NOTE: The Lite Version is our electronic version which is available for free from this web site.  It has limited content but gives you a taste of what is offered in our Full Version.

The Full Version is our printed newsletter which is mailed to you.  It contains everything in the Lite Version along with many other reprinted pages from other NRHS newsletters, railroad publications, and flyers that contain photographs, drawings, and maps.  The full version is just another benefit of joining our chapter. 

THE TRANSFER TABLE
The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter
Internet Edition

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site

MAY 19, 2005 MEETING NOTES

     President Phil Snyder called the meeting to order at 7 PM and the minutes were accepted as corrected after reading by Dan Frederick. The Treasurer's report was approved as read. National Director Tom Posatko reported on new National By- Laws (which are available on the website). After the usual break, the Chapter's Annual Doug Weaver Memorial Photo Contest was held; prints first followed by the slide competition. See the table later in this issue for full results.

JUNE 16, 2005 MEETING NOTES

     Starting at 7 PM, the minutes and Treasurer's reports were both approved as read by Dan Frederick and Ralph Stevens, respectively. After some discussion of the expenses for the newsletter, eleven members volunteered to receive their copies of The Transfer Table at the Chapter meetings in order to save postage. National Director Tom Posatko took the pulse of the members regarding the proposed changes to the National By-Laws. Ralph Stevens reported that the DO-IT-YOURSELF PAY-AS-YOU-GO CIRCLE-TRIP "MEDIA TO NORRISTOWN AND BACK" will start rather early at 5:06 PM! After the break, Mike Burkhart presented a slide program. We saw a terrific assortment of images including the Reading & Northern at Jim Thorpe, PA; Hancock, Grafton, and Cass West Virginia. We went from the Wilmington & Western to New Orleans to the Morristown & Erie to the Baltimore Street Car Museum. Next came Gloster City, NJ, Rockville Bridge, South Philadelphia; the Hobo RR and Conway, NH; Mount Washington and finally to West Chester, PA. Everyone enjoyed the great show.

From Trip Scheduler Ralph Stevens:

       We will be doing something different this year. We will be leaving from Media to make a circle trip to Norristown by Septa Rail and come back down by Norristown high speed rail to 69tn on Orange Street. The schedule is in this newsletter.

From an E-mail from Tom Smith:

    "The engineer in the photo of GM50 used in the May newsletter was Bill Bartosh. I don't recall if he ever actually joined the Wilmington Chapter, but he was very active in the W&W, and well known among long time Chapter members. He was also very helpful to the Chapter, particularly on our Talbot Bullet trip over the Maryland & Delaware's Easton Branch in 1982. I was aboard the trip with the GM50. Bill left CSX about 10 years ago and started the Chesapeake RR over the Easton Branch.

Tim Cronin sent me a clipping from the Wilmington News Journal about the death of the Rev. J. Howard Link on Feb. 3 at age 90. Howard was one of the founding members of the Chapter, was its first Secretary, and published and distributed the Chapter newsletter, then known as The Official Guide of the Wilmington Chapter. Although he was not a member very long, he contributed a lot while he was active. His photo appeared in the Chapter history that was published in the TT on the Chapter's 25th Anniversary."

And in another Tom Smith E-mail on May 16th:

SP&S 4-8-4 700 was on the road over the weekend traveling to Salem and return for public display at a civic event. It pulled a coach and caboose but carried no passengers. Everything went well. There were rumors that there might be a trip this summer using 700 and 4449 double-headed. Doyle's Alco PA is making slow progress. The side paneling is complete on the right side, and presents an almost complete picture from that angle. Upper grillwork and window glass have not been installed.

From Steve Barry:

    Toronto Streetcar Spectacular For those of you who have purchased tickets for the Toronto Streetcar Spectacular (September 10-11, 2005), a big thank you from the Wilmington Chapter NRHS. We're going to have a great time. For those of you who haven't purchased tickets, there are still a few available that can be ordered from http://www.daylightimages.com/streetcar .

