I hope that all of you have been able to recover from the once in a lifetime ice storm that we had. It was trying but it was a great example of everyone pulling together. We had a very nice meeting in January and the weather cooperated by holding off long enough for us to have a complete meeting and get home before the snow came in.  I checked the weather outside several times during the meeting and was happy to report no activity.

I came across an interesting article in Trains Magazine the other day in the Feb. 2009 issue about this group of railfans in the United Kingdom that built a brand new 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive.  It was the first new mainline steam engine built there since 1960 and the first ever to be built without a fully staffed and equipped locomotive works.  They started saving money and getting donations in 1990 and the engine was completed and tested to 75 mph in Nov. 2008.  It will go into excursion service this spring. The group had 2000 individuals donating and they started out by asking for the amount of a pint of ale each week to have a steady income. They say that this engine is not a replica but actually the 50th engine in the line and has the next number in line after the last one was built a half century ago. It is equipped with more water capacity and incorporates many improvements in metallurgy, safety, and electronics.  This is a truly beautiful locomotive with a certain grace and class that British engines seemed to exude.  These folks are to be applauded for there hard work and perseverance. If you would like more information or to donate to their cause check out their website at www.A1STEAM.com.

I am hoping to see all of your smiling faces at the next meeting at 7pm on February 23, 2009 at the Center in beautiful downtown Madisonville.