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On November 8th, 2009 the Texas State Railroad ran a "Fall Photographers Special." After years of missed opportunity's my schedule and the TSRR schedule finally meshed. I somehow managed to take two trips to Chama, one to Alamosa, one to Durango, and one to the EBT in Pennsylvania in 2009. By October I had accomplished more personal railroad objectives than I had dreamed possible for one year. I was thrilled to have the chance to add in one more trip to close out 2009. In every other way 2009 was a disaster of a year for me. But, in my little railroad world it was unsurpassed.
I got my father hooked on this hobby on a trip to Chama in 2008 and he came down from Dallas to join me for this trip too. My buddy Everett and I drove up to Rusk together and there met another friend, Jim, from Deadwood, Texas. So, it was big ol' party of railfans.
In Rusk I got a chance to meet Lori (the PR lady) with whom I'd traded many emails. She's young and energetic, not what I was expecting. Despite the problems the railroad has had in recent years I think the marketing department is in good hands with Lori. The future looks very bright and I'm looking forward to many more trips up there. |
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Early morning in Rusk, TX - #300 heads out to the depot |
Engineer's side |
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Firebox Door |
Looking west towards Palestine |
Rusk Yard |
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TSRR #201 in Rusk Yard |
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Rusk Inspection Pit |
Tool Room in Rusk Engine House |
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TSRR #400 in Rusk, TX |
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Cab of #400. I saw a small kitten run into the firebox when I entered the cab. I got down and tried to find it, but as you can see it looks empty. Never did see it again... |
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Maydelle Turntable |
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Love this shot |
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#300 backing to the train, passing the Maydelle Depot |
Maydelle Turntable Pit |
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Maydelle Depot |
Polar Express "Set" inside the Jarvis Wye |
Palestine, TX |
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Palestine, TX |
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View from the Engineer's side of T&P #610 (2-10-4) *Note the reflection in the window. I'm wearing a denim C&T shirt. |
Palestine Inspection Pit |
"The Little Engine That Could" |
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Texas & Pacific #610 |
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#300 backing through the Palestine Wye |
<-- TSRR #300 & T&P #610 --> |
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<-- TSRR #300 T&P #610 --> |
Crossing the Neches River |
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Crossing the Neches River |
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The river was well out its banks to due to recent heavy floods in north Texas |
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My father, Chris |
Oakland Crossing - Run #1 |
Oakland Crossing - Run #2 |
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Oakland Crossing - Run #2 |
Back in Rusk Yard |
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Abandoned TSR line into the city of Rusk. I believe there was an interchange with the Cotton Belt (SSW), an SP subsidiary. |
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