Charlotte and Southern Visitors update thread

[SD80MAC]

Happened to drive over the crossing on Lansing Street this afternoon and noticed that A&B had a couple of maintanence vehicles along side the dinner train west of the main track. In my quick view it appeared that a long crane like arm was extended over #3 from the larger vehicle. Did not have a camera or time to check into it further.

As I wrote before, it must be interesting to maintain equipment on issolated trackage far removed from the home base as seen today.

It's not all that far from the Jackson & Lansing.

[Larry G]

Dinner Train was out on the line this afternoon with a tour group. Train returned shortly before 15:00 from the run.

[Larry G]

After more than a month of inactivity The Dinner Train just pulled out of the pick-up area at 19:00 this evening.

This appears to be the only run for the month of November, but looking ahead the December Schedule is busier.

CHS has not taken any off line cars for storage as of yet breaking the pattern established over the last two years during the fall and winter months.

http://murdermysterytrain.com/calendar_ ... 12&color=1 December 2011 Schedule

[Larry G]

Ride the Santa Express!
Christmas Carols, Pictures with Santa and a coloring activity, Christmas Cookies and Milk!
Reservations required! Children ages 2-12 / Seniors 55+

[AARR]

Thanks for the updates, Larry. That is a nice looking GP9 in the ad.

[J T]

Beautiful morning in Charlotte today.

[Larry G]

Great Picture in the pure white snow!!! Brought this old poem and picture to mind from a couple of years ago. Will there be snow for the Santa Runs this year?? Thanks for posting a new winter photo today.


Stopping by the Railroad on a Snowy Day

Whose railroad tracks these are I think I know.
Its headquarters is in another village, though;
They will not see me stopping here.
To watch the right of way fill up with snow.

My friends may think it is weird
To stop on a crossing here
Between the trees and hospital buildings
On a snowy February day this year.

The flakes fall as vehicle traffic appears
I must accelerate into first gear
The tires make a squeak in the snow
As the wind blows the snow here.

The track is so quiet and white,
But soon the train will move,
And Clearing the rails with each wheel,
And Clearing the rails with each wheel.

Apologies to Robert Frost

[J T]

Great Picture in the pure white snow!!! Brought this old poem and picture to mind from a couple of years ago. Will there be snow for the Santa Runs this year?? Thanks for posting a new winter photo today.

I had a feeling you'd like that, Larry. And thanks for posting that poem.

[Larry G]

The crew for tonight's charter was called early today and is currently fueling the equipment. Charter is called for 19:00 this evening. A run in the snow!!!

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/r ... sg-2626316

Link to today's photos posted here.

[AARR]

I am not able to enlarge the pics. Is that building over the tracks a elevator loading shed?

[J T]

Larry, can you link those photos here? If you don't have a TO membership, you can't look at them on their site.

[DelayInBlock]

After more than a month of inactivity The Dinner Train just pulled out of the pick-up area at 19:00 this evening.

This appears to be the only run for the month of November, but looking ahead the December Schedule is busier.

CHS has not taken any off line cars for storage as of yet breaking the pattern established over the last two years during the fall and winter months.

http://murdermysterytrain.com/calendar_ ... 12&color=1 December 2011 Schedule

And why is this so exciting?

[Larry G]

Larry, can you link those photos here? If you don't have a TO membership, you can't look at them on their site.

The CHS track curves behind the train to connect with CN at the right in top photo. The building behind the train is the grain elevator. In the NYC, PC, and Conrail days the track went straight alongside the building and crossed the old GTW just beyond. Today a CN signal complex occupies the ROW between the elevator and old GTW depot and both are out of sight in the top photo.

Did not post them here originally due to limited space available. Hope this helps.

[Larry G]

Evening Dinner Train is out on the line now as this message is typed.

Reminder: the daytime Santa Special is tomorrow, Dec 17 at Noon to 1:30 PM followed by another evening train.There will also be a run on New Year's Eve at 7PM.

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/r ... ?2,2637444 full size pictures here.

[Larry G]

Charlotte and Southern is running their annual Santa Special this afternoon. An overnight dusting of snow and flurries in the air add to the Christmas Season as children of all ages enjoy the trip.
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/r ... ?2,2637782 full sized photos here.

[AARR]

Nice pics Larry

[Larry G]

Nice pics Larry

Thanks and a Happy New Year to one an all who read this board. 2011 is just about in the books as I write.

CHS Dinner Train is now out on the line with a capacity+ group on board for the special New Year's Eve Train.

In the night, the heads showing in the car windows, remind me of the old Lionel 027 passenger cars of childhood.

On a very positive note I heard several radio spots about this train tonight on Star 105.6 radio out of Grand Rapids over the holidays. Have no idea if that is what caused this spike in passengers tonight but speculate it just might be.

[Larry G]

Happened to be out and about and spotted #3 running light behind Mejiers on the eastern end of the line. Heard the whislte at the M-50 crossing a few minutes before seeing the locomotive moving west behnd the store so assume they went all the way to the end. 45 minutes later the crew is still out running the locomotive light as we hear the crossing whistles.

Speculation points: 3

Crew called to exercise the locomotive after some PM activity, checking line conditions, or perhaps preparing to bring storage cars back on the far east end. Time will tell I suppose about the last.

Only scheduled activity for January is a Dinner Train on Saturday, Jan 21 at 7PM.

Very quiet as compared to last two winters of car storage movements.

[Larry G]

On a very cold and bitter night the Dinner Train is out on the line for its only scheduled trip in January tonight.
Looks like a full house on board as this message is typed.

[AARR]

On a very cold and bitter night ...

Hope they have those cars heated up! Many years ago I rode the dinner train out of Walled Lake on a bitter cold night. It was a very good experience and the car was cozy warm, however, the floor was cold and my little toes never did warm up.