One of the things that makes the Alaska Railroad the greatest rail outfit around is not just the scenery or equipment or paint scheme. It is the people. Through e-mails, phone calls and visits I have met some of the friendliest and most committed people anyway. It is to them that I dedicate this Picture of the Week. Unfortunately, I can't list them all. However, I can show you two groups that epitomize the spirit of this great railroad.
potw #2
During my stay at Don Prince's condo in Anchorage, I got to meet the boys (retirees) for a planned afternoon of storytelling. Here’s a list of “the boys” and their years of service with the Alaska Railroad (left to right): Don Prince (1950-1980) yardmaster, Jim “Bones” Reeke (1941-1978) conductor, Albert Bailey (1949-1974) engineer, Ben Parrish (1950-1985) engineer, Stu White (1948-1982) engineer and seated in the recliner Jim Sava (1950-1963 and 1982-1994) engineer. Together they had a combine Alaska Railroading experience of 185 years!
#2
This is a photo of "the old guard." From left to right is Rich Holzapfel extra-gang foreman, Frank Armstrong conductor, Duane Frank conductor and Daryl Kollander engineer. These are the guys that let me run the snow fleet with them. Ooooppss! I meant to save that as a surprise for my journal. Me and my big mouth!