Hello everyone! Here are a few highlights of recent Chapter activities and news.

As you know, the COVID-19 coronavirus still occupies much of the news and has impacted many individuals, businesses, and organizations. EnterTRAINment Junction (EJ) is reopening on June 10th, with appropriate protocols in place. In view of this reopening, we have decided to proceed with a June Chapter Meeting on our regular fourth-Tuesday meeting night, June 23rd. We will be observing all protocols required by the State of Ohio and by EJ Management, and look forward to a safe and enjoyable evening. Hopefully restrictions will be further eased as we look ahead month-by-month, and we will keep you in-formed through The Cincinnatian, our website, and our email network.

Nationally, the NRHS Board of Directors is currently in an election cycle and all Members should have received their bal-lots. The NRHS Board of Directors has determined that, due to the COVID-19 situation, the upcoming 2020 RailCamp ses-sions, the 2020 NRHS Convention, and the 2020 NRHS Fall Conference will be cancelled. They are exploring options for the 2021 RailCamp, Conferences, and Convention.

Our annual membership renewal campaign has wrapped up for the year. All Members should have received their Roster by now. For anyone who has not yet renewed, however, it’s never too late! Contact Frank Kammer with any questions about your membership status. We look forward to having you on board this year!

Please visit our Chapter website, which has been completely refreshed and operates on a new platform and is easier to navi-gate than ever. We are seeking someone with experience in WordPress, the new operating platform for our website, to work with Frank and help keep the site up to date with fresh content.

Looking ahead, as things return to normal in the coming months, we hope to have Dan Finfrock present our next install-ment of “How I Became a Railfan”, as well as our meeting pro-gram. Our friend George Vergamini will present a future pro-gram on Railroad Depots of Ohio, and we hope to have our planned Conference speaker, John Hauck, author of Narrow Gauge In Ohio, as a speaker later this year.

That’s all for now. I’ll see you at the meeting!

Scott Andes, President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Vol. 49, No. 6 Phone: 513-898-8000 Ext. 217 Address: P.O. Box 62023, Cincinnati, OH 45262-0023 June 2020

JUNE MEETING Our Chapter Meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd, will be held at EnterTRAINment Junction (EJ) in West Chester, Ohio, at 7:00 p.m. In order to have our meeting at EJ, all attendees must wear masks and maintain social distancing of 6 feet separation. We will have chairs set up in the Expo room outside our Li-brary with the required spacing, as well as a screen and projec-tion equipment. After a brief business meeting, we will have a program featuring a video from our vast collection. There will be no refreshments provided due to the COVID-19 protocols, but you are welcome to being your own drink and snacks if you wish. As always, guests are welcome so please spread the word and bring a friend. The business portion of the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. with the program to follow. We hope you will make plans to join us as we work to get back on track with our monthly membership meetings.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS This month we observe the passing of longtime Chapter mem-ber Bob Spindler, on March 31, and send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Ann and their family. Besides being active in our Chapter, Bob was also very active in Scouting for over 60 years, and in 2006 he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award in Scouting. He will certainly be missed. We also send our thoughts and prayers to Barb Finfrock, wife of Dan, as she recovers from a fall and surgery to repair her hip. We hope all goes well, and that Barb enjoys a speedy and full recovery. Please report the passing or serious illness of any member to Frank Kammer.

