THE TRANSFER TABLE
The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter
Internet Edition

VOLUME 22 NO. 7 OCTOBER  2000

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site

SEPTEMBER  MEETING NOTES
        At the September 2000 meeting, it was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of long-time Chapter Member Roy Soukup, Jr.  By very unfortunate coincidence, the program for the Sept. meeting was to have been a presentation by Roy that had been planned since February.  Roy would often share information and photos at Chapter Meetings.  In July 1998, he  reported that he tried to ride the Salisbury to Pocamoke leg of the AMTRAK special but that it was canceled by Conrail because the "rail was not fit for passenger service".  He was more successful by October 1999 when he reported on his trip to Alaska.  In September 1999 we saw some of his slides from Austria.  He was a big winner in the Chapter's 1998 Photo Contest; winning in three print and one slide category and capturing best slide that evening.  We especially enjoyed his vintage view of Wilsmere Jct.  He will be greatly missed by the Chapter members.

    After the minutes were approved as read, Treasurer Ralph Stevens reported that we had made a total profit of $275 for the Chapter from our last trolley trip.  His report was approved as read.  National Director Tom Posatko had no news to report.  Other news items discussed included the Wilmington B&O station is showing some signs of restoration work (i.e. fresh plywood), high horse power Amtrak engines have been seen on the Northeast Corridor in regular service, large construction equipment at Greenbank Station indicates work is progressing to repair 5 bridges and replace 2 damaged by Floyd's flooding.

    The annual nominating committee is chaired this year by Dan Frederick, assisted by Bruce and Ernie Barry.  If you would like to run for any office, please contact any of the members of the committee.  Voting will take place at the November Chapter meeting.

   We saw some slides from Tom Posatko which included views of Thomaston, the Canadian National, and the New Haven.  We then viewed some of Phil Snyder's 1985 slides which included Ellicott City, trolleys for SEPTA, Boyerstown, early Blue Mountain & Reading at Wawa, Black River & Western, Strasburg #1223 and 7002, Mauch Chunk, Wilmington & Western #3, #2102 at Valley Forge, and the Bear (DE) AMTRAK Shops

= = > > WANTED < < = =
Chapter Member Dick Hall is looking for any & all PRINTS AND SLIDES OF THE WILMINGTON & WESTERN both BEFORE & AFTER THE FLOOD DAMAGE by hurricane Floyd.  Please contact him directly: Richard E. Hall, 500 W. Summit Ave.,    Wilmington, DE 19804-1814


A LOOK BACK: OCTOBER 1992 by Ron Cleaves
   The highlight of the Chapter meeting October 15, 1992 which was attended by 32 members, 1 guest, was of the 8 members to receive their sterling silver 25 year pins this evening.  Of the eight, four were present this evening; they were: Walt Robbins, Pete Cramer, Hamilton Fish, and Dick Hall.

   Member and National Director Ed Thornton provided members this evening with personal brief reminiscences of how and why he became a Chapter member.

   Following the meeting adjournment at 7:05 PM, a slide presentation prepared by the following members was presented:  Doug Weaver, who covered ten years of Chapter trips, Phil Snyder, with slides of past Chapter trips, and Dick Hall, who presented a series of slides of past Chapter trips from the late 60's - early 70's and 80's.


From The Editor
 ...I hope to publish an updated Chapter Directory in the near future.  I plan to include NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER (if I have it, unless you say otherwise), and E-MAIL ADDRESS (if I have it) for each current member.  If you want me to include your phone number, please send it to me.  IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER SHOWN, YOU MUST LET ME KNOW.  If you want your E-mail address included, please send me a short E-mail note ASAP to:               sd40gma@aol.com.

