Streamliners at Spencer
Perhaps one day a genius will discover a means to manipulate space and time and with a little defiance of the laws of physics, can create a full-fledged machine that is portal straight from a H.G. Wells novel. It could be used on a grand scale to visit specific eras in world history---past or future--or at a personal level, possibly loved ones that have since departed the scene. For the rail enthusiast or historian, a myriad of possibilities also exist. But for one weekend at Spencer, NC, no such machine was necessary. Thanks to the efforts of numerous entities, the North Carolina Transportation Museum (NCTM) became a corridor back into time like never before. Mr. Wells would have been impressed.
The roundhouse and turntable area were the focal points of the four day event. Pictured here is but a sampling of the crowd in attendance on the peak day of Saturday, May 31. Dan Robie 2014
For the railfan interested in the transition era of steam to diesel, the Spencer Streamliner Event was a Shangri-La. A reflection of a long since vanished period when Class I railroads were numerous and each possessing its own charms and characteristics. These locomotives offered a taste of how the railroad scene once existed with individual roads displaying pride in the equipment as a both a company and its appeal to the public. Trains were truly a rolling billboard in the post - World War II era in a vast array of color schemes and models which further etched the era in our collective memory. It stands out as a stark contrast to the comparatively generic and utilitarian railroad industry as it exists today but for few exceptions. As a result, the gathering of classic locomotives served a dual purpose. For older generations who recollect the era when these beauties graced the rails in large numbers, it was reminiscent of a long ago childhood or perhaps a flashback to a scene at a Union Station in Chicago or Washington, DC. For younger generations accustomed to a modern scene saturated with wide cab diesels, a national Amtrak passenger service, and undistinguishable rights of way, a gained appreciation of a glorious past punctuated with the thought "hard to believe railroads once looked like this".
As for this four day event itself, it was a huge success and was coordinated well. In spite of large numbers of visitors, complaints were few and compliments to its itinerary many. To be fair and candid, there are minor improvements that could have been made but these did not diminish the collective impression left on an overwhelmingly large number of visitors to the event. It must not go unappreciated the exhaustive effort by NCTM volunteers, railroad personnel, and vendors over a four day period to make the Streamliner Event a huge hit.
An event on this scale encompasses sponsors with varied support and listed are those who made this exceptional occasion possible:
Official Presenting Sponsor: Norfolk Southern
Platinum Sponsor: Salisbury/Rowan County
Gold Sponsors: Amtrak--BNSF--CSX
Silver Sponsors: Fun Trainrides.com--Parsons Brinckerhoff--North Carolina Railroad Company--Trains Magazine
Bronze Sponsors: McRail--Atlanta Petroleum, Inc.--Rouzer Motor Parts--PPG--Rail Events Incorporated
Lest we forget the museums and/or owners that maintain these locomotives for agreeing to their use at Spencer. We are most grateful to all.
Inevitably, comparisons have been made between this event and the NS Heritage Unit gala in 2012. Which was best? That is for each individual and his or her personal taste to decide. Statistically, comparing the two is like apples and oranges. NCTM officials estimate 9200 visitors for Streamliners and 4600 for the Heritage Event. Whereas Streamliners was four days, Heritage was two. One was considered a broader range appeal (Streamliners) whereas the other was more regional (Heritage). Obviously, there are exceptions to both. One fact that is without debate is that both of these events escalated the NCTM from a regional showcase to what is now a national platform.
Below is my photographic record of the Streamliner Event with descriptions sprinkled in. My wife and son are contributors to this piece as well for they captured some scenes while I was working and compiled brief historical data for each. My images are quite humble compared to the high quality amateur and professional ones already on the internet or that will appear in publications. By the time one is reading this, the fanfare will have subsided to a degree as the extraordinary weekend slowly fades from the forefront. In any event, I hope the reader will enjoy the images presented from this unforgettable congregation.
