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.
On February 7, we departed at approximately 8 am for our test run. We arrived in Baton Rouge around noon, turned at the Canadian National (CN) “Y” and then remained overnight at the KCS Yard .
At 8 am the following morning, we departed for our return trip to New Orleans, arrived at the CN yard just before 2 pm, where we waited until both the north and southbound Amtrak trains passed. We then proceeded to Lambert junction where we met the Public Belt switcher to escort us back to our yard. 745 was back in her home yard by 4:30 PM, successfully completing her first trip since Kansas City Excursion.
Mays Yard by Leo Persick
745 had all lettering removed from her firemen’s side and replaced with a Southern Railroad “SR” logo as well as the “Southern” name. 745 was also renumbered on that side and under the headlight to “682.” The Jefferson Parlor car also had her lettering removed and was stenciled “Southern” along the side and across the rear platform top.
LASTA held its first general meeting in the new Sea Island Visitors Center on November 2. The officers and team leaders provided information on our recent events and updated the membership on current projects. LASTA extended its lease on 745 and various pieces of equipment owned by Louisiana Railroad Heritage Trust (LRHT).
Louis Saillard reported that we gained 43 members during the month of October. Many joined during our successful “Steam Fest” that was held at Audubon Park. Harry Abbott was appointed as our new Safety Officer.
LASTA held its first STEAM FEST with the locomotive and her exhibit train on display at Riverview Park behind Audubon Zoo on October 14 and 15. Music was provided by Dennis and Company , Country Fried , Pat Flory and Hazel and the Delta Ramblers. A special slide lecture was given by railroad historian Louis Saillard.
LASTA visits the Kansas City Southern Railway and with KCS President Mike Haverty.
Liberty MO
Watco
LASTA’s exhibit cars were wonderfully decorated with items from the Kenner Mardi Gras museum and were displayed on Mardi Gras Day (2/28) for media and the Union Station museum staff. The exhibit opened to the public on Saturday, March 4, and remained open for several weeks.
Kansas City
LASTA wishes to offer special THANKS to the following people and companies for helping us get 745 to Kansas City and back home:
745 departed the KCS yard for Kansas City on February 21. We had an unexpected stop in Sorrento, LA due to mechanical problems. Our driver bearing heated up and forced us to stop. We considered returning home but decided to continue. The next two days were spend on a short industrial siding, where the crew removed the side rods to allow the engine to be towed. At 11:15 am, on February 24, SP745 departed with TFM Locomotive 1412 providing power.