     Your Editor received the following correction to the July issue, Vol.22, No.5, page 9: "the locomotives referenced on the SVRR are not Alco S-1s.  They are Baldwin RS4TCs excessed for the closed rail system at the Defense Logistics Agency base just south of Richmond, VA.  Both are ex-Army.  (All DLA equipment was secondhand, usually from the Army.)  I photographed both locomotives at the base in September 1996, not long before the rail system closed for good.  (All DLA bases have closed their rail systems and torn up the tracks.)  As an Army Reserve locomotive engineer, I know this type of locomotive well. - Tim Moriarty, Chessie Railway Assn."                                 


 NEWS BITS

   The Zen of Train watching

1.         Find a railroad, preferably operating , but not necessarily so, since contemplation of trains can also be done by contemplating the history of a rail line.

2.         Get a comfortable place to sit. Some railfans tend to stay in their car, but this leads you to be more involved in automotive thoughts, rather than rail thoughts. The best place to sit is really an old baggage cart, but these have become extremely scarce, except at rail museums with operating trains. A railroad bench is also good. These are available on certain busy main lines: the Northeast Corridor, the old Burlington 3-track main out of Chicago. A field is just fine, especially if the sun is warm.

3.         Wait. Some railfans keep their scanner on, for warning of a train about to appear. While this sharpens the anticipation, remember that when the train comes, it comes.  Before it comes, there is no train , except in your imagination.

4.         Wait more. Sometimes, nothing arrives.  This used to be the case on Conrail. Sometimes the line is tied up with track cleared for a late Amtrak. If nothing arrives, clear your mind of worry and anxiousness. While you aren't doing anything, you ARE railfanning. Aha! A paradox. Remember that much of life is waiting for something to happen, and that you are sharpening your skills in that.

   [from Cornell Railroad Historical Society's newsletter The Leaky Valley] 

   Amtrak's Wilmington Shops held their 3rd Annual Open House for the employees and their families on September 9th.  The shops are located in Wilmington, Delaware. To see Russ Fox’s photographs taken during that event go to:  http://rrscreensavers.com/amtrak/

    Amtrak Introduces Guest Satisfaction Guarantee - Amtrak has introduced an "unconditional guarantee" of guest satisfaction, "a first among national travel and transportation industry providers." Under the guarantee, which began July 4, the company promises all of its guests a safe, comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. If their lack of satisfaction concerns cannot be addressed on the spot, customers may call Amtrak for a service guarantee certificate entitling them to equivalent travel in the future. [from http://www.bullsheet.com]

   Amtrak Opens New Auto Train Facility - Amtrak has opened its new $25-million Auto Train facility in Lorton, Virginia. Improvements from the previous facility include a 450-seat waiting room, a cafeteria, six new vehicle unloading ramps, and a 1500-foot platform that can handle an entire train in one move. [from http://www.bullsheet.com]

   On July 7, 1990, about 14 Chapter members and guests "safari-ed" to Atlantic City, NJ aboard an AMTRAK "Gambler's Express" train.  Such a train is seen here crossing the bridge in Thorofare, NJ   (Ron Cleaves' photo)

    Acela ( pronounced "ah-cell-ah" ) is Amtrak's new world-class train service for people who value their time. Acela service will include Amtrak's new high speed trains, as well as redesigned service on what are currently known as Metroliner, NortheastDirect, Keystone, Clockers and Empire Services.

            Designed from a customer perspective, Acela will bring improvements to every step of the journey, from learning about the service and planning a journey to ticketing, riding the train, and continuing on to your final destination. The name Acela comes from the words "excellence" and "acceleration" — because our new service will not only offer faster trip times and beautiful new trains, but completely new standards of service, comfort and convenience.

            The sleek new electric trains use tilt technology for a smooth ride at up to 150 mph. Inside are hundreds of improvements for comfort, such as a redesigned Cafe car, conference tables, spacious overhead bins, and comfortable seats with electrical outlets and audio controls.

            Once all track improvements are made and the new equipment is in service, trip times between Washington, DC and New York will drop to 2 hours 45 minutes. Trip times between New York and Boston will be about three hours.

