The EAST COAST CHAMPION



ANNOUNCEMENT New chapter mailing address: Florida East Coast Chapter NRHS

PO Box 238293

Cocoa Fl

32923

MINUTES OF THE MAY 2007 MEETING

Chapter Vice President Hal Greenlee called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM on May 14, 2007. 17 chapter members were in attendance. Liz Sowden was also present.

Raffle –Stan Bell announced that he was returning to Delaware for the summer and that he had a donation to be raffled off. When asked what the item was he said that it was something that everyone needed and that no one would lose. The writer won the first item, a can of WD-40. Stan had several other similar items which were raffled off and a pocket screw driver for anyone who did not win in the raffle. Stan’s raffles are always a lot of fun and always bring in some to help out the treasury. Thanks Stan we all appreciate what you do for the chapter.

Treasurer’s Report –Bob Selle presented the treasurers report. Don Pirson moved to approve the report. Jim Carter seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Approval of Minutes –The Secretary called for additions, corrections or comments to the March minutes as published in the “Champion”. None were offered. Bob Selle offered the motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Don Pirson seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Old Business:

• Field trips: Stan Bell had suggested that we visit the FEC shop in new Smyrna Beach. The chapter members showed general agreement that they would like to visit the shop again. Stan agreed to set up the visit when he returns this fall.

Stan had also suggested that we ride the Inland Lakes Railway. The writer announced that the Central Florida Chapter was sponsoring an excursion on the Inland Lakes Railway on Memorial Day to Orlando. The writer will get further details on pricing and reservations. Interested chapter members should call the writer for info.

The Central Florida Chapter is also sponsoring a “Forgotten Right-of-Way Tour”. The writer will also get more detail on this tour.

The writer also had previously suggested a trip to West Palm Beach to visit the Flagler museum. Possibly meet some of the Palm Beach Chapter members or ride the TriRail.

New Business:

• We have a new post office box number. The old box number is being done away with. The new box number is 238293. The box is located in the new post office on SR 524. Bob Selle and the writer have a key to the box. The above plus Hal Greenlee has authorization to receive mail for the Chapter.

• The library has donated a number of books to the Chapter. The subject matter is primarily trolley subjects but some were on conventional railroads. The library is disposing of the books because there was no circulation for the books.

After considerable discussion regarding what to do the books, Rich Nordstrom made a motion to raffle 3 books a month off. The raffle winner could select the book of his choice. The motion was seconded by Larry King and passed unanimously. In addition there was a set of three books from CERA that was to be auctioned as a set. Bob Selle was the only bidder. (Bob told the writer that he has found a number of his own photos in the books which he was unaware that they had been published.)

Larry King, Tom Hammond and Bob Robinson each won a book. (Would these individuals please let the Secretary know the title of the book which they selected?)

Reports & Announcements:

▪ None

Program

▪ Hal Greenlee: “The History of EMD” by Mark One Video

STACK TALK BY Neil Moran June 2007

Since this is the last column before September due to summer break, I am changing the format by giving you the exciting steam news that is coming out of Canada and the United States.

CANADA:

The Canadian Pacific Railway has announced a first in its annals of steam excursions with their Hudson 2816. They plan on running a two-week excursion that will start in Calgary and end in Chicago. Here are the details. Starting August 17 CP 4-6-4 Hudson will depart Calgary, Alberta and journey across the Canadian prairie, the former route of the CP famous Canadian Streamliner. The train will have luxury premium class accommodations with the Milwaukee Road Superdome #53 and Skytop Observation car “Cedar Rapids”. The train overnights in Swift Current, and on the 18th departs for Broadview, Saskatoon. Departure out of Broadview is on the 19th heads east to Winnipeg. On the 20th #2816 departs Winnipeg and then will make some history when she and her train go on the former Soo Line, the route of the “Winnipegger”. After an overnight stop in Thief River Falls, Minnesota on the 21st the “special” will arrive in Minneapolis at the Shoreham Shops on the 22nd.

But our journey is not over yet by a long shot. On August 29th #2816 will travel on the mainline that was once the route of the famous “Hiawathas” between Minneapolis and Chicago. This part of the trip offers exceptional views of the scenic Mississippi River Valley. However, there is an overnight stay at Milwaukee, the famous “beer city”. The next day a high-speed run on double track, mainline into Chicago’s Union Station where some ceremonies will take place to honor the #2816 grand entrance.

