11 Volume 42 Number 5 May 2011

Minnesota Railfans Association Trip to Elbow Lake, MN By Richard Prosser

Soo Line Winnipeger behind Geep 551 at the Coach Yards. Photo by Joe Stark Contents Meeting Notice The May meeting of the Northstar Chapter of the NRHS will be held on May 21st at 7pm, at Roseville Lutheran Church at 1215 Roselawn Avenue, midway Officer Contact Directory P.2 between Lexington and Hamline Avenues in Directions to Roseville Lutheran Church P.2 Roseville. See map on following page. Railfans Assoc. Trip to Elbow Lake P.2 Comeback Quickens for North American P.3 There will be a pre-meeting get-together at the Keys Streetcars Cafe and Bakery at the northeast corner of Lexington Minutes of the April 16th Membership Meeting P.5 and Larpenteur starting about 5:15 pm. IMPORTANT: Proposed Passenger Rail Projects P.6 PLEASE CALL Bob Clarkson at 651-636-2323 and for Minnesota leave a message with your name and the number of Minnesota Transportation Museum Train Strikes P.6 persons coming with you. Last minute walk-ins can sometimes be a problem. and Kills Trespasser On CP Rails From Railway Age Breaking News P.7 The chapter library mission statement will be dis- From Trains Newswire P.7 cussed. Railfan Calendar P.7 Northstar Chapter June Picnic Details P.8 Bill Herzog will present a slide show entitled “Rail- roads of the Early 90s - Something for Everyone.”

1 Northstar Chapter Officers

Board of Directors Office Name Email Phone President Dawn Holmberg [email protected] 763-784-8835 Vice President H. Martin Swan [email protected] 612-961-1684 Past President Cy Svobodny [email protected] 651-455-0052 National Director Bill Dredge [email protected] 952-937-1313 Treasurer Dan Meyer [email protected] 763-784-8835 Secretary Dave Norman [email protected] 612-729-2428 Trustee Bob Clarkson [email protected] 651-636-2323 Staff Program Chairman Richard Tubbesing [email protected] 763-757-1304

Newsletter Editor Russ Isbrandt [email protected] 651-426-1156 Newsletter Production Richard Tubbesing [email protected] 763-757-1304 and Distribution Chapter Librarian / John Cartwright [email protected] 651-481-8479 Historian Webmaster Dan Meyer Website: www.northstar-nrhs.org Chapter Mail Box Northstar Chapter PO Box 120832 St. Paul, MN 55112 NRHS NOTE: Consult the website for any announcements regarding chapter activities including cancellation of any meeting for any reason, including weather. Newsletter deadline for submissions is the 2nd Saturday before the meeting. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Dues are $48 ($36 for the National dues and $12 for the local dues). Family memberships are $5 per person additional. The student rate is $22 ($16 for the National, $6 for the Northstar Chapter). If you want to join, an application is available at http:www.northstar-nrhs.org/. Print out this application and send it with a check made payable to “Northstar Chapter NRHS” to Northstar Chapter NRHS Membership Services, P.O. Box 120832, St. Paul, MN 55112. A subscription to this newsletter may be obtained for $15 for either printed or electronic edition by sending a check to the post office box above specifying the form of the newsletter you desire. A subscription does NOT include voting privileges at chapter meetings nor any of the NRHS membership benefits and no membership application is needed. Directions to Roseville Lutheran Church Minnesota Railfans Trip to Elbow Lake From the east and west take MN 36 to Lexington Avenue. By Richard Prosser Drive south on Lexington Avenue to Roselawn Avenue From the and turn right. The large lighted parking lot is on your right MRA Cinders and Sparks 1963 as you travel west on Roselawn. Use the lower entrance to the church and turn left through the commons area. MAJESTIC MIDNIGHTER MAGNIFIGENT We’ll be in room 40, the Diamond Room. It was a small band of MRA's heartiest members which assembled November 2, 1963 for the nocturnal outing to Elbow Lake. This was the first fantrip on the Soo since the winter safari to Duluth in early 1961.

Three of the entourage of 19 boarded at St.Paul. After a quick run up the Milwaukee’s Short Line, the half-hour stop at Minneapolis allowed time to marvel at the Rock Island’s overnight to Kansas City, headed by a BL-2 an early Alco (sic), which departed at 8:25. Our own train was composed of F-unit 502A painted in a blah-ish solid maroon, GP 555 painted scantily, 4 standard headend cars, 2 coaches and a standard sleeper (all Soo) for Win- nipeg, and a baggage car and coach for Portal.