As for this four day event itself, it was a huge success and was coordinated well. In spite of large numbers of visitors, complaints were few and compliments to its itinerary many. To be fair and candid, there are minor improvements that could have been made but these did not diminish the collective impression left on an overwhelmingly large number of visitors to the event. It must not go unappreciated the exhaustive effort by NCTM volunteers, railroad personnel, and vendors over a four day period to make the Streamliner Event a huge hit.
An event on this scale encompasses sponsors with varied support and listed are those who made this exceptional occasion possible:
Official Presenting Sponsor: Norfolk Southern
Platinum Sponsor: Salisbury/Rowan County
Gold Sponsors: Amtrak--BNSF--CSX
Silver Sponsors: Fun Trainrides.com--Parsons Brinckerhoff--North Carolina Railroad Company--Trains Magazine
Bronze Sponsors: McRail--Atlanta Petroleum, Inc.--Rouzer Motor Parts--PPG--Rail Events Incorporated
Lest we forget the museums and/or owners that maintain these locomotives for agreeing to their use at Spencer. We are most grateful to all.
Inevitably, comparisons have been made between this event and the NS Heritage Unit gala in 2012. Which was best? That is for each individual and his or her personal taste to decide. Statistically, comparing the two is like apples and oranges. NCTM officials estimate 9200 visitors for Streamliners and 4600 for the Heritage Event. Whereas Streamliners was four days, Heritage was two. One was considered a broader range appeal (Streamliners) whereas the other was more regional (Heritage). Obviously, there are exceptions to both. One fact that is without debate is that both of these events escalated the NCTM from a regional showcase to what is now a national platform.
Below is my photographic record of the Streamliner Event with descriptions sprinkled in. My wife and son are contributors to this piece as well for they captured some scenes while I was working and compiled brief historical data for each. My images are quite humble compared to the high quality amateur and professional ones already on the internet or that will appear in publications. By the time one is reading this, the fanfare will have subsided to a degree as the extraordinary weekend slowly fades from the forefront. In any event, I hope the reader will enjoy the images presented from this unforgettable congregation.
Prelude
An event to and of itself, enthusiasts and photographers anticipated the gathering of the flock at Spencer. The arriving trains with these locomotives in the consists, whether on a freight or deadhead move, were chased and photographed as they made their way from various points in the country en route to North Carolina. This was certainly applicable with the departure of the locomotives as well.
Below are various images of the some of the moves.
Below are various images of the some of the moves.
Two of the three final attendees to arrive for the Spencer Streamliner Event, Pennsylvania E8As #5809 and #5711, cross the Yadkin River on the approach to Spencer. Image by Matt Robie 2014
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The C&O and B&O F7As pass through Thomasville, NC on NS train 11R en route to the event. Image Donna Robie 2014
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Deadhead move NS 099 with the Wabash E8 and the N&W #611 lean into a curve south of Thomasville, NC headed for Spencer. Donna Robie 2014
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The N&W J #611
The magnificent streamlined N&W Class J 4-8-4 #611 on the turntable minus main connecting rods removed for transport. Certainly among the more famous steam locomotives used for excursion trains and legions of fans await her restoration to service. She was the lead bill in a star studded cast at Spencer. Dan Robie 2014
One of the major rail preservation stories of the past year was the announcement that the N&W J #611 would return to excursion service. A fundraiser was held to raise money for its restoration it and was decided that the locomotive would be moved from the Virginia Transportation Museum to the NCTM at Spencer. The Streamliner Event provided that opportunity to move the locomotive to North Carolina to begin restoration and to showcase it before an anticipating rail enthusiast community.
As one of the best known---and admired---excursion steam locomotives in the Eastern United States, the #611 was a mainstay on autumn excursions from the 1980s until 1994. It was that year that steam powered excursions came to an end and the locomotive would spend the next two decades on static display at Roanoke. Built as one of fourteen J Class 4-8-4s by the Norfolk and Western in 1950, the locomotive remained active until being displaced by diesels in passenger service during 1959. Fortunately, through the influential efforts of legendary photographer O. Winston Link and others the N&W recognized its heritage by keeping her preserved.
