September 2011 Ricky’s Replies

October 23, 2011 Jim Pearson No Comments Ricky's Replies

Greetings Everyone.  This month is a bitter sweet month, September marks that time of year when the weather starts to change. We can experience cool temperatures at night and an occasional 90 degree day. For the most part though, very pleasant days, which are often, reflected in lower energy bills!

While this is the norm, the hurt-filled news of member and friend Dennis Carnal passing away at a young 53 years has really put a damper on the season. Our Chapter has lost more than a member with Dennis, we have lost an icon. I say that with sincere repose. Dennis could recall from memory, local history be it rail or coal mining or what ever…and then ensue a LONG discussion about same! For that alone he will be missed. At the September meeting, I will ask the Chapter to remember Dennis with a moment of silence.

I would like to use Dennis’ untimely passing as a reminder or a “wake up” call as to our Chapter Photo Archive. Steve is working on rescanning the photo’s provided us on disc and as I understand, they are of poor quality. Dennis was in possession of a large majority of the photos used in the first archive. Keith and I will be talking with his estate executor about obtaining them once again for photo coping purposes. As everyone recalls, I have “adopted” this project while I do not possess the skill or equipment necessary to properly see it through. I will rely heavily on Steve and Keith to see this through.

At the September meeting we will confirm details of the Clayton/Watts open house, the December Christmas Dinner and dare I say, ELECTIONS. That is correct folks, October will see our Chapter calling for nominations for officers and November will see the election results….that time will be upon us very soon.

Until then, remember to be safe when watching or photographing trains. Remain mindful of private property, be it the railroad of interest or land owners along the right of way. Living next to CSX’s Henderson Sub at Mortons Gap KY has opened my eyes to a problem I knew existed but had seen very little of. Motorist AND Pedestrians alike simply do not have time to wait for the train to pass…or so they think. I have not witnessed a collision as of yet (and hopefully I never will) but I have seen many close calls. One motorist was even verbal with me when I commented on her un-necessary haste…with two children in the car no less!  Rick Bivins

 

CSX train derailment at Guthrie, Ky

September 16, 2011 Jim Pearson No Comments Chuck Hinrichs, News, Steve Miller
Photo by Chuck Hinrichs
Photo by Chuck Hinrichs

A CSX train derailed at Guthrie, Ky at 05:20 (CDT) on September 15, 2011.  The Lead loco is just south of Fairgrounds Rd with a broken  knuckle. The second loco is about 1/4 mile north upright at a 30 degree angle to the tracks. Between the Guthrie interlocking and the second loco (mostly on the west side of the tracks) is a large pile of orange Hamburg Sud 40′ containers with well cars sticking up at various angles.

Both tracks are blocked and it appears that the northbound signals may have been hit. To my UNTRAINED eye it appears that the train derailed in the interlocking or immediately south of it at the yard lead switch.  This will not be a good day to railfan the Henderson Sub.

The dispatcher was talking reroutes but no specifics. Last derailment the TOFC and hot freights went from Evansville down the ‘Texas’ to Louisville and then down the Mainline Sub to Nashville. So keep an eye out on the Mainline for TOFC traffic today and maybe tomorrow (Sept. 16, 2011). – Steve Miller

Sad news on Dennis Carnal

September 13, 2011 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Condolences, Dennis Carnal
We're sad to report that Dennis Carnal passed away this morning at Regional Medical Center here in Madisonville. Funeral arrangements and further details will be posted as they become available. We'll all miss the "Old Goat."
Photo by Bill Thomas

Greetings all.  It is with sadness that I pass word to you that Dennis J. Carnal passed away last night (Monday, September 12) around midnight, at Regional Medical Center, from what appears to have been an embolism brought on by unknown circumstances.  Dennis had been suffering from occasional seizures for a couple of weeks.  Keith Kittinger and I carried him home from my house Saturday.  He saw a Dr. at Multicare Monday, suffered another seizure while there, was admitted to RMC, then died that evening.

His cousin Peggy, Keith and I met with Reid Walters funeral home this morning.  Dennis will be cremated and buried in the Earlington Cemetery alongside his mother and father.

At Dennis’ request there will be no public service of remembrance.  I suggest as a chapter we collect a donation for one of Dennis’ passions.  Disaster Relief/Emergency Management or American Red Cross Disaster relief.  I’ll not make the next meeting due to a conflict at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts.

I’d like to host a Thursday night get-together sometime soon at the house, build a roaring campfire (Dennis hated the fire pit) and roast some hotdogs while we give a memory roasting to the Old Goat!

Take care guys! – Bill Thomas

August 2011 Ricky’s Replies

August 21, 2011 Jim Pearson No Comments Rick Bivins, Ricky's Replies
July meeting photo by Chuck Hinrichs.
July meeting photo by Chuck Hinrichs.

Hello Western Kentucky Chapter NRHS Members. My oh my, another month has come and gone… Where does the time go? I hope this August addition of the E-news Letter finds everyone well. With the recent high temperatures and allergens in the air, some of even the healthiest of people are down with ailments.

I was very impressed with Our Man Thomas Bryan and his attentive report on his time at Rail Camp. This young man has overcome what for some people would be a life challenging impairment. As a result he has come about in life with a confidence and stamina for knowledge, respect and an intelligent repose. I am proud of him and that he represented our Chapter (the first ever from our region) at Rail Camp. Well Done Thomas.

The last three weeks of the “month between the meetings” have been a productive and fun one for some of us. The most recent event our Chapter participated in was the August 12th version of Madisonville’s Friday Night Live. Wally, Thomas and Jim Bryan, Steve Miller, my Wife Kathy and I were on hand from 5:15PM until well after dark. We were set up next to the Illinois Central Railroad Centennial marker on the North side of the Court House, in the grass. We had shade, a grand view of the car show and we were easily accessible. Wally and Thomas ran several of Wally’s steam engines as visitors came and went. I gabbed with the one’s that appeared to be keenly interested or had little one’s that were. While the Chapter may or may not see a direct benefit from the time spent and brochures handed out, I feel we as a Chapter have upheld an obligation to the National Organization and the Community. Next year will provide us the same opportunity to share and spread the news of our Chapter and further promote the same. I would like to say “Many thanks to all those whom found time to attend and help out”.

Last month I suggested a work session at our meeting place, the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad Station to clean and remove weeds from the facility. Being as I did not get a robust and overwhelming amount of input from the members present that night, I took it upon myself to “organize” an impromptu work session on the following Saturday, July 30th. Kathy and I were at the Station by 7:50 AM to beat some of the heat of the day. Wally joined in just after 9:00 AM (our original planned time) and helped out with picking up what turned out to be a Ranger Pickup load of weeds and trash. We finished up by 9:30 and the place looked a lot better. I wish to say “Thank You” to Wally, whom at 79 years of age (soon to turn 80) can still work circles around a lot of punk kids I know! And wouldn’t you know it, only Wally ended up with a bad case of Poison Ivy!

Following Thomas’ report on Rail Camp, I presented a video from O Gauge Railroading Magazine. In the video was a nice story by and about Tony Lash’s three rail model train layout. I had several members comment on Mr. Lash…oddly enough, not on his fabulous layout but of his comments pertaining to his business and that he (a black man) never took advantage of government subsidy or contract, he made his business a success in the private sector. I point this out as I seem to notice the fact that this hobby and trains fans in general tend to be of a stronger moral and intelligent back ground. We can point out several of our own members that fit that moniker. Let me close by saying “I am proud to be a member and acquainted with this Chapter. Thank You.”