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Blackie Moser
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Author:  M Austin [ Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Blackie Moser

Copied with permission of Tom M. from another forum:

"Not my intent to steal this thread, but I felt your post might be a good opportunity to mention that long time MRSR volunteer Blackie Moser has recently died. He was 82 and had lived in Ephrata, WA.

Blackie boomed a bit during his career in engine service, working on the B&O, SP, Alaska RR, Korean Ry while in the Army, but mostly on the
NP. They even loaned him out for a few weeks to some WA logging outfit where he ran their Willamette. Blackie was called upon at least once to act as pilot for 4449 and was allowed to run her some.

Blackie's last day at MRSR was on July 3, 2005 and as fortunes go, I was his fireman. We had a great day together and he showed me a few things. Of the many engineers I have ridden with since 1955, I'd certainly place him in the top 5 or so, maybe even the top 3. He was also able to fabricate some really nice steam whistles for folks over the years and one of them was on former Hammond Lbr. 2-8-2T 17, that same summer when he & I got together.

A real one of a kind gentleman. If you ever had the pleasure of conversing with him, you'd not forget it."

Author:  Bobharbison [ Tue Nov 19, 2013 11:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Blackie Moser

Fred T. Moser

K7FTM over and out.

Fred "Blackie" Moser passed away on November 11, 2013 in Ephrata, WA. He was born on October 10, 1931 to Fred F. and Florence L. Moser in Everett, WA. Blackie graduated from Queen Anne High School. Following high school he entered the military and served in Korea where he earned several awards including two Bronze Service Stars.

Blackie was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara of 29 years; son, Michiel; and granddaughter Mariah, but is survived by the second love of his life, Norma I. Burleson. He is also survived by his children Dennis (Karen), Timothy (Theresa), Misty (Michael) and Deana (Dale). He was blessed with eight grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren.

Blackie spent his entire working life as a railroad engineer. He had colorful stories of his life on the rails and loved sharing the history he experienced with friends and relatives. Blackie retired from Burlington Northern in 1995. Following his retirement, he traveled extensively with Norma. Eventually the two settled in Ephrata, WA, where they established many wonderful friendships. Blackie was a lifetime Mason (56 years) and served in numerous positions throughout the state. He also belonged to the Central Washington Amateur Radio Club where he served as President from 2012-13 and the Columbia Basin Carriage Club where he also served as President and Board Member.

Services will be held at the Ephrata Masonic Lodge No 167, 436 C Street SW, on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

A private interment will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriner's Hospital. Please sign the online guestbook: www.kayserschapel.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattl ... LuBHO.dpuf

Author:  Bobharbison [ Tue Nov 19, 2013 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Blackie Moser

Blackie was extremely knowledgeable about steam and railroading. A few of his stories were written down, but far more were lost. As an example, he showed me the car spotting signs a few times, things like "Spot 3 cars on track 7" done using signals that looked like a combination of railroad signals, ASL and maybe the Yankee's catcher's playbook. Hands and arms waving here and there, touching his shoulder that sort of thing.

I think I've seen them in print a time or two, but seeing somebody who actually used them was a whole different experience. I wish somebody had taken the time to videotape them. Back when he was active on the MRSR video cams weren't standard on every phone, so it didn't get done.

Do you have an old timer who likes to tell stories at your railroad? What have you done to document them?

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