35 and arrived back at our Library location a little after 10pm. A great time was had by all. Thanks to John Goodman for all the planning and organization of this trip. Photos by Dawn Holmberg. Thanks Dawn!
Chinese 2-8-2 Steam at Boone for a drink of water. Steam Locomotive powering our trip outbound. Meeting the Lunch train with FP7 unit.
Page 7 Northstar News Sept 2014
Art Nettis, Barb Durfee, R Tubbesing in the Concession car. Members on our Motor coach to Boone.
Gary Rumler, Art Nettis, Barb Durfee watch as we pass the Museums Vintage M&StL ALCO RS-1
CSS&SB Interurban car at Boone depot. The Boone & Scenic Valley Reference Library. Group Picture before departure at the Boone Depot.
Heavy June Rains cause flooding havoc for Railroads in the upper Midwest.
CP Traffic tiptoes thru Davenport Iowa on June 10th 2014. Photos from Trainorders.com by Erik Page 8 Northstar News Sept 2014
Duluth museum to continue work on Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 No. 28, other engines. From the TRAINS Newswire: By Steve Glischinski Published: August 15, 2014
Photo by John Goodman DULUTH, Minn. * The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is planning to move Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 No. 28 from the Cloquet Terminal Railroad shop in Cloquet to Duluth to finish restoration work. Cloquet Terminal, the successor of the Duluth & Northeastern, had been performing a rebuild of No. 28 at its shop. A recent change in railroad management led to the decision to return the engine to Duluth for completion. The museum hopes to have the engine back in Duluth by October. The museum has purchased new flues for the locomotive, and has been successful in raising funds to complete the restoration. Over the winter months and into the spring of 2015, volunteers and museum staff plan to continue work on the locomotive with the goal of having it operational for excursion runs over the museum's North Shore Scenic Railroad between Duluth and Two Harbors in autumn 2015. Until 2013, the North Shore Scenic used former Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719 for steam excursions out of Duluth, but the locomotive came due for its federally mandated 1472-day overhaul. That engine's final run was on Sept. 14, 2013. Alco built No. 28 in 1906 for the Duluth, Missabe & Northern as No. 332. It was purchased by Duluth & Northeastern from DM&N successor Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range in 1955. It remained in regular service until 1964, and was retained by D&NE until 1974, when it was donated to the museum. Other steam locomotives at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum are also seeing work. The museum has funding to repaint Duluth & Northern Minnesota 2-8-2 No.14. The locomotive was built in 1913 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and is one of the last remaining engines from Minnesota's once vast network of logging railroads. It was built for the Duluth & Northern Minnesota Railroad, owned by the Alger-Smith Lumber Co. D&NM's headquarters were at Knife River, midway between Duluth and Two Harbors along North Shore Scenic's current route. The engine was restored and pulled excursion trains on the railroad between 1992 and 1998. The museum hopes to have the engine repainted before winter. Work is also continuing at the museum shop to cosmetically restore Northern Pacific 2-6-2 No. 2435. Alco built the locomotive in 1907 at its Brooks Works at Dunkirk, N.Y. It is the last survivor of 150 examples of the Class T type, as NP categorized its 2-6-2 locomotives. The Class T engines were designed for use on the plains of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Using funds from donors, museum members and a Legacy Grant from the state of Minnesota, more than $30,000 is being invested to remove asbestos, rebuild the cab, sandblast and repaint the engine, replace several appliances, and install cab equipment that has been in storage. No. 2435 made its final run in May 1954 after operating approximately 1,680,000 miles. Two months later it was selected for donation to the city of Duluth, and was placed on display at Duluth's Lake Superior Zoo (Fairmont Park) in July 1954. It was moved to the museum in 1977. For more information on the organizations, go to www.lsrm.org and www.northshorescenicrailroad.org.
Restored Great Northern Depot in Hutchinson, MN 6-15-2014 From Chuck Lavallee
News on Member John Cartwright From Rick Krenske
If you came to the Fair on Metro Transit, you can just look over the hill at the West End Market and see John Cartwright's Railroad Art booth facing the new history building. John was awarded the Minnesota State Fair 2014 People's Choice Award for Best Customer Service. As you can see in this picture, John is giving out more useful information as he talks with a Fair visitor. That's why he got this particular award. Congratulations John (picture provided by Rick Krenske)
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Fire on the UP Ayer Sub on watermelon Hill in Washington by Ted Curphey from TrainOrders.com.
Amtrak's Broken Builder. By Justin Franz * The Flathead Beacon * August 13, 2014.
Al Chione Slide #156 Denver May 2014 RTubbesing
WHITEFISH * About an hour before dawn on a Friday morning, Amtrak's east bound Empire Builder crept into the station, already an hour and one minute late into its 2,206-mile journey from Seattle to Chicago. Under the glow of the yellow station lights, a handful of passengers hauled their luggage off the train while another group waited to climb aboard. In the minutes before the train pulled out of the station to continue its journey east, the sparse crowd had already dispersed and the platform, with the exception of a conductor and a woman looking for her lost bags, was empty. Eighty-five years after its debut as the Great Northern Railway's premier passenger service to the west, the Empire Builder is broken. Extreme freight congestion in the northern plains, particularly in North Dakota's Bakken region, has resulted in major delays for Amtrak's passenger service between Chicago and Seattle and Portland. Five years after the Empire Builder had some of Amtrak's best on-time performance rates, even outpacing Amtrak's high-speed Acela train between Boston and Washington, delays of three to five hours are now commonplace. It was even worse this winter, when the train was sometimes 12 hours late. In June, the westbound Empire Builder, train No. 7, stayed on schedule a scant 10 percent of the time. The eastbound train, No. 8, had a zero percent on-time rate. In hopes of addressing the delays, Amtrak modified the train's schedule in April. Now it travels through Northwest Montana earlier in the morning and later at night, much to the chagrin of area businesses that say the change has done little to help the Flathead Valley, especially during the busy summer tourism season. Passengers are also starting to notice the delays and are abandoning train travel in droves. Ridership on the Empire Builder from June 2013, when it moved 49,813 people, to June 2014 has dropped 19 percent. The decline comes just two years after the train had its best year ever, hauling more than 543,000 people in 2012, a 15.8 percent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, the Empire Builder's decline comes as flights out of Glacier Park International Airport are up more than 12 percent. The situation on the train is, as National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Montana representative Barry Green put it, "disheartening and disgusting." But it wasn't always this way. On June 11, 1929, the first Empire Builder departed Chicago with a train of luxury passenger cars that were, according to the Great Northern Railway Historical Society, "the last word in comfort, amenities and speed for their day." The train's name came from the Great Northern's founder, James J. Hill, who dedicated his life to building a railroad empire that still spans the continent today. The train crossed the country in a brisk 63 hours. In 1935, an added bit of luxury arrived when the train was outfitted with air-conditioned passenger cars. For more than four decades the train was the pride of the Great Northern, and Northwest Montana, especially the area around Glacier National Park, was among its most popular destinations. In March 1970, the Great Northern merged with three other railroads to become Burlington Northern, later renamed BNSF Railway. The 1960s and 1970s were a trying time for America's railroads, especially those in the passenger business. With the growing popularity of commercial flights and an ever-expanding highway system, railroads were losing more and more passengers to planes and cars. In order to save intercity passenger service, Congress passed the Rail Passenger Service Act in 1970 that led to the creation of Amtrak, a private, for-profit railroad company owned and funded by the government. Amtrak ran its first trains on May 1, 1971, including the Empire Builder. As part of the deal to relieve freight companies of having to operate passenger trains, the railroads agreed to let Amtrak run its trains on their tracks. Amtrak had its fair share of growing pains and was the subject of