Month: January 2014
for “First Families of Virginia”, but meaning “Fast Flying Virginian”) is seen coming and
going at Huntington, WV, a couple of hours from its mid-afternoon arrival at Cincinnati.
The next month, I found myself in a similar situation, sitting at my desk working on another school project and *ding*, there it was again. This time as I was looking through, I asked myself “Why don’t I ask about being the editor of The Pennyrail?” Then I let reality grab hold; I was going to school full time, when I wasn’t at school, I was working as a Graphic Designer at a local sign and banner shop, I wasn’t allowed any time to attend the chapter meetings due to work, school and other life activities. I just didn’t feel it was a viable option to take on responsibility of something that I felt needed more time that I wasn’t anywhere near capable of dedicating to the publication!
I graduated college in May of 2010 (boy, I’m glad I have completed that!), and fast forward to the fall of 2012. I was not working in design, let alone at the sign and banner shop, but I had a job that allowed me to attend the chapter meetings. After being able to attend a few meetings at the end of 2012, I made it my goal to attend all meetings during 2013. And yes, I made it Birk Fischer’s goal as well, whether he knew it or not (haha!).
On to May of 2013; unfortunately my job was not as stable as I had thought it to be and I ended up leaving it before it got way out of hand (you know, don’t burn any bridges). So I found myself trying to expand my mowing business by finding more repeat customers and I started offering landscaping services. This ended up working well, in my eyes. I could get started working when I wanted and I could make my own schedule. But most of all, I could do more of what I really enjoy doing and that was spend more time with chapter members and chasing trains!
Now we find ourselves with 2013 winding down. Unfortunately, Bill Thomas’ job situation would not allow him the time for being editor of The Pennyrail, and Ricky Bivins was going to make an attempt at it. It wasn’t too long after that Ricky and I were conversing through text message that he asked what my thoughts of becoming the editor were. I shared with him that I had thought about it in years past and just did not have the time. But now I didn’t have anything really stopping me. So, it was at the November meeting that I accepted the position of the new editor of The Pennyrail.
Hopefully, I can continue to do the publication justice as my predecessors have done. I look forward to being able to share your submissions with the rest of the chapter. Remember, this is your newsletter. Without your submitted content, I don’t have much more to share. So go through those old photos! If you have hard copies with coinciding information, I can scan the photos (no slides yet) for publication and return them to you.
Happy New Year West Kentucky NRHS!
The somewhat annual Western Kentucky Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Christmas Dinner was held December 13 (Friday the Thirteenth!) at 6:00 PM as planned. My lovely and understanding wife Kathy and I were both very apprehensive at first but as the evening went on we realize how nice and enjoyable it was to show off our home. The food being pot luck style was as expected, exceptional. The conversations and periods of entertainment (trains via CSX) was a lot of fun. I am very happy as to the results and efforts made by so many. While everyone said in one form or another, “Thank You”, I am the one that must say Thank YOU, for a delightful evening.
Those in attendance were: (I think this is a complete list).
Donnie & Betty Knight, Bill & Mrs. Ferrell and Blair, Steve & Marilyn Miller, Rich & Karen Hane, Keith & Allyson Kittinger, Chuck & Shirley Hinrichs, Jim & Kathy Kemp, Birk Fischer, Matt Gentry, Tom Johnson, Bill Thomas, Jim Pearson, Kathy and Rick Bivins.
If I left someone out please speak up at the next meeting. Again, Thank You from Kathy and Rick Bivins
This DVD is a must have for those who love steam!
It is a fantastic DVD in its own right but to get the full significance of it, the first DVD in this two part series should be viewed. The first video is titled “Santa Fe 3751 the Restoration.” I reviewed that DVD back in April and I believe I also presented it as our entertainment that month.
We are shown in this video scenes from the maiden run of the 3751 after her ten year restoration. We follow the 3751 from San Bernardino to L.A., from L.A. to Barstow, from Barstow to Bakersfield, from Bakersfield back to Barstow, and from Barstow back to L.A. The trip began on Friday, December 27, 1991.
The highlights of 3751’s distinguished history are as follows:
– May 1927 The 3751 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works as the first 4-8-4 northern type locomotive to be purchased by the Santa Fe and the first one of its type to be built by Baldwin.
