THE TRANSFER TABLE
The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter
Internet Edition

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 MEETING NOTES

    After President Phil Snyder called the meeting to order, the minutes were read by Vice President Ron Cleaves and approved as corrected. The Treasurer's  report was approved as read by Ralph Stevens. 

    President Snyder noted that special thanks go to Ralph Stevens for his generous gift to the Chapter that totally funded the last (extra large) issue of The Transfer Table. National Director Tom Posatko reported that RailCamp had 24 participants this year and that the next Director's meeting will be in Utica, NY. We welcomed new member Ed Karpinski who indicated that he had been a photographer for Amtrak and SEPTA - and we look forward to seeing some of those images soon!

    President Snyder mentioned the Chapter Sponsored Steamtown Trolley Trip planned for Dec. 12, 2004 and our annual Super Saturday Streetcar Trip planned for Feb. 5, 2005. He also reported on our recent Do-It-Yourself Chapter Trip in lieu of the August meeting. Phil also noted that there two locomotives crossed the Shellpot Bridge in the opening ceremonies, but the bridge will not be fully operational until the end of September.

    Since it's that time of the year again, Frank Ferguson "volunteered to chair the Election Committee. If you would like to run for any office, contact Frank to get on the ballot. Ralph Stevens reported on this year's Rails to the Fair. Dan Frederick spoke of his trip through Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota - including the four railroad stations in Sioux Falls. Richard Hall indicated that the B&O Museum is set to open in November 2004. Frank Ferguson mentioned that on Sept. 12, Train 409 reported "hitting something" around 3 AM in Newark, DE, Train 438 reported seeing a body near the tracks, and Train 276 stopped to investigate. The crew of 276 had to mark off after seeing the victim.

    Frank Ferguson presented his slide program on Brazil after the break. We saw both meter gauge and 30 inch operations including steam tank engines and electric trolleys. There was an 1889 wood burner on a tourist line and G-8, G-12, and SD-45s on four-wheel narrow gauge trucks! We saw ex-CSX B36-7s and ex-Conrail units. Also included were the last B-12 built by GM in Brazil and a meter gauge Santa Fe 2-10-2. We also saw an 800mm. Operation at a power plant and the Jundi Museum's box cabs, double-ended electrics, GE center cabs, Alco PA, and Little Joe locomotives. To top off his program he included some views of Hialeah, FL, Sand Patch, Cumberland, Arkansas, Missouri, FarmRail, Durango and Silverton. If you weren't there, you missed another great show!

NEWS BITS

•     Rediscover the NEW Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, opening to the public Sat., Nov. 13, 2004!
  Reopening/Holiday Hours (November 13, 2004 - December 30, 2004)
  Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. - 3p.m.
      The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD. announced that it would reopen the weekend of November 13-14. The museum, which holds an extensive collection of locomotive, cars and related exhibits, has been closed since the snowfall of a February 2003 blizzard collapsed the roof of its historic roundhouse building. In a Letter From the Director on the website: " I am proud to announce that the New Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum will reopen the weekend of November 13-14, 2004! "Better than ever" has been the theme of all involved in the planning and execution of this tremendous restoration project. New exhibits, activities, programs, visitor facilities and experiences await the re-opening and your return. The tragic events of the February 16-17, 2003 snow storm and the impact that this cataclysmic event had on the museum's National Landmark 1884 Roundhouse and the world class collections contained therein, have evoked letters, e-mails and telephone calls from around the globe. Partners and friends from museums worldwide, historical organizations, clubs, individuals, families and children all over continue to express their heartfelt concern and care. In addition, unsolicited donations are still received from every corner of the globe to aid in the restoration, rebuilding and reopening of this great American treasure." Courtney B. Wilson, Director [from http://www.borail.org]
   
•     Amtrak debuted its revised and improved website. New features include fare information presented upfront in the booking process, the ability to query train status from the home page and an improved online reservation cancellation and refund process. The website may be found at http://www.amtrak.com/.
   
