[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-Fall-2011.pdf” title=”745 Journal Fall 2011″]Fall 2011 745 Journal
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
1001 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70113
Event Date: 5/7/2011
Time: 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
The consist will be open for tours. We will have an exhibit providing an overview of the state bicentennial trip along with a maritime steam exhibit. This maritime exhibit will complement a large selection of maritime steam engines from a various marine craft all professionally restored. One of these engines will actually be run with steam fed from 745. The “Thomas” kiddie train will give rides. Multiple model train layouts will be there for the junior engineers. An inflatable train will be available for the kids to climb through. Operation Lifesaver will reinforce the rail crossing safety message.
The music line-up includes classic rock by “The Refugeze” and rock-a-billy by “Christian Serpas and Ghost Town” on Saturday. On Sunday the Bluegrass band “Hazel and the Delta Ramblers” play followed up by the 60’s and 70’s band “Liquid Peace Revolution”. Food vendors will be on site along with cold drinks and frozen treats. The gift shop will be set up. And as always pets are welcome.
This is LASTA’s one and only fundraiser. We welcome everyone to come out and have fun with us to keep 745 in top shape. We look forward to seeing you there.
While work continued on the new LASTA yard, we were visited by the Ellsworth Steam Trailer. Jerry, our Chief Mechanical Officer, was hard at work obtaining measurements from a 1942 Marine Steam Engine. Plans are to demonstrate this recently rebuilt engine at our upcoming Steam Fest.
The LASTA track crew continued working on the new track. The first new switch has been moved into position and we should be making the connection to the main track soon. The first leg should run parallel to our existing track.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-spring-2011-color.pdf” title=”745 Journal spring 2011 color”]
LRHT was unable to find a buyer for the ICG MOW cars and they are now on the way to the scrap yard. The crew has also started cleaning up the inside of the Amtrak E9 with the hope that it may soon be on the schedule for a cosmetic restoration.
Four Railroad Benches for Sale — $100 each
These Railroad Station Benches were built for and used in the 2008 movie “ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” They were used in the train station scene. During filming, the set included only a few benches and a facade that was later filled out with complex 3D digital images of ornate ceilings, rows of windows and a large crowd. Check out the behind the scene details at Animation World Network.
They are not recommended for outdoor use and sold as-is. Buyer is responsible for transportation; however, we will assist with loading. Proceeds for the sale will be used for the operation and maintenance expenses of our historic steam locomotive – SP745.
Experience historic Southern Pacific steam locomotive # 745, “The Spirit of Louisiana,” (under steam) along with her exhibit train featuring “steam train and bluegrass music.” New this year is the bluegrass music element as we start New Orleans’ first bluegrass music festival. There will also be a model train layout, a kiddy train for the little ones to ride on, antique cars, a wonderful gift shop as well as delicious food and drinks. Every hour there will be live bands playing exciting bluegrass music! Come and enjoy this unique piece of Louisiana railroad history and the stirring sounds of bluegrass!
The Steam Train Bluegrass Festival will be held on Riverview (the fly) behind Audubon Zoo. It takes place Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2008
(Saturday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The festival is free but there is a fee to view the exhibits aboard the train as well as the cab of SP #745 under steam.
For more information call 504-897-2464 or go to www.LASTA.org.
Mr. Amdal is our newest board member. He currently serves as the Director of the Merritt C. Becker Maritime and Intermodal Transportation Center (MITC) at the University of New Orleans. His experience in transportation infrastructure development and historic preservation will be a great asset to our organization. The remainder of the board is comprised of active crew members and long-time volunteers.
Visitors were also able to climb aboard our magnificent steam locomotive and our red caboose.
During the event, we maintained 50 lbs of steam so that visitors could feel her ‘alive’. Musical entertainment was provided by Rocky’s Hot Foxtrot Orchestra, Hazel and the Delta Ramblers and Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue.
Frank Davis, from the TV show Naturally New Orleans, ran a segment about 745 and Steamfest.
Frank Davis ‘Naturally N’Awlins
Fall 2007 – Coverage of Steam Fest II, and a November Steam Up event with a chance to ride behind 745 at the yard. Christmas party featured Santa arriving at the LASTA yard via red caboose pushed by 745.
Frank Davis does a promo segment on Channel 4 featuring Steam Fest and Steam Up. Donation of 6 wheel roller bearing axles from Baton Rouge NRHS’s passenger consist that was moved from Baton Rouge to Hammond.
On Saturday, July 14, we gathered at Mike’s house to apply the usual LASTA elbow grease to make some much-needed home repairs.
Later in the month, Listerine on Sundays, a local production, filmed at the LASTA yard for several days. This film is set to be released in early 2008.
Summer 2007 – Steam Fest preview announcing displays of the US Army Transportation Corps in WW2, Annual Inspection completed and FRA cleared 745 for operation after the low water incident. 745 stars in the independent film “Listerine on Sundays”, and calendars are provided as a perk of LASTA membership. Arrangements begin to have the Bisso locomotive moved to the LASTA yard. Community outreach program invites Cub Scouts for a visit yard to earn various badges and educational awards.
