by Dennis “Lefty” Carnal

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, between twenty five to thirty chapter members, family, and friends met at noon in the downtown Crofton Veterans Park. They were there for an afternoon of food, drinks, fellowship and to watch a few CSX trains pass by on the Henderson Subdivision.

Chapter members from thee states, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, were on hand for the event. Steve Gentry from Lafayette, Indiana, won the award for the greatest distance traveled. Rex and Melanie Easterly drove from the Nashville area. Three members from the Evansville area made the trip; Birk Fischer, Matt Gentry, and David Millen.

Steve Gentry displayed a live steam model of a G gauge, 1/29th scale Nickel Plate Berkshire steam locomotive. Wally Watts had a display of his live steamers. Chuck Hinrichs had part two of his annual giveaways. Last year, Chuck had a large assortment of sweatshirts. This year, the give-away was caps. Let’s hope next year, Chuck doesn’t cleanout his underwear drawer!

Thanks from the Chapter to the Hopkinsville area members for providing the drinks and ice for the picnic. CSX operated six trains through Crofton between 12 noon and 4 pm that afternoon. One southbound manifest train, three northbound manifest trains and two northbound piggyback/stack trains: Q647, Q124, Q592, Q648, Q588, and Q120, in that order.

A total of fourteen CSX owned locomotives powered these six trains. Seven different locomotive models from two builders were seen. Four different models totaling eight locomotives: three SD40-2s, two SD50s, one SD60I, two SD70MACs from General Motors passed in review. Three different models from General Electric, three C40-8Ws, one AC44-CW, and two ES44-DCs rolled through Crofton as well.

Between trains, chapter members passed the time covering topics such as baseball, politics, railroading and the weather, plus, about any topic known to man. To say some of the conversations were lively would be an understatement! Man, those Chicago Cubs fans are a testy bunch. This writer would like to give Cubs fans everywhere my heartfelt condolences for enduring another bitter end to another season filled with so much hope for a World Series title. Talk about fan loyalty, Cubs fans must be the most loyal fans on Earth. In 2009, it will be 101 years since the loser Cubs have won a World Series title. Will the Cubs ever win another title? Ha!!!!

Here’s something to think about during the coming cold months: Why not support a winning team next Spring…. The St. Louis Cardinals? That’s a winner! The St Louis Cardinals Flying High in 2009!!!

See you at Spring Training 2009!!! Play ball!