On September l,2,and 3 the Hudson will make a series of three roundtrips over the former Milwaukee Road mainline from Franklin Park Metro station to Sturtevant, Wisconsin that includes the freight line from Bensenville to Tower A-20. Upon arrival at Sturtevant the passengers can get an optional BBQ lunch that will be served at trackside. Then on Tuesday September 4, #2816 starts her journey back to Minneapolis with a one-way trip out of Chicago to La Crosse, WI. There is an overnight stay in the Hiawatha Valley along the Mississippi for servicing. The following day September 5, a high speed run to Minneapolis over the CP mainline.

September and 9th two roundtrips along the former Soo Line routes out of CP’s Shorham Shops in Minneapolis to Glenwood, MN. This freight only trackage has not seen a steam locomotive in decades. The line is quite scenic as you pass through “Soo Line” towns such as Buffalo, Annandale, and Paynesville. Arriving at Glenwood, the Hudson will be turned on the former Soo Line table. That alone should be quite the shot! Departing back to the Shoreham Shops, the steam train will again pass through the lovely countryside into Minneapolis. The next day #2816 heads east along the original Soo line route to Sault Ste. Marie on its way to Dressler, WI. Again a very scenic line along the St. Croix River Valley that includes going over the Soo low bridge over the St. Croix River, then past former Soo stations Osceola and into DressIer. Both are magnificent structures that were built by the Railroad. When the train arrives at Dressier much pomp and ceremony will, take place as neighboring towns join in for the festivities.

Now for the whipped cream on the cake. Since this extravaganza is partly sponsored by the “Friends of #261”, on September 15 for one day only, both the #2816 and Milwaukee Road #261 will double head out of Minneapolis a round trip to La Crosse WI along the Mississippi River. If you have an ounce of steam in your veins, you do not want to miss a 4-6-4, and a 4-8-4 polishing the rails, and bringing up the markers with the magnificent skytop car Cedar Rapids.

The next day the Hudson makes a one-way move out of Minneapolis heading westward back to Calgary. This will be almost be a duplicate itinerary of the eastward schedule. This time overnight stops at River Falls, MN and Brandon, Manitoba; Moose Jaw, Saskatoon; and Medicine Hat, Alberta. There is a special one day layover in Winnipeg for servicing and display. All this comes to an end when the #2816 finally pulls into Calgary on September 22nd. What an epic journey for this locomotive and her crew who will be totally exhausted from this adventure.

Tickets have been on sale since April 15th but you can still call 651-765-9812 for further information between 9 and 4 pm. Mail your ticket orders to “Friends of the #261” at 4322 Lake Point Court, Shoreview MN 55126.

By the way, the #2816 will not be cooling its heels while waiting for this monster trip. She is slated to make a trip out of Calgary on July 2nd to Vancouver with the usual stops at Banff, Lake Louise, Revelstoke, and Kamloops before heading down the Fraser River into Vancouver. Then on July 9th an eastward swing through the mountain ranges of the Rockies which will be considered a rare mileage trip as the train heads south out of Golden along the Kootanay subdivision up into the Crows nest Pass where the train crosses many bridges before descending on to the Lethbridge trestle and finally north to Calgary.

In other news from Canada, when the Royal Hudson #2860 ran down to White Rock, B.C. there was no problems with the locomotive and she ran without incident. What was unknown to me was that some CN union workers were on strike such as maintenance of way, and management of controls. But they all put their differences aside when they heard the #2860 was running a fan trip out of Vancouver to White Rock, BC. The workers fully cooperated with excursion and made sure everything went well. Shows the power of steam! There is a strong possibility that they will run another excursion sometime in either May or June. The Royal Hudson is presently stored in Squamish in a secure building.

UNITED STATES:

Back in April a month before #4449 was to double head with Union Pacific #844 last month the crew discovered a problem with the main driving bearing. Fortunately they were able to get the 4-8-4 to Albany, Oregon for wheel repairs. Bruce Carswell, Portland & Western’s president and general manager, said the locomotive would be there for a week. The main reason she was brought there is because they have one of the only drop tables in the state that is big enough to handle such a large locomotive. The P&W offered the City of Portland, which owns the engine, free use of their facility and provided some of the labor. Both the UP #844 and the SP #4449 pulled an excursion train from Tacoma to Everett, Washington last month on BNSF tracks north of Seattle. Most of the money from ticket sales will go to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation that is hoping to build a new home for the “Daylight” engine, the SP&S #700, and the Oregon RR and Navigation 4-6-2 Pacific #197. By the way, hats off to the crew for all they did and a special tip of the hat to Mr. Carswell for repairing the locomotive.