            Besides the equipment almost everything will be different! All service will feature improved food service, faster trip times, easier reservations, better and faster ticketing, refurbishment of existing equipment, track upgrades and station improvements.

            No, Acela will NOT replace Amtrak.  Acela is Amtrak's brand for most service in the Northeast. Amtrak brings you Acela just like it brought you Metroliner.  Metroliner equipment will be refurbished and used on Acela Regional and Acela Commuter services in the Northeast.

            Acela Express service will replace the Metroliner, with everything you liked plus more.  Acela Express will be our fastest service, using all new equipment and making fewer stops than our other two services, Acela Regional and Acela Commuter.

            Replacing NortheastDirect, Empire and Keystone, Acela Regional will serve more destinations than Acela Express, offering improved equipment, trip times and schedules. Acela Commuter will replace Clockers, and offer upgraded equipment and improved schedules and trip times.

            The new trains are engineered and manufactured by a consortium of Bombardier and ALSTOM. The trains are being built in Vermont, New York and Quebec.  The bathrooms are completely redesigned, with natural light to create a more "at home" environment. [from:  http://www.acela.com/questions/index.html ]

    Amtrak Adopts New Logo - Amtrak has replaced its inverted arrow logo which has represented the company for 29 years. The new brand identity features a "Travel Mark whose shape, convergent lines, and suggestion of movement capture the excitement of the travel experience." [from http://www.bullsheet.com]


SCHEDULE NOTES
Notices, announcements, schedules, etc. are provided here as a service to the members. The Chapter has no affiliation with any commercial operation, museum, or tourist line.

••  October weekends     Walkersville Southern Railroad Fall Foliage Trains

Established 1991 on the old PRR Frederick Secondary.  Built in 1869 during America's "Reconstruction"  Every Weekend May-October  Departures:   11:00am 1:00pm 3:00pm    Adults $7.00    Ride the train and enjoy the beautiful fall color of North-Central Maryland  (also December 2, 3, 9, 10   Santa Trains  Kids will ride the train with and receive a visit from "Jolly Ole' Saint Nick")  [from   http://www.wsrr.org/]

 ••  Saturday & Sunday, October 7-8     Railroad Days Festival

  Brunswick Railroad Museum & Brunswick Visitor Center    40 W Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD  Phone: 301-834-7100   Hours:   Thursday & Friday: 10 - 2 Saturday: 10 - 4 Sunday 1 - 4 (Visitor Center open 10 - 4)   Depicts railroader's life in this town in early 1900's. Large HO scale model railroad with push buttons for visitors.   Includes new exhibit in partnership with National Park Service interpreting (C&O) Chesapeake & Ohio Canal history.  [from   http://www.artcom.com/museums/nv/af/21716-11.htm]   [not to be confused with  http://www.railterminal.com/nbrr.html  = New Brunswick (Canada) Railroad Attractions]

••  Saturday & Sunday, October 7-8     18th Annual Fall Reunion at East Broad Top RR

