Mr. Lincoln Meets the Challenger

Kids,

When I rolled into North Platte,
it was late in the day.

I stopped by the fire house as usual,
but this time I had a presentation for the Mayor.

North Platte is one of a handful of Communities
that not only nominated their portion of the Highway
as a Millennium Trail under
The White House Millennium Council,
but sent a wreath for
"The Day Mr. Lincoln Came to Town".

It was April 29th,
the 135th Anniversary
of the Lincoln Funeral Train
passing through Galion,
and the museum's opening for the 2000 season.

In the over 400 faxes sent out for the event,
I promised for each Community who did both
I would personally deliver a "Labor of Love" Plaque
on my trip across the continent in the Fire Engine.

It only took two years, but no matter what,
I was going to honor that commitment.

Getting back to the story,
the Mayor was called as was the local TV.

A time and place was set.

I arrived at the Mayor house 20 minutes early,
so off for a quick trip around town.

The Mayor really enjoyed that siren...

In addition, turns out the Mayor is a big fan of Mr. Lincoln,
so he really enjoyed meeting the man up close and personal.

Then it was off to the Brand New Fire House
and our Grand Entrance for the local media.

Here is a shot of the Mayor, the Asst. Fire Chief,
and several firemen with the North Platte Wreath and Plaque.

That's me, "The Shadow" there off to the left.

Station #2 was my humble home for the next two nights.

Next morning it was off to Baily Yards,
the world's largest Hump Yard to visit with a friend
from my last trip across the continent.

Turns out he'd moved on to bigger and better things,
but that only created the opportunity for new friends.

Here is the Yard Master and a few of his compatriots.

We got to talking and Charlie, the yard master said,
"Boy are you lucky, today at 3:00 the steam train
Challenger arrives in town."

Oh, happy days...

We continue about the mechanics of a rail trip
for Mr. Lincoln and the "Spirit of the Lincoln Way".

Then, before you know it I have two Union Pacific
Hard Hats for my collection and the promise of a
Union Pacific Flag to be picked up first of the week.

By now it was close to 3,
so it was off to meet the Challenger.

Her official designation is #3985, of the Challenger Class.

The "Pearly Gates" were opened and I slid
right up next to the old girl,

then put up "Old Glory"
and the Lincoln Highway Flag.

Next came the introductions...

This is Mr. Lincoln with Steve, the Engineer
with the signed Union Pacific Hard Hat,

and this is Bob the other Engineer exchanging
Flags from "Spirit" and "Challenger".

Then Bob had to run off and do a TV interview

for a Public Broadcasting Special on Steam Engines.

Note the "Spirit of the Lincoln Way" strategically placed.

Later, after all the TV lights were gone,
it was time to bring down "Old Glory".

The UP Steam Crew stayed over and got the job done.

That night,
photos of
"The Day Mr. Lincoln Met the Challenger"
were posted on
www.trainorders.com
an international rail enthusiast web page.

Click Here to view Photos

Then, bright and early the next morning,

Mr. Lincoln was up at the crack of dawn
to see the Challenger off
for her home port in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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