About 8:50 pm we backed out to begin the Soo’s weird departure from Minneapolis (beside the GN Station on the M&St.L – NP. We were just speculating as to where 2 At 11:30 pm we reached Glenwood, where the "Elite" separates from the "Majestic". We found that, on the Glenwood train board the "Majestic" is still recognized by its original name “Mountaineer”. Many pictures were taken of the haunting midnight scene.

About 12:00M the "Elite" hauled by the 555, departed. The 502A tied onto our 2 cars, and at 12:15 am the "Ma- jestic" was away west. The nonstop run to Elbow Lake consumed 38 miles of moonlit countryside punctuated occasionally by small-town lights, stark black grain eleva- tors, winking green train order boards, and one prairie or dump fire. We arrived a few minutes ahead of 1:00 am.

The city had ignored our inquiries for a wee-hour supper, so Dick Prosser had finally written, intimating that we Rock Island BL-2, sister to the power observed by the MRA might stir up a storm during our visit . As a result, this was members on train 15 in Minneapolis at Rock Island’s 18th the first time MRAers had the honor of a police guard! St. Chicago engine terminal. Photo by Russ Isbrandt While we walked rather boisterously up town, the patrol car warily watched our every movement. The bus depot cafe kindly opened its doors, and soon our group was feasting on everything from bacon-and-eggs to ice cream. Dick provided supper music and more back at the station, where even the patrolman joined the group to await the eastbound No.14, down by 15 minutes. Soon its head- light came blazing through the ticket room window, a strik- ing sight. A blatant horn heralded a bright red-and-white GP at the helm. We quickly entrained for the return trip.

The reassembly at Glenwood, a station stop at Paynes- ville, and a stop at Loretto for a wayward order board marked the return trip, which was spent mostly in sleep. A rosy dawn flecked with clouds was coming up over the deluxe Upper Harbor development as #10-14 swerved by the Minneapolis Post Office. —RSP

Soo Winnipeger (that dark maroon line near the bottom of the photo) passing by the Minneapolis downtown post office on its way to the morning arrival at the Milwaukee Road Station. Photo from the Northstar Chapter Library Earl Bey was, when the train stopped just before the 1st Street North junction and a red-faced Earl came bustling aboard. He had missed the train at the Milwaukee Station so he flagged it with a horizontal (stop) wave at this point! The conductor managed to reconcile his count after some effort, and we were away again. It was agreed that Dick Prosser’s "request night" and sing-along would wait until we were further out of town.

Conditions were ideal (full moon, clear sky, lights turned out) for a night ride on the "Elite” and "Majestic". Soon we lurched through the hamlet of Hamel, scene of the 1959 Soo Winnipeger at New Hope, MN. Photo Joe Stark derailment which spawned the names of "Elite" and "Ma- Comeback Quickens for jestic” for this train. Some MRAers took up posts at the rear door to watch rails in the moonlight, and the rear North American Streetcars trainman was very cooperative in answering questions. By Douglas John Bowen, What was the speed limit on the line? "Fifty-nine" he re- Managing Editor, Railway Age plied, then with a wink and a shrug, "But…..” From April 2011 Railway Age Magazine

With Dick Prosser fulfilling requests on the violin, and Blinded by the bright spotlight (or flame-throwing going many talented voices blending in song, the time and miles back and forth) of debate over U.S. high speed rail pro- passed rapidly. posals, it's easy for many to miss a U.S. resurgence of passenger rail on a more local, intimate level: streetcars. Even regular fare patrons joined in the festivities. Sand- Cities that never fully surrendered their streetcar opera- wiches and cookies brought as a "hedge" against the un- tions—New Orleans and San Francisco come to mind— known at Elbow Lake were freely passed around. are now actively pursuing their expansion. Portland, OR, 3 expanding its leadership rail role established by its suc- nership arrangement, to address a university short- cessful MAX light rail system, continues to expand its her- age—and cement a ready ridership base. alded (and complementary) four-mile Portland Streetcar operation, which debuted in July 2001. Tacoma, WA, al- Arguments for some new-start streetcar systems often ready has its modest streetcar (sold originally as "light include a favorable price point comparison to larger and rail"), while bigger neighbor Seattle, new on the scene in more expensive LRT systems. But numerous cities are terms of both LRT and streetcars, is actively pursuing ex- advancing plans for streetcars in addition to (often exist- pansion of both. ing) LRT lines or heavy-rail rapid transit service, not in lieu of same. But if "Northwest is Best" for U.S. streetcar growth, the region no longer holds sole sway over a U.S. streetcar fu- "It is likely that [Portland, OR's]MAX made streetcars eas- ture, and rail industry suppliers, including car builders, are ier to understand," says TriMet Communications Director actively pursuing opportunities nationwide. Mary Fetsch. "But it also brought new issues into the dis- cussion. For example, there was concern among North- Though the list fluctuates with additions and subtractions, west neighbors about the size and character of the street- seemingly by the week, at press time the list of U.S. cities car. A MAX train would be outsized for street running in planning, advancing, constructing, or even operating "true" that neighborhood which grew up around old streetcars streetcar lines—as opposed to light rail transit (LRT) rail and probably horses and buggies. So there was some systems that include street running—include: Atlanta; challenge drawing the distinction. But on the whole it Charlotte, NC, Cincinnati, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Or- probably helped quite a bit." leans Portland, OR ("of course," one industry observer stated flatly); St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Se- Sometimes "local" support originates not first from city attle and Tacoma, WA, Tucson, AZ, and Washington, D.C., officials or transit agencies, but from finite neighborhoods. and nearby suburbs (with anywhere from two to four In Dallas, residents of the city's Oak Cliff section, just streetcar lines being advanced). south and west of downtown, are acknowledged leaders in driving political momentum to restoring and expanding Add Canadian cities such as Toronto (which has ordered streetcar options. The non-profit Oak Cliff Transit Authority 386 Flexity vehicles from Bombardier), Vancouver, and/or is making its push even as Dallas Area Rapid Transit pur- Victoria, British Columbia, into the potential mix, and it's sues its own Downtown Dallas Streetcar project to im- little wonder the streetcar market, slow to develop and still prove rail access to the central city, and as DART ad- largely under the radar, looks bright. vances plans to link the heritage McKinney Ave. Transit Authority (M-Line) streetcar to DART LRT service. Local needs breed local support It's true, as political analysts note, that many of the federal Streetcar suppliers get proactive economic recovery transportation projects backed by the Rolling stock suppliers—old and new—see big potential Obama Administration's TIGER II grant program are in profits. LRT manufacturers such as Alstom, Bombardier states where the administration's opponents are rejecting Transportation, and Siemens Mobility are more than ea- such funds. High speed rail (HSR) and higher-speed rail ger to modify existing streetcar specifications employed (HrSR) programs have faltered or fallen under such for European and Asian products to fit U.S. Buy America moves, and such actions are also under way to threaten and Americans with Disabililties Act (ADA) needs. nascent streetcar development in many places, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City. Buoyed by anti-tax Indeed, Bombardier already is rolling out the first 204 governors (some would add: who are also anti-rail), local Flexity Outlook light rail vehicles—streetcars in many anti-rail citizens groups have found new political ammuni- ways, if not by name—and possibly as many as 386, for tion to resurrect recent unsuccessful campaigns to halt Toronto's "Transit City" program, a program still alive de- streetcar development. Federal streetcar grants of $47.7 spite political turmoil. Bombardier beat out Siemens Can- million (for Atlanta) and $26 million (for Salt Lake City) are ada for the Toronto orders, but Siemens Mobility, itself a being questioned. In Cincinnati, federal contributions ap- significant force in North American LRT manufacturing, pear to be secure, but Ohio Gov. John Kasich has moved has made clear its Sacramento, CA, facility is ready to to withdraw $15 million in state funding already awarded to handle streetcar development. Last month, Bombardier the city for its $128 million starter streetcar system. formally announced its PRI-MOVE technology, which Bombardier Transportation President Andre Navarri said Still, local projects, more than HSR or HrSR, often gener- would allow streetcars and LRT, as well as rubber-tired ate deeper local support precisely because the benefits vehicles, "to operate electrically without catenary, cables, are more easily envisioned or perceived. Some streetcar stops, long waits for batteries to recharge and, most im- projects are also depending in part on local funding. West portant, they will be able to share the same infrastruc- Sacramento, CA, taxpayers voted to tax themselves for a ture." streetcar project to tie their downtown to larger neighbor Sacramento and its LRT system—and so voted during the But the competitive field is growing. Kinkisharyo Interna- 2008 election, even in the face of (what became known as) tional in January literally began taking its show on the the Great Recession. road, unveiling its LFX-300 "ameriTRAM" ™ hybrid streetcar in Charlotte, NC in January, then moving on to In Tucson, AZ, the city plans to augment its proposed 3.9 numerous cities such as Dallas and Salt Lake City (RA, mile streetcar line, which serves the University of Arizona, October 2010, p. 12). Kinkisharyo says it "has completed with student housing development, in a public/private part- engineering tests and trials," and the hybrid streetcar "is