    The trips will be originating from the Russell Car Barn at Queen and Connaught Streets in southeast Toronto, but there will be a passenger pick-up directly at the Days Inn- Toronto East Beaches (five blocks from the car house). The Chapter has 15 rooms set aside at the Days Inn for both Friday and Saturday nights (there are only 20 rooms available there total, due to an art festival that weekend) so I urge you to call the Days Inn at 416-694- 1177 and make a reservation as soon as possible. Tell them you are with the "National Railway Historical Society."

Most folks want to have the group dinner on Saturday and a group lunch on Sunday at the restaurant adjacent to the Days Inn that has a patio right along the streetcar tracks. We're working on that. Likewise, there will be a group event at the Halton County Radial Railway on Sunday afternoon, and we're working on some photo opportunities there with their Toronto PCC and/or Peter Witt. If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail. Steve Barry steveb@railfan.com

FROM THE EDITOR:

        In an effort to save postage and conserve costs, special thanks to 11 members who regularly attend the Chapter Meetings who volunteered at the June Meeting to receive future issues of The Transfer Table at the meetings. Every bit helps!

Quoted From Our Chapter Website:

    "The Wilmington Chapter publishes the "Transfer Table" (our Chapter's newsletter) 6 to 10 times a year. The "Transfer Table" comes in two versions: The Lite Version is our electronic version which is available for free from this web site. It has limited content but gives you a taste of what is offered in our Full Version. The Full Version is our printed newsletter which is mailed to you. It contains everything in the Lite Version along with many other reprinted pages from other NRHS newsletters, railroad publications, and flyers that contain photographs, drawings, and maps. The full version is just another benefit of joining our chapter. The newsletters that are available online will give you an idea of what the Wilmington Chapter is all about. If you join, you will be able to receive a printed copy of the Full Version which will be delivered to your mailbox. http://wilmingtonnrhs.com/newsletters.htm "

From Richard Hall:

    The Air Brake Instruction Car will be ready to be dedicated in the main exhibit hall of the PA Railroad Museum in Strasburg in October 2005.

    From Dave Watterson (on 5/12/2005):

    Dave called to report some unusual cars at the end of the consist of S439 (the second section of train Q249). On the nose was CSX 4703 (new in Dec. 2003), HLCX 7190 (ex-BN SD 40-2), and CSX 5575. The train left Selkirk with 89 loads, 41 empties and a total of 12,206 tons in its 8,051 feet of train. By the time it got to Wilmington, it was down to 55 loads, 40 empties, 5,755 feet long, and 8,005 tons. But the big news was the set of cars from the Massachusetts Bay Fire Fighting Association at the end: caboose (Conrail 21212), RDC (MCVX 7809), RDC (MCVX 7803), ex-AMTRAK (Silver Crag), long caboose 9657, box (ex-PC? 368381), and three tank cars (87527, 23531, 17572). Enroute to Florence, NC.

From an E-Mail from Phil Toman:

    Here is a link to some interesting publicity photos & Public Relations pieces for the GM Aerotrain circa 1955 (which he once saw in North Philadelphia!): http://www.carofthecentury.com/the_aerotrain.htm [(Ed.) the site also has the "Train of Tomorrow" http://www.carofthecentury.com/design_leaders.htm ]

Also from Phil Toman:
    Many museums of today were not built as museums but for very specific business or utilitarian purposes. For example, the beautiful Brandywine River Museum was built as a grist mill. Today I want to share information with you about such a museum that at one time had a different, very profitable purpose. The museum I am writing about has a most interesting shape. It is 192.2 miles long and 4 feet 8 and 1/2 inches wide! By the way, it is only a museum one day a year! The rest of the year it is still actively engaged in commerce as it has been since the middle of the 19th century.

    This museum is made up of many parts, built at different times by different companies. Together these entities opened Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia (and their products) to the world. I refer to the group of railroads which were later combined and received the name "The Delaware Road" from area residents and historians.

    Today the railroads which serve the eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia and the entire State of Delaware are strictly for freight. That wasn't always true. Long before highways and super highways, passenger traffic depended on the railroad. One day a year a dedicated group of people bring those days back by providing passenger transportation over the old roadbeds. The locomotives and passenger coaches, however, are definitely not "vintage." They are among the most modern and comfortable Amtrak has to offer.

    This one day opening coincides each year with the first Saturday of the Delaware State Fair and the event is called Rail to the Fair or R2F for short. You can enjoy learning about the history of railroads on the peninsula from the narrators on board and the exhibits of old photographs, maps and timetables which form an exhibit of those earlier days. It is one of those events which offers something for all age levels and it appeals across a wide range of interests.

    R2F first operates down the old main line of The Delaware Road as far as Harrington, site of the State Fair. Many will get off for a day at the fair. Many others will stay on to get in some rare passenger mileage and the train leaves the main line for a trip over the right- of-way of the old Junction and Breakwater Railroad. That line went to Georgetown, Lewis, Rehoboth and on to Franklin City, Va. For this trip however, the ride will terminate at the newly refurbished Georgetown Station. The train will then return to the fair so everyone may have some time, and fun, at the State Fair.

    Saturday, July 23, is the big day. The train will make a number of stops along its route. If you plan to board from the Newark or Elkton areas there are some stops you will find convenient. R2F will depart Pennsylvania Station Wilmington at 9:44 a.m., Fairplay Station at 9:58 a.m., Newark at 10:11 a.m., Middletown at 11:01 a.m. and Wyoming at 11:46 a.m. Free parking is available at those locations. The train will arrive at the Fairgrounds at 12:40 p.m. The round trip over the old J&B RR will take about an additional hour.

    There will be two on board narrators. One will tell you about the sights along the way and the other will discuss the history of the line and how railroads helped these areas grow. A new exhibit of photographs from the late 1890s and very early 1900s has been added this year to compliment the maps and old timetables of trains serving the DelMarVa peninsula. A souvenir booklet given to each passenger is a marvelous guide to all that you will see on the trip.

    "Photo Ops," chances to get some great photos, are available all along the route. Your narrators will tell you about them before the train gets to them and you can read about them in detail in the souvenir booklet. Every rider also gets a "goodie bag" to add to the fun and help you remember the day.

    The State Fair has many animal exhibits, flower shows, an art show, photographic displays and a fun- filled midway. Many varieties of foods are available from the usual fair vendors to a home cooked meal served by the Delaware State Grange. Reservations are required for travel on this train. For information you may call 302-652-DART. I strongly suggest you do it soon. The train has been a sell out several years because it is one of those chances to combine history, learning and fun. That's a combination that's hard to beat.

Annual Doug Weaver Memorial Photo Contest

Results of the National Railway Historical Society's Wilmington Chapter's Annual Doug Weaver Memorial Photo Contest held at the regular Chapter meeting on May 19th, 2005

NEWS BITS

• HOBOKEN FERRY TERMINAL RESTORATION TO START: The second phase of a rehabilitation project that will return the Hoboken (N.J.) Terminal to its original design and enable trans-Hudson River commuters to board ferries bound for New York from the historic terminal building was announced today by N.J. State Senator Bernard Kenny, Hoboken Mayor David Roberts, and NJ Transit executive director George D. Warrington. With the announcement, NJ Transit said it will begin the bidding process for the reconstruction of the 1907 terminal's original ferry slips, a critical element needed to restore permanent ferry service to the terminal. During this second phase of the project, marine construction of five of the original six ferry slips will be completed, as well as structural repairs, roof repairs, skylight restoration, and interior finishing work. In addition, NJ Transit plans to build a replica of the clock tower that originally stood on top of the building. The project's first phase, which began last year and will be completed this summer, includes repairs to the terminal's substructure and superstructure. Hoboken ferry service was discontinued in 1967 owing to declining demand, but was restored in 1989. Hoboken Terminal currently serves about 40,000 commuters each weekday arriving on NJT commuter trains, buses, ferries, PATH rapid-transit trains, and light-rail vehicles. The terminal, which is located in the heart of Hoboken, was added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1973. (from Trains News Wire, 5/2 via American Rail Link for May 4, 2005 - George Read via Ed Mayover)
   
