Dear Pioneer,
It’s hard to know where to begin. I suppose I’ll start by asking you how you’ve been, because I’m afraid that by the time we get to the end I’ll have forgotten to. What kind of pen pal would I be if I let that happen? I hope your Yard is well and that the cold snap hasn’t troubled the steam engines too badly. Ours are mostly tucked up now, taking a well-deserved winter’s nap after their outstanding performances.
I’m sorry, I can’t delay it any longer. Do you ever tire of hearing that you must be the wisest engine this side of the Mississippi? I can’t be the only one who thinks so. You said almost two years ago now (gosh!) that you thought I’d be operational again. At the time, I was so disappointed but I still felt so lucky to be even here at all, so I did my best to come to terms with the idea of being static. Silver Bullet used to say that it’s better to be kind than right. You were both! So I want to thank you again for your perspective and continued patience. I’ll ask for just a bit more, as I think if I don’t get the whole story out soon, my one good engine will turn over on its own!
It was no Century of Progress, but I think it’s about as close as an engine like me is ever going to get! The turnout was great and there were so many of us lined up for service, I wasn’t sure how the schedule would accommodate every engine. I needn’t have worried though, there was time enough for all of us on the main line. CE 5 and Tuskegee did the bulk of the runs as a double-header, much to the delight of the guests! Two steam engines pulling together on a passenger train is a rare sight anymore. When they both needed a break Shay and Frisco were more than happy to take over. Frisco in particular did the whole steam fleet proud. She’s been so good about her restoration, it was great seeing her finally be rewarded for all that time she spent in the shop. Compared to the other steam engines, she’s so tall and striking when she runs. Venus called her “photogenic”. I think the guests thought so too!
CTA 1024, 1268, and 1808 made a three-car train and really put the ‘rapid’ in Rapid Transit. Wood-bodied cars are a boisterous lot and they rattled up the line, singing the whole way. It was nice though! In a way it made me feel better about all the noise I was about to make.
I knew ahead of time that we would probably be able to move – a couple of test runs confirmed that much. The question was if we’d be in any shape to make a whole trip up and back, and whether or not it would be a smooth ride if we did. When I tell you how the whole train squealed at first! I thought for sure they’d throw the brake right away. But on we went…
Is it conceited to say I wish you could have seen? Not just for my sake! All of us in motion, the shine on the fluting as we rolled up the line! Venus cheered and I swear I heard Vesta let out a whoop. I felt stiff and sore (and sounded it too), but it was so refreshing to shake the rust off and lay down a blast on the horns for good measure. Up and back, the passengers seemed thrilled! When we rolled back in from the trip, Tuskegee and CE 5 both were as pleased as I’d ever seen them. The October Rail & Wire said we were “the highlight” of the event. I don’t know how much of that was just everyone being impressed that our old static display could pour on some speed, but the Goddesses were thrilled with it anyway. It really was a marvelous day, the whole way through.
I’m not sure when we’ll run again. It took a lot out of me to do it even just once, but that’s okay, because we’ll be closing for the season soon. There’s plenty of time to rest for now. I expect they’ll want to get the valve spring squared away (along with a few other things) before we’re ready for any kind of regular service, but at this point once a year is more than enough for me.
I hope I haven’t gone on for too long! Really, I owe you my thanks again for writing so often and being so kind. Please give everyone in the yard my regards! I feel as though I ought to thank them for their patience as well, having to hear all my letters the same as you, haha. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone at the MSI. Stay warm!
Your friend,
Pilot
P.S. – With the recent snowfall, do you imagine it’s nearly time for U-505 to tell his Christmas story?