This year's Fall Reunion on October 7 and 8 is Friends of the East Broad Top's eighteenth annual celebration at the East Broad Top Railroad. Includes a variety of events and activities on Saturday and Sunday of the Columbus Day holiday weekend, including vendor and dealer displays, photo and model contests, auction, Saturday supper, and Sunday open house at the FEBT Museum at Robertsdale.  The 2000 FEBT Fall Reunion continues several features introduced last year: a discount for pre registering, simplified registration options, separate reservations for the Saturday Fall Reunion dinner, and a regular EBT Fall Spectacular train ticket and EBT shop tour ticket included in every registration package.   This year separate reservations are required for the annual Fall Reunion dinner at the Orbisonia-Rockhill Fire Hall on Saturday, October 7. Like last year, there will be only one dinner seating at 5 PM. The permitted capacity of the Orbsionia-Rockhill Fire Hall is 150 diners, and therefore we are offering only 150 reservations for the 2000 Fall Reunion dinner available on a first-ordered, first reserved basis. Fall Reunion registrants may reserve as many seats at the Saturday dinner as they wish until all 150 seats have been reserved.   EBT Fall Spectacular Train and Shop Tour - This year all 2000 Fall Reunion registrants will again receive both train tickets and shop tour tickets. By incorporating these EBT tickets in every Fall Reunion registration, FEBT provides increased financial support for the EBT's 2000 Fall Spectacular an objective all FEBT members share.  The train ticket will can be used on any regular EBT Fall Spectacular round-trip train ride between the Orbisonia Station and Colgate Grove subject to the usual conditions set by the East Broad Top Railroad. (These tickets cannot be used to ride the M-1 or other trains for which a special fare is required.) The shop tour ticket permits FEBT Fall Reunion registrants to take any one of the guided tours inside the EBT Rockhill Furnace shop complex scheduled on Saturday and Sunday of the Fall Spectacular weekend.  EBT General Manager Stanley Hall assures us that FEBT Fall Reunion registrants are welcome to exchange the train ticket included with each 2000 Fall Reunion registration for all-day passes or other special Fall Spectacular tickets. When making such ticket exchanges at the EBT ticket window, only the difference between the cost of the regular Fall Spectacular train ticket and the pass or special ticket will be charged.   Do not mail registration forms to us after September 30; after this date you should plan to register in person on Saturday morning.  The Fall Reunion registration table will open at the Lions Hall at 8 AM Saturday. Throughout Saturday morning and afternoon pre registered Fall Reunion participants can obtain their registration materials, and others may register on a walk-up basis.   [from http://www.febt.org/Events/00reuann.html]

 ••  Saturday & Sunday, October 7-8    Great Scale Model Train Show

9-4  Saturday, 10-4  Sunday, MD State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD.    http://www.gsmts.com/index2.html

••  Friday, October 13 - Mixed Freight

Join Black River & Western Railroad as they perform their regular freight operations. Advance Sales only. Mail $25 per ticket to Black River & Western Railroad, PO Box 200 , Ringoes, NJ 08551, mark envelope Mixed Freight/Oct. 13. Train departs Ringoes station promptly at 10:00 am. Return time depends upon volume of freight. Time and weather permitting there will be photo run-bys. Lunch may be purchased or bring your own.   [For more information: http://www.brwrr.com/ or call (908) 782-6622 ]

 ••  Saturday, October 14      Second Annual Model Train & Toy Show

9 AM - 2 PM, Singerly Fire Company, Rt. 279, Elkton, MD, for info call 410-398-7300

 ••  Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15      Western Maryland Fall Excursion

Options for Hagerstown to Cumberland, Hagerstown to Oakland, and Cumberland to Oakland Available This Year! Today the train takes us from Hagerstown to Cumberland for a visit to the city and Railfest or a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad steam train (tickets for WMSR available in advance - 1-800-TRAIN-50) from Cumberland to Frostburg, MD and return. Our scenic trip starts over Western Maryland rails from Hagerstown to the B&O main line at Cherry Run, WV, then follows the Potomac River to Cumberland.  IF YOU'RE CONTINUING TO OAKLAND - Experience the colors of the season as you ride the rails from Cumberland's Railfest to Oakland's Autumn Glory Festival aboard diesel-powered excursions booked for this special weekend only.  Trains will depart Cumberland's Amtrak Station. After a breathtaking ride amidst the beauty of Maryland's two most western counties, you'll arrive in Oakland just in time to sample the best of the town's Autumn Glory Festival.  You'll arrive back in Cumberland at 5:15 p.m., at which time we hope that you will join us for Railfest activities at the Western Maryland Station. Planned activities include: The Great Train Show, World's Largest O-Gauge display, Scenic Steam Excursions, Diesel Cab and Caboose rides, B&O Railroad Museum display, KidsFest, National Park Service Grand Opening and Dedication of Visitor's Center , and food vendors.