Scott Andes, Chapter President

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STEAM NEWS By John Biehn

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Museum Receives Grant...The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, located in Chehalis, Washington, operates over ap-proximately ten miles of track which is owned by the Port of Chehalis. The museum usually runs a relaxing train ride through the forests of western Washington state behind the former Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade steam locomotive No. 15, a 1916 Baldwin built 2-8-2. After inspections of the train early last year, it was discovered that many areas of the locomotive were not meeting regulations and thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs were needed. Work on the locomotive began in May of 2019 and was funded by community donations, allocated City of Chehalis tourism funds, and a bequest from Kurt An-ders Estate. However, more than double the amount raised was needed to complete the repairs that would allow the steam train to begin carrying passengers through the Chehalis River Valley once again. Railroad and Museum Marketing Director Mary Kay Nelson said that the most expensive aspect of repairing the locomotive is the welding and hiring welders that are approved by the Federal Railroad Administration. The strict regulations require precise work performed by skilled craftsmen. In early April, the 2020 supplemental capital fund bill or SB 6248 was signed by Washington State governor Jay Inslee. This act ena-bled the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum to be awarded $154,000 to aid in the repairs of locomotive No.15. There are some conditions including an eventual repayment of the funds to the state general fund plus interest. "Especially in light of all that's gone on, this is a piece of good community news. It's really positive news when things are a little bleak out there," said Nelson, after learning that the museum was going to re-ceive the grant. "Well, the steam train is historic and I think it's important that people understand the history. People can go and ride the train and have that experience that the pioneers had," said Representative Ed Orcott. Nelson said that in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the organization is not sure when they will be able to resume work. They would like to have it up and running by December. She also said that when the train is back up and running, the organization would like to hold a community celebration and ribbon cutting. (Thanks to Celene Fitzgerald, Daily Chronicle via Alex Mayes) Monticello Railway Museum News...The Monticello Railway Museum was founded in 1966 and had a goal at that time to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excur-sions. In 1987, the museum purchased seven and one half miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath. This track, now known as the museum's Central Division, is where the museum's trains run today. One of the museum's premier locomotives is Southern No. 401. This 2-8-0 was built in December, 1907. Eventually, the museum pur-chased the locomotive in 1967 from Alabama Asphaltic Lime-stone. After a brief storage elsewhere, the locomotive arrived at Monticello in 1971 and was put on display until 1995. In 1995, a donor stepped forward with a proposal to return an operating steam locomotive to the museum, one not having run there since 1987. The best candidate for restoration, after con-sidering several alternatives, was Southern 401. In April, 2020, the museum stated that, due to uncertainty with their upcoming operating season, the decision was made to take Southern 401

out of service for the 2020 season. This year would have been the last year they were going to be able to operate 401 on its current 15 year boiler time. Instead, work will begin this year on its inspection with the goal of having 401 ready to operate in 2021 on a new fifteen year boiler ticket. The museum will be operating their normal weekend trains when their operating season begins after government and health officials deem it safe to do so. (Thanks to Matthew Malkiewicz) Steam in New Hampshire...When the Conway Scenic Railroad is permitted to resume operations, their intent is to operate steam locomotive No. 7470 on Conway Valley Trains depart-ing at 10:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m on summer Saturdays and on special events for example "Journey to the North Pole" trains. Owing to uncertainties presented by the current situation, they may need to make adjustments to their schedules as best suits the necessities of public safety and ridership demands. Steam locomotive No. 7470 was built by the Grand Trunk Railway Point St. Charles Shops at Montreal, Quebec, in 1921. She is a coal fired switching locomotive with an 0-6-0 wheel arrange-ment and the very first locomotive that the Conway Scenic owned and operated. (Thanks to Brian Solomon, Manager of Marketing and Events) Future New England Steam...New England Steam Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of Maine Central steam locomotive No. 470. This organization also strives to revive vanishing trades and skills through on the job training and distribution of technical knowledge. The group's main focus though is the eventual restoration to opera-tion of the former Maine Central 4-6-2 "Pacific" type locomo-tive No. 470. This locomotive was built in 1924 by the Ameri-can Locomotive Company and was the last steam locomotive operated by the Maine Central. Here's a restoration update: The COVID-19 pandemic has folks in Maine taking precau-tions as recommended by medical officials. Part of this in-cludes temporarily closing work sessions and visitation at the New England Steam Corp shop. What hasn't stopped is work on the 470's new tender tank. Millinocket Fabrication & Ma-chine is continuing work while protecting their employees. They have completed the inner baffles of the new tender and other major components of the tank just need to be assembled. Meanwhile, Copia Specialty Contractors began sand blasting the 470's tender frame on May 6. The frame's sandblasting was completed on May 7, followed by a cleaning to rid the frame of deep pockets of sand, grease, creosote, and even some rocks. The primer chosen for the frame is a charcoal gray and it is a quality covering. For more information on Maine Central No. 470's restoration, go to www.newenglandsteam.org . (Thanks to Tom Schultz) Union Pacific Steam...Probably everyone already knows this but just in case...In a recent message to Union Pacific Steam Club members, Sr. Vice President and Chief Administrative officer Mr. Scott Moore announced that the planned 2020 steam excursion season has been cancelled. Moore pointed to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and necessary social distancing measures as the country continues to recover from

(Concludes on Page 3)