4 proven ready for the North American market. The better than expected, but not as good as we would like. ameriTRAM™, a 100% low-floor streetcar, is powered by Dan also reported that he has been keeping the chapter's e-Brid™, a propulsion technology that enables operation website up to date. Calendar sales - it's about the same, powered by overhead catenary or onboard lithium-ion bat- but we did sell a couple more. Dan reported on a scanner teries. for radio contact with train crews. There has been a blank area southwest of the Twin Cities for this, but a receiver Kinkisharyo says ameriTRAM™ was specifically engi- was recently installed covering this area. The Northstar neered for North America and complies with the Americans Chapter gets credit for this, so it is good publicity for us. with Disabilities Act, Buy America, NFPA-130, and ASME This radio is connected to the Internet. National director RT-1. Bill Dredge was at the NRHS National Board of Directors meeting at Urbana, IL this weekend. The big item on the Then there's newcomer United Streetcar, LLC, a newly agenda for this meeting was the budget. Bill will also rep- formed subsidiary of Clackamas, OR based Oregon Iron resent the chapter at the meeting during the NRHS Na- Works touting U.S.-based streetcar manufacturing. The tional Convention in Tacoma this summer. There was a company, perhaps predictably, landed a "hometown" discussion of the proxy form sent out by the NRHS na- streetcar order from Portland Streetcar for six cars, after tional office. It was suggested that everyone carefully supplying an initial prototype (which made its own U.S. read the form before they make any choices, but they are tour in 2010, including Austin, TX, and Cincinnati). But free to mark it as they wish. Member Frank Wilkie was United Streetcar followed up with a seven-car order from presented with a pin commemorating 25 years of NRHS Tucson, AZ, placed last year, to supply that city's new membership. John Goodman was also at Urbana for the 3.9-mile streetcar line, expected to open in 2013. meeting. Fourteen people, mostly members but also in- cluding a guest or two, went on our group trip on the Cost variables in play Northstar commuter train a few weeks ago. We are still Such competitive pursuit of suitors may help cities keep looking at a trip to Omaha in September. There was a their purchase costs down, even as fiscal pressures mount description of the proposed trip. Also, we are looking at from other, more antagonistic sources. So, too, might the another Northstar trip in early July. Dick Tubbesing talked cost of petroleum products, expected to rise with any about upcoming programs. Russ Isbrandt presented a global economic recovery, which could dampen prospects show of slides from the early 1970s, when he lived in for Bus Rapid Transit alternatives, as well as rail options. Cincinnati. For the May meeting, Bill Herzog will show But for some North American municipalities, a decision slides. In September or October, John Goodman will favoring streetcar development already appears to have show vintage slides. Dick Tubbesing said that he also been made. plans to present a program later this year. The first of our planned picnics will be on Saturday, June 11th at Coon "We have very frequent visits from all around the world," Rapids alongside the BNSF tracks. Dick said that he had says TriMet's Fetch. "The mayor and half the city council checked with the American Legion post by that site. The from Seattle recently were here. We've hosted people from second picnic will be at Maiden Rock, WI along the BNSF all over the country, while Portland Streetcar, Inc., and mainline there, probably on Saturday, August 20th. To First Stop Portland have hosted [delegations from] Shang- avoid conflict with the dates of other events that many hai and Tokyo just since the new year began. We (TriMet) chapter members might be attending, some of the don't see them all because some meet with just Portland planned events have been moved up to a date earlier in Streetcar, Inc., First Stop Portland, Portland State Univer- the month than our usual third Saturday. Joe Stark re- sity, or city of Portland officials. But most of the visits we ported on sales of duplicate items or items deemed not get to TriMet are interested in both streetcar and MAX." relevant to the chapter library at events like model railroad flea markets or meetings of the Train Collectors As with North American LRT development, doubtless