A discussion was held at the May meeting of setting a work day to clean up around the former L&N Depot in downtown Madisonville. In discussion with Rick Bivins, he and I decided upon a date of Saturday, June 7th at 9am. Thankfully it wasn’t an overly hot day! A lot was accomplished that needed to be done. The overgrown bushes on the south side of the building were cut out, new spindles were installed on the wheelchair ramp, weeds were cut back, the signs were sanded in preparation for new paint around the trim, light bulbs were moved around and installed for better lighting inside, and general clean up was performed. Although not finished, a huge step forward was taken and the depot looks better!
A special thanks to Rick Bivins, Steve Miller, Keith Kittenger, Donny Knight, Rich Hanes, Wally Watts, and Jim Kemp who helped out during the day! – Matt Gentry
If there is anyone who absolutely despises cold weather, it is this guy right here. Don’t get me wrong, as much as I love summer and the heat it brings, cold weather provides a nice break. But, once Christmas and New Years is
Ice at Madisonville. -Rick Bivins
over, I want the heat to return. This year has been exceptionally depressing on the temperature front with the “Polar Vortex” and the frozen precipitation we have had. And it goes without saying that no one in the area has been left out! Snow and ice down in Atlanta and the Carolina’s? OK, great Mother Nature, let’s get a little warmth back.
Two northbound UP trains meet at Gorham, IL on February 18, 2014 -Thomas Bryan
As it goes for many of us who share the same enjoyment of trains and railroading, it has not been a winter to get out to do much, if any, rail fanning. That is until mid February. I had been keeping an eye on the temperatures for about a week and saw that Tuesday, February 18th was potentially going to be a nice enough day to go chase trains. I made mention of it to Rick Bivins and we both threw out the idea of making a trip to one of our favorite spots, Gorham, Illinois. Albeit
Northbound out of Yankeetown, Indiana Southern and two former SP locomotives go to get another load of coal on February 22, 2014 -Matt Gentry
last minute, to Gorham we went with Donny Knight and Thomas Bryan joining along for the day.
Upon arriving just about 45 minutes after Rick & Donny, we were immediately greeted with a northbound Union Pacific stack train with 2 brand new SD70Ace’s (possibly SD70AH) headed up the Mt. Vernon subdivision. My reaction? “It’s going to be a great day.”
What made this trip even more of an adventure for me was twofold; 1) the purchase of a new high definition digital video camera not two days before our journey (did I plan it that way? …maybe), and 2) for being my fourth trip to Gorham, all previous trips had actually been fairly lackluster for me! Gorham and lackluster in the same sentence you ask? Yes. Two of the previous three occasions had track maintenance being performed to the south and traffic on the Chester Subdivision was virtually at a standstill for the better part of eight hours. Thankfully, this day did not disappoint!
A very dirty YDC #21 heads to the north end of the yard to push a cut of cars up to the unloading docks at Yankeetown IN. on February 22, 2014 -Matt Gentry
It wasn’t a few days later and the weather still continued to cooperate and I managed to catch some rail activity not a few miles from my house! As some of you know, I live not very far from the Alcoa aluminum plant and Vectren power plant to the east of Evansville along Highway 66 (Lloyd Expwy). This day, I witnessed Indiana Southern (now Genesee & Wyoming) pulling an empty coal drag north towards Boonville. Interestingly enough, there were two former Southern Pacific locomotives in the consist! I am fairly certain that these units were slugs only. They had no prime mover in the locomotive.
After this sighting, I figured what the heck, I’ll head up towards the power plant and see if I can see anything working in the yard. As luck would have it, I was able to catch one of the Yankeetown Dock Corp locomotives, #21, shoving loaded coal cars up to the docks to be unloaded! I couldn’t believe it! It still exists! With this kind of luck, I decided I should head up to Princeton Indiana to see what traffic I could see in the area. Princeton is a great train spotting location because the CSX and Norfolk Southern cross at grade on the south side of town.
After mentioning this to Rick, we decided to plan a day in Princeton. Once again, rather last minute, but we went to Princeton on Monday February 24th. We took a risk going on a Monday, but I wanted to arrive early enough to check and see what kind of NS trains would be going through. Surprisingly we were not disappointed in the slightest. We saw at least six NS trains and one (maybe two) CSX trains for the day.
After all of this, my plans for the year are to make as many outings as possible to do some rail fanning in the area and possibly make some longer distance trips to new locations. After all, I do have a new video camera to use!
And speaking of the camera and my videos, below there are videos to of our day in Gorham Illinois and a video containing the Indiana Southern and Yankeetown locomotives.
A southbound NS local heads into the yard at Princeton IN on February 24, 2014. -Rick Bivins
First off, as one can see in this issue, several members have taken time to arrange a few rail fan trips this winter…..undaunted members of a “frigid rail fan group” no less. This winter has not been kind to anyone, our friends “up north” and “down south” have all seen harsh conditions. Some still are!!! But a few spirited (desperate to get out perhaps) individuals took it upon themselves to get out anyway. I have always had a good time in Gorham Illinois, regardless of the weather. Recent trips to there and Princeton Indiana have all been good. But Saturday March 8, 2014 I drove all the way to just south of Nortonville KY… (a whole five miles for me) to one of my favorite spots to watch trains. Of course my front porch is a pretty good spot! But I still enjoy going to Romney Siding at the Hopkins/Christian County line on Hwy 41. In one hour and 55 minutes I saw five trains with power from five different railroads! CSX of course plus BNSF, NS, UPRR and CP. Now that to me is a good two hours!
A former SOO locomotive is found sitting just east of the NS yard at Princeton IN on February 24, 2014. -Rick BivinsA northbound led by BNSF power at Romney Siding on Marhc 8, 2014 -Rick Bivins
As for my “almost monthly” contribution to the newsletter, I said in the last article while describing my model railroad project, “Here is the plan…sorta”. Well….I have since changed things around. I still plan to have people over to enjoy the trains, mine and theirs etc. But the layout has morphed from a complex group of tracks that with Steve Miller’s help was pretty cool. The up and over idea really appealed to me as did adding “big” scenery as I tend to call it. But by the time I was two thirds of the way through the hard part, that is laying track, I realized it wasn’t practical. The “pile on more track” syndrome had kicked in. My layout was just a mass of track.
Looking down into the Toyota loadout facility serviced by NS in Princeton IN on February 24, 2014. -Rick Bivins
So, I decided to explore other track plan ideas, each one ended up the same
A member of the “Frigid Railfan Group.” Matt Gentry takes video at Princeton IN on February 24, 2014. -Rick Bivins
way. The result of this is “I cannot put twenty thousand square feet of layout in a five hundred square foot building….even if I go vertical with the track!” So….I will have to make a decision, do I want a loop of track going around and around, maybe with a siding and a staging yard or possibly twice around or have a switching layout with industry’s to set out and pick cars from or can I get all of it in there or………SEE, that is how it starts!
Or……I could add another twenty one feet to the building and then I could……..
A northbound at Mortons Gap is led with two leased units heading into Madisonville KY. -Rick BivinsA very dirty YDC #21 heads to the north end of the yard to push a cut of cars up to the unloading docks at Yankeetown IN. on February 22, 2014 -Matt Gentry
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.
This video shows short line railroad operations in Arizona, with the action taking place in the early 1990s. Several different shortlines are visited and we begin with the Copper Basin Railway which runs 54 miles from Magma Junction, where it interchanges with the old SP line, to Hayden and serves the huge open pit Ray copper mine. This territory is southeast of Phoenix.
We are treated to some panoramic views of the Arizona desert and the enormous open pit Ray mine as we watch the railroad action. We see some switching action involving rare locomotive types. Two of the locomotives we see in action are four-axle GP-39s of which only 23 were ever built. We then see three six-axle SD-39’s of which only 54 were ever built. The GP-39s bring the ore cars up from the mine to Ray Junction and then power is switched to the SD-39s for the trip to the smelter in Hayden. While still on the Copper Basin Railway we are shown some beautiful desert flowers, the iconic saguaro cactus that we all associate with the Arizona desert, an up close and personal look at a four and a half foot long diamondback rattlesnake, and yet another symbol of the Arizona desert, a road runner.
Next up is the San Manuel Arizona Railroad which connects with the Copper Basin Railway at Hayden and runs south for 30 miles to San Manuel. It is owned by the Magma Copper Company and serves their mine at Hayden. We see two GP 38-2’s in action on this railroad. A little later we see a pair of Alco RS 3’s belch their signature billows of black smoke as they begin to move. We see the loading operation at the Magma copper mine, which is both an open pit and an underground mine. Large buckets of ore are elevated from the mine by a huge hoist and the ore is dumped into a silo for loading onto the ore cars.
The Magma Arizona is owned by the same copper company that owns the San Manuel Arizona Railroad. The Magma has on its roster three Baldwin locomotives, an S 8, an S 12, and a six axle DRS 66-1500 that had not been used in years when this video was shot. This railroad operates on 28 miles of track from Magma Junction, where it interchanged with the SP, to Superior.
Next up is the Arizona Eastern which runs 134 miles NW from its connection with the SP at Bowie, AZ, to Miami, AZ, where is serves a smelter owned by Cypress Corporation. We watch a train pulled by three GP 20s run down one of the main streets of Globe, AZ.
We visit the Arizona & California next, which is actually a regional railroad rather than a short line, and then we see the final railroad, the Apache. The Apache rosters all Alco locomotives.
I give this video a good solid “B.” It was worth the purchase price but it would have been so much more impressive if it had been shot in wide screen.
As part of the Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam Program, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) will be offering a limited number of public excursions. General admission seating will be provided in climate-controlled coaches with comfortable seats and large windows. Don’t miss this opportunity to ride a vintage train in many areas long removed from passenger service. Power is scheduled to be ex-Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 built in 1904 and recently restored to service by TVRM in Chattanooga.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is pleased to offer public train excursions during the spring as part of Norfolk Southern’s 21st Century Steam program. Announced trips include:
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS), in partnership with Norfolk Southern Corporation, will host 21st Century Steam excursion trips in Ohio and Pennsylvania in the Spring of 2013. Ticket reservations may be made by calling (260) 267-5765 or writing tickets@fwrhs.org. Information on online ticket ordering, departure locations and passenger car consists will be available soon. First class and coach amenities will be offered on all trips.
