New Member & Jeff McCandless

Good morning! I recently signed up for this forum to better understand narrow gauge railroading. I've been a railroader since 1994 but my interests are in the history, after spending 6 to 12 hours on a train, I'd rather research something other than today's railroads. I work out of Eugene, OR now.

As I mentioned, I started railroading in 1994 with the MRL, working on the track dept. in Belgrade, MT. After being furloughed in 1995, I transferred to train service. I wanted to be an engineer anyway so it was the right move.

During our 1995 switchman training, we were using one locomotive for getting on and off moving equipment and our engineer for that day was Mr. Jeff McCandless. I really didn't know who he was until later in my career I was on layover in Helena, MT and saw him at the hobby shop. After I went to engine service, I only worked out of Livingston either helpers, locals, the one sitch job, or extra work.

Many occasions I was Jeff's helper, either point, cut-in or rear on Bozeman Pass. Working as his point helper, Jeff would often come up to the lead unit with me while crossing the grade and talked about working for the Durango Silverton. Great stories! One of the nicest people I have ever met!

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be asking some questions about narrow gauge that may seem rediculous, I'm ignorant in terms of slim rails!

Joel