Category: Bill Thomas

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July 20, 2010 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas

Pictures and/or historical information on the Chattanooga Traction Company, predecessor line of Southern Railway’s Redbank or Signal Mountain branch in north Chattanooga, TN.  (have checked web) – Bill Thomas, bill@fbcmadisonville.com

A Ride on the Crescent

July 20, 2010 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Photo Section
While on vacation in early June, my three children and I took the opportunity to ride the Amtrak Crescent from Atlanta to Birmingham while my wife drove the minivan on the same route. It was my children’s first ride on a passenger train.This is a shot of the kids as we took time for some pop in the diner/lounge. Nice time and great service by Amtrak employees. - Photo by Bill Thomas
While on vacation in early June, my three children and I took the opportunity to ride the Amtrak Crescent from Atlanta to Birmingham while my wife drove the minivan on the same route. It was my children’s first ride on a passenger train.This is a shot of the kids as we took time for some pop in the diner/lounge. Nice time and great service by Amtrak employees. - Photo by Bill Thomas

Chasing down the Morganfield Branch

November 18, 2009 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Photo Section
Certainly not the greatest fall shot I’ve ever taken, but interesting enough to make me chase it down the Morganfield Branch to get a shot of it behind People Plus on 41A, just west of Madisonville. For quick shots in a pinch, the i-phone does ok. This is simply a front-end-loader with small rail wheels attached to the bucket’s bottom. The rear tires seemed to have no guidance devices other than possibly being a little under-inflated to keep them centered on the rails. Not sure. -Bill Thomas
Certainly not the greatest fall shot I’ve ever taken, but interesting enough to make me chase it down the Morganfield Branch to get a shot of it behind People Plus on 41A, just west of Madisonville. For quick shots in a pinch, the i-phone does ok. This is simply a front-end-loader with small rail wheels attached to the bucket’s bottom. The rear tires seemed to have no guidance devices other than possibly being a little under-inflated to keep them centered on the rails. Not sure. -Bill Thomas

Western Bluegrass Rail Terminal

July 22, 2009 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas

Spring Garden RR Gathering by Bill Thomas

May 28, 2009 Bill Thomas No Comments Bill Thomas
ET&WNC Ten-Wheeler, No. 12, makes the tight curve over Liam’s Creek, on Bill Thomas’ outdoor Hook Line & Singer Railway.
ET&WNC Ten-Wheeler, No. 12, makes the tight curve over Liam’s Creek, on Bill Thomas’ outdoor Hook Line & Singer Railway.

· Spring Garden RR Gathering will now be Saturday, June 13, 11 am to 4 pm, weather permitting. If weather is questionable, please check the chapter website blog for updates on cancelations and postponements. The Hook Line & Singer Railway is located at 1025 Lakewood Drive, Madisonville, KY. Light snacks will be served. Visiting Large Scale (45 mm gauge) equipment is welcomed and encouraged so bring your toys!

Keep it safe!

May 28, 2009 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas

Now that I have a teenager learning to drive, I am reminded that I must impress upon her the importance of carefully crossing railroad tracks, even in town, where trains travel relatively slow. Let’s all remember to be cautious at rail crossings. The damage can be great, even at a slow 35 mph. – Bill Thomas, Pennyrail Editor