• REMAINS OF KINZUA VIADUCT TO BE PRESERVED: The Kinzua Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the world, hasn't been much of a tourist attraction since it was mangled by a tornado in July 2003. But officials say $1 million in state funds released yesterday to rehabilitate Kinzua Bridge State Park is the first step in preserving the bridge's ruins. Only 32,000 people visited the park last year, down from 188,000 in 1999. The tornado destroyed 11 towers of the bridge, but nine were left standing. They will be stabilized as part of $7 million in eventual capital improvements. The nearly half-mile long bridge, 301 feet high, was built in 94 days using 1,552 tons of iron in 1892, then rebuilt using steel in 1900 to hold heavier trains. The last fr eight train crossed the bridge in 1959. (from AP, 6/09 via American Rail Link for June 15, 2005 - George Read via Ed Mayover)
   
• After six years in the shop, the UP 844 Steam Engine roared down the tracks Wednesday (June 8). In 1944, it was the last steam locomotive bought by the Union Pacific Railroad. These powerful machines with their puffs of white smoke are what most people think of when they hear the word train, Mike Kassel, exhibits curator at the Old West Museum, said. Until 1999, the 844 Steam Engine was in continuous service as the only operating steam locomotive that had never retired. But 55 years of use had deteriorated the boiler to the point that only the outer shell could be saved. Everything else had to be replaced. Cheyenne's UP Steam Shop is one of the few remaining facilities that could handle the task of overhauling the various pumps, piping and springs. A great deal of care went into preparing the engine for its 2005 voyage. (from The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, 6/9, via American Rail Link for June 15, 2005 - George Read via Ed Mayover)
   
• "The city (of Schenectady, NY) automatically foreclosed on the Amtrak station at 322 Liberty for a $178.62 1993 water bill Amtrak didn't pay. The water bill eventually became a tax lien and the station was placed on the foreclosure list. The city took possession of the station in April 2001. However, the city was not aware that they owned the Amtrak station until this year. It should be noted that Amtrak did not know the station had been foreclosed. Since the station was exempt from property taxes, the city attorney was unaware of the ownership of the station. There is some legal question whether a city can take title for property owned by the federal government. In early February, the city council approved legislation to give the deed back to Amtrak." (from the Schenectady Gazette, 3/19/04, via June 2005 Rochester Chapter NRHS newsletter - Thanks to Gale Smith via American Rail Link for June 15, 2005 - George Read via Ed Mayover)
   
• Chicago, IL commuter rail operator METRA took delivery of the first of 26 new Highliner Class, bi-level, electric multiple unit cars. The new cars, built by Sumitomo Corporation of America and partner Nippon Sharyo, will be used on METRA's former Illinois Central commuter rail service operated between Chicago's Randolph Street Station and suburban University Park, IL. A total of 165 new Highliner cars will be delivered through February, 2006, which will replace the current fleet of Highliners, some of which have been in service since 1970. The new cars also include lavatories, which the current cars do not have. Also on Monday, a METRA spokesman announced that it would allow bicycles on all its commuter rail lines   " weekend trains, off-peak weekday trains and reverse-commute weekday trains only  " starting June 1. (from the Chicago Tribune, Progressive Railroading via Weekly Rail Review - Week Ending 28MAY2005 - Dave Mears via Ed Mayover)
   
• The Alaska Railroad dedicated its new Fairbanks Intermodal Facility And Depot. The facility, which refers to intermodal passenger services, will be used by the railroad's passenger trains and by conjoining bus services. An ARR spokesman said that the facility cost approximately $23.7 million and is designed to support 3 times the number of passengers that used the old facility, which the spokesman added will accommodate ARR's projected passenger growth occurring during the next 30 years. (from Progressive Railroading via Railroading via Weekly Rail Review - Week Ending 28MAY2005 - Dave Mears via Ed Mayover)
   
• The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler, AZ announced that it would relocate to another location within Chandler by next month. A museum spokesman said that the museum will relocate from the city's Armstrong Park section to its Tumbleweed Park section. The spokesman said that the relocation will allow the museum to expand from a 2-acre site to a 6.5-acre site. The museum's collection includes 32 pieces of historic rail equipment, along with numerous historic photographs and related rail artifacts. (from Trains via Railroading via Railroading via Weekly Rail Review - Week Ending 28MAY2005 - Dave Mears via Ed Mayover)
   
• Norfolk Southern, the New York, Susquehanna & Western, and the Central New York jointly filed to downgrade the existing traffic control system over approximately 123 miles of line between Port Jervis, NY and Binghamton, NY. The proposed change includes conversion of all power-operated switches to hand-throw operation. In its filing, the railroads state that the current traffic density on the line does not warranty retention of the existing signal system. (from the FRA via Railroading via Railroading via Weekly Rail Review - Week Ending 28MAY2005 - Dave Mears via Ed Mayover)
   
• To comply with the new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations on the use of locomotive horns, also called   "whistles," beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 24, NS will be sounding the locomotive horn when approaching all public grade crossings in the following 13 Virginia communities: Abingdon, Appalachia, Bluefield, Buchanan, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Norfolk, Pulaski, Rocky Mount, Salem, Suffolk, Vinton. The FRA has specified strict requirements for the creation of new quiet zones and the maintenance of pre- existing quiet zones. (The Locomotive Horn Rule and additional information can be found at the FRA Web site, www.fra.dot.gov). Under the new FRA rule, a community with a recognized pre-existing whistle ban in effect may qualify for   "grandfather" status. In order for a pre-existing quiet zone or whistle ban to remain in effect on and after June 24, 2005, a public authority must have filed with the FRA, the railroad and other parties a written   "Notice of Quiet Zone Continuation" by June 3, 2005 . Norfolk Southern did not receive a Notice of Continuation from any of the communities listed above. (from Norfolk Southern Corporation)
   
• France and Germany announced that they would start a new TGV-type passenger rail service between their countries by 2007. A spokesman for the French state railway, SNCF, said that the new service would include 5 trains daily between Paris and Frankfurt and 4 daily between Paris and Stuttgart. The spokesman added that travel time between Paris and Frankfurt would be cut from the current 6 hours to approximately 4 hours. (from wire services via Railroading via Weekly Rail Review - Week Ending 28MAY2005 - Dave Mears via
  Ed Mayover)

PUBLIC NOTICE

    Richard E. Hall of the Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society has prepared a book of over 160 pages on Company Service Cars of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR.

    The work presents a selection of car numbers and history with many drawings representing the work train, wreck train, cabin, and other company service equipment of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR which were maintained at the Wilmington Shops and / or saw service in our general area, primarily on the PW&B, PB&W main line, Media Division (the old P&BC which later became the Octoraro Branch), Delaware Division, and the former Norfolk Division (NYP&N). The book will be available soon from the Wilmington Chapter. Availability & price will be announced in The Transfer Table.

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 FALL 2005 - THE WEST CHESTER RAILROAD Flea Market, Antiques, and Collectibles at West Chester Station on the Last Sunday of each month during the scheduled runs May , June, July, August, September, October call 610-430-2233 or www.westchesterrr.net

Sat., May 7, 2005 thru Mon., April 10, 2006 EXHIBIT -- CATASTROPHE ON THE RAILS: TRAIN WRECKS OF THE NORTHEAST UNITED STATES. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 Sundays

Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4, 2005, Steamtown National Historic Site 10th anniversary. Rolling into the future after Ten Years of Steam, Stories, Partnerships and Pride, the park's year-long celebration includes special commemorative events, presentations by guest speakers and lecturers, special interpretive programs, rotating exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment, movie and documentary film screenings, and special weekend activities. From http://www.nps.gov/stea/2005.htm

Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 10, 2005 = RAILROAD HERITAGE DAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 Sundays The exhibit will showcase historical and contemporary displays and presentations on Pennsylvania's many remarkable railroads, operating model train layouts, railroad art, music, stories, special photo opportunities, interpretive tours and much more. Pennsy Days, Reading RR Days, and Kids Days, which are incorporated into this event for 2005.

