Phillipsburg Railroad Historians, Inc.
292 Chambers Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

JUNE 2000 NEWSLETTER VOL. X #6

The GRASS is GREEN; the sky is blue; the train is coming into view. Spring awakens the urge to get involved in the doings of the railroad scene. And what better way to find out what goes on in your backyard then to attend one of our informative meetings. The June meeting of PRRH will be held on Wednesday night June 28 at 7:30pm at the Alpha United Presbyterian Church. Refreshments are always served and entertainment will follow the business portion of the meeting.

On May 21, a Sunday, a PRRH entourage of 32 members ventured aboard a chartered deluxe coach for a jam-packed day of touring the interesting rail sites of Baltimore, MD. Our first point of destination was the B&O Railroad Museum where we enjoyed a tour of their fine collection of steam and diesel artifacts. The morning gloom of clouds failed to dampen the spirits of these hardy souls as they spread out in all directions to check out the many facets of this fine institution. Then it was on to the Camden Yards site, the point of boarding for a very informative and thrilling ride aboard MTA's Baltimore light rail line. Waiting for us was Glenn Litsinger, MTA's tour guide for the ride to Hunt Valley and return to North Avenue shops. Around hairpin turns we viewed their modern and state of the art physical plant, a tribute to a well-run system. We were afforded a view from the inside as we were given a complete tour of the shops and dispatcher's office upstairs. As we bid goodbye, we were escorted to the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. Here we received all the trolley fun we could jam into two hours as we rode and photographed all the cars they had available. We had a chance to visit the gift shop and some of us even got to see CSX action rumbling overhead. We even caught a glimpse of Pennsylvania Station. Much thanks is owed to our excellent and very professional driver, Jim Danner for entertaining us and catering to our desires enroute. Also thanks go out to Pete Terp for his time in preparing the details and arrangements for this fine and well planned outing. You can be assured there will be trips of this type in the future.

PRRH Manpower report by Ed Beers:
In April 2000, sixteen volunteers worked a total of 120 and one half man hours. They worked on projects including gathering ties from the E&N branch. C&S and full size trackwork were also done. Three members from the North Jersey Electric Railroaders worked a total of 12 hours. These were included in the monthly total. In May 2000, ten volunteers put in a total of 125 manhours. These were used in the layout of the C&S trackage and ballast work. Volunteer Rick Glosser cut weeds along with Anthony Morrizolli. Jim Anderson also wired an outlet on the outside light pole for the Nazareth Building people to use as well as PRRH. Glenn Terminelli also put in many hours observing and assisting with the pole building, construction of which commenced May 16. Glenn also worked on the C&S 1503. Total time for April and May 245.5. Thank you Ed.

While we are on the subject of the enginehouse, progress albeit a bit slow is being made as the framework is taking shape. Some of the inclement weather slowed it down during the rainy spell.

The museum officially opened up June 4&5 as the building has been cleaned up and the memorial display case is in place to the left as you enter. PRRH members, you can help the club's cause by inviting non members to eulogize and honor a deceased family by a donation to the club. This will be duly noted by a nameplate which will remain forever as a tribute to their loved one. Rick Glosser has put together a fine summary of Norfolk Southern train information with regard to what passes our doors in a given day. This required a great effort on Rick's part and we thank him for education our members and visitors with this modern information.

PRRH would like to acknowledge and thank Mel Carty of Phillipsburg Bridge for his generous donation of a surveyor's transit to the club. This item has been sorely needed for a long time and is essential in the grading and construction of the ongoing C&S project.

A visit to the museum will yield the sight of the C&S mainline slowly edging westward as a group of dedicated volunteers are working Tuesday afternoons rain or shine to get the railroad running as soon as possible.

We welcome new members to the group: Ralph Amendt, John Boner, Ray Poyer, Budd Sauselein, Matthew Wolchko, James Murphy. Welcome aboard all of you.

I would like to pass along the regrettable news of the passing on of member Andy Svachak and also his wife, both of whom died recently of illnesses. Andy was an active member of this club for years and his passing leaves a void when we think of his presence at past meetings.

Please remember first and third Saturday work parties and also Tuesday afternoon sessions. We need your support and participation is essential if we are to make progress.

See you at the meeting,
Paul Carpenito

PC/ab/sdw

Home | Officers | About Us | Meetings | Photos | News | Gift Shop | Join
Centerville & Southwestern | Open Dates | Links | Newsletters | Archive

Copyright © 2000 , Inc. All rights reserved.