There are a lot of nice cars that have been restored and a lot of "work in progress" units in the wings. This car and I go way back. The first time I ever visited the Austin Steam Train Association and rode the Hill Country Flyer in 1993, my dad and I rode on it. The owner of the car, the late Bert Dockall was aboard as car host and my dad and he hit it off real well. This was the power on the train that day. It has been out of service for a long time now but one day they hope to have it back running again.
I have a line on a replacement 567C engine and new 645E power packs in addition I have a source for new camshaft counterweights. At least the wheels are good..
And there's another one of those "so that's what that's for!" moments. I like those. A little piece of information that will be indelibly etched in my memory.
I have a real soft spot for F units. I used to see Milwaukee Road ones all the time, here in Austin, in the sixties. Some still had the maroon stripe scheme and others had the simplified all orange scheme. I still remember exactly how they sounded idling and revving up standing right next to them. Now, THAT was a rush! Doug
A big load sitting in Minot back in late May. A different view at Soo Tower as the eastbound Northgate Local rolls past as rain threatens. A CP local waits in the background. CP local J75 gets its turn to come east.