Cumberland, Maryland to Oakland, Maryland

Saturday & Sunday, October 14 & 15, 2000

Departure Schedule

Trains will depart from the Cumberland AMTRAK station.

Depart 7:30 a.m

Hagerstown

Arrive 9:30 a.m. Cumberland
Depart   10:00 a.m.     Cumberland
Arrive 11:45 a.m.  Oakland
Depart 3:30 p.m. Oakland
Arrive 5:15 p.m. Cumberland
Depart 6:00 p.m. Cumberland
Arrive 8:30 p.m.    Hagerstown

             souvenirs and light refreshments will be available for sale.

 ••  Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15          Maryland Railfest

RailFest 2000 features the grand opening of the National Park Service Visitor's Center on the first floor of the Western Maryland Station!  THE GREAT TRAIN SHOW, the world's largest mobile model railroad! This model railroad, built into a custom 47-foot trailer, has more than 450 feet of track, runs 7 - 11 train sets at a time, has theatrical sound and lighting, buttons for visitor interaction, and a ceiling full of 2,000 fiber optic twinkling stars.  1-800-TRAIN-50 for more information!   [from  http://www.wmsr.com/]

*        Experience the colors of the season on the CSX Mainline Fall Foliage excursions to Oakland's Autumn Glory Festival. This is a breathtaking ride amidst the beauty of Maryland's two most western counties. Hagerstown to Cumberland, Hagerstown to Oakland, and Cumberland to Oakland options are available. Reservations Required!

*        KidsFest activities include: Radio Disney on Location on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., Paint the train, Storytelling, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, and more!

*        Scenic steam train rides to Frostburg, Maryland

*        Musical entertainment by New Creek Station

*        Entertainment by History Alive!

*        Diesel cab and caboose rides

*        CSX Locomotive Shop Open House on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

*        Various railroad displays and exhibits

*        Lantern walking tour on Saturday evening

*        Food court featuring a variety of selections from local restaurants and food vendors

••  Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15      Steam on the Susquehanna

••  Saturday & Sunday, October 28-29      Steam on the Susquehanna

Ride Behind steam locomotive #142 on the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway. The train will be departing from "Susquehanna Transfer" (North Bergen) or from Hawthorne. The ride is about  2.5 hours in each direction. We will be traveling to Historic Bairds Farm in Beautiful Warwick New York.  At the farm you can de-train and walk freely around the farm, buy some farm goods take a hay ride. There will be entertainment at the farm by the Frontier Riders of Wild West City.  Our train will consist of classic railroad cars. The Coach Cars are from the Long Island Railroad and have windows that open so you can watch and hear the steam locomotive. The Deluxe cars are plush "dayliner " cars from the Southern Railroad and the First Class cars are Dome Observation cars from the Rio Grande.  This is a unique opportunity to ride behind steam once again. On the train feel free to grab a bite to eat in the diner or visit the gift car! All proceeds from this event go to further railroad restoration and the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society is a Non- Profit Corporation.  [prices from $40-$150 per ticket,  for more info check:  http://www.nyswths.org/steam.htm or call 1-877-872-4674 ]

 ••  Saturday, October 28:      Chocolate Festival Express

 from Hoboken to the Chocolate Festival in Hackettstown NJ. Direct connection for those traveling from New York's Penn Station. Visit annual fall chocolate festival. See the fall foliage along the way. Family value fares: adult $25 and child under 12 $10. Tickets: SSAE and check or money order payable to the United Railroad Historical Society, 112 Hill Top Ln, Neshanic Station NJ 08853. Info: phone (732) 671-9644 (evening) or Internet at www.urhs.org.

