A.C. Needles in His Long Johns

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

I read that story in a Trains magazine in the 1980's.  I believe it was 
in a section on humor in railroading.

Regards,
Kurt S. Kramke MMR

nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org wrote:

> Over a half-century ago, my father told me an amusing story about 
> N&W President Arthur Cushman Needles.  I'd like to know if some other 
> "Lister" might have more details.
>  
> As the story goes, one of the Roanoke station switcher crews (and 
> there was a crew at both ends of the station in the old days ! ) was 
> one night digging out some private cars from the private car track.  
> Mr. Needles' car had to be put in position to be tacked on the rear 
> end of a passenger train.  And of course, no one on the crew had any 
> idea that El Presidente was sleeping aboard his car.
>  
> Due to some mis-judgment, the engine's coupling was in no wise 
> gentle.  Indeed, it was rather harsh.
>  
> Mr. Needles was rudely awakened from his sound sleep sleep.  He went 
> to the observation platform of the coach, to which end the switch 
> engine was coupled, leaned over the railing in his long-john 
> underwear, and shook his fist at the engineman in the cab.
>  
> "What's your name, Engineer?" demanded Mr. Needles in an irritated voice.
>  
> The engineman hung out his window and responded "Jones" (or whatever 
> his name was.)
>  
> "Well, Jones," shouted an angry Mr. Needles.  "You're fired !   Go 
> home ! "
>  
> And Jones got off the engine and went home.
>  
> The next morning orders were issued to "Call up Jones and put him back 
> to work."
>  
> Have others heard this story?  I'd love to know the details.
>  
> -- abram burnett
>
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