Re: First Train and almost last..

That was a big event and these are some of the only pictures I've ever seen of the repair work. It was carried out with great secrecy and the site was under tight control as I recall. Getting any information about what actually happened at the time was next to impossible. Bradshaw ruled the D&S with an iron hand and his dictates were to be obeyed. Cars were painted and went out in the next train not fully cured, as an example, because Charlie said so. Those were both exciting times as so much good stuff was happening for the railroad, but very trying times for those who had to jump at the commands. A lot of it was about image and ego, and the potential negative results of bad public relations. I used to dread those phone calls from Charlie that started with "What in the hell are you people doing now?" Long before the internet and instant communication, Charlie had his finger on the D&S from Orlando. And the collapse of that rock wall was something he very effectively played down the seriousness of the event.

On another note, the second section of the Silverton started today with an 11:30 am arrival of the first train, somewhat shortened because the Tall Timbers cars are not part of the consist until Tall Timbers opens for the season--but that's ok, they arrive empty and other than making for a pretty train, don't do a thing for Silverton.

Fritz