For this event at the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. 1225 perhaps, or a static engine to be placed on permanent display there?

http://www.thetimesherald.com/news/stor ... 94843.html

Yes, it will be Flagg Coal Company #75. First steam locomotive to operate there since CN #6218 in 1972; before that, GTW #'s 6319 and #6322 in 1960.

Feel free to email with questions.

Sincerely,

TJ Gaffney
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

TJ, how far up the line will this engine run? Could we see it run over the Black River Bridge, or just along the Edison Depot Museum? Just curious.

Thanks,
Dave Jandron

I've had lots of questions like Dave's, so I'll do my best to tell you what I know and what will happen.

We are pretty much confined to operation between Stone Street and the Blue Water Bridge --- not a huge demonstration I realize, but if you know anything of the climate we are trying this in today, you'll understand that we will take what we can get. This will probably include a couple of opportunities to shoot the engine when it goes into the passing siding next to the Edison Shores Condominiums (old Star Oil Refinery Site) for the daily CN train to Dunn Paper to deliver, which happens usually between 3 PM - 5 PM. Otherwise, it strictally demonstration and cab tours, rotating every half hour or so. We can in NO WAY hinder that delivery to Dunn --- so there will need to be some flexability with the schedule, which I hope everyone can and will understand.

We've been working on this for quite a while --- can't tell you the number of times I/ we have been told the following:

1.) You can't do it.
2.) You'll or someone else will find an excuse not to do it.
3.) Steam will never operate in Port Huron again.

We refused to believe that, and thankfully, members of SRI refused to as well. Look, I know for most of this community, an 0-4-0 operating on what amounts to about 1/2 mile of track doesn't mean much; it ain't #1225, #261, #765 ---- you get the idea. But quite frankly, were trying this not for the RYPN community so much as for those people in our area who have:

A.) Never seen a steam engine before
B.) Only connection with one is Thomas the Tank Engine
C.) Aren't necessarily railfans

Deep down, many of us involved hope this is just a beginning to opening new avenues for steam operation in this part of Michigan in the future, but were not dumb either--- its rare to run steam at all anymore, branch of a class one or otherwise. SRI and those involved with CN locally are taking a chance with us, and it may be the only chance we ever get. I am hoping to make the most of it.

So in short (too late) nope, probably won't operate over the bridge this time --- you'll just have to be content with it operating within a couple hundred feet of 700 - 1000 foot Great Lakes Freighters making their last runs of the year.

Stock up on your Black and White and Sepia Film, and thanks to everyone who has wished us luck -- we'll need it!

TJ Gaffney
Port Huron Museum

All of us here in the Port Huron area will enjoy seeing steam in Port Huron once again, even if it isn't a big mainline engine. I wish the best for you guys and hope that it's a hit! Even more so, I hope that CN will be pleased with everything and find favor with SRI, PHM, and everyone else involved!

Hopefully those Edison Shores condo-dwellers will learn to enjoy a unique event in their backyards for once, or at least put up with it for the short, but eventful duration.

Thanks for all you do in your work, TJ. For every person who voices their approval, there are a dozen who quietly enjoy it too!

Dave Jandron

Actually I bet most of us in the "RyPN community" are tickled to see steam returning to Port Huron, and a live steam railroading demonstration take its place among your interpretive programs. The foamers out there may not be impressed, but this RyPNer is!

Best of luck with the event, and good on you.

Erik and others --



Nothing against the RYPN'ers in any way, shape or form either --- the comments here have kept my spirits up, quite frankly, and its nice to know that others who "have been there" are behind you. But, as I've found, part of being a true person posting on this board is to try and think outside the box and find new avenues AND customers for our hobby/ profession, hence my comments. The foamers will always be the foamers --- the rest of us just try to "git-er-dun!"

TJ Gaffney

To see, hear and watch a steam locomotive operate in 2004 is a bonus!!!!
Very best wishes with your endevour!

The 100th anniversary of Portland,ORs depot in 1996 had two 4-8-4's hot, a UP Centennial DD40, and a host of other equipment. The locomotive that stole the show was the Supter Valley Ry NG 2-8-2 #19 running back and forth on about 200' of track. IMO, the public has more fun seeing something turn a wheel than not. Congrats on your event!

Smokebox

TJ - for every 4-8-4 thundering down the mainline there were many little industrial teakettles working the jobs that supplied the freight the 4-8-4s pulled. The size is not intimidating to the general public or their children - unlike the big ones. Best wishes and hopefully many repeats in he future.

deave

Your VERY right!