numerous cuts as it tried to shed redundant routes in the 1970s and 1980s. Through it all, the Empire Builder survived. In 2012, Amtrak boasted its biggest year ever, when it hauled 31.2 million passengers nationally, an increase of 49 percent since 2000. In 2013, Amtrak's ridership numbers increased again, moving 31.6 million passengers. While Amtrak was hauling more passengers, BNSF was starting to haul even more freight, particularly intermodal, grain and crude oil from North Dakota. The traffic increases created a railroad 'logjam,' wrote National Association of Railroad Passengers president and CEO Ross Capon in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx in January. In that same letter asking Foxx to step in and find a solution, Capon accused BNSF of giving crude oil a 'priority over people.' "I think the increase Page 10 Northstar News Sept 2014 in (freight traffic) caught us all off guard," said Green, NARP's Montana passenger rail advocate and a locomotive engineer for 37 years."There's just a lot of freight to move." The problems facing Amtrak were made even worse by a historically harsh winter in North Dakota and Montana that caused derailments and avalanches, which closed the rail line over Marias Pass. On the days the Empire Builder wasn't replaced with a bus, it sometimes ran 11 or 12 hours late. "All of those factors combined and created a perfect storm for the Empire Builder and it struggled," said Jim Brzezinski, Amtrak route director for the train. "When you go from being the number one on-time performance train on the entire system to being dead last, it's a shock.' Yet NARP vice president Sean Jeans-Gail points to another reason why the Empire Builder and other Amtrak trains have been running late. In 2008, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act gave Amtrak the ability to penalize railroads if passenger trains were consistently late for two consecutive quarters because of freight-train congestion. The system appeared to be working and during the 2013 fiscal year, Amtrak trains were on schedule 85 percent of the time. But in 2011, the Association of American Railroads sued the U.S. Department of Transportation, arguing that the new rule was illegal, in part, because Amtrak helped write it. In 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the rule, saying that Amtrak is a private company and that it could not regulate other private companies. Since then, Amtrak's on-time, system-wide performance has dropped nearly 12 points. In June, the Supreme Court announced it would review the appellate court decision. The case is expected to be argued late this year or early next year. Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari said although Amtrak is not part of the lawsuit, it will be watching the case with interest. In hopes of improving the on-time performance of the Empire Builder, Amtrak changed its schedule to allow the train more time to travel from station to station. The new schedule has the train leaving Seattle and Portland three hours earlier going east. That means it arrives in Whitefish at 4:26 a.m., rather than its normal 7:26 a.m. The westbound run also arrives later, pulling into Whitefish just before 10:30 p.m., when it's on time. Brzezinski, the route director, said the changes were made so the Empire Builder can meet other trains in Chicago and passengers can make their connecting trips. But the changes don't sit well with Dylan Boyle, director of the Whitefish Visitors and Convention Bureau. He said the visitor center has made a big push in recent years to encourage people to take the train to Whitefish, even offering a 20 percent discount during winter months to entice skiers and snowboarders to visit Whitefish Mountain Resort. The earlier and later arrivals make taking the train less convenient for visitors. "Where can people go at 4:30 a.m. because there is nothing open at that hour," Boyle said, adding that the train station closes at 5 a.m. "It's not very welcoming to get off the train and find a dark town. That's not the experience we want for our visitors." Boyle, citing data from the University of Montana's Institute for Tourism and Recreational Research, said the consistent delays and inconvenient arrival and departure times have resulted in fewer people coming to Whitefish by train. According to the institute, 65,000 people arrived or departed on the Empire Builder in Whitefish in 2013. From January to May of this year, there have only been 20,000 riders and it's unclear if those numbers will catch up. Christie Dunn, general manager of the Belton Chalet in West Glacier has seen a decline in guests coming from the train as well. She said in years past there would be a rush of guests at the front desk of the historic railroad hotel when the train arrived, sometimes requiring two staff members, but that hasn't happened this summer. Brzezinski said Amtrak