Category: Rick Bivins
Greetings NRHS Members. As we find ourselves in the month of August, 2013, much has happened and things have taken a change. Thursday August 8th found us at Keith Kittinger’s House for an evening of friendship and trains. Keith is a gracious host with his Louisville & Nashville based HO Scale layout in operation. Keith has many custom built (by him) cars and locomotives running the mainline under a DCC control system. There is plenty of room to visit and sit/stand or lean! I for one really enjoy these sessions…as if some sort of “group therapy”!
Our last Friday Night Light Live in Downtown Madisonville was moved to the Glema Mahr Center due to heavy rains in the forecast. I elected to not involve our chapter due to possible confusion and low turnout. I understand the music portion was a success for the City of Madisonville but I doubt we could have done much to promote our Chapter there. Of course there is always next year and other events in which one can participate.
Member Bill Grady, his Wife Lisa and their children mourn the loss of Lisa Father. Keep them in Prayer and thought as applicable.
As of this writing, no contact has been made with the Parkway Plaza Mall concerning our proposed display there in. Nor have I been to the Nortonville KY City Museum to check on our display there. My current work schedule is seven days per week and I simply do not have time during business hours to make those contacts.
Upcoming events: The much anticipated annual Fall Picnic will be September 28th In Crofton KY. Co-sponsored by our Hopkinsville KY Members. We will meet at the Veterans Park which is track side just off Hwy 41. Time is loosely from 9:00AM until the last one leaves. Food can be had locally or bring your own picnic basket.
The Chapter Fall Foliage trip on the Nashville & Eastern will be October 12th. I would suggest we discuss car-pool arrangements outside of Meeting time. This will be a fun day and greatly enjoyed I am sure.
David Hayes has the program for this month. David is a store house of knowledge of the Illinois Central Railroad. With the ICRR being a focus railroad of his and a local railroad to us, I am sure we can look forward to a great program.
Make it a point to attend the meeting Monday, September 16th 2013 at the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad Passenger Station on West Arch Street in Madisonville KY.
Bring a guest and a “Show-N-Tell” item.
By Rick Bivins, Chapter President
Hello everyone, it is already July and I must say it, “Christmas is less than six months away”! Did you really need to know that? June has come and gone and in so doing, our Chapter has been busy. Our first Friday Night Live was a good one with cooler temperatures compared to the last few years. Our booth was well patronized; kids and adults alike seemed to enjoy the trains and Wally’s steam engines. The new business cards which were much easier to hand out were well received. Everyone involved had a good time. The next one is July 12th, the Friday before our regular meeting. It would be nice if more members were in attendance. A report will be given on meeting night.
On Thursday June 27th several members attended Bill Thomas’ evening with friends at the Thomas home. Bill had a few gauge one trains going in the back yard on his nicely landscaped out door railroad. Bob McCracken ran a really neat Astor live steam two truck Shay. Yes, a live steam, gauge one Shay, what a hoot that was. We visited, talked and nibbled on snacks until after ten o’clock that evening. A fun time was had by all in attendance. A very special thanks goes out to Bill and Angela for having our motley group over for the evening.
On July 2nd I drove to Princeton Indiana for some rail fanning with my ole pal Phil Randall. After watching a CSX MP15 switcher shove a cut of cars across Hi-way 41 on Evansville’s north side (while eating a burger at Hardee’s) I headed further north to meet up with Phil. We drove around Princeton tracing the old traction line roadbed which was really neat. We took in some sights at the Princeton depot which is nicely restored as well as at the CSX/NS diamond. Our first train was a southbound NS empty auto-rack train with a single BNSF unit for power. A good time was had and I enjoyed seeing our old friend Phil.
Our meeting Monday July 15th will feature one Tom Johnson’s video’s “Santa Fe 3751 the Restoration”. Tom reviewed this video in a previous newsletter. I am sure it will be a treat. Donnie and Betty Knight are providing refreshments which will be a treat as well. Please make it a point to attend and bring a “show n tell” and a guest.
by Rick Bivins, Chapter President
Hello again Chapter Members and welcome to June, 2013. As some of you will recall, May found us in Hopkinsville KY. as guests of our Hopkinsville Members. Our meeting was held in the former Louisville & Nashville Passenger Station which is a wonderful venue. The weather was perfect, many members were on hand and CSX provided us with a few trains, one being an ICE (Iowa, Chicago & Eastern) run-through no less! And of course we had food! Boy did we have food. Mr. Ferrell and his staff went all out with burgers, dogs and all the trimmings. WHEW!
Change came about the meeting unexpectedly but with a positive outcome. The program was to be presented by Cliff Downey. The subject was to be Illinois Central’s KY Division. However, Cliff was called into work at the last minute to make repair of a hospital machine that was evidently needed right away. We certainly do not fault him for that. Cliff expressed his grief but he has been assured a program slot of his choosing in the near future. In place of our usual program time we simply enjoyed good food, camaraderie and relaxed. We did take time out to have a business meeting. Discussion was had on the upcoming Chapter Train Ride in Tennessee along the former Tennessee Central, Friday Night Live, the scuttled Progress Rail trip and………
Speaking of Friday Night Live, by the time you read this our first FNL (June 14) may be behind us. Expect a report there on. However, we will set up our table at the July 8th and August 9th events. Again, we have a great time with kids and adults, spread the word of our Organization and help our fair City. So please try to attend at least one of the three events if only for an hour or so. Those of us that are on hand EVERY time could use a brake every once in a while! Matt Gentry hand delivered our calling cards and they look great. I will have them on hand meeting night. We will hand these out during our visits with event goers etc.
And speaking of events, our annual Fall picnic is set for Saturday, September 28th, 2013. This is a great time of trains, food and fellowship.
On Monday June 3rd, 2013, four of us, Wally Watts, Thomas Bryan, Matt Gentry and I met up with Gary Ostlund in Gorham IL. To watch trains and talk trains (Army, cars, trucks etc.) for the day. I had planned this around Gary’s regular trip to the VA Clinic in Marion IL. Gary drives his Motor Home to Gorham with his VW in tow and spends a few days track side at Gorham. Also in Gorham is Chuck (Black Pete), a lifelong resident of the sleepy little town. Chuck (whose last name escapes me now) is a twice retired store house of information. While watching trains (or empty track for seven hours as it was) we learned of a track maintenance curfew for the day. BUT…we were rewarded with a Union Pacific Passenger train!!! A Safety Special to promote grade crossing awareness in Illinois and Missouri. The south bound train had the UP CNW Heritage unit in the lead, three passenger cars and the MoPac Heritage unit trailing. The train stopped in Gorham, the crew changed units and the train departed north bound. There was a lot of photo’s, ogling and waves to/from passengers as we took in the scene. It was a really good day with friends and trains regardless of the lack of regular trains. Perhaps we can make this a Chapter Function…anyone?
by Ricky Bivins, Chapter President
Well NRHS Members, the merry month of May is upon us. And as is usually the case, we will meet in Hopkinsville KY, on May 20, 2013 as guests of our Hopkinsville Members. Our meeting will take place at the usual time of 7:00 PM and we will meet in the former L&N RR Passenger Station located on Hwy 68/80 right down town. Every year we leave Hopkinsville informed and with a new appreciation for the town, its railroad interests and its people.
This month should carry on that tradition!
Our Hop’town Members have a guest speaker lined up for us. Cliff Downey is a local author of railroad books and a very knowledgeable individual. Cliff has in the past been a member of our NRHS Chapter. I am sure he will entertain and inform us Monday Night.
Our proposed trip to Progress Rail is on permanent hold. Members Keith Kittinger and Rich Hane have exhausted every option to make contact with Progress and both have constantly come up empty handed and feeling “brushed off”. Rich has learned that Progress is very busy, understaffed and without a Human Resource person. As a result, word was handed down that a tour is out of the question. So at this point there is no need in continuing with it. We have many other options to consider and as usual all that is needed is for a member to get the ball rolling and come up with a tour, trip or other event and bring it before the membership.