This year steam locomotive no. 765 will return to Horseshoe Curve, offering the first public passenger trips behind a steam locomotive since the 1970s, and operate public trips on the former Nickel Plate Road between Rocky River and Bellevue, Ohio. An expanded operating schedule and additional information regarding no. 765 will be released later in 2013.
Get news and information as it’s released by signing for our online newsletter here:
The Evansville Transportation Museum has in its collection the L&N tavern lounge car Tennessee Club. KRM would like to get some photos of it because it would help to talk to some people about the Kentucky Club which KRM is trying to get moved up here. Would you happen to know anyone that has photos of the car or could get them? Let me know and I’ll be happy to contact them if appropriate.
Hello Friends, here we are in the Month of November, 2012 nearing the end of what seems to have been a whirlwind year of activity. As we look back over the year we see several highlights. Our monthly programs have been of considerable interest, meeting content has be very good, club activity has been better and each month we relish the fact that we can gather, share in the camaraderie of trains and eat!
Our trip to Mayfield and Paducah is still in limbo (to quote Wally Watts) due to a number of factors. Foremost being that, our contact person at Progress Rail is not a Chapter member, yet he has tried diligently to keep us informed. His contact at Progress Rail has left the company or moved to a new location as the case may be. Now we have to reestablish contact with Progress Rail which may take time. So, do not give up, this will be a great trip when it does come about. Additionally, we have a standing invitation to the NRHS Chapter in Paducah and to tour their museum. Thomas Bryan has information on the Evansville IN museum which would be a nice trip. To this end I again say: “Someone step up to the plate and make the arrangements”. Several will get on board if told the particulars.
As noted in the Minutes of the last Meeting, our meeting time stays at 7:00 PM. As simple as this idea was (to change meeting time) I was pleased at how the Chapter handled the discussion and selection process. We were focused and performed, so to speak. I would like to see more business handled this way at our meetings. I feel we would grow as a result.
November brings us to elections. At this point following the October meeting, no one has challenged the current officers. However, I will open the floor again for nominations for officers. Speak up, be heard, nominate someone if you would like. And remember, one can even nominate themselves.
Kudos goes out again to Tom, Wally and Bill for updating the membership roster. Speak up for a copy if you do not have one.
Matt Gentry is working on our calling card file; I gave him the “basics” of what I felt we need to say. Matt will have a report soon I am sure.
Bill and Angela Thomas have graciously volunteered to host our Christmas Dinner at their home in Madisonville. The date is December 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM. Details will be forth coming Monday November 26, 2012 during the Chapter Meeting. Please make plans to attend both and feel free to bring a guest. Their address is 1025 Lakewood Drive, Madisonville.
The little pit bull puppy I posted about in the September Pennyrail has a new home! I had her picture posted in RescueMe.org , which is a website for people who have animals needing new homes. Some folks from Gravel Switch, KY, saw her picture and contacted me. They were looking for a dog to keep in the house and wanted it to become part of the family. Just what I prayed for! Maggie has a wonderful new home now. (on the former L&N Lebanon Branch!) -ed.
Taken by an unknown photographer, this shot shows eastbound CB&Q hotshot GI-68 on the triple-track main through the western Chicago suburbs at La Grange, IL, in January 1968. GI-67 and 68 were CB&Q/UP pool trains between Chicago and North Platte, NE, interchanged at Grand Island, NE (hence the “GI” symbol). As the lead RS-27 (PRR class AF-24) illustrates, this run-through operation also involved the PRR east of Chicago. The traffic from GI-68 will go east on PRR symbols AC-2/4 and AST-4, with the foreign power turning at either Conway or Enola, PA. Submitted by Fred Ripley.
Above are pictures of our team and display at the July 6th, Friday Night Live – We had a blast! Come out and join us August 10, old Courthouse lawn in Downtown Madisonville, Ky!
Bill Heaton found CN 2113 in Paducah, KY, still in its “15-Year As a Publicly Traded Company” paint scheme. The C40-8 was built in 1991 for Chicago & North Western. One on-line source referred to it being specially equipped for mid-train helper service. – Photo by Bill Heaton
Friday the 13th, 8:30 AM, North bound stack train overtakes empty coal train with only one locomotive. Shot at North Nortonville Siding. Photo by Rick Bivins.
Above are pictures of our team and display at the July 6th, Friday Night Live – We had a blast! Come out and join us August 10, old Courthouse lawn in Downtown Madisonville, Ky!
Bill Heaton found CN 2113 in Paducah, KY, still in its “15-Year As a Publicly Traded Company” paint scheme. The C40-8 was built in 1991 for Chicago & North Western. One on-line source referred to it being specially equipped for mid-train helper service. – Photo by Bill Heaton
Friday the 13th, 8:30 AM, North bound stack train overtakes empty coal train with only one locomotive. Shot at North Nortonville Siding. Photo by Rick Bivins.