My Reflections from 2014

It’s that time of year again where the holidays are approaching at such a fast pace that many of us are overwhelmed, preoccupied, and looking ahead, rather than reflecting on the past. Toward the end of each year, generally the week between Christmas and the New Year, I try to set aside a few days to reflect on what accomplishments have been met, new experiences enjoyed, and a general review, per say of the obstacles and good times 2014 offered to us.

Undoubtedly from the perspective of newsworthy events, 2014 offered so many great things to the hobby and industry. The announcement of the restoration of Norfolk & Western’s No. 611, the transport and preliminary restoration of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 from California to Wyoming, as well as the acquisition and restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Let us not forget another terrific year of 21^st Century Steam excursions by Norfolk Southern, including the first run of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Southern No. 4501. For the steam enthusiast, 2014 is a tough year to beat.

In terms of industry news, the year 2014 was a big year for many Class I railroads and even passenger rail, with Amtrak’s acquisition of new locomotives and passenger cars. For me however, 2014 brought many good experiences, the opportunity to meet with friends old and new at many of the year’s venues, as well as the opportunity to travel to several unique destinations, photographing nearly every Class I railroad at one point or another, and sharing many laughs with the people who make this hobby a great deal of fun.

I have summarized the year 2014 by categorizing three topics and photos that had impacted me the most throughout this year. Aside from completing my first semester of college at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, there were many great experiences enjoyed on-the-road, and I’ve cataloged them by my “Top 3 of 2014” below… And here’s to an even better 2015!

3.  As a railfan and photographer, by default, traveling is a big interest. Coincidentally, travel destinations are generally dependent on rail activity and scenery. In 2014, I visited the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and a brief jaunt over to the West Coast, while still staying close to my roots with exploring obscure mining railroads in West Virginia. For the first time, I visited Wisconsin and spent a wonderful afternoon with friends in Milwaukee, including the magazine’s very own Jim Wrinn. (Thank for the hospitality, Jim!)

Canadian Pacific ES44AC No. 8734 crosses the Menomonee River in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a beautiful Spring afternoon in April 2014.

2. Of course, you cannot reflect on the year 2014 without remembering Streamliners at Spencer in North Carolina.  A terrific four days of the largest gathering of first generation diesels my generation has ever witnessed, as well as the opportunity to network and visit with so many great people. Let’s not forget the good Carolina BBQ that accompanied our fellowship and picture taking, too. Streamlinersat Spencer was one of the most enjoyable and surreal events I have ever attended. It made 2014 a year-to-remember.

Six streamliners pose outside of the Bob Julian Roundhouse on the grounds of the North Carolina Transportation Museum during the Streamliners at Spencer festivities in May 2014. 

1. For me, the most everlasting event, or series of events from this year included the historic announcement and transport of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore to its new home at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland. While 2014 was absolutely terrific in terms of steam restoration announcements, the renovations of C&O 1309 hit close to home! Perhaps I am a little biased, but the concept of mainline C&O steam returning to service, thanks to restoration efforts led by the WMSR’s excellent steam crew has had my adrenaline pumping since the summertime. 

With the exception of Cass, I have spent more time on the grounds of WMSR than any other steam railroad. I have visited the Cumbres & Toltec, Strasburg, and even the East Broad Top, but despite repeated visits, I am still drawn into the operations of the WMSR. For me, the progress of C&O 1309’s historic return to steam will likely top my list of reflections for the next couple of years! 

In anticipation of its move across CSX rails from the Baltimore & Ohio Museum to Cumberland, C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 is elevated over top two heavy duty TTX flat cars during its loading in Baltimore in July 2014.