Steve Miller will have a report on our fall trip aboard the Nashville & Eastern which will be upon us in a few months.
The June Friday Night Live event, downtown Madisonville will be Friday June 14, 2013. Wally Watts plans to have his steam engines on hand, Bill Thomas hopes to have his Mobile Garden Railroad running, Steve may give the video outlet another try this year and I will be doing what I seem to do best at this event….TALK! And I will pass out our new Chapter Calling Cards which thanks to Matt Gentry, will be available just in time. This has become a signature event for us and is a load of fun. Adults and kids alike, get a kick out the sights and sounds of our display.
So members, try to make an appearance, even if only for an hour or so.
Jim Pearson, our Web Master has set up an email for the Chapter as was discussed last month. That address is: info@westkentuckynrhs.org. Jim and I have the user name and pass word. We as a Chapter need to discuss Who/Whom shall be responsible for checking the email and responding. As of this writing, our inbox is empty!
As for the display cabinet at Parkway Plaza Mall….I have done nothing! Short but true.
The Hopkinsville meeting is shaping up to be a good one people, so don’t miss out.
And here’s to a happy April dear NRHS members. Cool weather has been stubborn to give in to spring this year. Not that I mind so much, I do not look forward to the stifling heat, humidity, sunburn and bugs. Those four things aside, summer would be OK! But as discussed in previous meeting, summer brings people out and events to attend.
Matt presented the latest “calling card design” which was approved. Matt may have cards available this meeting if not, soon. When received, the members need to hand them out to potential members, persons that seem to have an interest in trains in general and rail history specifically. These cards will hopefully generate a few members per year and help our Chapter grow.
Keith may have a report from Progress Rail as may Rich. This will be a delightful event when it does come about. Steve will have a report on the slide transfer equipment cost as was discussed at the March meeting and I will have a report on the video equipment that is in use at the Depot.
Steve will update us on the planned Tennessee Central excursion trip to take place this fall from Nashville TN. to Cookeville TN. Knowing full well not everyone can go, but Steve needs a confirmed list of members in order to purchase tickets at a discount which will assure seating of members in one area.
Madisonville KY. Friday Night Live is coming up quickly Members. The Chapter has consented to have a display again this year. It would be nice if more members get involved in these events. Our displays are enjoyed by event goers and the members present always have a good time.
We need to close out the “cabinet at the Mall” idea this month. If you have a railroad related item to display please bring it this month…said item can double as a “Show-N-Tell” item.
Looking ahead, May will see us in Hopkinsville as guests of our Members there so plan ahead.
OK Members, the meeting is “just around the corner” so plan ahead to Monday, April 15, 2013 at 7:00PM.
by Rick Bivins, Chapter President
Hello Again Members. As I write this I cannot believe how quickly the month of January rolled into February. It just does not seem possible that yet another month has passed us by. My parents have always told me “time goes faster the older you get”. Well, I have to admit they are correct…again!
January’s meeting was a productive one, a few ideas were discussed, plans made, near record attendance and a great program. My Step Son Brian gave us an in-depth look at modern day railroading from a railroad employee’s perspective as opposed to a railfan’s. When I approached Brian two months ago about giving a talk he was very apprehensive and nervous. For one, he was afraid he would bore us to tears….wrong. He was afraid he wouldn’t have enough to talk about…wrong. He was afraid he would have difficulty speaking to a crowd…wrong. Brian did an excellent job communicating to us. He even surprised me with some of his witty-ness. He told me later he was nervous but found it easier to give the presentation than he thought it would be. As those of us in attendance can attest, his talk was never boring. And as for not having enough to talk about, well, Brian also told me there was so much more he wanted to tell us and didn’t get a chance to do so.