•     Hurricane Ivan made landfall near Mobile, AL., the most recent of several strong hurricanes to have made landfall on the Southeastern U.S. this hurricane season. Railroads in the area made extensive preparations, including CSX suspending service on its line between New Orleans, LA. and Tallahassee, FL. and Norfolk Southern suspending service on its line between Meridian, MS. and Birmingham, AL. Amtrak also suspended its passenger train services north and east out of New Orleans. Earlier in the week, CSX and Union Pacific jointly operated 2 special trains of diesel fuel and gasoline to destinations in Florida hard-hit by earlier Hurricane Frances. [from Dave Mears via his American Rail Link for September 18, 2004 via Edward Mayover]
   
•     PRE-CIVIL WAR ERA STEAM LOCOMOTIVES FOUND OFF NEW JERSEY COAST: Two pre-Civil War steam locomotives, almost completely intact, have been discovered sitting upright, side-by-side, at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, several miles off the central New Jersey coast, according to a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The submerged locomotives were originally discovered in 1985 by a charter-boat captain, but the significance of the find was not realized until two years ago, and not made public until Friday, when a federal judge ordered the relics protected. In the next few days, a surrogate U.S. marshal will dive 90 feet to the ocean floor a few miles east of Asbury Park, NJ, to attach a laminated notice to one of the locomotives. The notice includes a marshals' warning that tampering or poaching is now illegal. Two organized groups of amateur railroad and diving enthusiasts obtained the court order. They hope to retrieve and restore the steam engines, which are encrusted with a century and a half of barnacles and other sea life. John H. White, a former railroad curator for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., described the discovery of the two steam engines near New Jersey as "unusual, an oddity." [ from Trains News Wire, 9/20 via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 22, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
      And, this follow-up: Officials of the New Jersey Museum of Transportation announced the discovery of 2 pre-Civil War steam locomotives submerged off the New Jersey coast. A spokesman for the museum, which has salvage rights, said that the locomotives were both upright in approximately 90 feet of water a few miles  east of Asbury Park, NJ. The spokesman added that there were no immediate plans to try to raise the locomotives, which might have slipped off a ship during a storm in the early 1850's. [ from Philadelphia Inquirer via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 25, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
   
•     CSXT, UNION PACIFIC COMBINE FOR FREE EMERGENCY DELIVERY OF DIESEL AND GASOLINE ON BOARD SPECIAL TRAINS FOR FLORIDA: Two special relief trains operated by CSX Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad were moving toward Florida today to provide fuel for emergency operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances, which struck the state on Labor Day weekend. The dedicated trains -- one consisting of 20 cars and the other 24 cars -- departed the Houston, Texas area recently and were expected to arrive in Florida at distribution points in Sanford and Tampa on Wednesday. The first train began its journey on UP rails and connected with CSXT at New Orleans; the second connected at Memphis, Tenn. to avoid Hurricane Ivan's approach, which likely will close temporarily CSXT's Florida Panhandle line and possibly others. A total of 40 cars of diesel fuel or about 1.1 million gallons make up most of the shipments, although four cars of gasoline, or about 114,000 gallons, are also included. The fuel shipments were requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Florida to alleviate shortages created by Hurricane Frances and earlier, Hurricane Charley. The diesel fuel will be used for emergency generators at hospitals and in fire and rescue vehicles. The gasoline will be used in police cars. [from CSX, UP, 9/14 via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 22, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
   
•     Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates 21,500 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario , serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. NS operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is the nation's largest rail carrier of automotive parts and finished vehicles. {from recent NS press release]
   
•     The Gettsyburg & Northern Railroad, now known as the Pioneer Lines, is planning Special Events:OCTOBER EVENTS - Fall Foliage Festival DaysScenic train runs everyday through the beautiful countryside of Adams County. Weekdays the train departs the depot at noon, and on the weekends the train departs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. NOVEMBER EVENTS - November 20 & 21: Railfan Weekend Passenger train departs Gettysburg Depot at 9:00 am, travels to Mt. Holly Springs and returns with photo opportunities. Train returns around 5:30 p.m. Lunch included in fare aboard our table car. Other snacks/beverages are available. For the serious railfan only-a quality event ensured. Fare per day: $75.00 or Two day fare: $100.00. Saturday night photo opportunities will be available after slide show. Limited seating and reservations only. Pioneer Lines, 106 N. Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 - Phone: (717) 334-6932 - E-Mail: pioneerlines@innernet.net - Tickets can be reserved by emailing or calling us. Currently, tickets are not sold online. [ from http://www.GettysburgRail.com/Special_Events.htm via Kermit Geary]
   
