The November 1974 issue has the article, "My Dad fired the Diplomat." Flora is mentioned a few times and there is even a picture of the Flora depot.
Jeff
Ex resident of Dundas, Il checking in. If you dont know where that is, dont feel too badly....population is (was) about 125 give or take. It is 7 miles north of Olney, which you will be familar with.
The B&O in Southern Illinois was really not covered too well. The St. Louis line is pretty much avoided by the B&O blue bloods. About 4 years ago there was a photo published in Trains of a westbound B&O passenger train at Olney. Nothing else that I can recall.
I did ride the B&O to and from St. Louis on three occassions in the 60's. The railfan bug bit me in 1972 and I became much more aware of the railroads. Personally, the Illinois Central branchline was the hometown line.
Cant help as far as articles, but I will enter into discussions on this thread....with limited knowledge, but a willingness.
Did you work out of Centralia (on the BN) or move back to Flora?
Ed
106crewchiefMy Grandfather retired from the B&O in Flora , Illinois and I was wondering if there were any articles published about the area. I,m a new subscriber having retired a couple of years ago from the BN after 35 years as Conductor. Thanks for any help.
I don't know about any articles but my home was in Clay County Illinois and I have been in the Roundhouse at Flora many times. It burned down in the early fifties and off course diesels were already taking over at that time so it was not rebuilt. The last steam powered train I remember around Flora was in the summer of 1956. The crew around the roundhouse used to welcome visitors and we spent some time there enjoying the steam on the B&O.
CZ
Crewchief welcome to the forums.You might want to click on the contact us in the help section.be as specific as possible.The trains staff will try to help you.They helped me with a cover of model railroader magazine.My wifes uncles train(wabash) was featured on it.Feel free to ask questions in the forum. I am sure others will have questions for you.Glad to have you here.
stay safe
Joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
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