As an aside, he was impressed with Thomas Bryan’s knowledge of the railroad! I invited Brian to put his thoughts on paper and I promised I would get them in the news-letter if he does. One last note on the January program, I apologize for the video segment of the program not working out, I had planned to run our Neff Video HD Sub program in the back ground but I couldn’t find my copy (imagine that). Steve came to the rescue with a collection of YouTube videos that as we saw would not cooperate with the projection equipment. Bear in mind the said equipment is nearly twenty years old now and much out of date. I doubt it has been properly serviced in half as many years so we need to count our blessings. Video programs at the Station may now be iffy at best. Perhaps we should look into our own media equipment or plan on some other kind of programs.
To close, Matt Gentry is working on calling cards, Friday Night Live will be upon us soon, members are getting spring fever and any one, any member can arrange a railfan outing or meeting. Put your thinking caps on members and come up with something to do…and then step up to the plate and sponsor same.
Rick.
by Rick Bivins, Chapter President
A Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my fellow Western Kentucky Chapter, National Railway Historical Society members. It would seem as though 2012 just went “swoosh” right out the door. But if we look back and reflect on Chapter activities, one quickly realizes what was accomplished. Each month brought us together for business, food, programming and most importantly, camaraderie. I personally enjoy the people aspect of our group most.
2012 also had other high lights to remember. Our trip to Hopkinsville KY. in May was an eye opener; the former L&N RR Freight Station tour was just fabulous. And I never tire of the restored L&N RR Passenger Station which is often our meeting place in May. Friday Night Live in down town Madisonville KY. found our members entertaining festival goers on all three nights, one each in June, July and August. The annual Trackside Pick Nick in Crofton KY. was yet again a very enjoyable October day filled with friends, trains and a few odd sights! We closed the year with a most wonderful evening as guests of Bill and Angela Thomas for a stupendous Christmas Diner. There was more throughout the year, I challenge members to reflect and remember for themselves.
So what can we expect of 2013? That is entirely up to the membership. Matt Gentry is working up a Calling Card for us to use at events such as Friday Night Live. Steve Miller is working on our Photo Archive and has a new idea to share. Thomas Bryan has several trip ideas to put in front of us. The list can go on. One thing remains, as a “group” we should function as a group. While Thomas as Activity Director or I as President can present an idea for Chapter consideration, Members must get on board to make things happen. If you have an idea, present it. Case in point: I suggested we not have a Christmas Dinner yet once a few Members spoke up, we had what I would turn out as one of the best Dinners EVER!
So, I close by reminding everyone, I only make suggestions, I “lead” as President based solely on input from the Members. Hence the ongoing name of my monthly submission to the Newsletter: Rick’s Reply’s. I cannot reply to a quiet Membership!
by Ricky Bivins, Chapter President
Fall is in the air…the trees are displaying their colors and trains are in the news, our news anyway. Since we last met in September, our Chapter has gathered at Crofton KY, for the annual Picnic. The event was first called off due to threatening weather but the morning of October 6th dawned clear, cool and windy. Several members phoned and emailed me about going. I had already decided to go anyway just in case someone did not get the news. After getting a few calls I decided to reinstate the event and made calls, sent emails and hoped for the best. In so doing several members turned out and a great time was had. No less than 12 trains were viewed. (Depending on when one arrived). As a hind sight, one member did not attend simply because he did not have contact info for the membership. As a result I ask Tom Johnson to get in touch with Wally Watts and advance our membership roster effort. This may very well be completed by meeting night, Monday October 22th.
As a side note, of the trains we saw from our viewing stand in Crofton, not a single example of foreign motive power was seen. All CSX…which is odd. One usually sees a few locomotives from other railroads. Another note, the other “part” of the day in Crofton involved food. Surprised? Some members brought their lunch while others partook of the local eating options. A case in point. Most deli style sandwiches are $2.00 or more. Sometimes though I just do not want much to eat and the “picnic” at Crofton was one of those days. So….I asked the deli at Huck’s Store how much a pepper cheese sammich would cost. They had no idea…..never heard of such a thing etc. Birk Fisher offered to pay for my “meal”; he ended up paying a whole dollar for my lunch! We had a great time even though I am sure more members would have been there had the weather not been incorrectly predicted.