The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car visiting 18 Communities will tour the company's rail network from New York to Georgia in 2005, making stops in 18 communities where it will be open to the public. The car's 10-state May- December itinerary will include a special five-city whistle-stop train operated by Norfolk Southern to promote safe transportation of hazardous materials. The Exhibit Car is a rebuilt passenger rail car with interactive displays highlighting Norfolk Southern's transportation network. Among the displays, guests can take the engineer's seat of a locomotive simulator and operate throttle, brake and horn. Some 1.5 million people in more than 360 communities have viewed the traveling showcase since 1971. 2005 Exhibit Car tour schedule:

• July 1-18 - Scranton, Pa., Steamtown National Historic Site 10th Anniversary
• July 29-31 - Rural Retreat, Va., Heritage Celebration
• Aug. 5-7 - Pulaski, Va., Transportation Day
• Aug. 19-21 - Raleigh, N.C., North Carolina Railroad Co. "Freight is Great" event
• Sept. 10-16 - TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop: Buffalo & Binghamton,NY; Newark,NJ; Allentown,PA; Hagerstown,MD
• Oct. 1, 2 - Andersonville, Ga., Historic Fair
• Nov. 5 - Meridian, Miss., Railfest
• Nov. 9-20 - Duluth, Ga., Southeastern Railway Museum
• Dec. 2-4 - Strasburg, Pa., Thomas the Tank Engine at Strasburg Railroad

For further information, contact: Rick Harris, 757-629-2718 [from http://www.nscorp.com ]

WHIPPANY RAILWAY MUSEUM TO HOST ALCO POWERED CABOOSE TRAINS: The Whippany Railway Museum has announced the start of regularly-scheduled excursion train rides that will feature as many as seven different, restored Cabooses from historic rail lines of the past. Passengers can climb aboard the Caboose of their choice for the 45-minute, 10-mile round trip over the Morristown & Erie Railway through Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston and Roseland, crossing high above the Passaic River over a newly-rebuilt bridge. The "RS-1" diesel engine was originally built for the Soo Line Railroad in 1955 by the American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, NY. At the Station, various exhibits are on display in the Museum Building. The site also features other cabooses to see, as well as a host of historic, New Jersey-related rail and transportation equipment and artifacts. The Caboose Train Rides are a new fundraising effort to benefit the Museum, a non-profit organization, staffed by volunteers. Trains depart from the Museum site at the intersection of Route 10 West & Whippany Road in Whippany at 1, 2, 3 & 4 PM, Rain or Shine. Ticket Fares: Adults: $10; Children under 12: $7 Info, call 973-887-8177 or visit our website at www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.org CABOOSE TRAIN RIDE SCHEDULE:
July: Sunday, July 10th and Sunday, July 24th
August: Sunday, August 14th (one day in August)
September: Sunday, September 11th...Patriot's Day and Sunday, September 18th

Saturday, July 16 MAYWOOD, NJ STATION MUSEUM 2005 11am to 3pm; The museum will be open to the public.

Saturday, July 23rd Rail to the Fair 2005 [ Thanks to Phil Toman for forwarding this info]
    On Saturday, July 23rd, The Delaware Department of Transportation, DART First State and Operation Lifesaver Delaware will host RAIL to the FAIR 2005 to the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, including an extended round trip between the Fairgrounds and Georgetown, conditions permitting. This one-day, 242-mile-round trip train ride will begin at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station at 9:05 a.m. and make stops at Claymont, Wilmington, Fairplay Station at Churchmans Crossing, Newark, Middletown and Wyoming before arriving at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington at 12:28 p.m. Those passengers who have chosen the extended round-trip excursion to Georgetown will arrive back at the Fairgrounds at 2:45 p.m. The train will depart the Delaware State Fair at 5:30 p.m. for the return trip north. Passengers who detrain when RAIL to the FAIR first arrives at the Fairgrounds will have nearly five hours to enjoy the Fair. While passengers detraining when the excursion returns from Georgetown will have as much as two and a half hours to take in some of the excitement at the Fair.

    The Delaware State Fair is one of the state's most exciting annual events, drawing more than 307,000 visitors during its 10-day run last year. And RAIL to the FAIR is a fun-filled way to get there. RAIL to the FAIR offers passengers a unique view of Delaware's ever-changing landscape while allowing them to enjoy a ride on a modern, air-conditioned Amtrak train, complete with the services of a cafe car. Imagine a day at the Fair with no driving hassles or parking problems. The theme of the 86th annual Delaware State Fair is "A Taste of America." And what better way to begin experiencing you "Taste" early than by taking the train. When RAIL to the FAIR began operating in 1992, it was the first passenger train to serve the Fairgrounds in nearly thirty years. For the next eleven years RAIL to the FAIR brought passengers to Harrington on the first Saturday of each of the corresponding Delaware State Fairs. We look to make this RAIL to the FAIR the best one yet. However, we need community support. Help us spread the word. Tell your family, friends and neighbors about this special excursion. Join us on this unique trip to the Fair.