nu- Association. Newsletter editor Russ Isbrandt said that he merous streetcar proposals will be thwarted, delayed, or had nothing new, but noted that he is always looking for killed outright by anti-rail forces and/or funding issues. But stories or other items that he can use. Cheer Committee as with any material product, seeing is believing, and mu- - Marty Swan said that, last month, he had sent a card to nicipalities large and small across North America are more Ron Linebarger noting the death of his mother. Ron ac- than willing to consider streetcars not as quaint relics, but knowledged receiving the card of condolences. Bill Her- as part of their 21st century package. zog said that the minutes of the February meeting indi- Minutes of the April 16, 2011 Meeting cated that he planned to work on the steam locomotive at Bandana Square this year. He can't do that - he doesn't The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by chapter have the energy. There was a discussion of the project. president Dawn Holmberg in the Roseville Lutheran The question was asked if there any members willing to Church with approximately 20 members and guests pre- help with the project. There was a call for any other Old sent (more people arrived later.) Those present were Business. asked to introduce themselves. A motion was made, sec- onded, and carried to approve the minutes of the March New Business - The Holiday Party was discussed. We 19, 2011 membership meeting, as published in the April need to make a reservation soon. Dick Tubbesing made 2011 issue of Northstar News. Treasurer Dan Meyer gave a motion that we go back to Gulden's this year. The mo- his report, which included the current balance in the tion was seconded and carried. We need to have a accounts. He described membership numbers as some- Nominating Committee in place before the September what disappointing, although he has gotten a number of meeting. Frank Wilkie, Dawn Holmberg, and Cy Svo- renewals and several more are pending. Also, we now bodny volunteered. It was noted that we can defer a final have six subscribers. We have a budget that is slightly 5 decision until next month's meeting. We need one more - This project re-establishes non-board member on the committee. There was a call for regional passenger rail service from Duluth to Minneapo- any other business or announcements. There will be a lis. Travel time for the 155-mile route would be approxi- model railroad flea market with several portable model mately two hours each way. Track and signal improve- train layouts at St. Cloud on Saturday, April 30th. The Twin ments and modern rail locomotives and coaches are pro- City Model Railroad Museum will have a large flea market posed to provide service at speeds up to 110 mph. Con- at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 14th. We have struction will be substantially completed by 2015 at an membership applications available. A motion to adjourn estimated cost of $940 million. Status: Environmental ap- the meeting was made, seconded, and carried at 7:35 proval - Summer 2011. Next phase: PE/Final design - Fall p,m. After a brief break, Russ Isbrandt presented the 2011 program. It was a slide show. mostly around Cincinnati Rochester Zip Rail Corridor - This project establishes a and other Midwest areas, but also including a trip to the 150 mph to 200 mph high speed rail service from the Pacific Northwest (including scenes from western Can- Twin Cities to Rochester. The first phase of work will ada). complete the environmental approval and preliminary en- Respectfully submitted, gineering by 2015 at a cost of $75 million. Full project Dave Norman, Secretary, Northstar Chapter NRHS build-out will be completed by 2025 at an estimated cost Proposed Passenger Rail Projects in of approximately $1 billion. Status: Initial feasibility de- termined. Next phase: Environmental Analysis - Fall 2011 Minnesota Other Minnesota High Speed Passenger Rail Corri- Minnesota Department of Transportation dors Development Projects Objective Moorhead Passenger Rail Corridor - This BNSF line is To construct high speed passenger rail in the State of Min- the current alignment from the Twin Cities nesota in partnership with the U.S. DOT and Federal Rail- to Moorhead. The corridor overlaps with the existing road Administration. The program assumptions include: Northstar service to Big Lake as well as the 1. projects will be under construction or completed within proposed Northstar extension to Cambridge. It will also four years, 2. FRA project delivery project approval proc- benefit from the BNSF 3rd Main Project and the down- esses must be streamlined, 3. 