The trip to Paducah and Mayfield is still on hold. We should have an update Monday. We need input from the membership as to changing our meeting time. We currently meet at 7:00 PM, it was discussed changing the meeting time to 6:00 PM to accommodate members whom drive some distance to attend. Of the members present at the September meeting, a full two-thirds were from out of town! This topic will be discussed Monday.
October brings us up to election time. November will be election night; October will see nominations for officers. I will address each office and call for nominations three times in October and the same in November. Every member is eligible for office. AND…I want this known….A Member can nominate one’s self!!! If you want to be an officer…SPEAK UP.
With that said….the Chapter may need to nominate a candidate for the office of President!
I hope to see you Monday Night, October 22nd, 7:00 PM, down at the station in Madisonville KY.
Hello Rail Friends. September is upon us and is a time to reflect. We lost Dennis Carnal one year ago this month, Our Nation lost even more eleven years ago this month, we somewhat celebrate summer’s closure with the Labor Day Weekend and much more.
At this writing, September has been a good month for me. Several Chapter Members attended the Old Tyme Train Show in Evansville, IN on Saturday September 15th. Wally Watts, Jim & Thomas Bryan, were in attendance as were other members and friends. Steve Miller and I made the trip, visited with event goers and had a good time. And yes I bought something; a Lionel Die cast Girder Bridge.
Afterwards Steve and I headed further North to Princeton IN and the CSX/NS diamond located within the city. We saw several trains of both railroads and a few Union Pacific re-route’s from/to New Orleans. Union Pacific has experienced several track issues among the Gulf States following the hurricane a few weeks ago. The Tropicana Juice train being one of the trains affected has been running CSX rails from New Orleans to Vincennes IN. From there it travels west via the old B&O RR to St. Louis and then to California on home rails. I have seen it several times….what a sight. Also sighted in Princeton and not normally seen in Morton’s Gap KY. were solid auto rack trains. One such train on CSX was south bound with a load of Dodge Ram trucks…hummmm….do you think the trucks snubbed the Toyota plant at Princeton as the went past?
Our program presenter and guest for last month was David Hayes of Owensboro. David gave a delightful presentation on the Florida East Coast RR’s Key West Extension. FEC is a survivor railroad, surviving merger mania, hurricanes and politics while serving a rather small region in only one state! Bravo David and many thanks.
Our trip to Mayfield and Paducah are still in the works….many I’s must be dotted and T’s crossed before we have a firm date. Kudos to Rich Hane and Chuck Henrichs for their hard word. Once a date and time are settled upon, I am sure we will not be disappointed.
After talking with the officers of our Chapter, we have concluded an active display in the Parkway Plaza Mall for the Christmas Season would stretch our volunteer resources too far. However, if a Mall Display Cabinet is still available, we may consider a static display. Along those same lines, The City of Guthrie KY. may have a transportation museum in the works or so we have heard. If so and should we be called upon, a museum is a great place to set up a display of some sort. We currently have one in Hopkinsville KY and Nortonville KY. I would welcome any input from the Chapter on this subject.
Coming up next month on October 6, 2012 will be the annual Crofton Picnic hosted by our Hopkinsville KY. Members. This is always a great time and CSX provides one source of entertainment. Come if you can and I ask that we do not park on the grass. There is or was a sign near the pavilion requesting just that. Crofton has a very nice Veteran’s Park that is well maintained and has (for us) the perfect location! Please show some respect and abide by their rules.
As Wally notes in the minutes, Jim & Thomas Bryan will provide refreshments in the form of their annual fish fry. Jim & Thomas are avid anglers and we certainly profit from their efforts. Dr. Bill Thomas will have the program which at last contact with Bill may be a guest but that is still in the works.
SO…Members…make your way to Madisonville KY. Monday September 24, 2012 for what promises to be an enjoyable night of food and railroad camaraderie. And bring a guest.