6 happenings I want to see in 2015 and one resolution

on Monday, January 5, 2015

6

A northbound Canadian National stack train roars through Duplainville, Wis., in August 2014. Such sights were frequently observed as the railroad industry saw traffic surge, and hopefully it sticks around in 2015. Jim Wrinn photo.

The start of the new year has me thinking about railroading in 2015. The year just past was incredible in so many ways, but the year ahead could be even more amazing. Here’s what has me eagerly anticipating the days and months ahead.

I can’t wait to see how these turn out: The first Tier 4 diesel locomotives (probably for BNSF next spring), Positive Train Control installation, and winter operations on main lines nationwide.
One thing I’d love to see come to a conclusion: The end of fear and loathing when it comes to crude oil trains. I doubt it will happen, but it sure would be nice.
I don’t want to see an end to this: The traffic boom that swept railroading in the second half of 2014, and I’m hoping that new crews, track, locomotives, and new ideas solve this so the traffic stays with the railroads.
Steam dreams: I’m hopeful that the transition to private operation at Cass Scenic Railroad goes well, that Reading 4-8-4 No. 2100, marooned in Washington State in a proverbial “what’s wrong with this picture” pose, goes home somewhere back East, and that Bessemer & Lake Erie 2-10-4 No. 643, orphaned in Pennsylvania, finally gets a home. I hope we’ll see steam at Steamtown once more and progress on Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014.
In tow, Norfolk & Western No. 611 departs the Virginia Museum of Transportation in May 2014. Next time the 4-8-4 is in town, the engine will be under its own power. Jim Wrinn photo.
Events I look forward to: Speaking at the Union Pacific Historical Society and Chicago & North Western joint in Omaha in June; the first main line trips for Southern Railway 4501 and Norfolk & Western No. 611; the first steam in 50 years for the Kentucky & Tennessee shortline, now called the Big South Fork Scenic in Stearns, Ky.
A photo I want to take: the real deal Norfolk & Western trinity with 4-8-4 No. 611 and 2-6-6-4 No. 1218 welcoming 2-8-8-2 No. 2156 back to Roanoke, Va., from its long-time display at the Museum of Transport in St. Louis.
Lastly, here’s my railfan resolution for this year: Visit more places I’ve read about or seen photos of and to seek places that I’ve not heard of but that are worthy of my train watching time.