As one of the best known---and admired---excursion steam locomotives in the Eastern United States, the #611 was a mainstay on autumn excursions from the 1980s until 1994. It was that year that steam powered excursions came to an end and the locomotive would spend the next two decades on static display at Roanoke. Built as one of fourteen J Class 4-8-4s by the Norfolk and Western in 1950, the locomotive remained active until being displaced by diesels in passenger service during 1959. Fortunately, through the influential efforts of legendary photographer O. Winston Link and others the N&W recognized its heritage by keeping her preserved.
The #611 and the fuel that feeds her. Once restored, black diamonds such as these in the foreground will transform her into a graceful yet powerful living machine. Dan Robie 2014
The Alcos
Guests of Honor:
Canadian National FPA-4 #6789
Nickel Plate PA1 #190
Canadian National FPA-4 #6789
Nickel Plate PA1 #190
Canadian National FPA-4: Built 1959 by Montreal Locomotive Works. Presently maintained at the Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, IL. Image Dan Robie 2014
Nickel Plate PA1 #190: Built as Santa Fe #62L in 1948 and repainted into NKP livery with accurate number. Maintained by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland. Although currently inoperable, this locomotive was a showstopper at the event and was prominently featured in a night shoot. Image Dan Robie 2014
The EMD E
Guests of Honor:
Atlantic Coast Line E3A #501
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy E5A #9911-A
Erie E8A #833
Iowa Pacific E8A #115
Pennsylvania E8A #5711
Pennsylvania E8A #5809
Southern Railway E8A #6900
Union Pacific E9A #949
Wabash E8A #1009
Atlantic Coast Line E3A #501
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy E5A #9911-A
Erie E8A #833
Iowa Pacific E8A #115
Pennsylvania E8A #5711
Pennsylvania E8A #5809
Southern Railway E8A #6900
Union Pacific E9A #949
Wabash E8A #1009
Atlantic Coast Line E3A #501 "Champion": One of two built for the ACL in 1939 and later upgraded to E6 specs. Unique paint scheme was a real attention getter. Home based at the NCTM in Spencer. Image Dan Robie 2014
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy E5A 9911-A "Silver Pilot": Built 1940-1941 for the CB&Q and this model was exclusive to that road. Based at the Illinois Railway Museum at Union, IL. This locomotive was another showstopper at the event with its stainless steel skin and sleek appearance. Image Dan Robie 2014
Erie E8A #833: Built in 1951 for the Erie and restored to that original livery. Maintained by the New York & Greenwood Lake Railway. Image Dan Robie 2014
Iowa Pacific E8A #515: Built in 1953 for the Chicago & Northwestern as # 5029B. Based at the Saratoga and North Creek Railway in Warren County, New York. At the event, this unit was also used to represent examples of the Illinois Central and Central of Georgia by placing a different herald on the nose. Image Dan Robie 2014
Pennsylvania E8A #5711: Built for the PRR in 1952 with the same number. Repainted by Bennett Levin and based at Juniata Terminal near Philadelphia. Image Dan Robie 2014
Pennsylvania E8A #5809: Also built for PRR in 1952 with same number and repainted by Bennett Levin. This locomotive and train was used for two excursions between Charlotte and Spencer thereby spending less time at the event. Image Dan Robie 2014
Southern Railway E8A #6900 "Crescent": One of eight E8As built for the SR in 1951, it was originally numbered #2923. The #6900 was retired in 1979 and donated by the Southern to the NCTM in 1980. It remains home based at the museum. Dan Robie 2014
Union Pacific E9A #949: Built in 1955 for the Union Pacific. One of three E9 models in the UP Heritage Fleet used for excursions and other special events. Dan Robie 2014
Wabash E8A #1009: Built in 1951 for the Wabash and was the 10,000th locomotive produced by EMD. This locomotive has been cosmetically restored but currently is not operational. Home based at the Virginia Transportation Museum. Dan Robie 2014
The EMD F
Guests of Honor:
Baltimore and Ohio F7A #722
Chesapeake and Ohio F3Au #8016
Chicago & Northwestern F7A #411
Delaware, Lackawanna &Western F3A #663
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western F3A #664
EMD FT Demonstrator #103
New Haven FL9 #2014
Norfolk Southern F9A #4270
Norfolk Southern F9A #4271
Pan Am FP9 #1
Reading F7A #284
Soo Line FP7 #2500
Southern Railway FP7 #6133
Wabash F7A #1189
Baltimore and Ohio F7A #722
Chesapeake and Ohio F3Au #8016
Chicago & Northwestern F7A #411
Delaware, Lackawanna &Western F3A #663
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western F3A #664
EMD FT Demonstrator #103
New Haven FL9 #2014
Norfolk Southern F9A #4270
Norfolk Southern F9A #4271
Pan Am FP9 #1
Reading F7A #284
Soo Line FP7 #2500
Southern Railway FP7 #6133
Wabash F7A #1189
Baltimore and Ohio F7A #722: Originally built for the Bessemer & Lake Erie in 1952. Acquired by the Potomac Eagle in 2001, the locomotive was repainted into the classic B&O scheme in 2010. Dan Robie 2014
Chesapeake and Ohio F3Au #8016: Built for the Clinchfield as an F3 in 1948. Under lease to the Potomac Eagle since 1994, as of this writing there are conflicting reports as to its post Streamliner Event future. Dan Robie 2014
Chicago & Northwestern F7A #411: Originally built for the C&NW in 1949. Based at the Illinois Railway Museum. Dan Robie 2014
Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western F3A #663: Built for the Bangor and Aroostook in 1948 as #506A. Owned by the Anthracite Railroads Historical Society in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Dan Robie 2014
Delaware, Lackawanna,& Western F3A #664: Also built for the Bangor and Aroostook in 1948. Also owned by the ARHS in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Dan Robie 2014
EMD FT Demonstrator #103: This landmark locomotive was built in 1939 at LaGrange, Illinois. Currently housed at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, the set presently is unpowered. Dan Robie 2014
New Haven FL9 #2019: Built for the NH as # 2049, it was one of sixty such models built between 1956 and 1960. Acquired by the Railroad Museum of New England in 2002. Dan Robie 2014
Norfolk Southern F9A #4270: Built in 1952 as a F7A for the Baltimore and Ohio. Upgraded to F9 specs and is currently active as OCS and special event power for NS. Dan Robie 2014
Norfolk Southern F9A #4271: Also built as a B&O F7A in 1952. Part of the current NS OCS and special event roster. Dan Robie 2014
Pan Am FP9 #1: Originally built for the Canadian National in 1954 as #6505. Special power for the current Pan Am system. Dan Robie 2014
Reading F7A #284: Built in 1949 for the Chicago & Northwestern. Unit donated to the United Railway Historical Society in 1991. Cosmetically restored but currently not operational. Dan Robie 2014
Soo Line FP7 #2500: Built as EMD demonstrator #7001 in 1949, the locomotive resides at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Dan Robie 2014
Southern Railway FP7 #6133: Built for the Southern in 1950 with the original number. Home based at the NCTM. Dan Robie 2014
Wabash F7A #1189: Built in 1952 for the Wabash with the same number, unit is cosmetically restored but not operational. Based at the Monticello Railway Museum. Dan Robie 2014
Amtrak
Amtrak was present for the Streamliner Event just as it was at the 2012 Heritage Event. Its contribution was a train for display with Veterans locomotive P42DC #42 in addition to a Heritage series locomotive, F40PHR #406. Many toured the train and the respite of its air conditioning although the temperatures were not near as torrid as 2012. NCDOT also displayed a train for the event and quite honestly, I overlooked photographing it because I see them so frequently. But in hindsight, I should have to include here in context with the event.
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Just as in 2012 with Heritage Event, Amtrak ran a train to this event. The Veterans unit P42DC #42 had the honor as power for this train. Dan Robie 2014
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Another Amtrak heritage locomotive, F40 PHR #406 was on site and led the Amtrak train upon its departure. Dan Robie 2014
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Various Scenes
Selecting images to add here is difficult because there are approximately 400 I took to choose from. But even with this number, there are scenes that in retrospect I should have been more attentive to with specific locomotives. As a comparison, I spoke with one gentleman who took 9000 shots during the four day period! Safe to say he did not miss much! Here is a random sampling of daylight images and as I work through them, may yet add at least one more group to the page. All gallery images below Dan Robie 2014
Night Scenes
Night photography is definitely not my forte but below are numerous images of varying states in quality. It is a fine art and I greatly admire the efforts of those who have mastered it.
EMD Demonstrator FT #103 on the turntable. ".......with hat-brim pulled down over its eyes, cloak up around its chin, and dagger in hand, the villain slunk onto the scene. It was the road diesel, and its foul purpose was to "do in" all of the steam locomotives. How it accomplished this is history" -Lawrence W. Sagle in B&O Power. Image Dan Robie 2014
The #611 under the cover of darkness staged at the south end of the museum. This area allowed for multiple staging of locomotives during the night scenes. Image by Matt Robie 2014
All night gallery images above Dan Robie 2014
The beautiful Lackawanna F3 trio pose at the Barber Junction depot in a staged night scene. This set was a real attention getter at the event as one might surmise. Dan Robie 2014
A setting with the utopian atmosphere of a Norman Rockwell painting. The NCTM did a fine job creating this scene fully flavored in nostalgia with the NKP #190 and the CN #6789 amid the trees at the classic Barber Junction depot. Charms from the yesteryear of railroads relived if only but a few days. Dan Robie 2014
Aftermath
The Streamliner Event will be one of the most recorded rail events in history. Images will be virtually everywhere---videos, publications, calendars, books, and on a host of locations scattered across cyberspace. Scores of aerial images will exist as a private outfit provided helicopter rides for photographers at $50 a trip and it could be seen and heard virtually non-stop during the event. In a nutshell, there will be no dearth of information about this historical event in the years to come.
As exclusive as the Streamliner Event was, the potential exists for such another undertaking. There are more candidates representing fallen flag railroads that could be summoned for an encore of sorts at a future date. No doubt any of the stars from the recent gathering would be a welcomed reprise. A notable omission from this event was a Santa Fe Warbonnet locomotive. Although there are certainly numerous fallen flags not represented this time, the absence of Santa Fe is the most conspicuous. Arguably the most recognizable paint scheme ever applied to a diesel, the presence of a cab unit in these colors would have further enhanced an already spectacular assemblage of power. Perhaps another time.
All indications are that the next major event at Spencer will be steam related. A restored N&W #611 in conjunction with an existing Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam program places the pen to the wall in this regard. Such an extravaganza would obviously be another successful coup on the part of the NCTM and NS.
As exclusive as the Streamliner Event was, the potential exists for such another undertaking. There are more candidates representing fallen flag railroads that could be summoned for an encore of sorts at a future date. No doubt any of the stars from the recent gathering would be a welcomed reprise. A notable omission from this event was a Santa Fe Warbonnet locomotive. Although there are certainly numerous fallen flags not represented this time, the absence of Santa Fe is the most conspicuous. Arguably the most recognizable paint scheme ever applied to a diesel, the presence of a cab unit in these colors would have further enhanced an already spectacular assemblage of power. Perhaps another time.
All indications are that the next major event at Spencer will be steam related. A restored N&W #611 in conjunction with an existing Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam program places the pen to the wall in this regard. Such an extravaganza would obviously be another successful coup on the part of the NCTM and NS.
The famous and the not so famous. My wife took this shot of Andy Fletcher and me at the Streamliner Event inside the roundhouse where he was signing his art work. Andy is a well-known rail artist and among his prominent achievements are the designs that were the inspiration for the Norfolk Southern Heritage fleet. It was a privilege to meet him both at the Heritage Event in 2012 and this event. Just an all-around great guy who is an excellent ambassador to the rail history and enthusiast communities. Donna Robie 2014
Credits
Donna Robie
Matt Robie
North Carolina Transportation Museum
Matt Robie
North Carolina Transportation Museum