100% federal capital finan- town to downtown improvements. Construction could cial commitment, 4. sustainable local funding for opera- start by 2015 at an estimated cost of $725 million. tions and maintenance, 5. completion of passenger rail Mankato Passenger Rail Corridor - This project was improvements in and between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. identified as a Phase 1 Corridor in Minnesota's Compre- The Minnesota Rail Development Proposal hensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan. Twin Cities Metro Rail Access and Capacity Projects Needs in this corridor include conventional (90 mph) pas- BNSF Northtown Yard 3rd Main Project - This project in- senger rail service that accommodates four trains per day volves the construction of a third mainline track via the proposed Minnesota Valley Line. Construction can along the BNSF mainline corridor from Coon Creek to I- begin after 2015 at an estimated cost of $750 million. 694 for passenger and freight rail transportation Twin Cities to La Crosse Corridor - This project serves improvements. Costs include purchase of easement rights important communities along the current Empire and passenger rail capacity improvements. The Builder route east of the Twin Cities. In the event that this work will provide passenger, intercity and commuter rail route is not the high speed route to Chicago,regional congestion relief, a future passenger rail station at service will be initiated. Construction may begin by 2015 Foley Boulevard, and prevent degradation of existing at an estimated cost of $960 miliion. freight service. Project will be completed by 2015 at Eau Claire Passenger Rail Corridor - This project an estimated cost of $115 million. Status: Engineering serves as a bi-state intercity commuter corridor and is completed. Next phase: Construction - Summer / Fail currently subject to commuter studies such as the Gate- 2011. way Corridor, Improvements will provide service up to 90 Minneapolis to Saint Paul (Downtown to Downtown) mph and construction can be underway after 2015 at an Connection Project - This project is a crucial element estimated cost of $370 million. of the intrastate and interstate passenger rail system in MTM Train Strikes and Kills Trespasser on Minnesota. The Twin Cities connection is vital in CP Rails terms of systems efficiencies, rider convenience, and time St. Paul Pioneer Press advantages to final destinations. The FRA has By Tad Vezner and John Brewer also emphasized the need to connect St. Paul and Min- 4/29/2011 neapolis with high speed rail service. Construction A St. Paul man walking on railroad tracks on the border of completed by 2015 at an estimated cost of $195 million. Shoreview and Vadnais Heights was struck and killed by a train Status: Study scope determined. Next phase: Environmen- Friday afternoon, April 29th. tal work - Fall 2011. East Metro Freight and Passenger Rail Capacity Im- James John Cunningham, 54, was hit about 2:15 pm just north provements Project - This project provides of Interstate 694 near Rice Street, Ramsey County officials said. improvements for passenger rail and freight rail efficiency Cunningham's father lives not far from the site of the accident, and capacity between Phalen Boulevard and the authorities said. Hastings Bridge. Costs include track improvements, sig- The accident happened at Cardigan Junction, an area with rail naling and train controls. Construction completed by lines belonging to multiple operators. 2015 at an estimated cost of $525 million. Status: Capacity study near completion. Next phase: Design/engineering - The train itself was owned by the Minnesota Transportation Mu- Fall 2011 seum, which was transporting vintage train cars from the Jack- 6 son Street Roundhouse, north of downtown St. Paul, to a tourism end of what will be the 40th anniversary display train at Wash- site in Osceola, WI. ington Union Station. It’ll tour the country (with P40 No. 822 pulling initially) starting the weekend of May 7th and will serve The train operator told Ramsey County investigators that as he as a “non-powered control unit” on push-pull trains when its tour rounded a bend heading north he saw a man on the tracks. It is complete. was not clear whether his back was turned.

