Rio Grande Explorations

Texas State Railroad

May 26, 2018

My buddies Blake and Brian floated the idea of making a run up to Palestine for the Opening Day (of Steam) on the Texas State Railroad. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to take my son, Noah, on his first chase. Momma decided to sit this one out, but her father tagged along. Without his help, I wouldn't have half as many photos or video clips. The simple task of loading/unloading Noah takes a lot of time. So, Noah got to spend the day with his Pappaw, Daddy, and Daddy's friends.  It was a good day... despite the heat.

 

We got a late start leaving the house, mostly because Momma over-prepared everything in the extreme. We missed the eastbound departure from Palestine, but caught the train at Dean Wright. Brian and Blake were already there along with another friend, Chris, from church. It's a small world...

 

This is not my best video work. My primary focus was keeping Noah safe and happy. Manning the video camera was a distant 3rd, behind taking still shots once Noah was safe and happy. This was all shot with a GoPro Hero V on a short tripod and dropped wherever I could find a spot in the few moments I had to scout a location. I've done better, but it ain't too bad.

 

 

Dean Wright

MP 23.3

 

 

 

 

Jarvis

MP 17.7

Noah was a bit unsure what this was all about, but by the time we jumped in the truck the 2nd time

to give chase he was fully involved! "AFTER THAT TRAIN, DADDY!" was his battle cry for the day.

 

The other little guy is named Braden, I believe. He and his father we chasing with us and the two boys became instant pals.

 

At Jarvis, we got to meet Hayley Enoch from Trains Magazine. My buddy Everett has known her for a while,

but I hadn't had the chance to meet her. It's truly a small world... or maybe just a small hobby.

 

 

Really diggin' the new drum head. Nicely done, TSR.

 

Mewshaw

MP 11.6

 

 

Blake Bogs

 

Brian Jansky

 

 

Noah & his Pappaw

 

 

 

Maydelle

MP 7.3

 

Pals

 

 

 

 

1511 is my favorite car on the TSR. First class in every way.

 

 

Fairchild Hill

~MP 5.0

Pappaw keeps watch so the boys don't get too close to the edge. It's quite a drop down to the track.

 

Aaron McCreight & Becky Whisenant (Rusk locals and avid TSR fans) cleared out a great spot

at the top of Fairchild Hill, about MP 5.0.  This view from the overlook is down into the cut at

the top of the hill. The locomotives are always working hard on the 2.5% grade

going both directions at this spot. So, the sound is... IMPRESSIVE.

 

Thanks guys. This is a GREAT new photo location.

 

 

 

Oakland Crossing

MP 2.2

 

 

 

 

 

After Oakland Crossing, we went into Rusk with Blake and Brian for some All Star BBQ.

We've been going there for years because the food is fantastic.

 

After lunch and a tank of gas, the chase was back on!

 

Oakland Crossing

MP 2.2

(Westbound)

 

Fairchild Hill

~MP 5.0

 

Maydelle

MP 7.3

 

 

 

 

 

Java

MP 9.0

 

County Road 2124

MP 10.4

 

Jarvis

MP 17.1

 

 

 

Dean Wright

MP 23.3

Noah missed the second stop at Dean Wright. The 5 minute drive over from Jarvis was just long

enough that he fell asleep. After all, it was well after nap time by this point. He got about a

20 minute nap and was rarin' to go when we got the Palestine Depot.

 

 

Palestine Depot

MP 25.5

 

Aaron and his girlfriend, Bry. Aaron just graduated high school (CONGRATULATIONS)

and is headed for a railroad career with the BNSF. Good luck, bud.

 

I'll miss his videos and updates on the railroad, but I'm really happy for him.

 

 

Palestine Engine House

T&P 610 - TSR 125 - SPL 28

 

 

It was a darn good day!

 

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