•     BLACKBERRY PICKER CAUSES GERMAN RAIL CHAOS: Trains on a busy German main line near Berlin were delayed for 4 hours after an engineer hit the emergency brake fearing a man next to the tracks was trying to kill himself . . . but he was only picking blackberries, according to a story from Reuters. Authorities stopped all trains and closed the rail line, causing a chain reaction that delayed 11 trains for 4-1/2 hours. Police said on Wednesday the 70-year-old man was spotted as he leaned over the track near the western city of Cologne but it turned out he was just trying to reach the best berries. [from Trains News Wire, 9/22 via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 29, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
   
•     GOOD BYE TURBOS: During the evening of September 20 Amtrak P-40 #823 pulled the three NYS turbotrains from Rensselaer. New York. The three turbos were destined for a storage location in Delaware. Two of these sets had operated in Albany-Rensselaer - NYC service as recently as June and the third train had  never been accepted by Amtrak. The turbo train issue continues to be a main issue in the controversy between NYSDOT and Amtrak concerning a 1998 high speed rail agreement the State had made with Amtrak. Until these issues, which are presently being litigated, are settled, it is unlikely that a turbo train will turn a wheel  under its own power. Amtrak claims the move to DE was made so that the equipment would be stored at a more secure location. [from Railpace Hit News, 9/22 via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 29, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
      And this related piece: NEW YORK SAYS IT WANTS ITS TURBOLINERS BACK FROM AMTRAK: New York State Transportation Commissioner Joseph Boardman accused Amtrak on Wednesday of hijacking three of its high-speed Turboliner passenger trains that are at the center of a legal battle between the state and the passenger carrier, according to a story in the Albany Times-Union. "Somebody stole my trains, and I want them back," fumed Boardman. "These are our trains. We paid for them; we have title." Boardman went a step further, suggesting it was time to start looking at other options for providing passenger rail service within New York. He even put in a call to Amtrak CEO David Gunn on Wednesday to vent. "We own these trains. We want them back," he added. "David Gunn can't steal them and put them in mothballs." Boardman's railing failed to get a rise out of Amtrak officials on Wednesday. Instead, a spokesman pointed to a letter the railroad sent to the DOT on September 13 assuring that "since these trainsets are not in operation and pending the resolution of our disputes regarding operation of the Turboliner train sets, Amtrak will continue to maintain the safe keeping of the Turboliner trainsets in its possession."
      Amtrak towed the three trains out of the shop at Rensselaer, N.Y., across the Hudson River from Albany, late Tuesday for storage at its facility in Wilmington, Del., setting off the latest skirmish between the state DOT and Amtrak over an ambitious plan that was to shave 20 minutes or more off the trip between Albany-Rensselaer and New York City, putting it close to 2 hours. The 1970s-era Turboliners, rebuilt as part of a $185 million high-speed rail agreement, are among the few tangible remnants of the now-foundering program announced with much fanfare by Gov. George Pataki 6 years ago. Track improvements that were supposed to enable the trains to operate at their top cruising speeds of 125 mph have not been made, and only 3 of the 7 Turboliners originally tapped for the project have been completed and delivered to Amtrak. Amtrak stopped using the Turboliners, even on limited runs, in June because of faulty air-conditioning. Last month, the state DOT filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force Amtrak to deliver on its part of the rail agreement or pay the state $477 million in damages.
   
•     New York taxpayers have paid for much of the rebuilding of the trains, which was performed by Super Steel Schenectady, and the power cars bear the state seal. However, in an unusual twist, the contract called for the state to take ownership of the trains only when Amtrak fully accepted them as satisfactory for regular service. Boardman said he will ask the state attorney general to take legal action to force the Turboliners' return to the region. Meanwhile, Boardman said Amtrak's days of shuttling passengers around the state may be numbered. "I don't think this is fair treatment," he said. "I think we need to have a whole different intercity passenger rail service in New York state. We're not being served by Amtrak." The commissioner said he is not ready to say precisely who should operate passenger trains within New York, but he said state leaders "from Maryland to Maine" are interested in an alternative to Amtrak. He did not rule out the possibility of New York using the Turboliners as the core of a new state-run fleet. "We run the Long Island Rail Road, we run Metro North Railroad," he said, pointing to the two big commuter-train operations of New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "We know how to run railroads. There are other options. ... I think we need  something new. I don't know what that something new is, yet." [from Albany Times-Union, 9/23 via Dave Mears via American Rail Link for September 29, 2004 via Edward Mayover ]
   
•     The fiscal year for Amtrak closes on Sept. 30. According to the letter from President David Gunn in the Sept/Oct 2004 issue of Arrive Magazine which is provided in the seat pouch on Amtrak trains, :
   

