I spent last Wed 4/6/05 thru Sat 4/9/05 with the crew of SP745 and let me tell you in that short time I got to know those guys and consider them good friends. You know being with steam is a wonderful thing but one thing I didnt think of was how much fun it was working with such a great crew. The 745 is a fine running, great looking machine and (I dont mean to start a faith debate here) to see all this happening has to be the work of God.

This is to the entire crew of 745. I just want to thank all you guys for letting me work with you and being a part of the group.
It was a heck of an experience and it was kind of a bummer to have to go back to my regular job Monday morning. Im really glad I got to get to know
and work with all the great guys on the 745. I hope its not too much longer before I see you all again!
Here's a short video clip I shot.
http://ns.mcneese.edu/dickerson/745/745forweb3.wmv

The engineer is a friend of mine. You are right, He a kind gentleman.

The video was nice to see. Good Job! I wish the LASTA the best success.

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Alan;

I went to see it in De Quincy on Friday. I had hoped to see it either arrive on Thursday or leave on Saturday; but committments just didn't allow it.

Who would have thought we would see it sitting on the triangle in De Quincy for the Railroad Festival. She really looked great; and yes, her crew is a friendly as can be.

I played on sister engine #743 in Lafayette, Louisiana when I was a kid; a pox on Lafayette for scrapping her. When 786 comes back; and perhaps even 771 in Grapevine; we will have three of this class in operating condition. Amazing!

And no need to apoligize for your feelings; I have even written a object lesson for church that is centered around a working steam engine. I understand completely!

-James Hefner
Hebrews 10:20a

Surviving World Steam Project

(I dont mean to start a faith debate here) to see all this happening has to be the work of God.

You almost have it right....What you see is not the work of God but the work of Dodd, you were close though;-).

Any developing plans for the sister mikado #771, formerly of Victoria, Texas?

[quote="Richard Glueck"]Any developing plans for the sister mikado #771, formerly of Victoria, Texas?[/quote]

At the moment, #771 is very much a back-burner project, as are other railroad-related efforts in the area.

Jason,

All of the crew involved with the just completed 745 tour spoke often of how we felt that God was looking over our shoulder on the trip and I count myself at the top of that list.

Not to sell Greg Dodd short. He did a wonderful job on the locomotive and I respect him not only as an excellent steam mechanic/technician but also for his high level of ethics as well.

Bill Johnson, Eng. 745