Drawing of the Day-February 29, 2016 Palmetto Railways GP16 2001

I just drew Palmetto Railways GP16 #2001. Palmetto Railways serves South Carolina Ports Authority and is a member of American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Drawing of the Day-February 28, 2016 Santa Fe FP45 #98 from Orange Empire Railway Museum

I just drew Santa Fe FP45 #98 that is restored at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Santa Fe FP45 #98 is part of the Orange Empire Museum's "Run One" Program where you can get the chance to become a train engineer.

Drawing of the Day-February 27, 2016 Maryland and Delaware RS3M #1202

I just drew Maryland and Delaware Railroad RS3M #1202. Maryland & Delaware connects Townsend to Centreville, Seaford to Cambridge and Frankford to Snow Hill and is a member of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Drawing of the Day-Februray 26, 2016 Buffalo & Pittsburgh SD40-3 #3342

Today I drew Buffalo and Pittsburgh SD40-3 #3342.  Buffalo and Pittsburgh is part of the Genesee & Wyoming family of short lines and connects, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Erie.  Buffalo & Pittsburgh and Genesee & Wyoming are members of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Why We Need Trains 5-Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Journey to Philmont Scout Ranch

Amtrak's historic depot at Raton, NM was built by the Santa Fe Railroad.  Raton is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, successor to the Santa Fe Super Chief.  Amtrak travels on the rails of Santa Fe successor BNSF.
Troops of Boy Scouts ride Amtrak from across America to Raton where they disembark to head to Philmont Scout Ranch.  At Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts from across America are able to network, make new friends, and learn about our vast country as they are challenged by the camp's rugged terrain.
The journey to Philmont aboard Amtrak has become a tradition passed down by generations.  Troop leaders, themselves once scouts, once again make this trek aboard the Southwest Chief.  This journey aboard Amtrak affords those eager to learn a chance to see the vast landscapes America has to offer.  Communities along the way show that America truly is a land where we are all neighbors to each other.  This is why we need trains.

Growing Up Around Southern Pacific in Davis, California

I grew up along the Southern Pacific in Davis.  Many days as we drove to down along Second street, a Southern Pacific train would be heading through town.
I often saw their Hydra-Cushion box cars parked in our wide spot along the tracks.  Cars destined for the West Valley line that headed north at our venerable station would get picked up by the local.
As the trains passed by, I would wave to the engineers and conductors.  As the trains rolled onward, towards the Sierra or Oakland, I began to realize that railroads truly connected America.

Trains of Mississippi Poster by Andy Fletcher

It was great to see the #Amtrak inspection #train rolling through #Mississippi! Here is my new “Trains of Mississippi Poster. #MississippiMonday
My Trains of Mississippi poster is now available on eBay http://stores.ebay.com/andyfletchercustomtrains

Drawing of the Day-February 22, 2016 Amtrak CF7 #575

Today I drew Amtrak CF7 #575.  Amtrak CF7s were assigned to work train service, maintaining our railroad infrastructure.

A Tribute To Great Railroaders 2-Russell Tedder-Former Chairman of ASLRRA

 

The other day, I drew Ashley Drew & Northern GP28 Number 1812.  This drawing is a gift for former American Short Line and Regional Railroad Chairman Russell Tedder.

Russell Tedder was kind enough to share with me his life’s history with the Ashley Drew & Northern.

Here is Russell’s story with Ashley Drew & Northern as told to me by Mr. Tedder himself.

 “I had my hand on the throttle ( figuratively) of the AD&N for 20 years. When I arrived in '76 we had one SW1500, three SWs of different models at 1200 HP and one SW900. The 1500 and one 1200 were the consist of the daily local from Crossett to Monticello and return, 41 miles. Soon GP announced expansion that doubled carloads of paper products. After toying with swapping two 1200s for two Alco C420s, better judgment prevailed in the form of two Paducah GP10s. By 1978 tonnage had increased and the two GP10s or one GP10 and SW1500 handled the local. Later I arranged for two GP28s, one for AD&N and one for Fordyce & Princeton, still later about 1986 two more GP28s replaced the 1200s, also two CF7s, It was a Noah's Ark roster, two of each kind.

After the Rock Island went down in 1980 nearly all traffic went to MP at Monticello with trains of 80 to 95 cars each way, on roller coaster grades, handled by a pair of GP28s. At this time the AD&N hauled 70 boxcar loads of paper, plywood and lumber per day, more cars than unloaded in the entire state of Arkansas. The GP28s and CF7s were all wonderful shortline engines. Like the proverbial bunny powered rabbit, they just keep "goin' and goin'." Sadly, by 1996 changing events made the AD&N obsolete in favor of the level Arkansas Louisiana & Mississippi between Crossett and Monroe, LA, which inherited the fleet.”

Thank you, Russell Tedder, for sharing your story with the Ashley Drew & Northern.

A Tribute to Great Railroaders 1-Conley Wright

Earlier this year, I decided to give away a number of my original drawings.  I feel that many of the best recipients of my drawings are the railroaders whom I respect.  One of the railroaders who I was lucky to meet is Conley Wright.  I gave Conley a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy SD9, as it is a railroad he fondly remembers.
It was truly an honor to meet Conley back in 2009 when I had just begun drawing trains after almost 10 years of not being able to draw. Bill Crisp and Conley both believed in me and loved my drawings. It definitely gave me the desire to do the 1,000s of hours of practice to get back my skills. I am often asked by many art critics where my work hangs, and I am always honored to tell them that my drawings hang in the offices and homes of railroaders and on some of the engines that pull their trains. Thank you Conley, for being there for me!!! You were the push that made me start drawing Norfolk Southern locomotives again and some of the first were a part of a dream I had that there be NS heritage engines. THANK YOU!!!!
The first time I met Conley was at a train show in Decatur, Illinois.  Conley mentioned to me that the railroaders of Norfolk Southern St. Louis Terminal were forming a Facebook page and that they all enjoyed my work.  He asked if I would join their Facebook group.  This gave me the confidence that there were fans who enjoyed my work.
The next thing I knew, I heard from people who had had my train magnets on their refrigerators for twenty years.  People had learned to read with my ABC’s of America’s railroads were now grown up and worked for the railroad.  It was truly exciting to become a railroad artist again.  I don’t think I would have discovered this without Conley Wright reminding me that there truly were so many people out there who knew and remembered my work.  Thank you so much, Conley.

Drawing of the Day February 19, 2016- Ashley, Drew and Northern GP28 #1812

Today I drew Ashley Drew and Northern GP28 #1812.  Ashley Drew and Northern was a short line in Arkansas that hauled lumber and was owned by Georgia Pacific.

Drawing of the Day-February 18, 2016-Amtrak Maintenance of Way GP7 #771

Today I drew an Amtrak maintenance of way GP7.  This locomotive shows the importance of America's railroad infrastructure.

A Stop in Proctor, Minnesota to See Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range

On my first journey to Chicago to see trains in 1991, I headed east from Essex, Montana to Proctor, Minnesota, where I saw Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range.  Having watched mostly lumber trains, intermodal trains and grain trains, it was exciting to see a railroad that's chief source of traffic was taconite ore.
I had always been fascinated by Duluth Missabe and Iron Range's arrowhead logo and its Mineral Red and Yellow paint scheme.  It was exciting to stand in Minnesota and finally see this great railroad.

Drawing of the Day-February 15, 2016 Indiana Rail Road SD40-2 #4004

Today I drew Indiana Rail Road SD40-2 #4004.  Indiana Rail Road is an American Short Line and Regional Railroad member that connects with CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific.  Indiana Rail Road operates all-rail intermodal service in conjunction with Canadian National between the West Coast Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert and Indianapolis. http://www.inrd.com/documents/news_releases/2013-01-16_INRD_Intermodal.pdf

Seattle-One of My Favorite Places to Watch Trains

Seattle was a stopover on my trips to Essex, Montana.  As I watched the Burlington Northern trains headed east, I thought of them about to make their conquest of the Cascades and then the Rockies.  My visits to Seattle were filled with anticipation.
The Waterfront Trolley ran along the pier alongside Burlington Northern's trains.  As the Empire Builder passed by, I thought of the passengers, about to make their cross-country trek.  Perhaps some were headed to Essex or Whitefish or East Glacier.
Seattle became one of my favorite places to watch trains.  It still is to this day.  

Drawing of the Day-February 14, 2016-Tacoma Rail SD70ACe-P4

I just drew an SD70ACe-P4 for Tacoma Rail. Tacoma Rail is an American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association member that is part of Tacoma Public Utilities & serves the Port of Tacoma.

Drawing of the Day-February 13, 2016-Family Lines System (SCL) SD40-2 8089

Today I drew Family Lines System (SCL) SD40-2 #8089.  The Family Lines was composed of five railroads- Seaboard Coast Line, Louisville & Nashville, Clinchfield, Georgia Group and Atlanta & West Point.

Thank You Mom For Believing in Me

My mom saw my love of trains and decided to travel this road as she knew it was a great dream to follow. Here we are at Graceland on our journey to Roanoke, VA and the Virginia Museum of Transportation in February 2011. ‪#‎WomenInStem‬

Drawing of the Day-February 10, 2016-Union Pacific SW9 1860

I just drew Union Pacific SW9 #1860.  Switch engines such as locomotive 1860 build trains at classification yards to keep freight moving smoothly across our railroad system.

Why We Need Trains 4-Railroads, A Marvel of Modern Invention

Throughout its history, the railroad industry has been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. From railroading's beginnings, the invention of the flanged wheel and the locomotive made the efficient movement of freight and passengers possible.
These inventions led to the industrial development of the world we lived in.  They led to the development of our country.  Communities grew and cities blossomed along the path of the railroad.
Railroading led to the development of time zones.  Railroads spanned the continent.  Localized time conflicted with transportation in a world that was on the move.
Today, we see railroads innovating software and data systems for its new locomotives.  Improved signaling and control systems move our trains more safely in an era when it is necessary to move more and more freight more efficiently by rail for the sake of the environment we live in.
Yet we see in railroads the simplicity of its technology, the genius of its original invention, the flanged wheel and the locomotive, devices that allows thousands of tons of freight to negotiate our mountain passes safely and effectively.  Genius is the railroad, an invention that stands so effectively and elegantly through time.  This is why we need trains. 

Drawing of the Day February 9, 2016-Norfolk Southern SD70ACU 7319

I just drew newly rebuilt Norfolk Southern Corp SD70ACU 7319. SD70ACU 7319 was rebuilt from former Union Pacific SD9043AC 8247 at the Altoona Works.

An Atlantic Coast Line Freight at "The Folkston Funnel"

An Atlantic Coast Line freight makes its way through Folkston, Georgia.  At the head end is an F7 and an FP7.  This freight consists of empty refrigerator cars bound for the orange groves of Florida.
Folkston, Georgia has historically been one of America's busiest railroad intersections.  Its celebrated crossroads is known by all as "The Folkston Funnel." 

Durand, Michigan, a Key Railroad Town

Durand, Michigan has historically been a key railroad town.  It serves as a center of the flow of traffic throughout the Great Lakes Region and onward to the Northeast and the Midwest.
Grand Trunk Western maintained one of its principal yards at Durand.  Grand Trunk Western is part of today's Canadian National.

   

Indiana Harbor Belt-Connects With All Chicago Railroads

For decades, Indiana Harbor Belt has connected the railroads serving Chicago.  Headquartered at Hammond, Indiana, the trains of Indiana Harbor Belt maintain a flow of freight as it moves across America's rail network.
Throughout its history, the Indiana Harbor Belt has been jointly owned by railroads connecting throughout Chicago.  This neutrality is important, as the Indiana Harbor Belt works as a bridge between all Chicago Railroads through America's busiest railroad hub.
In 1961, Indiana Harbor Belt was owned in part by Chicago and North Western, New York Central and Milwaukee Road.  After decades of mergers, at present day, Indiana Harbor Belt is owned 25.5% by Norfolk Southern, 25.5% by CSX and 49% by Canadian Pacific. source http://www.dhke.com/ihbarchive/ihbhst.html  
Indiana Harbor Belt also plays the important role delivering first and last mile traffic into our freight rail system.  A principal customer for Indiana Harbor Belt is the US Steel plant at Gary, Indiana.
Indiana Harbor Belt truly "Connects With All Chicago Railroads."  It is important that it maintains this role.

The Milwaukee Road and Its Pacific Extension-A Fulfilled Prophecy

I have always had a fascination with the Milwaukee Road and its extension to the Pacific Northwest.  Although this westward extension across Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington never became the robust source of traffic that headquarters had hoped, to me, the extension westward was a fulfilled prophecy of reaching the Pacific.
Many railroads in that day had expansive names of cities and regions of America that they never quite reached.  Very successful railroads such as the St. Louis and San Francisco did not venture past the lower Midwest.  Even the Missouri Pacific and the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific only made it as far as west as Denver.
Thus, I admire the Milwaukee Road for its extension to the Pacific.  In the words of William Clark, "Ocean in view, O the Joy."

Early Amtrak E-Units Poster by Andy Fletcher

Amtrak began service on May 1, 1971.  Amtrak was born from the passenger services of America’s railroad systems.  As a result, the equipment Amtrak inherited at its conception was the secondhand passenger equipment from America’s railroads.
Today, we can often forget that Amtrak was born from our railroad systems.  Amtrak was created as a solution for America’s passenger rail service, and it is held in high esteem by its riders, its workers and America as a whole.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Amtrak-E-Units-11-x17-Poster-by-Andy-Fletcher-signed-/401067491725

Drawing of the Day February 6th, 2016-Amtrak/Seaboard Coast Line E8 #249

Here is today's finished drawing of Amtrak E8 #249.  It is a former Seaboard Coast Line E8 from the era of Amtrak's inception.

Applying the Ink to Amtrak/Seaboard Coast Line E8 #249 and compling Early Amtrak Poster

Here I am applying the black ink to today's drawing, Amtrak Seaboard Coast Line E8 #249.  It is important to trim around the areas I fill with ink with a fine-tip pen.
This locomotive is the last of a six locomotive poster celebrating the early E-units of Amtrak.  I have been working on these locomotives for just over a week.  Often, I draw engines in a series that can be compiled to make a themed poster. 

Delaware and Hudson-A Favorite Among Railroad Enthusiasts

Delaware and Hudson is a fan favorite throughout New York, Pennsylvania and the Northeast.  Its classy gray and blue paint scheme is considered by many to be one of the most elegant paint schemes in railroading.
Delaware and Hudson also participated with many of America's railroads in painting elegant Red, White and Blue locomotives for America's Bicentennial.  Delaware and Hudson's "I Love New York" box car was painted as part of a greater campaign to promote tourism first to New York City and then to New York State as a whole.

Drawing of the Day February 5, 2016-Amtrak/Union Pacific E8 #331

Today I drew Amtrak E8 #331.  It is a former Union Pacific E8 from the era of Amtrak's inception.

A Westbound Great Northern Freight at Havre, Montana

A westbound Great Northern freight train makes its way out of Havre, Montana.  Under the open big sky of Montana, the train heads for its conquest of the Rocky Mountains.

The train heads towards Seattle.  Great Northern's iconic Rocky the Goat adorns the train's many box cars as the train rolls past our vantage.

Andy Fletcher's 11"x17" Posters That Are Available for Railroad Museums and Railroad Historical Societies

Here are six examples of 11”x17” posters whose printable 300dpi jpeg is available for free to railroad historical societies, museums and non-profit restoration railroad projects. If you have stayed at the St.Louis Union Station DoubleTree Hotel in the past two years you may have seen the 24”x36” version of one of these posters in your room. I am offering to donate the permission to print, my existing 11"x17" posters that can be used by your railroad museum, restoration project, or historical society for the purpose of fund raising and will provide a written permission to print the copyrighted poster of my railroad artwork. For more information about permission to print or other questions please leave a comment on this post. This offer is available only to non-profit railroad organizations. These six posters and nearly 100 others of my existing 11”x17” railroad posters, celebrating railroads of the past, are available at this time.

Here is the text of my video message from today 2/4/16:

Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing the railroad community active in the study and restoration of historic railroads and railroad equipment. Some of my first love of trains came from visiting the Sacramento Railroad Museum with my father and brother. As we walked through the displays, one Saturday a month, my fascination with railroad history took root.

Through restoration projects and railroad museums, I truly see a great expression of the joy of railroading. I see volunteers working side by side to keep equipment in tip top shape. I see projects undertaken so a next generation can learn about the railroads that built our nation.
In an era when we encourage ourselves to exercise and to get out and learn, perhaps there is no better place to do this than walking around in the safe and secure environment of a railroad museum. We learn about the contributions of our forefathers and, from that, take a step forward ourselves.
Sadly, I, like many of us, see that most museums and restoration projects have a great need for funding. They need to protect the equipment they have maintained. They have insurance costs. And the process of restoration of both equipment and museum grounds is expensive.
As a small token of my appreciation for our railroad museums and to all who restore railroad equipment, I would like to donate the permission to print at no cost one of my existing 11"x17" posters that can be used by your railroad museum, restoration project, or historical society for the purpose of fund raising. Thank you for all you do on behalf of railroad history.

Here is the link to my website where you can view most of the available 11”x17” railroad posters: https://sites.google.com/site/andyfletcherartist/home

Andy Fletcher Supports Railroad Museums and Restoration Projects

Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing the railroad community active in the study and restoration of historic railroads and railroad equipment. Some of my first love of trains came from visiting the Sacramento Railroad Museum with my father and brother. As we walked through the displays, one Saturday a month, my fascination with railroad history took root.
Through restoration projects and railroad museums, I truly see a great expression of the joy of railroading. I see volunteers working side by side to keep equipment in tip top shape. I see projects undertaken so a next generation can learn about the railroads that built our nation.
In an era when we encourage ourselves to exercise and to get out and learn, perhaps there is no better place to do this than walking around in the safe and secure environment of a railroad museum. We learn about the contributions of our forefathers and, from that, take a step forward ourselves.
Sadly, I, like many of us, see that most museums and restoration projects have a great need for funding. They need to protect the equipment they have maintained. They have insurance costs. And the process of restoration of both equipment and museum grounds is expensive.
As a small token of my appreciation for our railroad museums and to all who restore railroad equipment, I would like to donate the permission to print at no cost one of my existing 11"x17" posters that can be used by your railroad museum, restoration project, or historical society for the purpose of fund raising. Thank you for all you do on behalf of railroad history.

Trains of Iowa-Connecting America

We can all agree that the Trains of Iowa connect America as they take us where we need to go and deliver the freight we need.

Why We Need Trains 3-Amtrak and Commuter Railroads-Truly a Transportation Asset

We look up, and a train races by.  Its passengers catching up on the morning news.  They sip a cup of coffee on their way to work, watching us stuck in traffic.  Their destination, Union Station, in the heart of the city.
Our long distance passenger and commuter train systems are perhaps one of our biggest urban assets.  This infrastructure that we take for granted, in places over 100 years old, was skillfully designed, allowing us to live and work day in and day out in the heart of our cities.
Trains allow us to practically commute to work.  Trains allow us to practically visit large cities from the suburbs.  To take in a football game, to go to a museum, or to visit our family and friends.
I often enjoy taking trains across America.  From Amtrak, we see America's many communities, each with its own great personality, its own story.  From the window of the train, we see main street cafes, book stores, and people of the town waving as we pass.
We see America's beauty. In snow covered mountains, and crystal blue lakes.  In the red-orange of fall and the bright green of spring.  We watch the seasons change as we roll down the track.
From town to town, city to city.  Trains truly are a part of America.  This is why we need trains.

Drawing of the Day-February 2nd, 2016-Amtrak/Louisville & Nashville E8 #224

Today I drew Amtrak E8 #224.  It is a former Louisville & Nashville E8 from the era of Amtrak's inception.

February 1st-Happy Birthday, Penn Central!

Penn Central was formed on February 1, 1968 when railroad giants Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central merged.  Happy Birthday, Penn Central!

Tony Kimmel Was a Great Friend to Us All

I first met Tony Kimmel on Tom Davis's porch at The Station Inn while railfanning Norfolk Southern. I enjoyed looking at the photos he had taken, and, as the trains rolled by, Tony took quite a few new pictures of trains. Those were good days. Many of us have met trackside, and I feel that is where some of our best friendships come from. I will always remember Tony as a great friend, a friend to all of us, and I will always think of him as I watch trains roll by. Thank you Tony for the friend that you were to us all.

Drawing of the Day-January 31, 2016 Amtrak/B&O E8 #209

Today I drew Amtrak E8 #209.  It is a former Baltimore & Ohio locomotive from the era of Amtrak's inception.