Belen Doodlebug

Unfathomable pinheadery: Railroad history erased in Melrose

Anything interesting to see in Melrose? Not anymore.

(Eastern New Mexico News) One of Melrose's longest-standing buildings is no more. The Melrose train depot was demolished on Wednesday. The building, constructed in 1907, was owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company, which informed the village last year of its intent to clear the structure. "It was a year or two ago that they let us know they would be doing that, and we discussed it in several council meetings," Village Clerk Khira Whitehead said. "They told the village that they could buy the building for $1, but it had to be moved ... to a different location."   Continued

Railroad Signal, 1936

Coreen Spellman

Little Caboose on the Caprock

You never know just what you'll find clinging to the side of a cliff, 
this particular cliff being the northern escarpment of the Llano Estacado. 
Retired Atchison Topeka and Sant Fe Caboose,
Number 999501, sits waiting for a train that'll never come. But what a view!
As you can see, the owners converted it into a little cabin.

Rock Island Rolling Stock

Liberal, Kansas

Railroad Station: Friona, Texas

The station has been moved from the tracks to the park.

The Rock Island Rail Trail

The Choctaw Rocket was a luxury train that once travelled
between Memphis, Tennessee and Tucumcari, New Mexico. 

Once upon a time, the Rock Island Railroad used to travel between Tucumcari and Amarillo. It shut down in the early 80’s, but the Right-of-Way (ROW) is still there.
If you look at Google Maps, in satellite mode, you can see where it parts from the existing Union Pacific tracks, just northeast of Tucumcari (northeast of the lake), not far from Route 54.
The right of way seems almost entirely intact from there to the tunnel under I-40, a distance of about 3 miles. The Tucumcari area could use some more hiking trails and the old ROW looks like just the spot.
There are several advantages to rail trails. For one, they combine history with outdoor recreation. Railroad lines are graded to be as flat as possible, meaning a large portion of the population can walk the trail with ease. They are already partially constructed. Trails, by law, can revert to railroad use, if need be. Rail trails have proved to be enormously popular throughout the country, not only providing recreation, but economic stimulus to local businesses.
For more information, check out the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Highlights of the trail could include the Tucumcari Wildlife Management Area
and this tunnel.

Docents bring Belen’s Harvey House to life

Belen Harvey House Museum

(Albuquerque Journal) If you enjoy local history and you’re looking for something worthwhile to do in your spare time, the Belen Harvey House Museum might just be the place for you.
The local museum is in need of volunteers, especially docents – people to share the story and history of the Hub City, the Harvey House and the railroad.
Frances Zeller, the museum coordinator, and Julie Sanchez, the city’s library and museum director, said because so many more people are visiting the museum, the need for docents is increasing. Continued

Committee approves movement on railroad park

Old Clovis ATSF station

(Eastern New Mexico News)  Efforts to beautify and promote education of the historic downtown railroad district are making progress.
The city of Clovis Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee approved moving forward in finalizing designs for the Historic Railroad Park on Monday.
The park will be located by the former Clovis Depot Model Train Museum, which was sold to new owners Jordan and Tate Nichols from Farwell in August. Continued

AT&SF Railroad Station, Tulia, Texas

1944 steam locomotive almost ready to roll again

Albuquerque railroad shops c1944, Jack Delano/Library of Congress.

(abqjournal.com) A steam whistle was blowing, a bell clanging, a jazz trio playing and scores of people cheering as the big, dark lady known as Santa Fe 2926 emerged at a slow, stately pace from her new house. Continued

The B&O Holly Tree: Jackson Station (East Aiken), Maryland

This one's from when I lived in the east. The B&O Holly was decorated every year by the railroad, accompanied by caroling and other festivities. Though the B&O is long gone, the tradition is carried on by the locals.

Santa Fe - all the way