Trains.com

William J. Purdie

1666 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
  • 2,483 posts
Posted by CANADIANPACIFIC2816 on Monday, March 28, 2005 1:40 PM
If it were not for Bill Purdie, the Southern's steam excursion program, as it existed during the 1960's, would have never left the depot. We owe him a lot for his knowledge and expertise in steam power. Thankfully, there are are a few others like him still out there.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 3, 2005 9:58 PM
[bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday] x 10!!

And a lot more!!
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin TX
  • 4,941 posts
Posted by spbed on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 7:04 AM
Wow many more to him

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Louisville,Ky.
  • 5,077 posts
Posted by locomutt on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 11:12 PM
He's going to be that young ?
I hope a big bunch of people attend.
If it weren't for him,WE may not be able to see the
'steam specials' we do today.


Thanks for letting us know.

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
William J. Purdie
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 10:59 PM
Bill Purdie, who ran the Mechanical and Operating ends of the Southern Railway steam program for many years, will turn 90 years of age on April 5, 2005.

A party is planned for Bill at the new Railway Museum at Duluth, Ga. from 2 until 5 PM on April 10.

Anyone interested should contact Bill's son Donald at Donald@dataensureinc.com for more information.

Since the fruit of Bill Purdie's labor gave so much pleasure to so many people, it would be nice if a large group of folks attended to pay him tribute.

Old Timer

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy