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Born on an Alco: Tribute to Erie

For those of you who know CN Southwell, you probably have met Erie. For those of you who follow him on Flickr, you've probably seen Erie pop into his feed on occasion.

Eleven years ago on this day while chatting a bit with Chris at Franklin, PA while he guided a Western New York and Pannsylvannia freight toward Oil City, his newly adopted pup, Erie, introduced himself popping over the armrest of an Alco C424. Somewhere on the internet is a a short story of that moment titled, "Along Came Erie".

Since that day Erie has been by Chris's side wherever he worked and wherever he fanned. Who could ask for more?

Last year on my youtube feed, Chris had post this video:...

youtu.be/gCWe6cNvaxo

,,,,,and it got me to thinking. This ole' boy is getting up there, but he's had a heck of a great time!

So, here is a tribute song to the best railfan traveling companion Chris will ever have.

Sung to CCR's "Born on the Bayou"

 

When I was just a little pup

Jump'in to my Daddy's knee

My Papa said", "Erie, jump up on this train

And you'll see what it's done to me

'Cause it'll get you

'Cause it'll get ya now, now"

 

Well, I can remember the Meadville yard

Runnin' through the backshop bay

I can still hear my old man yell'in

Chasin' down the Alcos there

Chasin' down the Alcos there

 

Born on an Alco

Born on an Alco

Born on an Alco

Woof, Woof

 

Wish I were back at Meadville

Rollin' down that Erie main

Wish papa was driving a fast freight train

A-just a-choogling on down to Cambridge Springs

 

Born on an Alco

Born on an Alco

Born on an Alco

Do it, do it, do it, do it

 

I can remember the old Dodge truck

Racing through the backwoods, yeah

And I can still hear my old man yell'in

Chasin' down the Alcos there

Chasin' down the Alcos there

 

Born on an Alco

Born on an Alco, woof, woof

Born on an Alco

Alright, do

Do it, do it, do it, do it

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Uploaded on May 4, 2023
Taken on May 4, 2012