We will stay in California for one more story. A few months ago I reported the ex SP Pacific #2472 had been evicted from its former site at the Hunters Point Naval Base and moved to the Niles Canyon Railway in Sunol. In news just in the Golden State Railway Museum in Sunol had announced that the Pacific has been successfully steam tested as mandated by federal law under the 1474 day inspection rules. The locomotive is slowly being restored, and hopes to have all repairs completed by this year. No. 2472 served almost thirty six years on the Southern Pacific. She was retired in 1957 an put on display at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds in 1959. It sat there until 1976 when a group of volunteers decided to restore it. She is one of just three surviving SP Pacific engines left.

Moving east to the Grand Canyon Railway, they have acquired former Spokane, Portland and Seattle 2-8-2 Mikado and will restore it to service for use on its 65-mile operation between Williams, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. This is the second Mike the railroad has purchased. The other is the ex Burlington Route #4960. Moving the engine from its location at Battle Ground WA proved to be no easy task. They used two city air compressors along with SP&S trucks to help move the Mikado along. Several 30-foot sections of portable track were rotated to provide a roadbed out of the area in Vancouver WA. After the engine moved sixty feet, section gangs unbolted two sections at the rear of the locomotive. A lift truck carried them to the front where they were bolted down to provide an additional fifty feet for travel until it got to the railroad at Vancouver WA. It was then loaded onto flat cars for the move to Williams AZ. In return, the Grand Canyon RR is sending Mr. Brian Fleming, who took over the transaction from the city of Vancouver, two of Grand Canyon’s ex Lake Superior & Ishpeming 2-8-0s #18 and #20 built by ALCO’s Pittsburgh shops in 1910. The Chief Mechanical Officer of the GCRR said he hopes to have the #539 operable in time for #4960’s inspection which at the current usage would be no later 2014. Remember the GCRR has just been purchased by Xanterrra Parks and Resorts, and all that could change when the railroad is presented with their thoughts of operating steam in the next decade. Xanterra is a very serious history conscience company, and some people that work for the railroad think it is possible to have the #539 restored sooner than 2014. As the Good Book says “All things are possible.”

We mosey over to the Durango & Silverton now where volunteers have just about completed the restoration on former Rio Grande 2-8-0 #315. By the time you read this final adjustments and test runs should already been done. The engine was built in 1895 by the Baldwin Company for the Florence & Cripple Creek and was purchased in 1917 by the Rio Grande. It was put into service in the 1920s as Denver & Rio Grande #425 and was later renumber #315. She spent much of her working days on the Rio Grande as a helper out of Salida on the line from Gunnison to Montrose. Later she ended her career in service as a switch engine in Durango. It appeared in films such as “Ticket to Tomahawk” and “Around the World in Eighty Days”. Present plans are for the consol to spend a month on the Cumbres & Toltec RR this summer, then later on move back to the D&S for the railroad’s railfest August 22-26. Then, it will possibly be used on a special excursion tour of the fall colors outing in September.

Two special days are being planned by the San Luis & Grande RR September 20 and 21. This is really something to think about and put in your calendars. These steam photo specials will depart from Alamosa, Colorado and run east to La Veta Pass in the Sangre de Christo mountain range southwest of Pueblo CO. The first day will be a photo freight train and second day a passenger train with three cars. Former SP Mogul 2-6-0 built by Baldwin in 1901 will lead the charge into the mountain range. There will be a countless number of photo runbys planned both days. Many photo spots will take place along the Rio Grande River and when the train enters the Sangre de Christo mountains. Trains Unlimited is running these trips and sincerely recommend that you call them at 1 -800-359-4870 as soon as possible. You can also e-mail them tut@. Besides the awesome scenery here is a chance to see a new locomotive that has just been restored this year. MAKE HASTE TICKETS ARE GOING FAST.

Our last news item takes place at Steamtown National Historic site. They will operate a steam powered excursion out of Scranton, PA into the Delaware Water Gap community on June 30. This trip is being run for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. The train will depart Scranton’s Steamtown location at 9 am arriving at the Delaware Water Gap around noon. Passengers will be treated to a classic antique car show that will benefit the Delaware Water Gap Station restoration. There will also be displays on operating model railroad layouts, and children’s activities. After a three-hour layover, the train will depart at 3 pm arriving back in Scranton around 6 pm. At this writing it is not known what engine will be pulling the train. Most likely it will be either ex CN Mikado #3254 or CP Pacific #2317. Also what is not known is if there will be any photo runbys on the way to the Gap. Ticket prices are $51 for adults, $46 for 62 and over, and $30 for children 6 to 16. Reservations may be made at 570-340-5204 between 9:30m am and 4:30 pm daily.

