Two 4-8-4s to follow on GPS and Twitter today
UPDATE: Gee, I wonder who got off the train at Western Springs, IL. (Rank has its privileges, I guess . . .)
Original Post:
First, it was UP 844.
Then it was SP 4449.
Today, it’s both. No. 844 powers the Cheyenne Frontier Days train, and no. 4449 operates from Minneapolis to the Chicago area.
In a last-minute change, no. 4449 will maneuver around a clearance restriction by using the Indiana Harbor Belt from near LaGrange, IL, to the East Chicago area, then on to Michigan City, IN, where it will be added to the special train on Sunday morning. It’s going to be a long night for the 4449 crew; over 400 miles of running, servicing, then the detour. Let’s hope they get some sleep.
Fire destroys famous barn at Helmstetter’s Curve
Fire has claimed an iconic structure seen and photographed by thousands of steam fans over the years, and injured its owner, John Helmstetter. A video news report can be found here.
Fire of an unknown origin destroyed a barn on Cash Valley Road late Thursday and injured the owner as he tried to free his cattle from the burning structure.
John Helmstetter suffered burns in the 11:20 p.m. incident and was taken to Memorial Hospital by the LaVale Rescue Squad. He was released following treatment for injuries to his left arm and right hand, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Several cattle and a dog perished in the fire, which destroyed the 50-by-100-foot heavy timber barn
We wish Mr. Helmstetter a speedy recovery and condolences on his losses. Visits to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad won’t be quite the same.
(via Pete Lerro.)
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