Last Saturday at Spencer Shops

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Saturday at Spencer Shops ...

I was down there working on the Piedmont Airlines DC-3 today and both
before and after those labors of love with that great airplane, I spent
time around the turntable and even took a train ride today. Here are four
photos you all might enjoy ... and don't forget … Next weekend
TWO excursions are departing Spencer behind the 611.

For an event on this Saturday night, Spencer pulled a variety of the heavy
iron out of the roundhouse for better display and among the showoffs were
two of our favorites: An electric unit from the Piedmont & Northern and the
Shay from the Graham County Railroad. My landlord -- Sherrill -- well
remembers those P&N electrics running throughout the maze of industrial
streets thru west Charlotte and I remember riding behind and on the Shay at
Spencer a few years ago. Boy … I sure would like to see both of them up and
running again soon.

Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2016/20160405.image_001.jpg

Then we looked over to the other side of the turntable and those silly
maintenance guys at Spencer had put the water bottle on the wrong end of
the 611. I'm betting they'll be able to get it on the right end by next
weekend. Those three black beauties are looking just fine!

Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2016/20160405.611_002.jpg

Prior to the 611's most recent visit to Spencer, the most famous J engine
in the world had its front wheels replaced. They had to do the work at
Shafers crossing in Roanoke and so once the new wheels were mounted, the
engine came on down with the wheels still in their birthday beauty paint.
Frankly, I didn't look to see if any of the other three wheels were done in
black yet, but this one sure wasn't. Pardon me if I keep repeating myself,
but that J 611 is sure looking sleek!

Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2016/20160405.611_003.jpg

With all the passenger cars for next week's excursions to Lynchburg and
Asheville already at Spencer, I was not surprised to see that Norfolk
Southern also had the primary backup power in place -- the Southern GE
Heritage engine -- rip roaring and ready to go. The word is:  For
this coming weekend's two excursions, Spencer's Southern F unit and
Spencer's Southern E unit will each get a turn running right behind the 611
on one of the two trips.

Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2016/20160405.611_8099.jpg

Anybody chasing the J this weekend? I'll be following and trying to keep up
with the 611 as she goes up to Asheville and back. That is such a terrific
run for the J to make and I'm looking forward to it. It sure brings up fond
memories of those great excursions back in the late 80s and early 90s!

If you get a chance, anytime this week will be a wonderful time to visit
Spencer. This is one of those times getting ready for excursions where we
literally have passenger  cars all over the place and, of course, the J and
the Heritage engine are just biding their time, sitting right there waiting
for the bell. Take the easy drive to Spencer during this week and you'll be
really glad you did. Also, keep in mind that except for Monday, the Little
Choo Choo train store across the street will be open all week, too.

Here's hoping these photos came through loud and clear … Bob

*Bob Loehne*
*7028 Tallent Court*
*Sherrills Ford, NC 28673*
*980-613-9046 <980-613-9046>*
*800-611-1218 <800-611-1218>*


*oezbob at aol.com <oezbob at aol.com>*
Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2016/20160405.image_005.jpg
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