Now is the time to thank all who took the time to send me most of the news you have just read. John Biehn (Dayton RR Society), Ed Emery (Toronto, Canada), Rich Taylor (NRHS-NJ), and from your most humble servant in steam. SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER.

TRAIN STORIES AND NEWS

NARCOOA by Addison W. Austin

NARCOOA, the North American Railcar Owner’s Association, has just under two thousand members in the USA and Canada. It is comprised of people who own and enjoy the operation of old fashioned railcars that nave now been mostly replaced by Hy-Rail truck conversions. Of course the Hy-Rails make more sense for the railroads, but the old railcars are such an interesting bit of history, and fun to own and operate.

The various chapters of NARCOOA are often able to set up excursions on cooperative short lines, and some not so short lines. The usual weekend meet will be forty to ninety miles round trip each day. The turnaround at the end of the line can be done at a grade crossing, using handles at the end of each car for a lift and turn. Since these cars weigh in at one thousand pounds and up, many have opted for a built-in electric turntable. A couple of hand turns around and one is ready for the power unit.

I had the pleasure of several NARCOOA trips last summer, spread out in NH, Ml, IN, and WV, plus a couple of private runs in CT and IN, where I was fortunate to have an “in” with management.

NARCOOA has some stringent rules in relation to safety, among them a headlight, tail and stop lights, good brakes, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlight, and two good-sized red flags. Boots, not sneakers or low shoes, and safety vests are required. Some railroads require eye protection. Hard hats are not required but they are good rain hats.

At the recent NRHS BOD meeting in Huntsville, AL, I had the good fortune of being able to use the private track of the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Only ten miles round trip but nice fall colors and a warm day. The weekend before was a NARCOOA meet in Northwest Georgia, also nice fall colors but temps in the 30’s deducted a bit from the pleasure. Had to take sidings a couple of times to make way for a steam trip on the same lines. NARCOOA trips are great because of the many new lines available, however, I prefer legal solo runs with slower running and a chance to stop and look at bridges and buildings and such.

My railcar is a Fairmont 119 A, built in 1978, making it one of the last. A private owner bought it from Fairmont, it has never been owned by a railroad. I suspect he did a few illegal wildcat runs with it. Such stuff constitutes a federal offense, plus it is dangerous.

These railcars are often called “Speeders,” not because they were fast but because they were much faster than the hand pump cars they replaced. They used an assortment of engines. Mine is powered by a twenty hp Onan engine coupled to a two-speed transmission. Like the Model T Ford, one gear is too low, the other, too high. I don’t know how fast it will go and don’t intend to try to find out. From Southwest Chapter “The Torpedo Report”

From the Railfan Net, the following is an exchange of correspondence between a customer and the Irish Railway....

Gentlemen, I have been riding trains daily for the last two years, and the service on your line seems to be getting worse every day. I am tired of standing in the aisle all the time on a 14-mile trip. I think the transportation system is worse than that enjoyed by people 2,000 years ago.

Yours truly,

Patrick Finnegan

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Dear Mr. Finnegan, We received your letter with reference to the shortcomings of our service and believe you are somewhat confused in your history. The only mode of transportation 2,000 years ago was by foot.

Sincerely,

Larnrod Eireann

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Gentlemen, I am in receipt of your letter, and I think you are the ones who are confused in your history. If you will refer to the Bible, Book of David, 9th Chapter, you will find that Balaam rode to town on his ass. That, gentlemen, is something I have not been able to do on your train in the last two years!

Patrick Finnegan

Stuck In Time

Locomotive 231 may finally finish its long-delayed run, nearly 81 years after it was trapped under the rubble of a Church Hill tunnel cave-in. Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder said the C&O train may be removed from its tomb, where the engine and 10 flatcars have rested since 1925. Because of the tunnel area’s shaky history, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the suitability of the site before officials decide to extract the train. Cameras will be inserted through 6-inch-wide holes drilled through the tunnel’s roof to photograph the exact position and condition of the locomotive.

The engine is buried under about 20 to 30 feet of dirt near the west end of the 4,000-foot passage. To bring up the train workers will clear out a section of the tunnel in front of the vehicle and then pull the locomotive forward and out of the hill. Cost estimates for the project will be made once the study is completed. Some groups, including “The History Channel”, have already made donations toward the removal effort. It’s not real far down. It is expected that not an enormous amount of money will be necessary. The engine would be exhibited on Virginia Historical Society property in Richmond.