  Project	Completed 2004	Plan for 2005
  Concrete ties installed	181,000	180,000
  Wood ties installed	35,000	40,000
  Undercut track miles	51 miles	45 miles
  Replaced rail	100 miles	46 miles
  Installed or renewed	27 switches	30 switches
  Replaced signal & comm. cable	43 miles	32 miles
  Catenary hardware	81 miles	65 miles

  And over the next five years, they plan to replace or rebuild five major bridges in the Northeast, improve 206 undergrade bridges, upgrade 135 miles of signal cable, and improve 96 substations.

UPCOMING WILMINGTON CHAPTER NRHS STREETCAR TRIPS

Laurel Line Photo Special December 12, 2004
Travel over the ex-Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley from Scranton to Montage, Pennsylvania, using a vintage streetcar from the Electric City Trolley Museum. Bring your tripod and cable release for a "daytime night photo session" inside the Crown Avenue Tunnel. Trip departs the loading platform at Steamtown National Historic Site at 12:01 p.m., returns about 4:00 p.m. Fare $38.00 Tickets Available On-Line starting Oct. 1 at http://www.daylightimages.com/streetcar/

Super Saturday Streetcar Special XII February 5, 2005
A Wilmington Chapter tradition! Join us for our 12th pre-Super Bowl trip on Saturday, February 5th. Details aren't finalized yet, but we are hoping to get recently renovated Route 15 (Girard Avenue) and a rehabbed PCC from Brookville. If all else fails, we will traverse southwest Philadelphia routes in a vintage PCC with our usual plethora of photo stops. Trip departs Elmwood Depot at 10:00 a.m. Fare $35.00 Tickets Available Soon

Can't order via Internet? Make checks payable to Wilmington Chapter NRHS and mail your order to: Wilmington Chapter NRHS Trips, c/o Steve Barry, 117 High Street Newton, NJ 07860

GUEST SPEAKER

Our special guest speaker for October 21, Al Giannantonio, will present special a program on the History of the Baldwin Locomotive Works with never-before-seen images! We need a computer projector for this program, so if you have access to one or can borrow one from work, contact Tom Posatko or Phil Snyder.

   FAMOUS EASTERN PASSENGER TRAINS OF THE 20TH CENTURY by Phil Toman

    I don't like the term "provincial" applied to me when it comes to a topic I enjoy as much as railroading, but . . . Did you ever notice when some authors get to the topic of the great streamliners on fallen flags they, like Horace Greeley, "Go West?"

    Names like "The Super Chief," "The Empire Builder," "The Daylight" are always high on the list to be discussed. Now don't get me wrong, they were all great trains, but we had some that operated here in the East that were great trains too. Well, I feel as though I have been vindicated thanks to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

    The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, in nearby Strasburg, is now offering an exhibition called "Famous Eastern Passenger Trains of the 20th Century" through Sunday, April 10, 2005. The accent is, or should be, on the word "Eastern." "Broad Way Limited," "Crusader," "Black Diamond," those names are also synonymous with  comfort, safety and gracious service. These are among the many famous named passenger trains that traversed the eastern United States during the past century.

    Passengers on these deluxe trains could be assured of enjoying such amenities as excellent porter service, restful sleep in Pullman berths, fine dining and relaxation in beautifully-appointed parlor-observation cars. With good reason, named passenger trains, for the first several decades of the 20th century, were considered the ultimate form of public travel in the United States.

    "Famous Eastern Passenger Trains of the 20th Century" recalls the bygone days of elite passenger train travel through historic photographs and artifacts. Trains in various period scenes from the turn-of-the-20th- century through the 1950s are showcased and glimpses of life on board luxury cars are reflected in menus, travel folders, china and other items from the golden days of railroading's past.

    The idea of named passenger trains emerged in the 19th century and was based on a simple concept: create special trains with extra accommodations which would operate on the most heavily traveled routes. The railroads could then charge a premium price for travel on these trains. The Pennsylvania Railroad, for example, embraced the marketing strategy behind named trains when their travel literature persuaded customers that "the purpose of travel is not merely to reach the goal, but to find enjoyment en route."

Some named trains competed for potential passengers traveling the same routes and less than friendly marketing wars ensued. The 1920s, '30s and '40s were marked by considerable increases in the number of named passenger trains. Even the small Central Railroad of New Jersey jumped on the bandwagon when they inaugurated their Blue Comet train, which operated between Atlantic City and Jersey City, New Jersey, for the first time on February 21, 1929.