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STEAM NEWS (Continued) - By John Biehn the pandemic. "But I'm here to tell you, we're committed to 2021," Moore said. "We saw last year how much America loves the Big Boy, and what it can do as the giant ambassador of the Union Pacific Railroad.” Future Montana Steam...Work on Missoula's historic Anacon-da Company Engine No. 7 is chugging along nicely. Recently, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula began Phase 1 in which more than $28,000 was raised in record time in Novem-ber and December to build a timber frame shelter to protect the nation's oldest Willamette steam locomotive. If all goes well, the shelter, which is open-walled, should be in place before the Fourth of July celebration at the fort. Phase 2 is the much larg-er task of restoring the engine's exterior to its glory year's look, firing it up, and possibly even making some short runs on mu-seum grounds. "She turns 100 in 2023, so we want to have her restored and beautiful and the project complete by then," said Jessie Rogers, the museum's development associate. William Andrews Clark's Western Lumber Company in West Riverside brought the engine to these parts to haul log trains up and down the canyons of western Montana. It did exactly that for 25 years, first as Western's Engine No. 3. The influential Anacon-da Company's lumber division, headquartered in Bonner, bought out Western Lumber in 1928 and the locomotive then became No. 7. When train logging stopped in 1948, Anaconda scrapped all of its logging locomotives except two, which were retired but remained intact. No. 7 was one of them, and, as fate would have it, became a movie star in 1954. Hollywood's Re-public Pictures came to Bonner and made the engine the cen-terpiece of its B movie "Timberjack." It was filmed in action in several identifiable spots in Bonner and along the Big Black-foot Railway line. That was the last time it ran. The engine sat in static display in a park along highway 200 in Bonner for years before Anaconda's successor Champion International gave it to the Fort Missoula museum in 1989. Museum mem-ber Larry Ingold has a history of restoring historic train en-gines. He spent ten years operating Sierra Railway's Railtown 1897 in Jamestown, California. He actually played a role of train fireman in the 1990 film 'Back to the Future 3." He hit the ground running concerning No. 7 last spring organizing public meetings and gathering input and stories on how to "save" the locomotive from a rusty fate. The first step was to organize volunteer work parties to examine the engine's in-nards. Much of the engine was disassembled and put back together to protect it from the weather. "That gave them a good idea of the condition of the parts...if they were of a quali-ty to be used again or not," said Ingold. Workers were really pleased with what they found internally. Ingold's dream? To watch a smooth-running old No. 7 smash through a giant cake on its 100th birthday. Matt Lautzenheiser, the museum's exec-utive director said, "it's a pretty unique piece of history. It's national railroad history but it's also western Montana history." To volunteer or donate, go to www.fortmissoulamuseum.org . (Thanks to Kim Briggeman, Missoulian, via Jay Lentzner) Durango & Silverton News...The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has extended the dates of closure due to COVID-19 pandemic. All excursion and event trains have been annulled through early to mid-June or until further notice. Likewise, the Durango railroad depot, museum, and gift shop 3

will remain closed during this time. The railroad remains opti-mistic they can return to service in June. However, throughout June and possibly into July, their operators may not be able to offer full service to Silverton. The railroad is currently work-ing on a revised schedule that will offer more limited excur-sions into the San Juan National Forest with steam and diesel excursions. For more info, please call 970-247-2733. Cumbres & Toltec News...The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Rail-road announced plans to launch its milestone 50th season with a delayed opening, a modified schedule, and a new policy for ticket changes and cancellations. Twice voted North America's most scenic train ride by readers of USA Today, the historic steam railroad will run one train a day, six days a week, from June 13 through September 11, 2020, before returning to its full schedule of two daily departures from September 12-October 18. If you need to cancel your reservation this summer, a full refund will be made if you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours prior to your trip. "We are thrilled to continue to tradi-tion of steam railroading especially since 2020 is the railroad's 50th anniversary of ownership by the states of Colorado and New Mexico and it also marks 140 years since the first tracks were laid," said John Bush, president of C&TSRR. The rail-road's original opening date was scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend. That opening is now delayed and a schedule modified to better align with expected restrictions surrounding COVID-19. The modified schedule has trains leaving Chama and heading eastward to Antonito on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Trains will leave Antonito and head west to Chama on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. There will be no Monday train and no half day rides. Passengers will park their cars at either the Antonito station or the Chama station and take a forty minute deluxe motorcoach ride before or after the train to com-plete the round trip journey. One special event of note will be the Roundup of Victorian Iron Horses, August 22-30. The rail-road will present a roundup of engines built before 1900 that will run on the line to commemorate this special year. The event will feature at least four locomotives and be based mostly in Antonito. This event will also include several opportunities to ride behind these locomotives on trips to Osier and back. Finally, the historic re-launch of locomotive No. 168 has been postponed. The former D&RGW 168 is one of only two loco-motives of its class left in the world. This 4-6-0 has been com-pletely restored to its original 1883 brilliance and was stated to return on Opening Day in 2020. Plans for the historic reintro-duction of No. 168 have been placed on hold. For ticket order-ing, go to www.cumbrestoltec.com . (Thanks to Valley Couri-er. Also Alex Mayes and Farol Henkle) Photo enclosed - See Page 4.

