We seldom see any fiction based in the world of historic railroading, and what little does get published is usually fraught with inaccuracies that spoil it for those of us with some understanding of the subject.
Howard Bahr has provided us with a book that takes place in a world we can understand without such problems, and with a richness and depth of color that brings us into his world. Bahr was a railroader and seaman before giving up honest work to become an academic, and his experience graces every page with gritty reality.
A cross section of rolling stock is included, from the mid 1920's through the mid 1950's, with cable cars, Birney style city cars, and PCCs all appearing. The context of the included streetscapes is rich and colorful even in black and white, showing locations still existing today as well as landmarks long gone.
This series is comprised of collections of reprinted vintage postcards, offered in packages according to subject matter. This collection is comprised of 15 postcards, each of which can be mailed, packaged in a protective self-sealing plastic envelope.
This paperback volume tells the tale of the Kaw River flood of 1951, the worst flood, damage wise, in Kansas history. In July, 1951, the Kansas (locally known as the Kaw) River crested nearly 15 feet above flood stage, causing nearly one billion dollars damage in 1951 figures in the Kansas/Missouri region. The area's railroads were devastated, with the worst damage at Topeka, where both the Santa Fe and Rock Island railroad bridges were lost.
Two Mikados and one 2-6-2 were lost, the Prairie type and one 2-8-2 sinking close by. The other Mikado was apparently swept further downstream and was never located. Many "lost locomotives" are merely tall tales that have been expanded over the years, but this one is true and there are many rare photos in the book to illustrate the fact.
This installment of the restoration of SRR E8 #6914 at the Tennessee Valley RR Museum, will attempt to document the early stage of its second team effort. This began during the spring and summer of 2004, roughly 16 years after its arrival, by TVRM member Robert Frye.
When the locomotive arrived in 1988, it had seen nearly 35 years of service, and taken on its share of wear and tear. Most certainly during its service life, it has undergone numerous running repairs and overhauls, but one thing it suffered badly from now was wiring fatigue. We cannot be sure how much, if any, of the wiring was ever replaced, but these problems were very evident in the electrical cabinets.
What started in 1870 as a means of transporting coal northwards from Alès in the Cevennes to Paris, has become a vital life-line for the peoples who still populate France's most remote mountain region. Yet a country that is rightly envied worldwide for the quality of its public services, is in danger of wielding the axe that would not only destroy a national railroading gem, along with the livelihoods of all those dependent on it, but also explode any pretensions France might have towards a commitment to sustainable development.
The Cevennes railway, or 'Le Cévenol' as it is affectionately known, is located in south-central France. It links Nimes to Clermont Ferrand, a distance of around two hundred miles, in five hours. The railroad is a cross country, non-TGV route, and forms part of the longer Paris to Marseille line along which trains run daily to the Mediterranean port. It took between six and seven thousand men a total of six years to build, at a cost of 520 million francs (120 million USD). That sum is almost impossible to equate to modern-day values, but was considered staggering by commentators of the day.
Like all stories, this one should start at the beginning. Here, the beginning is in 1953, about 5 years before I set eyes on this planet, let alone a train. The place is the erecting floor of a famous mid-western city, LaGrange, Illinois. Production that year included order 2063A9, which became a sleek E8 for passenger service in the employ of the Southern Railway as locomotive #6914.
Now, fast-forward around 34 years, and this locomotive faced permanent retirement after working for a few more owners and traveling many miles. After purchase by TVRM members, this is the story of where and when its restoration began, and where it continues today.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum has released its Whistle on the Wind calendar for 2009. Individual calendars are $8.95, plus $2 shipping and handling for each calendar. For orders over two calendars, contact their office for shipping and handling costs.
All profits from sales will be used for the museum's expenses of reopening after the extensive flooding in June 2008. Estimated damages may reach $3 million. Contact the Museum at P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, Wisconsin 53951-0358 or at www.midcontinent.org.
Things are gearing up for this year's Hobo Gathering! A great historic site has been added as our hobo jungle (campsite), new walking & rail tours, replica of 1900's railroad town & ticket office, and "Chicago's Largest Mulligan Stew Ever!"
The friendly Pullman community hosts a free welcoming dinner on Saturday evening prior to the Hobo Concert at historical Greenstone Church. Luther the Jet performs on the church's renowned Stearns & Turner pipe organ. Hobo minstrels and Chicago talents share stories and song.
