Rio Grande Explorations

Late in 2014, just before Christmas, we got word that the TSR needed some help planning and executing the 2015 Photographer's Special. "We" are a group of Colorado narrow gauge friends from around Texas that consist of Everett, Casey, Cody, Mark, Ed, Brian, Blake, Kevin, Becky, and me. In this case, Casey, Cody, Mark, Brian, and I picked up the ball and ran with it.

Over the next few months we worked with TSR General Manager Steven Butler to prepare the following hand-out for the passengers that details the photo-stops, history, and consist to be used for the excursion.

Guest Information Package

Michele sat this one out and stayed home with our young son who isn't yet old enough to accompany Daddy on these trips. Brian met me at my home in Spring Saturday morning and we left at 0700 for the run up to Palestine, arriving just after 0900. That's pretty good time! Michele asked me if we had enough room to "swoop in and land in the parking lot..."

Day I

Upon our arrival in Palestine, we stopped at the Engine House to check out the newly painted

and shopped Southern Pine Lumber Company #28, formerly TSR #300.

Now, THAT is just plain purdy!

Engineer Bill - Fireman Robert

New stage built from a former TSR MoW Flat Car

After meeting up with the rest of the crew (Cody, Casey, and Mark) we highballed out to MP 12 to do some clean-up for the guests the following day. This effort was far above and beyond what was asked of us, but this ain't an ordinary group of guys. We all love this railroad and want to go above and beyond to see it succeed.

Brian follows Casey into the woods hauling the tools we would need... and a camera, of course!

At MP 12, Casey swings away at the brush.

"Fore!"

We spent about 2 hours here cleaning the area and trail. Didn't look like any maintenance

had been done since the guys built this spot out of the dense woods in 2013.

West bound train blasts through MP 12.

Casey gives one last inspection of the newly cleared and cleaned area.

The fruits our of labor.

The plan for Fairchild Hill initially called for clearing some light brush near the summit. However, with no apparent maintenance in 18 months or so, the forest had nearly reclaimed the spot and we had neither the time nor the tools to properly clear it. So, making the best of a bad situation, we chose to use the road crossing on the eastern side of the summit. It's not as good, but it was workable. We spent about an hour clearing enough brush to squeeze the passengers in there. It wasn't ideal, but it got the job done.

Cleared brush at the road crossing on the eastern approach to Fairchild Hill.

More cleared brush

The crew wraps up the work and makes plans to head into Rusk for some "All Star" BBQ

With some good chow secured, Brian and I made our way back to Palestine to meet Lee, the gent

running the night photo shoot. A few days prior, we were asked to assist with this project as well.

But first, we stopped at McCrossin / State Crossing (TSR MP 0.0) for some photos of the newly

restored track, including the TSR/SSW diamond. The TSR is using this area for car storage.

TSR/SSW Diamond. The TSR runs about a quarter mile past the upper left corner of the photo. The SSW track is in place to the left for about 3 miles, all the way to the SSW Depot in Rusk. It also runs behind me (lower left) for about 3 miles and, oddly enough, most of that has been re-gauged to 2' by a private owner. It is believed that nothing 2' ever ran here and it is now heavily overgrown with East Texas piney woods.

Yup, that's a wood rail-joiner.

Looking over US 84 towards the main yard in Rusk.

Back in Palestine, Brian and I met with Lee Loveless to discuss the night photo shoot.

We worked out a plan and then sat down to watch the railroad put "our" train together.

Kevin showed up for the night shoot to get PR shots for the railroad.

Lee Loveless, center

Yours truly deploying some shop lights. Never would've guessed those would work so well.

A few hours later, the night shoot got underway.

I have to thank both GM Steven Butler and Road Foreman Scott Rohal for going above and beyond to

help us get this night photo shoot ready. Lee Loveless also did a fine job of running the event.

*Special thanks to Brian Jansky for helping with the night shoot planning, staging, and light positions.

He also called out the countdown for dozens and dozens of flashes.

Thanks Brian! Nicely done!

The freight cars are lit by 2 ordinary shop lights that I own. We didn't know if it would work, but it did!

My favorite shot from the whole trip. Sometimes I just get lucky.

Nearly full moon.

Day II

Dawn on Day II (Sunday, May 3rd) came far too early. Brian and I got to the yard about 0800 and met the guys.

For what it's worth, the Holiday Inn Express in Palestine is first rate. The owner/operator was exceptional, the rooms clean and well appointed, the chow was decent, and the walls were adorned with high quality TSR photos.

Video compilation from Sunday, May 3

The Brakeman rides #28 onto the cut of cars waiting at the Depot.

Fireman Robert attempts to bring down the spout for the first photo op. He's being VERY cautious to

ensure it's not full of bees. Best we can determine, that spout hasn't been down in a decade or so...

... and with all that non-use, the rope snapped, nearly disintegrating in Robert's hands.

*We have a project to work on if the railroad will give us permission.

Ready for departure.

Road Foreman Scott confers with Fireman Robert.

Herring, Texas - MP 14

Last summer, Casey, Cody, and I painted that sign.

Neches River - MP 13.77

Heavy rains fell on the Dallas-Ft. Worth for more than a week prior to this trip. This left the Neches well out it's banks.

The river is normally contained to a small channel about 15' wide in the middle of this shallow valley.

Extra SPL 28 East heads out over the flood waters.

Passengers re-board after a successful stop.

Riding' the Rails

Maydelle, Texas - MP 7.3

Mile Post 5.4

A bucolic East Texas scene on a pleasant spring day...

Passengers re-board after another successful stop

Scott, Casey, Cody

Last year I completed a souvenir DVD of the TSR just after our son was born. I've been too busy to get up to the railroad since then (except for one quick weekend). So, this is the first time I was able to see my DVD for sale on the shelves.