RRHMA’s first ever Tractors & Trains was an event to behold. Many smiling faces, plenty of knowledge was shared with a great time had by all! Lets highlight some of the big attractions at this years Tractors & Trains.
By far the biggest accomplishment by RRHMA-Silvis Volunteers & staff was the unvailing of former ATSF #537 back to its former glory in it Warbonnet paint scheme. Volunteers & Staff alike have put many hours into making sure it was just right.
Also joining the show was Jeddo Coal #85. Jeddo Coal Company #85, nicknamed “Mack,” is a standard gauge, coal burning, 0-4-0 Tank Steam Engine owned and restored by Gramling Locomotive works. The locomotive was built in 1928 by the Vulcan Iron Works, in 1933 it was sold to the Jeddo – Highland Coal Company. Jeddo named it Engine #85 and used it in their mining operations until 1964 when they sold it to a collector who moved it to Horseheads, New York.
Jeddo Coal #85 was used through out the day pulling riders aboard some of RRHMA-Silvis coaches through the yard. Also giving passengers a ride around RRHMA-Silvis was CN’s Little Obie. Owned by Canadian National, Little Obie is used help promote rail safety to kids, CN is committed to ensuring that Little Obie can stop at events across Canada and the U.S.
Also making an apperiance at the event were the Free-Mo modelers. The Free-mo Modelers are a group of model railroad enthusiasts who construct, operate and display HO (1:87 scale) and N (1:160 scale) modular model railroad at different locations around the contry. The massive layout covered almost 150 square feet of shop space.
If you missed this event or would like to attened future RRHMA-Silvis events and help support its mission to preserve railroading history, sign up for our email list or become a member today.