    The named trains received the latest improvements possible and, in May 1931, the B&O Railroad's "Columbian," which operated between Jersey City, Washington, DC and Chicago, became the first fully air-conditioned passenger train. The most significant upgrade to named passenger trains came in the form of streamlining. One of the best known streamlined trains, introduced in December 1937, was the Reading Railroad's "Crusader," which connected Philadelphia and New York. Many existing trains,  such as the "Broad Way Limited," "Twentieth Century Limited" and "The Black Diamond" were fully upgraded with streamlined equipment. One of the last new streamlined passenger trains was the B&O Railroad's Cincinnatian, which was introduced in January, 1947. The railroads hired the most respected designers of the era to create their memorable, streamlined designs.

    As NRHS members we are all painfully aware, business soon declined on the passenger trains due to the increasingly widespread use of automobiles, buses and airplanes. To make operations more economical, railroad companies began reducing the size of the named trains and eliminating some of the more costly luxuries, or  terminating them completely.

    In 1941, the Central New Jersey's "Blue Comet" was one of the first named trains to come to an end. The famous names of the larger railroads were able to last longer and, in the 1940s and '50s, many of them successfully reduced operating costs by abandoning steam locomotives and relying solely on electric or diesel-electric locomotives. Despite this economy, all eventually fell victim to the loss in revenues that resulted from fewer riders. "The Broad Way Limited" was one of the last of the celebrated named trains, surviving into the Amtrak era before it ended in 1995.

    Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, you may call 717-687-8628 or visit the Railroad Museum's web site at www.rrmuseumpa.org. Make the trip and see if you just may have a touch of "provincialism" in your bones!

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.

NOW THROUGH December 31, 2004,  Mail in Motion: The Railway Mail Service - Steamtown. A special exhibit, entitled Mail in Motion: The Railway Mail Service is currently available for public viewing in the Changing Exhibits Gallery at Steamtown National Historic Site. This collection of photographs, documents and artifacts focuses on the significant role that American railroads played in the delivery of the mail in the 19th and 20th centuries.

NOW THROUGH January 2005,  Hagley Museum's exhibition on the history of NYC's Penn Station.  This HO-gauge scale model is complete with operating trains.

NOW THROUGH April 10, 2005, Famous Eastern Passenger Trains of the 20th Century at the RR Museum of PA Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am. to 5:00 pm. and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p

NOW 'TIL WHENEVER,  America on the Move at Smithsonian Nat. Museum of American History largest-ever exhibition, has a companion Web site with material from the  exhibition, plus behind-the-scenes accounts of the making of the exhibition and more stories from curators about our objects and their place in American history-focused looks at topics ranging from maritime history to motorcycles, from racing to radiator emblems, and an examination of broader issues such as migration, gender, globalization, and technology. A powerful search tool will provide access to hundreds of objects in the transportation collections. http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove

October: Fall Foliage Festival Days on Gettsyburg Railroad, Monday through Friday trains depart at 12:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday trains depart at 11:00 am.

Saturday, October 2, 2004 through Sunday, April 10 (2005), regular Museum hours. FAMOUS EASTERN PASSENGER TRAINS OF THE 20TH CENTURY @ RR Museum of PA : & The purpose of travel is not merely to reach the goal, but to find enjoyment en route, stated literature from the Pennsylvania Railroad. This exhibit recalls the days of elite passenger train travel through historic photographs and artifacts, where you glimpse life on board famous trains like the Pennsylvania Limited, Broadway Limited, Crusader, Royal Blue and the Twentieth Century Limited. Included in the regular Museum admission.

October 9-10, 2004 Great Scale Model Train Show - Timonium 9-4 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD. www.gsmts.com

October 21-24, 2004 N.R.H.S. National Directors' Meeting Utica, NY, Hosted by Utica & Mohawk Valley Chapter

Friday, October 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. HALLOWEEN HAUNTING @ RR Museum of PA : A ghostly evening as you visit the haunted, cavernous Railroad Museum. Kids and adults: come in costume! Jack O-Lantern Station for young children and the faint of heart features seasonal crafts and other activities. Halloween tickets may be purchased in advance in person at the Whistle Stop Shop museum store ages 3 to 12: $4.00 per person and ages 13 and over: $6.00 per person. Halloween tickets will be available beginning February 3, 2004.

