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THE TRANSFER TABLE
The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter

Internet Edition

VOLUME 30 NO. 5 JULY 2007

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site

MAY 17, 2007 MEETING NOTES

The monthly meeting of the Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Phil Snyder. The April meeting minutes were read by Dan Frederick and accepted as read. The May Treasurer's report was read by Treasurer Ralph Stevens. National Director Tom Posatko attended a board meeting in Greenville, SC in April. National is planning to increase dues by 50%. National is encountering many problems. The Bulletin is behind schedule and it's difficult to find sufficient volunteers so National has entered into an agreement to outsource some management duties such as the mailing of dues notices.

The chapter is planning a trip on May 29 to Baltimore and area. The trip will begin at the light rail station in Timonium at 11:00 AM. The chapter will be running a SEPTA trolley trip on December 8. And the chapter Christmas dinner will be Dec 9.

Steve & Anna Von Bonin, John Giavotta, Bob O'Connor and Ron Cleaves received their 25-year pins. After cake celebrating the awarding of the 25-year pins the Doug Weaver Memorial Photo Contest was started. The follow received awards:

Prints
Steam - Allan Patterson for C&T triple headed steam
Diesel - Allan Patterson for Amtrak & BNSF at Fullerton, CA station
Heavy Electric - Ralph Stevens for CN in Montreal
Traction - Ron Cleaves for PCC's in Philadelphia
General - Allan Patterson for W&W
Vintage - Ron Cleaves for Newark station
Special - Ralph Stevens for Hoboken Terminal
Overall Best Print - Allan Patterson for C&T triple headed steam

Slides
Steam - Allan Patterson for C&T double headed steam
Diesel - Mike Burkhart for VTR by covered bridge in snow
Heavy Electric - Mike Burkhart for Amtrak in snow in Crum Lynne
Traction - Mike Burkhart for PCC's in Philadelphia w/Xmas decorations
General - Ralph Stevens for Paoli tower
Vintage - Phil Snyder for B&O at Silverside Road
Special - Phil Snyder for interior of ex-WM Cumberland, MD station
Overall Best Slide - Allan Patterson for C&T double headed steam


JUNE 21, 2007 MEETING NOTES

The meeting was called to order by President Phil Snyder at 7 PM, the minutes were read by Secretary Dan Frederick and approved as corrected. The Treasurer's Report was approved as read by Ralph Stevens. National Director Tom Posatko highlighted a number of items from the recent NHRS News Extra from National and most members at the meeting filled out the web survey forms for Tom to collect our Chapter's input to report back to National Headquarters.

Ed Thornton proposed that we officially name the Chapter's Education Fund in memory of Ernie Barry - a motion that passed unanimously. Phil Snyder reported on developments for the Claymont Train Station. Tom Posatko reported on arrangements he is trying to make for our Wilmington Water Taxi Trip in July or August (depending upon the tides due to low clearance under some Christina River bridges. Ralph Stevens reported on the planned Chapter Do-It-Yourself Trip to Bryn Marr & Norristown - also depending upon the tides as it will be July or August = the one the Water Taxi is not! Phil Snyder recapped the other upcoming Chapter events and meetings (see back page). HOWEVER, Phil noted that due to SEPTA's financial woes, they are thinking about raising their charter rates by 2x or 3x which would make it impossible for us to run any more trips.

Chapter Publisher Greg Ajamian announced the availability of a new book by Chapter Author and AAFLRK&OS Richard Hall (all-around fountain of local rail knowledge and other stuff). We immediately sold one copy of Richard's first book and a few copies of his latest volume and are underway to cover our initial printing costs. More orders (mail order forms inside) are expected shortly and both books will be available in the Gift Shop of the Wilmington & Western Railroad. Richard's first book continues to be sold at Mitchell's in the RR Dept.

After the break, we were treated to some great slides by Al Patterson. There were views of Ohio Rail Fest and our Chapter's Super Saturday Streetcar Special in 2005, the Lancaster & Chester Charter on the New Hope & Ivyland, and then the Super Saturday Streetcar Special in 2006. We got to see Union Station in Washington, DC in February 2006 and views of Harper's Ferry (MD), Elkhart (IN), Union Station - Chicago, Lamy (NM), and Fullerton (CA). After slides of the Wilmington & Western we saw Albuquerque (NM) enroute to the Cumbres & Toltec to see Chama Steam in October 2006. Then there was the Wilmington & Western double-headed steam in May 2006 and the Doodlebug. Thanks to Al for a great show!


From The Editor

Be sure to check out the details for upcoming Chapter Trips and meetings and if you want to go on the cruise - you must RESPOND QUICKLY Ð RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED !

In case you were wondering about the impact of the new postal rates upon the mailing of The Transfer Table, here is what it means:

Newsletter Pages Old Postage New Postage
Postcard 1 24+2¢ 26+2¢
1 oz. folded 10 39¢ 41¢
1 oz. flat 10 60¢ 80¢
2 oz. folded 18 63¢ 58¢
2 oz. flat 20 63¢ 97¢
3 oz. flat 30 87¢ $1.14
Priority books $4.05 $4.60

I received a correction from Pete Cramer. The Wm. M. Cramer mentioned in the caption to the New Castle Freight Station photo in the May 2007 issue was no relation to him.


NEWS BITS  

And see plenty we did: a large cement truck ran through flashing lights and clanging bells with a locomotive horn screaming as the train moved forward; a car with youngsters in it running through a red traffic light plus the flashing railroad signal lights and bells and our Diesel horn. We even saw a school bus violate the law and run through the red signals and bells to dash across ahead of our train.

Probably the scariest part of the trip each way was the Delmarva Secondary grade crossing at US Route 40. Traffic just kept moving at speed as through there were no warnings either audio or visual. One could not help but wondering if any of those drivers ever considered the weight of his car measured in pounds and the weight of the locomotive and coaches whose weight is measured in tons and the outcome of a collision. We heard presentations by NS executives, safety personnel, and railroad police. All had one theme: preventing accidents and saving lives. The question and answer session lasted throughout the trip with railroad personnel moving through each car to talk about any aspect of the topic with us.

Doug Andrews, head of Delaware's Operation Lifesaver, explained what he was trying to accomplish with visits to schools and speaking engagements with adult groups. He gave us samples of the printed materials which his office distributes at pamphlet distribution points around the state.

Railroad officials revealed "Operation Officer on Board" which has a police officer in the cab who can see these dangerous violations. He radios the local police jurisdiction and an arrest is made. That is a lot of extra effort and money to save people from accidents and death. Too bad drivers can't wait a moment or two and stamp out this kind of accident altogether.The train left the NS yard in Newark and traveled to below Harrington to give us a good cross section of our state. No county is immune to ignoring all the warning signals railroad put at grade crossings.

Through a television link from a camera in the locomotive to large monitors in each car of the special Norfolk Southern train, riders had the opportunity to see a myriad of law violations endangering human life and property in Delaware.


Books by Richard E. Hall

 

 

LOCOMOTIVES AND EQUIPMENT OF THE WILMINGTON & WESTERN RAILROAD
Motive Power Gems Of The Diamond State
by Richard E. Hall

This book contains 175 pages with over a hundred illustrations, photos, maps, tables and much more.

Chapter I Misconceptions, Facts & Figures
Chapter II W&W – DWRR – B&PRR Locos
Chapter III W&W – DWRR – B&PRR Rolling Stock
Chapter IV B&O Locos Used
Chapter V Delaware Western Ran to Pomeroy
Chapter VI Market St. & Car Floats
Chapter VII Misc. Notes & Photos

COMMEMORATING 40 YEARS OF THE WILMINGTON CHAPTER, NRHS 1967 - 2007

Only $26.00 each (price includes shipping and handling)

Proceeds support the Wilmington Chapter.


Company Service Cars of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR
by Richard E. Hall

This book contains over 160 pages of detailed information on 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).

Detailed lists include: Car Numbers, Tools For Maintenance Of Way Tool Cars, Supplies For Camp Trains, Materials to Equip a Pay Car, Tools & Supplies for Cabin Cars, & more.

Drawings include: Pay Cars, Business Cars, Maintenance of Way Equipment, Dynamometer Cars, Cranes, Clearance Car, hand cars, & more.

Price only $ 26.00 each (price includes shipping and handling)

Proceeds support the Wilmington Chapter.

 

   Book Order Form (Please Print Clearly)
 

Description

QTY TOTAL
LOCOMOTIVES AND EQUIPMENT OF THE WILMINGTON & WESTERN RAILROAD - Motive Power Gems Of The Diamond State
$26.00 each (price includes shipping and handling)
   
Company Service Cars of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR $22.00 each (price includes shipping and handling)    

GRAND TOTAL

 

Name:__________________________________________________________

Address 1:_______________________________________________________

Address 2:_______________________________________________________

City:_____________________________, State:_________________________

Zip Code:___________________

Please make checks or money order payable to: G. Ajamian

Send orders with your complete mailing address to:
Wilmington Chapter NRHS
P.O. Box 1136
Hockessin, DE 19707-5136.

 


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.

