A Pleasant Day on the Railroad

Many thanks to Zach, who ran the "Brookins Special" in service on Saturday and sent along several photos to back up his assertion that it was, indeed, a very enjoyable day on the old E&B. With sun, weather in the 70s, two steam engines, and a wood interurban train, what's not to like? All photos are courtesy Zach Ehlers.

Of course, the day begins in Yard 8 and the ladder track....

...before the action moves to Station Track 1. Gotta love Washington Blue in good light!

In true Hicks Car Works tradition, here's a crew shot: Motorman Zach Ehlers and Conductor Chris Czyzewski, both smartly attired.

Every so often, you need to borrow a motorman from your sister Insull road. I should point out that Zach's motorman's cap, with a squared-off top and pinstripes, is exactly what a lot of CA&E motormen wore. I know what I'm adding to my Christmas wish list!

The view from the head end. The 36 is the only one of our CA&E cars with the early "open frame" C6 controller handle design, where the throttle button lever is exposed. CA&E motormen would wad up ticket stubs and stuff them in there so that the button would stay depressed.

The Shay was on the caboose train...

...while the Decapod was on the coach train.

We don't often get photos of the train at Johnson Siding.

Matthew Kalnins (left) was overseeing line training for nattily attired Matt Holtz on the 3142.

And it's back to the barn at the end of the day. The 36 and 319 are scheduled for operation on Sunday this weekend, too, but I believe this will be the end of CA&E wood car operation for 2023.