The train sounded its horn, but it appeared the man did not hear the train coming, the operator told investigators. The train could not stop in time before hitting the man, and he was declared dead at the scene, Ramsey County officials said.

"It looked like he was taking a picture. He may not have seen the train or just froze. They stopped it pretty quick, but unfortunately not in time," Gustafson said, adding the train was going under the posted speed limit for the area, though it was right at the curve, limiting visibility.

Cunningham's family told investigators that he had no history of mental problems, and he seemed fine when he left the house: waiting for his laundry to dry when he went out for a walk. He often took pictures on his walks, the family told police. The man's heritage units are lined up at the Ivy City Engine cell phone was found nearby, Gustafson added. "It was kind of Yard Washington, D.C. for an official photograph. Photo by one of those tragic accidents," Gustafson said. Trains Magazine’s Bob Johnston Also part of the tour train will be Café 85999; display cars Sara VanLaningham, who lives nearby, said she walks in the 10095, 10094, and 10093; and sleeping car/lounge Pacific Bend area frequently. She said she didn't understand how someone No. 10020 (for the train’s crew). couldn't hear a train approaching. "Our houses shake when trains Builder returns to normal North Dakota routing go by." She said in the 10 years she's lived there, she couldn't Published: May 5, 2011 remember any other accidents at that location. CHICAGO — Amtrak’s Empire Builder will use its normal route across North Dakota today after nearly a week of detours due to The train was made up of three engines, two passenger cars and high water. However, unless major work is done, the Builder a baggage car. The locomotive powering the train was not a vin- may be forced back onto the more direct but less populated tage engine. route through New Rockford, ND, later this year. From Railway Age Breaking News The water of Devils Lake is lapping at BNSF’s roadbed near Amtrak taps railfans to bolster security Churchs Ferry, ND. The freight railroad has diverted all ship- Tuesday, April 19, 2011 ments from the threatened portion of the line, leaving Amtrak as Mirroring or mimicking the earlier actions of Class I freight rail- the only user. With lake levels on the rise, a recent study found road BNSF, Amtrak, Monday, April 18th, said it hopes to use the raising the line high enough to keep it safe over the long term railfan community to help bolster the railroad’s own safety, using would cost $100 million. that base as a source of information and security. ‘City’ to be truncated into next week; ‘Eagle’ detours around derailment A program entitled Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security is Published: May 6, 2011 being launched Tuesday, recruiting railfans who already watch CHICAGO — Amtrak’s City of New Orleans won’t operate north (and often meticulously record) train movements. Amtrak is ask- of Memphis through at least Thursday, May 12th owing to high ing this community to watch for suspicious and/or unusual activity water near Cairo, IL. Meanwhile, the Texas Eagle is traveling an on trains, in or near stations, and along rail right-of-way. alternate route after a freight derailed at North Little Rock, AR.

Participants can register online to participate in the program to The City hasn’t operated through since last week, as high water acquire membership cards and to learn more about what safety has put much of Cairo underwater. Host railroad Canadian Na- and security concerns they should look out for and how to report tional has been able to keep its freight trains moving via the them. parallel Bluford Subdivision. From Trains Newswire WASHINGTON UP spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza-Williams said the Eagle’s Published: May 5, 2011— Amtrak lined up five locomotives rep- reroute stems from a 10-car derailment at the yard in North Little resenting its current and historical paint schemes for a photo Rock. The derailment occurred around 7 pm yesterday, May 5th shoot as workers prepared to celebrate the railroad’s 40th anni- and fouled both main tracks. The railroad hoped to reopen versary. The railroad began operations on May 1, 1971, taking around midnight May 6th. No injuries resulted from the wreck, over passenger operations from most of the nation’s privately which is now under investigation. owned railroads. The Eagle detoured over UP’s route through Pine Bluff, AR, with Work on the heritage locomotives began earlier this year, with connecting buses serving stations along the normal route. the first example, P42 No. 145, debuting January 31. The rail- road’s Beech Grove, IN, shops painted the four heritage engines. Railfan Calendar P42 No. 148 represented the current “Phase V” scheme. No. 145 wasn’t present, but P40 No. 822 stood in its place to represent Twin City Model Railroad Museum Model Railroad Show the 1979-era Phase III scheme. The shoot took place at Ivy City Saturday May 14th, 9 am to 3 pm, Minnesota State Fair Yard outside Washington Union Station. Grounds Education Building. Admission $6.00, under 5 free. Your hand stamp for entry will get you a $2.00 discount on the Meanwhile, F40PH No. 406, stripped of its prime mover and admission to the Twin City Model Railroad Museum including equipped with a new head-end power generator, sat at the head the Toy Train Division the day of the sale. 7 Randolph Railroad Days pin, turn left onto Hennepin and right at the first entrance to the Saturday, May 21st, 10 am - 3 pm, Randolph School and Mu- parking lot. seum. Admission $5.00, children 12 and under with an adult, free. Northstar Chapter June Picnic Saturday June 11th 10:30am - 4:30 pm. See details and map Northstar Chapter Library Open House below. Saturday, May 21st, 1 pm - 4 pm, 2010 E. Hennepin Ave. Build- ing #6, 2nd floor. Exit 35W at Stinson Blvd., go south to Henne- First Chapter Summer Picnic Date June 11, 2011 Time: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Place: Coon Rapids American Legion Post 334!shelter along the BNSF Staples Subdivision mainline. Beverages to be supplied. Bring your own meat to grill.

Northstar News!!!!!!!!!!!!! Northstar Chapter !!!!!!!!!!!!! National Railway Historical Society!!!!!!!!!! 1515 Creek Meadows Drive NW Coon Rapids, MN, 55433-3768!!!!!!!!!!! ! Address Correction Requested

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