Second Sunday of each month from April to November Chesapeake & Allegheny Steam Preservation Society Located in West Baltimore, Gwynns Falls and Leakin Parks together comprise more than 1,000 acres - one of the larger urban wilderness preserves in the United States. Public run days are the from 11:00am to 3:30pm. Rides are free and there are picnic tables nearby for those who wish to make a day of it. http://calslivesteam.org/Default.htm

May 24 thru Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 A Journey from Road to Rails at Ellicott City Station Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Roads to Rails exhibit opens on Thursday, May 24 at Ellicott City Station. All visitors on Thursday, May 24 will receive free admission. Explore the impact of industrialization and transportation on Ellicott Mills as you learn about two significant avenues of travel: the Baltimore & Frederick Turnpike (Main Street) and the B&O Railroad. The exhibit runs through November. [http://www.ecborail.org/exhibitions-public-programs.shtml]

Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20, 2007 for ages 9 & 10 BARONS & BUILDERS DAY CAMP Monday, July 30 through Friday, August 3, 2007 for ages 11 & 12 BARONS & BUILDERS DAY CAMPKids build, create, learn and play as they explore railroads and railroad history through a program of unique tours, innovative hands-on projects and special demonstrations. A limited number of openings are available for each day camp. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator (ext 3009) or a Museum Educator (ext 3025 or 3022) in advance for registration information and program cost.

Saturday, July 21, 2007 Rails to the (Delaware State) Fair (see flyer)

Saturday and Sunday July 21st and 22nd 2007 Summer Open House Reading Society of Model Engineers Noon to 5:00pm Spend a beautiful afternoon in the woods! ! Admission by donation. Free parking; refreshments & souvenirs are available. Berks County, PA, Reading, PA 19612 Clubhouse phone (leave message) 610-929-5444 http://www.rsme.org/

July 22nd (Rain Date July 29th) Regular Run Day (Open to the Public 11AM til 3PM) Pennsylvania Live Steamers in Collegeville, PA 19426 Telephone 610-454-0477 http://www.palivesteamers.org/

Saturday & Sunday, July 21 and 22, 2007 TRAIN DAYS AT THE WILLIAMS GROVE SHOW GROUND Hosted by the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, Inc. Visit our web site at WWW.williamsgrovesteam.org Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Admission $5.00 includes all day Train Ride Pass, Free Parking

Wednesday, August 8 through Saturday, August 11, 2006 RAILROAD CIRCUS DAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. It's the fun of the big top in colorful and exact miniature. See scale model replicas of circus trains, equipment and performances, displayed by the Circus Model Builders International. Details.

August 21-25, 2007 CHATTANOOGA RAILS 2007 NRHS National Convention

August 26th (No Rain Date) Regular Run Day (Open to the Public 11AM til 3PM) Pennsylvania Live Steamers in Collegeville, PA 19426 Telephone 610-454-0477 http://www.palivesteamers.org/

Sunday, September 2 Friends of Auburn HeightsYorklyn, DE http://www.auburnheights.org/calendar/calendar.asp

Saturday, September 8, 2007 RAILROAD FAMILY DAY Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. Hogwarts Express parties.

September 16, 2007 SPEEDER DAY on WILMINGTON & WESTERN RAILROAD 12:30 & 2:30pm Your train ticket gets you a free ride on a "Speeder," a small track inspection vehicle. You'll sit just 2 feet off the tracks and travel along at the speedy pace of 15 mph! A Speeder ride offers an extremely unique perspective on the railroad and the Red Clay Valley. Adults: $8, Seniors (age 60+): $7, Children (ages 2-12): $6 (HRCV members $1 less)

September 29, 2007 Members Day Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. Special presentations and other events for members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum.

Saturday and Sunday October 6th and 7th 2007 Fall Open House Reading Society of Model Engineers Noon until 5:00pm Ride on the Laurel Run amidst the beautiful color of the autumn trees. Admission by donation. Free parking; refreshments & souvenirs are available. Berks County, PA, Reading, PA 19612 Clubhouse phone (leave message) 610-929-5444 http://www.rsme.org/

October 13 & 14. 2007 MODEL RAILROADING DAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. New program in conjunction with nearby National Toy Train Museum.

Sat. & Sun, October 27 & 28 Friends of Auburn Heights (house open, too) Yorklyn, DE http://www.auburnheights.org/calendar/calendar.asp

Saturday, November 3 & Sunday, November 4, 2007 TRAINS & TROOPS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. Greet our guys and gals in uniform, experience many splendid railroad and military archival displays, enjoy the patriotic spirit. Ride the troop trains on the Strasburg Rail Road with living history re-enactors on both days of the Railroad Museum's Trains & Troops program. Troop train tickets are sold separately by the Strasburg Rail Road on line at www.strasburgrailroad.com.

