New Jersey Southern Railroad was proud to host the memorial train honoring the late passenger rolling-stock visionary Michael McGrattan.
The prestigious consist arrived from the west under the cover of darkness, so no photos of the train being tied down in the NJS Loyko Yard were captured.
Already awaiting the arrival of the memorial train was a flat car carrying a visitor from the Emerald Isle, the 0-6-0ST "Lady Grace" of the County Donegal Joint Railway Committee, sent over to accompany the memorial train's journey on the NJSRR so as to honor Mike's contributions to railroading worldwide.
The slow speed required for a move such as this necessitated the train be moved across the system early on a Sunday morning. The Pennsylvania Railroad's engine terminal in Camden, NJ dispatched the perpetually grimy NW2 No.3909 to serve as the lead locomotive during the move, and the NJSRR provided their RSC-2 No.303 as both extra power for the consist and to "carry the flag" of the hosting railroad. "Lady Grace" and her flat car were placed directly behind the locomotives, which served to distance the rest of the train from the noise of the locomotives.
The following photos were taken of the train's journey in an effort to record the event for posterity.
Here the train is seen awaiting clearance to depart Loyko Yard. With the necessary turnouts lined, all that's left is for the dispatcher to verbally clear the train out of the yard.
Shortly after departing Loyko Yard, before the NJS' own mainline can be reached, the train heads under the wire of the PRR's famed 4-track main on the Northeast Corridor. Seen here gliding through the station for the Newark Liberty International Airport.
With the two diesels having just gone under the bridge, we are afforded a better view of the the memorial train's consist and of the visiting "Lady Grace" on her perch.
Now onto the NJS' mainline, the train has taken to Main-Red, passing the west end of Loyko Yard.
The train was issued a Clearance Card C to authorize using Kolb Junction to head west towards the Flat Earth junction on Main-Blue.
Here the train is seen just past CP Rock, beginning to slow on approach to Baudville Station.
Having arrived at Baudville Station, the train pauses here to allow the public to view the train and to tour the displays in the baggage car, all while the various dignitaries from the PRR, NJSRR, CDJRC, CP, and the Family and Friends of Mike gathered in the station building for a luncheon. All except for one. Members of the public later asked station staff about a CP conductor that had been seen walking along the platform admiring the station's architecture, saying something about it being "another Atlas station..."
After departing Baudville, the train took to the loop at Flat Earth Junction, seen here crossing the double curved diamonds, now heading Eastward on Main-Red once more.
The train was given clearance to hold the main as New Jersey Southern's own business car "Devil's Den" was positioned for a photograph with the CP's business car "Michael McGrattan".
Underway once more, this railfan-submitted photograph captured an excellent view of the "Michael McGrattan" heading east on Main-Red past Baud Cement Co.
Having completed it's journey on the New Jersey Southern, the train returned to Loyko Yard. The memorial consist was tied down on Track D, closest to the main, to await escorting power from its' next host railroad. At the time of the train's visit to the NJSRR, negotiations were underway between the Bridgeport & New London and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western as to which railroad would be hosting the train next. Until yard management receives word from the B&NL with the next destination for the train, the PRR has provided a team of men from their Defense Corps to watch over the train until it's departure.
And for the duration of the train's journey on the NJSRR, the company film crew was on hand to capture some footage of the train in motion.
The completed film can be seen here (HD is an available option):
It was an honor to have had the opportunity to host the Mike McGrattan Memorial Train, and an equal honor to have been able to operate it on a New Jersey Southern layout as the club has been a huge part of my life for these past 8 years, just as the Railwire (and Mike) have been.
And I would also like to convey that NJS was equally honored to have had the train travel over our rails.
Eternally Grateful,
Cody Wayne Fisher
