Like all stories, this one should start at the beginning. Here, the beginning is in 1953, about 5 years before I set eyes on this planet, let alone a train. The place is the erecting floor of a famous mid-western city, LaGrange, Illinois. Production that year included order 2063A9, which became a sleek E8 for passenger service in the employ of the Southern Railway as locomotive #6914.
Now, fast-forward around 34 years, and this locomotive faced permanent retirement after working for a few more owners and traveling many miles. After purchase by TVRM members, this is the story of where and when its restoration began, and where it continues today.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum has released its Whistle on the Wind calendar for 2009. Individual calendars are $8.95, plus $2 shipping and handling for each calendar. For orders over two calendars, contact their office for shipping and handling costs.
All profits from sales will be used for the museum's expenses of reopening after the extensive flooding in June 2008. Estimated damages may reach $3 million. Contact the Museum at P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, Wisconsin 53951-0358 or at www.midcontinent.org.
Things are gearing up for this year's Hobo Gathering! A great historic site has been added as our hobo jungle (campsite), new walking & rail tours, replica of 1900's railroad town & ticket office, and "Chicago's Largest Mulligan Stew Ever!"
The friendly Pullman community hosts a free welcoming dinner on Saturday evening prior to the Hobo Concert at historical Greenstone Church. Luther the Jet performs on the church's renowned Stearns & Turner pipe organ. Hobo minstrels and Chicago talents share stories and song.