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - TAKING THE SWING TRAIN '40S DANCE Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , 7 PM to 10 PM Jump, jive and swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among thetrains in the Railroad Museum's awe inspiring Rolling Stock Hall. Come in uniform or '40s clothing! Special savings combination ticket, per person, for the dance and both days of Trains & Troops: $30.00; Dance ticket only, per person: $20.00; Veterans and active duty service personnel, per person: $15.00. 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, using a printable ticket request form. Dance tickets may be ordered online. Details and tickets.

November 23, 2007 through January 6, 2008 A BRANDYWINE CHRISTMAS At Brandywine River Museum. For info http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/calendar.html

November 23 & 24 Friends of Auburn HeightsYorklyn, DE http://www.auburnheights.org/calendar/calendar.asp

Saturday, December 8 & Saturday, December 15, 2007 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Regular Museum hours. Take a nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel. Meet 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. Details on Home for the Holidays


CHAPTER TRIPS

CHARTERED CRUISE on the CHRISTINA RIVER

FRIDAY, July 27, 2007In lieu of the normal monthly Chapter Meeting SPECIAL CHARTERED CRUISE on the CHRISTINA RIVER Departs 6:30 PM Expected Return 8:30 PM. Cost $10.00 per person. Departs parking lot near Shipyard Shops adjacent to the old ship building cranes! ! Only 36 seats available ! ! YOU MUST CALL TOM POSATKO at 302- 239 -1332 BEFORE JULY 25th

Leave a message on his machine with your name and telephone number (speak slowly & clearly)You can NOT just show up !

We plan to cruise down the Christiana River to the Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad bridges and then north to the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge.

Thanks to Tom Posatko for arranging this excursion.

DO-IT-YOURSELF PAY-AS-YOU-GO CHAPTER TRIP - BRYN MAWR, PA & NORRISTOWN, PA TRIP

Thursday, August 16 ,2007In lieu of the normal monthly Chapter MeetingDO-IT-YOURSELF PAY-AS-YOU-GO CHAPTER TRIPBRYN MAWR, PA & NORRISTOWN, PA TRIP

LV MARCUS HOOK PA 6:02 PM SETA R2AR 30TH ST. STA. PHILLY 6:35 PM TRAIN #4664

LV 30TH ST. STA PHILLY 6:49 PM SEPTA R5 (THORNDALE BOUND)AR BRYN MAWR, PA 7:09 PM TRAIN #575

10 TO 15 MINUTES WALK ALONG BRYN MAWR AVE STARTED FRONT OF THE POST OFFICE TO HAVERFORD AVE. PAST THE HOSPITAL ROUTE 100 IS ON LEFT OF HAVERFORD AVE AFTER YOU TURN RIGHT THERE NEAR THE CORNER

LV BRYN MAWR, PA 7:38 PM SEPTA ROUTE #100AR NORRISTOWN, PA 7:55 PM NORRISTOWN HIGH SPEED

LV NORRISTOWN, PA 8:47PM SEPTA R6AR MARKET EAST STA 9:28PM TRAIN #4775AR SUBURBAN STA 9:33PM BY PASS CENTER CITY PHILLYAR &LV 30 TH ST. STA. 9:37PM SEPTA R2 (WILMINGTON BOUND)AR MARCUS HOOK PA 10:09 PM TRAIN #4275

Thanks to Ralph Stevens for arranging this excursion.


CHAPTER EVENTS

Thursday July 19, 2007 NO Chapter Meeting Will >> NOT << be at the Community Ctr.

Friday July 26, 2007 6:30 PM Chapter Trip Chartered Railroad Bridges Cruise RESERVATIONS REQUIRED !! Call Tom P

Thursday Aug. 16, 2007 NO Chapter Meeting Will >> NOT << be at the Community Ctr.

Thursday Aug. 16, 2007 6 PM Chapter Trip in lieu of normal meeting Do-It-Yourself-Pay-As-You-Go TripCircle Trip
Marcus Hook/Bryn Mawr/Norristown/Marcus Hook

Thursday Sept. 20, 2007 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by David Warner entitled "September in the 80s"

Thursday Oct. 18, 2007 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Phil Snyder entitled "see line above"

Thursday Nov. 15, 2007 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Frank Ferguson "The Plan Came Together" so it is entitled "White Pass & Yukon + Alaska Railroad "

Saturday Dec. 8, 2007 Chapter Trip Holiday Lights Trolley Trip

Sunday Dec. 9, 2007 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 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: Ralph Stevens, Jr.
Event Photographer:  Ron Cleaves
Web Master: Russ Fox

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