Independence Day Report

Thanks to our indefatigable freelance photographer, Joel Ahrendt, who sent along a photo report from today's Fourth of July activities.

CSL 144 was in streetcar line service.

IT 101 was operating on the main line. The CA&E wood cars were scheduled to run, but no conductor signed up and their motorman was drafted to serve as dispatcher because the planned dispatcher's plane was delayed, so they stayed in the barn.

The coach train was being pulled by the first GP-7, C&NW 1518.

And the Shay was pulling the "coach-caboose train," which is always popular with visitors.

But wait, there's more! Our friend Bill Wall from Branford sent us a link to a news story about a startling development: Nick Kallas has purchased the Wall diner!

Yes, we're serious.

CA&E Day

Frank writes...

My father and I found ourselves out at IRM for "CA&E Day," the anniversary of the line's abandonment, in this case the 68th anniversary (seems like only yesterday!). But we weren't working; we have family in from out of town, so it was just a quick visit, made quicker by the 90+ temperatures.

We were gratified to see that Paul Schneble was "flying the flag" for the CA&E, running the 460 as the weekday service car.

And in other news, progress continues on Barn 15, as seen here.