understands that the new arrival times are inconvenient for communities in Northwest Montana and that they hope to return to the old schedule soon. When that might happen is unknown. One thing that is clear is that the old schedule will probably not return until after the construction season. This year, BNSF Railway is spending $5 billion on infrastructure improvements across its 32,000-mile system, including $1 billion on its line across the northern part of the country throughout Montana and North Dakota. BNSF spokesperson Matt Jones said the investment would help expand capacity so BNSF's rail lines through the region can handle the additional freight trains and, hopefully, keep Amtrak's Empire Builder on time. "There is a light at the end of the tunnel," Brzezinski said. "Things are improving, but we do have a long way to go." Brzezinski said the delays have resulted in a drop in customer satisfaction, but noted one area that hasn't been impacted: customer service. Brzezinski, who manages the crews who work onboard the train, said despite this year's hardships riders have given Amtrak's employees on the Empire Builder high marks. Each Empire Builder train has an onboard crew of about 12 people, including sleeping car and coach attendants, kitchen staff and lounge car employees. Each crew works six days straight, or one round trip, and then has six days off. The delays, however, have meant many shifts run longer than normal. "These crews are tired but they are still delivering good, friendly service," Brzezinski said. Brzezinski said solid customer service would be the base of the Empire Builder's recovery, after that "we just need to get the train over the road." Boyle is also hopeful that the Empire Builder, a train with deep roots in Whitefish and Glacier National Park, can return to its former glory. "The railroad is iconic in Whitefish and being able to come here by train is a big part of our brand," he said. "I'm just worried we could lose that."
Page 11 Northstar News Sept 2014
Great Northern Postwar consists Examples; Provided by a Recent Great Northern Railroad Historical Society (GNRHS) Publication
The Postwar Empire Builder
Page 12 Northstar News Sept 2014
Page 13 Northstar News Sept 2014 GN Oriental Limited and Western Star
Train Orders for Special Train Proviso to Council Bluffs (Provided by Gary Rumler) March 4, 1988
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Special train: Proviso to Rapid City SD via Chadron NE (on the Cowboy Line) March 7 1988
From Rick Krenske State Fair Royal American Passenger car
Here's one last picture from me taken at the Minnesota State Fair. It was cloudy out there but you can easily see the newly repainted Royal American passenger car and newly repainted caboose. There's no lettering on the caboose. They also have a newly repainted Royal American carnival trailer that looks real nice.
If you went to the Minnesota State Fair by bus, you will be entering theFair under this beautifully restored streetcar arch. The only thing missing is the streetcars. Hey MSM, can we help?
Page 15 Northstar News Sept 2014
CP Sells SD Rail line: Railroad's new owners reassure S.D.
Old news
Pic by R Tubbesing Upgrades and continued service promised for east-west line (January 2014) Written by Peter Harriman ArgusLeader.com (Gannett INC) The sale of 660 miles of railroad from Tracy, Minn., to Rapid City comes with an assurance from the new owner that a fundamental shortcoming that plagued the past two owners won’t threaten vital rail service for South Dakota shippers. The Canadian Pacific Railway is selling the line to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. of Darien, Conn., for about $210 million. The sale is expected to close within six months. G&W operates short line and regional freight railroads in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe. The new South Dakota acquisition will be named the Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad. It will be shaped within the G&W model of strong local management, which makes G&W’s acquisition of disparate, unconnected rail systems successful, G&W spokesman Michael Williams said. The Canadian Pacific bought the line as part of its acquisition of Cedar American Rail Holdings’ Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern and Iowa, Chicago and Eastern railroads for $1.48 billion. The sale was announced in 2007, and it received federal approval in 2008. -Not enough revenue for upkeep- The DM&E, IC&E consortium was the nation’s largest regional freight railroad, with annual revenue of $340 million at the time of the sale to the Canadian Pacific. But according to Kevin Schieffer, former chief executive officer of the DM&E, even at that size, it did not generate enough revenue to pay for more than $300 million in necessary infrastructure upgrades to track in South Dakota that was, in some cases, more than a century old. Without such improvements, the line gradually would fall apart, Schieffer said. Schieffer had hoped to make the railroad large enough to pay for the facilities upgrades by expanding it to Wyoming’s Powder River Basin coalfields and hauling coal to Midwestern and Eastern utilities. But when he was unable to secure a federal loan for the project, he sold the line to the Canadian Pacific. -Promise not kept, governor complained- At the time of the purchase, Canadian Pacific agreed to make capital improvements to its newly acquired DM&E track. However, last year, Gov. Dennis Daugaard protested to the federal Surface Transportation Board that Canadian Pacific had not made good on its promise. At the announcement of the Canadian Pacific sale to G&W, Daugaard said, “I am hopeful this sale to a short line operator is in the best interest of the state. With the recent decision from the Surface Transportation Board, I am hopeful that our questions about the Canadian Pacific’s obligations to improve the line will be answered .... The line is too important to our state for our questions to go unanswered.” G&W’s Williams points to national recognition the G&W received for railroad safety, and he said the company did its due diligence before purchasing the Canadian Pacific track across South Dakota to ensure it can operate its new railroad safely and efficiently. “This due diligence included a physical inspection of the track and structures as well as the operations and customer base,” Williams said. “As the largest owner and operator of regional and short line railroads in North America, with a 115-year history, we have successfully completed multiple acquisitions similar to our proposed acquisition of the west end of the DM&E. We are excited about the opportunity that the RCP&E presents, and we look forward to working with all of the local communities, customers and other stakeholders to grow the existing business and bring our industry- leading safety program to the new operation.” -Hopeful reaction with S.D. shippers- Shippers are keeping their fingers crossed. Tom Kersting, CEO of South Dakota Soybean Processors in Volga, said the facility operates virtually 365 days a year, and on-time, reliable shipping is vital. But Kersting also said he is hopeful the new RCP&E will offer a more favorable rate structure customized to the needs of individual clients, such as Soybean Processors. “Class I railroads, like the Canadian Pacific, tend to have a one-size-fits-all rate structure,” he said. South Dakota Secretary of Argiculture Lucas Lentsch hailed the sale of the South Dakota track to “a company that understands short line rail and managing those rails.” He also is hopeful G&W will see infrastructure investment will drive future growth. “It is vitally important to have a successfully operating line in our state,” he said. Access to grain cars has been a problem in the past in South Dakota, and Williams said the G&W is well placed to deal with that. “In addition to being very experienced with these issues around the country, we also plan to supplement the Class I grain car fleets with our own cars to further mitigate any concerns with equipment availability.” -Plans to maintain access to rail centers- On both the DM&E and Canadian Pacific, shippers had access to both the key rail center of Chicago and the Pacific port of Vancouver, Wash. Williams said such access will continue and expand, since the RCP&E has the ability to interchange with the Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific, BNSF and the Nebraska Northwestern Railroad. The new RCP&E is expected to generate about $65 million in annual operating revenue. Whatever G&W’s plans are for the new RCP&E, they won’t include expanding to Wyoming. “CP has retained that right. It does not come with the sale, and we have no plans to do that,” Williams said. The new railroad might look significantly different from its two predecessors. The Canadian Pacific maintained operations centers in Huron and Rapid City, and it operated across South Dakota with about 380 employees. The DM&E that preceded it not only had rail centers in Huron and Rapid City, it was headquartered in Sioux Falls and maintained about 125 jobs there that Canadian Pacific eliminated in 2010 and thereafter. At its height, the DM&E had about 1,000 employees overall. Williams said the RCP&E will have about 180 employees, with many of them coming from the Canadian Pacific’s pool of employees. Operations center sites have been discussed by company officials, he said, but no sites have been announced.
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Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern #3421 A stop by Mid-America Car in KC, MO yielded shots of Genesse & Wyoming new shortline paint jobs. Picture by Andrew Koetz
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Page 17 Northstar News Sept 2014