choochooloco
A Proud Accomplishment
When I asked to be part of Toledo National Train Day (NTD) years ago, my role was as an Operation Lifesaver presenter for the children's safety class. I made 5 presentations throughout the day to packed houses, probably averaging 100 parents and kids for each session. This is where I earned the moniker "Engineer Steve" which has stuck to this day. It was a great success which continued for a few years.
One year, it escapes me now, I had a little bit of free time between presentations and walked around the exhibit. The main concourse is filled with everything train. Whether it be models, books, paintings, or photographs, it is a good place to be for those who like trains.
Downstairs, there is a track side exhibit. As I looked at the one and only locomotive available for display, at that moment it was like a lightning bolt hit me- Maybe I can help make this better!
And with a lot of support and assistance from some very good people across several railroads, the next few Toledo National Train Day track side displays were awesome. But they do not come easily.
Around the preceding November, I would begin the process of soliciting railroads for locomotives. I start with emails and follow them up with phone calls and personal visits to the officers in charge. I enjoy visiting these railroads and have made some great friendships as a result.
Toledo does not have access to many carriers other than Class Ones. The only non Class One with facilities in the city is the Ann Arbor. They have been an integral part of the event for the past three years. I am so happy and proud to have the Annie be showcased at NTD. Watco is a great supporter of the event.
The Wheeling and Lake Erie has been involved in two events, sending a GP40 the first year and freshly remodeled SD40-2 the second year. They have supported our Boy Scout railroad merit badge class for years by sending various materials for the scouts to take home. The Wheeling is a great great railroad.
While the Great Lakes Central does not physically serve Toledo on their own property, they are an important interchange partner for the Ann Arbor. Several years ago, myself and another Train Day member visited the GM of the line and made a presentation hoping to get the railroad involved in NTD. They committed on the spot and sent a freshly washed GP38-2 for display.
Now, these locomotives just don't magically show up for NTD. Once they have committed to sending equipment, I begin to make transportation plans. This is an involved process consisting of many phone calls and emails. I have to ensure timely interchange before and after the event, also guaranteeing that all moves are free of charge. I personally take care of this from start to finish!
Norfolk Southern has been a pivotal supporter of Toledo NTD. Over the years, several Division and Terminal Superintendents have provided me a very long leash to get these locomotives in and out of town. For this, I am very grateful.
Norfolk Southern has also been very generous in allowing me to request specific locomotives for display. The highlights of this list include the New York Central Heritage unit, the GoRail unit, and the 911 First Responders unit. Other years have included SD40-2s and GP38-2s.
This picture was taken on Friday evening just after I arranged and secured the freight locomotives for display. The Amtrak display train coming in from the east end and is spotting up across the break of the platform.
After I closed the shutter several times, I just stood there and admired the engines all by myself. Tomorrow 8,000-10,000 people will be here, taking pics, video, and just having fun.
As I look at this photo, I know that it most likely will never happen again. The financial environment that the carriers now work in has changed dramatically. Precision Railroading and the Operating Ratio are focal points that drive the operating plans. Both do not mesh well with donations of equipment. While I try to remain positive about future events, this is a reality in railroading today that will influence future events.
I am very proud of this locomotive lineup. It was definitely worth the effort!
A Proud Accomplishment
When I asked to be part of Toledo National Train Day (NTD) years ago, my role was as an Operation Lifesaver presenter for the children's safety class. I made 5 presentations throughout the day to packed houses, probably averaging 100 parents and kids for each session. This is where I earned the moniker "Engineer Steve" which has stuck to this day. It was a great success which continued for a few years.
One year, it escapes me now, I had a little bit of free time between presentations and walked around the exhibit. The main concourse is filled with everything train. Whether it be models, books, paintings, or photographs, it is a good place to be for those who like trains.
Downstairs, there is a track side exhibit. As I looked at the one and only locomotive available for display, at that moment it was like a lightning bolt hit me- Maybe I can help make this better!
And with a lot of support and assistance from some very good people across several railroads, the next few Toledo National Train Day track side displays were awesome. But they do not come easily.
Around the preceding November, I would begin the process of soliciting railroads for locomotives. I start with emails and follow them up with phone calls and personal visits to the officers in charge. I enjoy visiting these railroads and have made some great friendships as a result.
Toledo does not have access to many carriers other than Class Ones. The only non Class One with facilities in the city is the Ann Arbor. They have been an integral part of the event for the past three years. I am so happy and proud to have the Annie be showcased at NTD. Watco is a great supporter of the event.
The Wheeling and Lake Erie has been involved in two events, sending a GP40 the first year and freshly remodeled SD40-2 the second year. They have supported our Boy Scout railroad merit badge class for years by sending various materials for the scouts to take home. The Wheeling is a great great railroad.
While the Great Lakes Central does not physically serve Toledo on their own property, they are an important interchange partner for the Ann Arbor. Several years ago, myself and another Train Day member visited the GM of the line and made a presentation hoping to get the railroad involved in NTD. They committed on the spot and sent a freshly washed GP38-2 for display.
Now, these locomotives just don't magically show up for NTD. Once they have committed to sending equipment, I begin to make transportation plans. This is an involved process consisting of many phone calls and emails. I have to ensure timely interchange before and after the event, also guaranteeing that all moves are free of charge. I personally take care of this from start to finish!
Norfolk Southern has been a pivotal supporter of Toledo NTD. Over the years, several Division and Terminal Superintendents have provided me a very long leash to get these locomotives in and out of town. For this, I am very grateful.
Norfolk Southern has also been very generous in allowing me to request specific locomotives for display. The highlights of this list include the New York Central Heritage unit, the GoRail unit, and the 911 First Responders unit. Other years have included SD40-2s and GP38-2s.
This picture was taken on Friday evening just after I arranged and secured the freight locomotives for display. The Amtrak display train coming in from the east end and is spotting up across the break of the platform.
After I closed the shutter several times, I just stood there and admired the engines all by myself. Tomorrow 8,000-10,000 people will be here, taking pics, video, and just having fun.
As I look at this photo, I know that it most likely will never happen again. The financial environment that the carriers now work in has changed dramatically. Precision Railroading and the Operating Ratio are focal points that drive the operating plans. Both do not mesh well with donations of equipment. While I try to remain positive about future events, this is a reality in railroading today that will influence future events.
I am very proud of this locomotive lineup. It was definitely worth the effort!