High Green via The 470 Railroad Club

Rock Slide

This tale concerns a section of railroad line susceptible to rock slides and rocks on the track. On one occasion a north bound train hit such a rock, four feet or more in diameter, and came to rest with the rock lodged under the locomotive. Unable to proceed and with no injuries the officials were called in. After much study, communications with the system engineering department and planning, it was decided the rock would be broken into smaller pieces by use of dynamite, and then the smaller pieces removed. The system engineering department advised the trainmaster and roadmaster to use nine (9) sticks to blow the rock (failed to specify type or size of those sticks)

The Trainmaster and roadmaster placed the sticks as instructed, moved to a safe distance and detonated the explosives. The big rock was thereby removed, straight up through the undercarriage and generator of the locomotive, leaving a hole the diameter of the rock just behind the engine cab. The only resulting damage was to the locomotive and the pride of several Carrier Officials.

General Chairman, Great Northern United Transportation Union via The Tampa Bay “Orderboard”

Pullman Coach Formally Used By Red Sox Ted Williams Rolls Again

The former President’s car of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad is once again traveling rails after being restored to its former glory. In 1928, Maine’s Bangor & Aroostook had just put forth its first million dollar earning season and to commemorate this event, then Railroad President Percy Todd purchased an opulent “mansion on rails” from the Pullman Manufacturing Company of Chicago. This railcar, complete with brass railings, leaded glass windows and hand rubbed mahogany woodwork represented progress to the people of northern Maine. Named the “Suitsme” as a token of Todd’s approval for the palace car, for the next 75 years the car became a fixture of the New England transportation landscape showcasing the Railroad to key shippers, politicians and notable personalities of the era. By the autumn of 2003 Bangor & Aroostook put its oldest and most fabled railcar up for sale to the highest bidder.

After sitting in a rail yard in Maine for several years, the Pullman’s paint had faded and its wheels were red with rust from lack of use. Hobo Railroad co-owner and preservationist Benjamin Clark and fellow railroader Everett Howland purchased the car. The Classic heavy-weight coach soon took up residence in the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Once at Clark’s facility, the railcar was thoroughly inspected and a plan developed for its renewed use as a first class coach on the Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroads. “This car is not only a piece of railroad history, but also a piece of baseball history as well,” said Ben Clark.

Back in the 1930s, the Bangor & Aroostook would dispatch their Pullman car to Boston’s North Station each September. After the last Red Sox game of the season, slugger Ted Williams would climb aboard - fishing gear in tow - and head to Maine for some well desired relaxation.

Clark attributes the car’s well preserved interior appointments to the pride exhibited by the railroad’s former Mechanical Department employees. “The maintenance workers treated this coach like a holy shrine - right down to removing their work boots prior to walking on the lush carpet. It was a piece of their heritage, a tribute to a sprawling rail network that connected Maine’s cities and towns and friends with family,” said Clark. Clark and his crew have restored the classic Pullman to its former greatness and starting this summer, it is offered for charter service along New Hampshire’s lakes and through the White Mountains. “It’s one of just a handful of private varnish type cars still available for regular use in all of North America,” said Clark.

When asked whether he might consider sending the Pullman back to Boston to wisp away modem day Red Sox Left fielder Manny Ramirez on a post season vacation, Clark just smiled and replied “when Manny hits 400 like Teddy Ballgame, then we’ll talk.”

(Ben Clark Release via The 470 Railroad Club & The Tampa Bay Chapter ”Orderboard”)

CSX Locomotive Acquisition

CSX has recently acquired 18 4,000hp GE B40-8 locomotives that Norfolk Southern had retired and put up for sale. The 18 locomotives are NS 34800-4817 and are former Conrail locomotives built in 1988 that NS had received in the Conrail split-up with CSX. CSX had received 12 similar units in the Conrail deal and are numbered 5950-5961. CSX will renumber the ex NS units on top of the current B40-8 series to #‘s 5962-5979, giving CSX all of the former Conrail B40-S’s. ( via Palm Beaches Chapter “Drawbar”)

From

Florida East Coast Chapter, NRHS

P.O. Box 238393

Cocoa, Fl 32923

Next Meeting: Monday June 11, 7:00 PM

Central Brevard Library & Reference Center

308 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, Fl 321 633-1792

Program: TBD

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The EAST COAST CHAMPION

June 2007

2007

De 2006

CHAPTER OFFICIERS

FLORIDA EAST COAST CHAPTER, NRHS

President Walter Smith (321) 757-3349

Vice-President Hal Greenlee (321) 636-3393

Treasurer Bob Selle (321) 632-0944

Recording Secretary Harlan Hannah (321) 636-7986

Historian Jerry Sheehan (321) 452-8649

Newsletter Editor (Interim) Harlan Hannah (321) 636 7986

National Director Tom Hammond (321) 267-8339

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