October 23 & 24, 2004 Fall at Auburn Heights, 1 - 4:30? PM, ride 1/8 scale Auburn Valley Live Steam RR, see Stanley Steamers & Antique Std. Gauge trains Admission $10, Children $7, for info http://www.auburnheights.org or 302-239-6379

Saturday, November 6, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 7, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. TRAINS & TROOPS @ RR Museum of PA : Guys and gals in uniform, experience many splendid railroad and military archival exhibits and displays, enjoy patriotic music and learn the significant role railroads played time and again in the defense of our nation.

Saturday, November 6, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. TAKING THE SWING TRAIN 40S DANCE @ RR Museum of PA : Jump, jive and swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among the trains in the Railroad Museum's awe inspiring Rolling Stock Hall. Come in uniform or &lsquo40s clothing! Dance tickets should be purchased in advance by phone at (717)687-8628, ext 3008, in person at the Whistle Stop Shop museum store or on line at www.rrmuseumpa.org, using a printable ticket request form. Special savings combination ticket per person for the dance and for both days of Trains & Troops: $30.00; General public dance ticket per person: $20.00. Dance tickets will be available beginning February 3, 2004.

November 7, 2004 Railroad, Steamship, Transportation Artifacts Show 9 AM - 4 PM Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD www.gserr.com

November 20 & 21: Railfan Weekend on Gettsyburg Railroad Passenger train departs Gettysburg Depot at 9:00 am, travels to Mt. Holly Springs and returns with photo  opportunities. Train returns around 5:30 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations only. Lunch included in fare aboard our table car. Other snacks/beverages available. For the serious railfan only. Fare per day: $75.00 or Two day fare: $100.00. Saturday night photo opportunities will be available after slide show.

November 27 & 28: Pioneer Polar Day's on Gettsyburg Railroad Santa rides with the passengers and offers a special "treat" for the young Santa seekers. Reservations  suggested. Train leaves at 11:00 am. Regular fares.

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19: Pioneer Polar Day's on Gettsyburg Railroad Santa rides with the passengers & offers a special "treat" for the young Santa seekers.  Reservations suggested. Train leaves at 11:00 am. Regular fares. Special train on December 18 offers lunch with Santa aboard the Pioneer Crusader Table Car, limited seating, reservations only. Fares for "lunch train" are $20.00 for adults and $12.00 children 12 and under. Lunch and train ride are included in fare costs.

Saturday, December 11, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 18, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS @ RR Museum of PA : Nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel. Meet costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents and passengers representing the past century; enjoy seasonal music and festive decorations and the Jack Frost Station for young children.

December 27 & 28, 2004 Holidays at Auburn Heights, 1 - 4:30? PM, ride 1/8 scale Auburn Valley Live Steam RR, see Stanley Steamers & Antique Std. Gauge trains. Admission $10, Children $7, for info http://www.auburnheights.org or 302-239-6379

ANNUAL CHAPTER HOLIDAY DINNER

Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004 - 5 PM cocktails
Location same as last year: Maximillian's
Buffet available 5-8 PM
followed by
Special Program by Steve Barry

CHAPTER EVENTS  

Thursday Oct. 21, 2004 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by special guest - Al Gianantonio entitled History of the Baldwin Locomotive Works

Thursday Nov. 18, 2004 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Richard Hall

Sunday Dec. 5, 2004 5 PM Holiday Dinner program by Steve Barry at Maximillian's instead of the normal monthly meeting

Sunday Dec. 12, 2004 Noon Chapter Sponsored Trolley Trip at Steamtown, PA

Thursday Jan. 20, 2005 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Allan Patterson

Saturday Feb. 5, 2005 10 AM Chapter Trip Super Saturday Streetcar Special XII = Phila.

Thursday Feb., 2005 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Dan Frederick

Thursday March, 2005 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Frank Ferguson

Thursday April, 2005 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Special Guest Speaker

Thursday May, 2005 7 PM Chapter Meeting Annual Doug Weaver Memorial Photo Contest 2005 special category: TBD

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 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:   Dan Frederick
    National Director:   Tom Posatko
    Editor:  Greg Ajamian
    Education Fund:   Ed Thornton
    Public Relations:    Frank Ferguson, Jr.
    Trip Director & Event Photographer:  Bruce Barry
    Web Master:   Russ Fox

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