– 1936 The 3751 was converted from coal to fuel oil. At that time she had 73″ drivers and her boiler had a steam capacity of 210 psi. Her tender had a 15,000 gallon water capacity and a 5000 gallon fuel oil capacity.
– 1938 She received a new tender with 20,000 gallons water capacity and 7000 gallons fuel oil capacity.
– 1941 MAJOR rebuild included 80″ drivers, increased boiler capacity to 230 psi, 30″x30″ cylinders, and Timken roller bearings. This made her capable of 90 MPH and she and her sisters who had been similarly rebuilt were then used in run-through service from Kansas City to Los Angeles.
– 1953 The 3751 was retired from service.
– 1958 The 3751 was donated by the Santa Fe to the city of San Bernardino and placed in Viaduct Park.
The 3751 sat in the open in Viaduct Park from 1958 to 1986. Some preliminary restoration work was begun in 1981 by the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, which had been formed for the specific purpose of restoring the 3751. Things really started happening in earnest when the SBRHS bought 3751 from the City of San Bernardino for $1.00 and moved her indoors to an abandoned steel mill building in Fontana, CA, in May of 1986.
Steam lovers, buy this video! Better yet, buy both this one and the one that shows the restoration, “Santa Fe 3751 the Restoration.” Also, a visit to the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s web page would be worth your time.
http://www.sbrhs.org/index.html
by Rick Bivins, Outgoing Chapter President
Out with the Old and in with the New. Happy New Year everyone, may 2014 be a blessed year each and every one of us. Having decided to not seek re-election as President for the 2014 year brings about change, which will be a good thing. I have no doubt as to Tom being a productive and fun President. Change has come about for me as well; my Mother’s passing in October of last year creates both a void and a need. I have always been close to my parents and now I will be keeping a closer eye on my Dad. My plans now are to take advantage of my work shop/train building that is coming along nicely. I will be having “The Guys” over a few times a month to enjoy model trains, real trains and train talk. I hope to create a pleasant environment for anyone wanting to join in. At this point I am finishing up the building and I already have some bench work in place (for the three rail trains). The grand-daughters enjoy riding their cars on the concrete floor so who knows what adventures one may seek there in!
As for Chapter activities, I plan to approach the Chapter with a few ideas and perhaps spearhead them as well. As President I felt the need to put wheels into motion to make things happen which was not always the case. As President I did not feel it was my duty to “do them”. I will take a more active role in getting things done on the Chapters behalf.
I recovered my artifacts from the Nortonville Museum. I had heard “through the proverbial grapevine” the new Mayor of Nortonville wants to do away with the museum, library and even the building which is the old grade school. I was afraid for my “stuff” being caught up in what “could” come about. I did however leave the a few things such as duplicate paper items and the old heavy glass and wood cabinet that I restored and donated years ago. While talking with “Miss Martha”, which is always a hoot, she asked about Dennis! She was saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. Hopefully the Nortonville Museum has a long term future.
As we make our way through 2014 I will present my “ideas” for the Chapters consideration. I think some are good and some are better! It will be up to the Members to decide whether or not to adopt them. Meanwhile I hope everyone joins me in welcoming one of our newest members and this year’s President, Tom (Da Man) Johnson.
We have raised $2.1 million toward our $3.5 million goal to restore the Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive. We have received donations from 16 countries and every state in the nation underscoring the popularity of our iconic 4-8-4 around the world.
On November 22, Norfolk Southern donated $1.5 million to the campaign, bringing us much closer toward our goal. Norfolk Southern has not only given us a generous monetary contribution, they are helping
us make the operation of the Class J 611 possible. Thank you, Norfolk Southern, for helping to bring the
dream closer to reality for the many fans of 611.
When will the engine move to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for restoration?
We are working hard to secure the $3.5 million needed for our 611 restoration and maintenance facility. The Fire Up 611! Committee is busy behind the scenes visiting potential donors. The timeline to complete this campaign is based on getting to $3.5 million. The 611 will move to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina for restoration as soon as we reach the $3.5 million goal.
The Committee is not waiting for the move to start their preliminary work. They are reviewing engineering drawings from the archives of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society and the VMT. We want to be ready to go as soon as we reach our $3.5 million goal.