 ••  Saturday & Sunday, October 28-29:      Halloween Express 2000

 departs the Whippany Railway Museum, Route 10 W, Whippany NJ at 1,2,3, and 4 PM. A 10 mile, 45 minute round trip over the Morristown & Erie Ry.  Fare: $8, child under 12 $5, babe-in-arms free. Mail order ticket reservations strongly recommended. Reservations accepted through Oct. 13. Tickets: SSAE and check or money order payable to  Whippany Railway Museum, PO Box 16, Whippany NJ 07981-0016. Indicate preferred excursion date and departure time.   Info phone (973) 887-8177 or Internet at www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.org.

 ••  Saturday, November 4:    Lehigh & New England Photo Freight

Departing Kempton Pa 12 Noon for a trip over the entire WK&S, including trackage to New Albany.   Train will feature L&NE livery Whitcomb 65 ton diesel, L&NE gondola, and L&NE caboose. Passengers will ride in a coach. Numerous photo stops and runbys en route, with a pure L&NE consist.    PHOTO STOPS: The trip will feature several quality photo stops and runbys of a pure L&NE consist. Also included is a night photo session at Kepmton, so bring those tripods!   FARE: ONLY $12, includes night photo session. Tickets: SSAE and check payable to Jersey Central Railway Historical Society, PO Box 700, Clark NJ 07066-0700. For further information contact Carl Perelman at RPnews@worldnet.att.net.       [from http://www.jcrhs.org/]

 

••  Saturday, December 16:     Night Photo Trolley Special

over SEPTA's streetcar lines using a PCC car sponsored by the Wilmington Chapter NRHS. Several stops for open flash and ambient light night photography. Trip departs Elmwood car barn (near I-95) at 5 PM; returns approx. 10 PM. Capacity limited to 30 people. Fare: $35: Tickets: SSAE and check payable to Wilmington Chapter NRHS, c/o Steve Barry, 117 High St, Newton NJ 07860. Info: phone (973) 383-3355 (9am-5pm ET) or e-mail steve@daylightimages.com.


CHAPTER EVENTS  
Thursday    Oct. 19, 2000   7 PM    Chapter Meeting program Frank Ferguson entitled "Varnish in the 1980's"

Thursday    Nov. 16, 2000   7 PM    Chapter Meeting program by Phil Snyder B&O Line - Philadelphia Division

Saturday    Dec. 16, 2000   5 PM   Chapter Trip  Christmas Lights Trolley Trip somewhere in Philadelphia.

Sunday  Dec. 17, 2000   5 PM    Holiday Dinner  in lieu of normal monthly meeting. 5PM cocktails, 6PM dinner, $12 per person, program by Steve Barry

Thursday    Jan. 2001   7 PM    Chapter Meeting program by Ernie Barry - program not known at this time.

Thursday    Feb. 2001   7 PM    Chapter Meeting program by Bruce Barry - program not known at this time.

The Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) meets at 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month [except August & December] in the Darley Room at the Claymont Community Center on Green Street in Claymont, Delaware.      Visitors are always welcome. Admission to regular meetings is free. Check out our  >>NEW Website <<<, thanks to Russ Fox at:   http://www.WilmingtonNRHS.com


The Transfer Table
   The Transfer Table is published six to ten times per year as the newsletter of the Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.  Items in this publication do not represent the official position of either Officers or Members of the Wilmington Chapter or the Editor of this publication.
    Permission to reprint articles and news items appearing herein is granted to NRHS Chapters and other newsletters provided appropriate credit is given.   Contributions are always welcome and should be sent to the editor at SD40GMA@aol.com or send to: P.O. Box 1136, Hockessin, DE 19707-5136. Deadline for entries is the 25th of the month.

    Chapter Officers
    President   Phil Snyder
    Vice President & Historian  Ron Cleaves
    Treasurer   Ralph Stevens, Jr.
    Secretary   Walt Robbins
    National Director   Tom Posatko
    Editor  Greg Ajamian
    Public Relations    Frank Ferguson, Jr.
    Event Photographer  Bruce Barry

>>> check out our NEW website >>>   http://www.WilmingtonNRHS.com

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site