    RAIL to the FAIR is sponsored by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Transit Corporation (DART First State) and Operation Lifesaver Delaware (An outreach program of Delaware Transit Corporation), in cooperation with the Delaware State Fair, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern Railway and the Delmarva Rail Passenger Association. Tickets for this year's excursion may be ordered by mail and/or phone. RAIL to the FAIR customers will once again find that fares are based on the same low prices originally set back in 1992. Depending on boarding location adult round-trip fares to the State Fair range from $17.50 to $47.50. The round-trip fares including the extended trip to Georgetown range from $22.50 to $57.50. We have reduced the fare for the extended trip due, in part, to the fact that that portion of the excursion will be slightly shorter. Prices include general admission to the Fairgrounds. Reduced fares for children under 9 years of age are also available. For additional RAIL to the FAIR information or to order tickets, please call (800) or (302) 652-DART

Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 20, 2005 = RAILROAD CIRCUS DAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 Sundays Fun of the big top in colorful and exact miniature: scale model replicas of circus trains, equipment and performances, displayed by the Circus Model Builders International.

Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 20, 2005 = RAILROAD CIRCUS DAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 SundaysFun of the big top in colorful and exact miniature: scale model replicas of circus trains, equipment and performances, displayed by the Circus Model Builders International.

Sunday, Sept. 18 MAYWOOD, NJ STATION MUSEUM 2005 Noon to 4pm; The museum will be open to the public

Saturday, November 5 & Sunday, November 6, 2005 = TRAINS & TROOPS
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 Sundays Guys & gals in uniform, splendid railroad and military archival displays, enjoy the patriotic spirit. Ride troop trains on Strasburg Rail Road with living history reenactors on both days. Trains & Troops program. Troop train tickets are sold separately by the Strasburg Rail Road on line at www.strasburgrailroad.com.

Saturday, Nov. 12 MAYWOOD, NJ STATION MUSEUM 2005 11am to 3pm.; The museum will be open to the public

Saturday, December 10 & Saturday, December 17, 2005 = HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA, Regular Museum hours = 9 - 5 Mon. thru Sat; 12 - 5 Sundays Nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel - costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents and passengers representing the past century and enjoy seasonal music, festive decorations, Jack Frost Station and a Polar Express party for young children among our world-class collection of trains. Included in the regular Museum admission. Ride the Santa trains on the Strasburg Rail Road with the jolly old elf on both days. Home for the Holidays program. Santa train tickets are sold separately by the Strasburg Rail Road on line at www.strasburgrailroad.com

CHAPTER EVENTS  

Thursday July 21, 2005, 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Dave Warner entitled "36 Years of PATCO"

Thursday Aug. 18, 2005, Chapter Trip in lieu of normal meeting
DO-IT-YOURSELF = PAY-AS-YOU-GO = CIRCLE-TRIP "MEDIA TO NORRISTOWN AND BACK"
5:06 PM Leave Media, Pa on Septa R3 #384 inbound
5:52 PM Arrive at Market East Station

6:07 PM Leave Market East Station on Septa R6 #4656 (peak fare train)
6:43 PM Arrive at Norristown transportation center

7:05 PM Leave Norristown transportation center on Rt. #100 high speed line
7:31 PM Arrive at 69th Street station

8:10 PM Leave 69th Street station on Rt. #101 Media trolley line
8:39 PM Arrived at Media on State and Orange Street

Walk few blocks downhill to Media Rail station to our cars

Thursday Sept. 15, 2005, 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Phil Snyder entitled "25 Years Ago"

Thursday Oct. 20, 2005, 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Dave Ruth entitled "Altoona" (not "Enola" as previously listed)

Thursday Nov. 17, 2005, 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Frank Ferguson entitled "2004 Part Two"

Sunday Dec. 11, 2005, 5 PM Holiday Dinner in lieu of normal monthly meeting program by Steve Barry

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

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site