not so good news from a friend in Illinois. For anyone not aware, the SC&S operates a 2-truck heisler on about 2 miles of railroad in Freeport (west of Chicago near the Illinois Railroad Museum). A very nice operation that tends to fly under the radar a bit.

here is their main website... http://www.thefreeportshow.com/scs.htm



I went up to Freeport, Illinois this last Saturday to help with our steam operations but instead witnessed what 11-14 inches of rain in 36-48 hours can do! Our depot, engine shed, equipment, etc. was surrounded by two to three feet of flood waters. No clue what our track and bridges look like. I will try and post photos tomorrow (Monday). Our VP wanted me to put a call out for donations to help with clean up, etc.

Roger Holmes

more information. Anybody that can help, please do so. It looks like they need it.
Kevin




Here are some photos of flooding in Freeport, IL, from heavy rains last Thursday night through Friday night. Estimates figured between 11 and 14 inches fell between 36 and 48 hours. Muddy water rose to four feet in the engine shed and three and a half feet in the depot. As a result of clean up three dumpster fulls of items that included many books, papers and photos many of which cannot be replaced. The track has not yet been inspected. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be sent to the address shown on our website: http://thefreeportshow.com or please contact me via PM. I'm sure that physical labor to help with the clean up would be welcomed. I will post updates as they become available. The one photo shows one of the club's fire engines pumping water out of the basement of the Silver Creek Museum, across the street from the Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad.

Roger Holmes

Kevin,

Is the Cooper Corliss rolling mill engine in the metal building in your third photo?

This is a place that I have been wanting to visit. Not only to ride behind the Heisler but to also see the Corliss in operation. There are only four rolling mill engines extant in the US, and we have one of them here in Youngstown.

Stationary Steam,
No. That building is the enginehouse, which is home to the heisler, diesel, motorcars, gift shop, etc.

Apparently the Corliss engine, which is in another building, was high enough so that the building itself was above the water. The "pit" for the flywheel MAY have taken on water (unknown at this point), but that would be all. I'm having to rely on Roger's comments here, as I am in NC--well away from Freeport.

Will pass along any more information as I get it.
Kevin

current situation...

Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad - Freeport, IL. RE: Flood damage.
I was informed today that our track was inspected, at least as far as Yellow Creek where a washout was found on the bridge...one rail was hanging about four feet. The bridge itself seems to be alright but it will take some work to get the washout taken care of as our club has little in the way of track equipment. When volunteers opened the depot door, muddy water came gushing out. A mannequin wearing an Amtrak uniform was a casualty as he lost both of his legs. More later.

As of Monday three dumpsters full of stuff, more than likely the books, papers and photos, were disposed of. I am certainly thankful that in all the flooding in the area, that no one lost their lives. Our Stephenson County was declared a state disaster area as well as ten other counties. This could lead to a Federal Disaster declaration which might open the door to some funds. I believe that over a thousand homes suffered some damage as well as a number of businesses. One, namely the Freeport Speedway, made the best of it. We were taking photos of the lake where the dirt track is. We saw a pickup leaving with a flat bottom boat and motor in tow. I asked the driver if they planned to have boat races that night. He laughed and said that they did that last night...a couple of boats and even a water skier.

Freeport Racetrack Boat Races
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Y4i3k6USY

The bottom line....
the damage to our railroad and the museum will be between 25 and 40 thousand dollars. The washout on our bridge is roughly 20 feet long by 12 feet wide and 7 feet deep. We are going to need around 250 tons of rock to take care of the washout and a sink hole. That's about 12 dump truck loads and cost for the rock will be about $110 a load, so he is what we can offer-buy a truck load for $110. In return you'll get one run of throttle time and another to fire, plus six adult fare tickets, a $161.00 value. Or buy three truck loads for $330 and we'll give you three times at the throttle, three to fire PLUS exclusive use of our Milwaukee Road bay window caboose, one time, for up to three consecutive trips or about two and one half hours. Great for a birthday party or family get together. The throttle time and firing is worth $375 alone plus, figure ten people on the caboose for three trips at $6 each, an additional $180 making a total value of $555!! For folks that cannot afford either, how about $55 for half a truck load. That will get you firing for one round trip and running the Heisler for half a trip - an $85 value. I keep rambling. I need to get to bed. 'Night all!
Roger

Creative financing at it's finest! Too bad you are so far away from me. But I am sure the REAL railfans will jump on this offer. The others who just read these boards in order to argue with the real preservationista among us, will not. Sad. Good luck!

lyLater!
Mr. Ed

current status from Roger Holmes...

GREAT NEWS!!! The main washout has been repaired! I was in Freeport today (Saturday) and about 8 loads of rock took care of it. I thought that the washout was in the bridge but it was just before. Thanks to all who helped and for the donations!!

Our website: http://thefreeportshow.com


Repairing the washout





Last load of rock being dumped. One more could be needed just to shore things up. The dump/side dump truck belongs to one of our members. It is ex-BNSF but was purchased from the bank. It sure made things easier!!






PHOTO SPECIAL ON AUGUST 21

On Saturday August 21 the Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad in Freeport, Illinois is going to have a steam caboose hop/photographer's special leaving around 930am and returning around 1045-11. We plan to use our 36 ton Heisler maybe redone as "Louise Lumber #2", the original owner. Cost is only $25. I have made arrangements for an early 1940's farm truck with milk cans to be posed by the depot along with the club's 1939 Packard Funeral Car (if I can get it started). After this run is our throttle time. I have two slots open to run and fire. Running was originally $100 and firing $25. For $110, the cost of a load of rock, you'll get to run, fire and be on the special. Please email me asap if interested. Q5632@yahoo.com