Texas State Railroad

NGDF Invades the Texas State Railroad

March 2, 2012

The infamous renowned boiler painter railroad preservationist, Russ Sperry, announced plans to visit the Texas State Railroad on opening day. This well-publicized trip soon morphed into a gathering of nearly all of the regular NGDF posters from Texas. It was a great day spent swapping stories, enjoying each other's company... and pestering TSR General Manager Earl Knoob and his charming wife, Marlene.

 

In attendance: Russ Sperry, Ed Stabler, Cody Akin, Casey Akin, Mark Huckaby, Chase Bond, Janice Bond, Brian Jansky, Harry Nichols, Everett Lueck, Michele Rose, and me. Plus our engine crew: Earl Knoob and Fireman Robert. Much fun was had and I hope this becomes an annual tradition.

 

 

Opening Day 2013 on the Texas State Railroad
 

Russ Sperry & Ed Stabler

(Harry Nichols in back)

T&P #316 steams quietly in the Palestine Engine House

 

The fire-breathing dragon emerges from her lair...

 

 

Passing TSR 7 West at

Mewshaw Siding

Passing the westbound at Mewshaw

 

NGDF photo line in Rusk:

Russ, Cody, Mark, Casey

 

Engineer Earl Knoob

 

 

 

The NGDF Invasion Group

 

 

Mr. Knoob and Marlene (Mrs. Knoob) invited the whole motley crew over for dinner before an evening concert by Ed Stabler. So, after the return to Palestine, Michele, Brian, and I made our way back to Rusk. Before heading to Casa de Knoob, we stopped to take a close look at the

TSR / SSW junction that was recently cleared by the City of Rusk. I've always wanted to see this, but until this year it's always been covered over by dense forest. Being able to see the junction is REALLY a nice treat. I hope that someday soon TSR trains are rolling through here on the way to Rusk.

Brian and I inspect the TSR / SSW (Cotton Belt) Junction. The SSW rails run north towards Jacksonville about 4 miles. 3 of those miles have been re-gauged to 2-foot for a private railroad that never materialized. The line runs southeast from here all the way to the Rusk Depot, although it's been re-claimed and completely covered by East Texas Piney Woods.

Looking east on the TSR mainline to what was once the State Prison that built the railroad. Today it's a mental hospital. The tracks stop near the tree line in the distance.

Looking north on

the Cotton Belt

Facing north on the SSW.

TSR switch on the left.

Not sure what this is. Mile Post?

 

Facing southeast on SSW

Looking north on SSW. Just past here the rails are 2'

The TSR / SSW diamond

Earl with a plaque that Cody, Casey, and Mark made for him

Earl's Plaque

Refrigerator magnets that the guys made for everyone else. This was VERY cool guys.

THANK YOU!!

 

That evening in the Rusk Depot, Mr. Ed Stabler entertained us with a fantastic concert. Near the end, Earl joined him. I can't tell you how cool this was! "City of New Orleans" is now one of my favorite songs. Mr. Sperry concluded the evening with a ... memorable rendition of his legendary opus, "Festus J. Frothjaw."

 

My thanks to all. LET'S DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR!