The Observation Deck

Nickel Plate Limited, a special passenger excursion train pulled by famous steam locomotive no. 765.

Spectacular images Craig.

Here are a couple of mine, with a link to the photoblog.









and of course...


A photo of you working the pole, so we don't have to, for the enjoyment of all.

More images at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/nickel-plate-road-765-a-284-berkshire-steam-locomotive

The story about this by Ed Favre:
http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2013/04/30/steam-through-lakewood

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A few more from my brother Brad Lovejoy.

Locomotive headed back, should arrive in Rocky River about 4pm, unload.

And continue through Lakewood about 5pm.

It just crossed Berlin Road.

Follow it here: http://fortwaynerailroad.org/locate/locate.html

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Great pics!

As we smoothly rode from Rocky River through Bay Village, Avon Lake, Sheffield, Lorain, and Vermillion, could not help but think what wrong headed transportation policies this state and region have. A well maintained, underutilized rail line from east and west of Cleveland. If only we could have what progressive cities around the county and world have.

Craig and Jim, thanks for the incredible photos.

For those who didn't get a chance to witness steam engine 765 in person, it was a sight to behold! The "chiseled face" of the ebony engine, the powerful puffs of steam, the restored, sleek train cars from the 1940s -- amazing! I couldn't help but think that all of us on-lookers were sort of going back in time in a way. According to Lakewood history stories, during World War II trains like this frequently went through Lakewood, carrying soldiers going off to war. I understand that the train tracks along Lakewood streets were aligned with numerous people, wishing soldiers well and trying to get glimpses of their loved ones.

All that was missing this afternoon were some Andrew Sisters melodies

Although I didn't have a video camera on me, here's a great clip from someone who did. (Turn up your volume):


(If you can't open the YouTube link, just copy & paste in your browser)

4:50 pm return trip, Andrews Lane looking West.
I rank this right up there with the Blue Angles, what an awesome display of power!

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Thanks Jim, Craig:

I showed the photos to Dad. He loved them. He said they reminded him of all his train rides during WWII. Especially when the train stopped like that, and all the families saw the soldiers off to war. Same kinds of rail cars too.

Amazing how many passenger trains ran back then, and even up to the 1960's. We remember picking Grandmother up down at the Terminal Tower when she came up from down South on a train that somebody nicknamed "The Chicken-Bone Express", due to the boxed fried chicken lunches that the passengers ate. Then one day, passenger train service changed, and she had to fly up here...

Thinking about all the changes I've seen, being in my 60's, I can only imagine what Dad has seen...

This was cool.

Back to the banjo....