STEAM NEWS Photo By John Biehn

Former Southern 2-8-0 No. 630 exits McElroy Tunnel at Norfolk Southern Loops in western North Carolina. Norfolk Southern recently announced the downgrading of this famous line.

NEWSLETTER PRINTED BY OTHER PRINTING SUPPORT

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THE CINCINNATIAN STAFF Editor: Scott Andes

3585 Miller Road Springfield, OH 45502 (937) 325-5363 wandes@msn.com

Staff: Harry Noble (937) 372-3908

Report Member Frank Kammer Illness to: 1706 Marilyn Lane Cincinnati, OH 45231 (513) 729-1919 fpk3rd@gmail.com

Report address changes to: Frank Kammer 1706 Marilyn Lane Cincinnati, OH 45231 (513) 729-1919 fpk3rd@gmail.com Chapter Website: www.cincinnatichapternrhs.com Chapter Phone: 513-898-8000 Ext. 217

The Cincinnati Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is a non-profit educational organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio and is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Chapter are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

THE CINCINNATIAN STAFF

Robert John Spindler December 26, 1922 - March 31, 2020

Robert John Spindler, age 97, died March 31, 2020. He was married to his wife, Ann, for over 70 years. He graduated from Hamilton High School and also graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Ad-ministration with a major in Ac-counting. Bob served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. He was employed as an Accountant for 30 years at the Atomic Energy Plant at Fernald and retired as an Ac-

counting Supervisor. For over 60 years, Bob was active in Scouting. He served the Dan Beard Council for 46 years as Scouting Coordinator with St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church Cub Scouts and the Boy Scout Troop. He served on the Cincinnati Catholic Committee on Scouting for 35 years. He arranged the Catholic Services at Camp Myron Kahn summer camp. In 1968, he received the St. George Award, the highest award in Catholic scouting. Bob had earned the Scouting Training Award, the Meritorious Ser-vice Award, District Award of Merit, and the Donald L. Lip-phardt Lifetime of Service Award. He was an Institutional Representative for many years. He was on the Fort Hamilton District Advancement Committee and served Friends of Scout-ing as an Area Captain. In 1991, Bob was named Scout Show Chairman of the Dan Beard Scout Show. He received an award as Charter Organization Representative of the Year. In 2006, he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award in Scouting. Bob volunteered at St. Peter’s Bingo for over 25 years and served for 9 years on the Advisory Board for Catholic Social Services. He also served on the Parish Council at St. Peter’s, on the Allocation Committee for United Way, and as a Chair-man of the Trips and Tours Committee for the A.A.R.P. Chap-ter for many years. Bob liked trains and enjoyed riding on trains. He went on many train trips to various states. He be-longed to the National Railroad Historical Society Local Chap-ter. Bob is survived by his wife, Ann. He is also survived by his son, Thomas J. (Patricia); his grandson, Thomas R. (Teri); his granddaughter, Susan (Stephen); and his five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Spindler; his sister, Mildred Beeken; and the one great sorrow in his life was the death of his beloved son, Rich-ard George Spindler. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Brown Dawson Flick Funeral is assisting the family with arrange-ments. Condolences may be left at www.browndawsonflick.com .

NS 1030 leads fellow NS units 9228 & 7559 with their east-bound mixed train on the Dayton District at Cincinnati-Dayton Road near Mauds Station, Ohio, at 7:02pm on June 6, 2020.

Heading East Photo by Scott Andes

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE Tue. June 10 EnterTRAINment Junction Reopens!!! See Details in Next Column Tue. June 23 Regular Chapter Meeting & Program 7:00 P.M. EnterTRAINment Junction, West Chester, OH

JULY Tue. July 28 POSSIBLE MEETING - Watch The July Issue Regular Chapter Meeting & Program 7:00 P.M. EnterTRAINment Junction, West Chester, OH

Cincinnati Chapter NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL

SOCIETY P.O. BOX 62023

Cincinnati, OH 45262-0023

Address Service Requested

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES EnterTRAINment Junction

Reopens on June 10th!

The home of our Cincinnati Chapter is reopening on June 10th

with all appropriate protocols in place. The hobby and gift shops are open as well.

Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm.