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http://www.ancienttreearchive.org/#/en/About

Howe Truss over TN River

Howe Truss over the TN River, maybe Chichamauga Creek North. Which body of water is one design element. The bridge is completed, abutments have been placed; now contouring the river landscape.


This section on the W&A is just on the outskirts of Chattanooga. Research indicates that I have 2 options for this body of water. The Tennessee, which...

One of the many questions regarding bridge construction was how did engineers join bridge sections. On one of my senior advisors and construction engineers, Cristopher. While helping me view photos, he saw one of the bridge crossing the TN...

Sole remaining float bridge on the Hudson River

Did a little research on the Howe Truss bridge and remembered that there is such a structure just blocks from me on the Hudson River at pier 66a ( W27th Street).

In the process I found the work of Philip M. Goldstein. He's a historian and collector of railroad memorabilia for the mid-atlantic region.

I'm going to add links to his websites for anyone interested in some great archival photos of the working trains of the maritime past.

Legacy and Lineage

Was surprised and excited to have received an email from the great grand daughter of my avatar Mr. Uriah Stephens. She's looking for any information we may have on Uriah and especially any photo. If anyone reading this has any leads please do leave a comment.
What we do know of Mr. Stephens is that he was the station agent at Kingston station on the fateful day that Andrews strolled confidently up to the station and asked Uriah for the switch key. The General needed to be on a siding to allow the southbound freight to pass through. He gave the story about being a powder train under special order en route to Beauregard and that the regular freight-passenger train would be along presently. Even though many had taken note of the strange train and crew, the raiders were not challenged. Andrews found that the southbound was delayed and the General was to wait, so they ran forward on to the northbound line and then backed on to the easternmost siding. There they waited, nervous and alert, but unmolested. The story continues...

Working with the new blogger features.

An Atlanta Backdrop Panel

Brian painting one of the three Atlanta backdrop panels. This video shows Brian working on the southernmost panel which transitions from the city into 'suburbs'. The top photo is Brian working the second panel showing the Trout House and Masonic Meeting House. You'll notice he is attaching a balcony to give the painting a 2-dimensional look. This technique works especially well when photographing the scene.

Dalton trackwork expansion

A few weeks ago I had Dick Taylor here to help on a few projects. One was to relocate the Dalton turntable 3' north as well as extend the yard, allowing for larger train capacity and easier switching. These photos give you an idea on the expansion as well as some of the point turnouts that are being converted to stubs. These are tricky in that each one, so far, has been spiked different. In order for the smoothest transition from fly rails onto the respective stub rails, the former point turnouts are trimmed to expose the minimal length of full rail. These are then spiked to ensure a gauge and smooth running. If I were to take my time I could probably work out a system. However, the generals are very anxious to have the trains running supplies and troops. They hear the North is preparring for a big push into Georgia this Spring!