Category: Bill Thomas

News Flash

August 18, 2010 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Chapter News

Beginning January, 2011, we will discontinue the paper printing of our monthly newsletter, The PennyRail.  The publication will be available in Portable Document Format (pdf,  Adobe Reader) via email and  on the chapter’s website (as presently available there).  Adobe Reader is available as a free download to any computer.  The chapter is striving to be a good steward of our resources thus the decision made in the July meeting.

As editor of this work, I do not wish this to be a hardship on any of our members who do not have internet/email access.  If you do not have access to the internet or email, we will make arrangements for you to receive a paper copy in black and white print.  Just let us know.  All we ask is that members not take advantage of this offer and use the electronic medium if possible.  If you do not have a computer, many free public libraries offer computers with internet access as part of their services.

I will need all chapter members to update your email addresses with me so that you receive your email with the newsletter pdf file attached.  You may also want to check with your internet service provider (ISP) to make sure attachments are not filtered and you are set up to receive emails sent out in distribution lists.

I am glad to offer any suggestions, help, etc. if you need it, but remember, most internet/email issues are best handled directly with your ISP.

You can email me at bill@fbcmadisonville.com, call 270-825-4623 (home), call or text me at 270-339-9482 (cell), or look me up on Facebook.

For those of you who do not have a computer at home, let me encourage you to secure one if possible.  You may have a relative or friend with a gently used machine that could be used for internet browsing, email, and light word processing.  There are many rail-related sites with information, videos, discussion groups, and sale items right at your finger tips.

Remember the basic requirements for receiving the PennyRail via email: 1) Internet/email account access; 2)  An internet service provider (ISP) which allows for attachments to emails; 3) Adobe Reader for opening the pdf file when it arrives. Adobe Reader is available for free download at www.adobe.com.

Looking for…

July 20, 2010 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas

Pictures and/or historical information on the Chattanooga Traction Company, predecessor line of Southern Railway’s Redbank or Signal Mountain branch in north Chattanooga, TN.  (have checked web) – Bill Thomas, bill@fbcmadisonville.com

A Ride on the Crescent

July 20, 2010 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Photo Section
While on vacation in early June, my three children and I took the opportunity to ride the Amtrak Crescent from Atlanta to Birmingham while my wife drove the minivan on the same route. It was my children’s first ride on a passenger train.This is a shot of the kids as we took time for some pop in the diner/lounge. Nice time and great service by Amtrak employees. - Photo by Bill Thomas
While on vacation in early June, my three children and I took the opportunity to ride the Amtrak Crescent from Atlanta to Birmingham while my wife drove the minivan on the same route. It was my children’s first ride on a passenger train.This is a shot of the kids as we took time for some pop in the diner/lounge. Nice time and great service by Amtrak employees. - Photo by Bill Thomas

Chasing down the Morganfield Branch

November 18, 2009 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas, Photo Section
Certainly not the greatest fall shot I’ve ever taken, but interesting enough to make me chase it down the Morganfield Branch to get a shot of it behind People Plus on 41A, just west of Madisonville. For quick shots in a pinch, the i-phone does ok. This is simply a front-end-loader with small rail wheels attached to the bucket’s bottom. The rear tires seemed to have no guidance devices other than possibly being a little under-inflated to keep them centered on the rails. Not sure. -Bill Thomas
Certainly not the greatest fall shot I’ve ever taken, but interesting enough to make me chase it down the Morganfield Branch to get a shot of it behind People Plus on 41A, just west of Madisonville. For quick shots in a pinch, the i-phone does ok. This is simply a front-end-loader with small rail wheels attached to the bucket’s bottom. The rear tires seemed to have no guidance devices other than possibly being a little under-inflated to keep them centered on the rails. Not sure. -Bill Thomas

Western Bluegrass Rail Terminal

July 22, 2009 Jim Pearson No Comments Bill Thomas

Spring Garden RR Gathering by Bill Thomas

May 28, 2009 Bill Thomas No Comments Bill Thomas
ET&WNC Ten-Wheeler, No. 12, makes the tight curve over Liam’s Creek, on Bill Thomas’ outdoor Hook Line & Singer Railway.
ET&WNC Ten-Wheeler, No. 12, makes the tight curve over Liam’s Creek, on Bill Thomas’ outdoor Hook Line & Singer Railway.

· Spring Garden RR Gathering will now be Saturday, June 13, 11 am to 4 pm, weather permitting. If weather is questionable, please check the chapter website blog for updates on cancelations and postponements. The Hook Line & Singer Railway is located at 1025 Lakewood Drive, Madisonville, KY. Light snacks will be served. Visiting Large Scale (45 mm gauge) equipment is welcomed and encouraged so bring your toys!