Pioneer Industrial Railroad ran an engine up the Kellar Branch line without incident today. Pioneer has been fixing up the tracks, and they proved to be in sufficiently good shape for the 10 mph test run. David Jordan has a photo essay of the run on his transportation blog.
I had to laugh as David described the train giving “a friendly toot” as it passed the Journal Star.
Meanwhile, there’s an event planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Vonachen’s for trail supporters. Apparently, there are going to be several city, park district, and village officials taking part, along with the usual small, but organized, contingent of trail advocates, led by Morton resident George Burrier. The 18th Congressional District candidates (or their representatives) will be on hand to read statements presumably in support of the trail. Now if we can just get these folks to pour all this energy into something really important (like addressing crime and poverty issues), this would indeed be a better city.
At 2:26pm the train came by my house, whistle blowing the engineer waving his hands, my neighbor pumping his arm to get the engineer to blow the horn even longer.It was a good feeling to see the train actually on the tracks running,with very little squeaking.IT was just a good feeling after all the hype to see the train running.I hope it lasts and the best of luck to them.
CJ, you forgot, Alexis Khazzam doesn’t think crime is a problem. Many of our leaders no doubt agree with him, but just aren’t dumb enough to say so.
First I must say that I believe that George Burrier is a silly old soul that needs to stay across the Illinois River. Why does anyone in Peoria County pay attention to that knucklehead? I was along the Kellar Branch today with Mr. Jordan and took 56 pictures which are on my Flicker site. You will notice that there were no derailments, no incidents, no problems at all. My hat is off to the guys from Pioneer Railcorp. Here is the l;ink to my pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11470486@N04/sets/72157603748731887/
All of those people who draw a paycheck from us the taxpayer at a rally at 10:30am.They better be on their own dime.If I feel that way I’m sure a few thousand others do to.Somebody should be there to document this blatant misuse of public funds.
Those trail supporters have jobs will take a vacation day to be at the rally. Maybe Pioneer can run their train during the rally?
dream on, CW and David, you know the taxpayers (and maybe Khazzam?) are paying those people to be there (Burrier and a couple other unemployeds excepted, of course). That’s the way it is with so many of these schemes to rip off the taxpayers. The people who have to be at work to pay the bills and support parasites like the City and the Park District can’t show up to object. 10:00 a.m on a Wednesday, classic time to hold events where the want minimal turnout by the bill-paying-class.
“The 18th Congressional District candidates (or their representatives) will be on hand to read statements presumably in support of the trail.”
I wonder if Globe Energy or Carver Lumber will be contributing to their campaigns?
And wtf is a Morton resident doin meddlin in Peoria politics?
The two railroads should hold a train day nearby during the rally. Let the kiddies explore the train and hand out all sorts of pro train stuff to the kiddies. Hand out little paper engineer caps.
This bill paying taxpayer will be there as I happen to have that week off. Maybe I’ll ask why we need this trail at all or what is wrong with a railroad wanting to make a dime off of it’s tracks. See what these candiates have to say to that.
CJ: can’t you get a better picture to put up-that railway crossing thing is sickening after awhile. Keep up the good posts tho.
Maybe the pro-rail people can show up with “Save The Kellar Branch” sandwich boards not unlike the trail proponents did at last year’s Race For The Cure.
Chief Kevin, We are better than the turds that screwed with the Race for the Cure.
Ah, Mr. Ed –
My comment was basically a backhanded slap at those who defiled the Race last year with their shameless, low moral behavior.
Mouse,
you truly are a Mousy fellow. Just the assumption that we would pay for people to attend the Wed meeting is reflective of your comments in general, on all the posts you respond to(not very informed).
Personally, I just found out about it Friday, and will definetely be there. As I said various times, my only issue is with the city, and their lack of effort in charging the proper rent. Once that is established, and proper business proceedings and ethics are in place, I hope that the Rails will build a proper business that makes money, and feeds the CITY revenues as well.
I have said this over and over and over, I prefer the trail, but if its rail, let the City and rail businesses survive properly. Thats it, please do not take my comments out of text, as I have stated this position repeatedly.
AK,
Forget rent – PIRY or CIRY should be allowed to purchase the Kellar Branch. PIRY has had a standing offer for years.
Uh huh, Mr. AK. I’m sure the TV station called this press conference on their own by your place of business. I also detect a bit of irritation that I and those others on this blogsite that agree with me don’t buy every helping of horsedung you and other leaders dish out to us. The mice are restless. We might not have your money and influence, etc., etc., so we can’t affect much, but for the time being we still have freedom of speech in this country, so I guess you’ll just have to put up with it.
I don’t want to sound like a lecturing schoolmarm here, but I would ask that we please argue the issues and not get into personal attacks. AK is not a bad person; we just disagree on the Kellar Branch issue. Altogether now, “Kumbaya….” 🙂
AK — As far as charging rent goes, I’m sure if the city offered a reasonable long-term lease with a proportionate rent amount to Pioneer, they would consider it. However, Pioneer still maintains that their existing contract is still in force, and that had the rent amount set at $1/year. So it’s going to require a bit of negotiation on the part of the city, or else it’s going to end up in litigation. I think (and this is wild speculation on my part) that they would accept more rent in return for a new, undisputed long-term contract, though, as long as it was reasonable.
Mouseman,
no irritation, it would just be preferable if you sppoke with facts. Especially on an issue you could have easily looked up. The trail advocacy group called the press conf, and the City is assisting. I presume the conference is at VOP’s, as that is where the group usually meets (well befor my arrival or involvement).
In any case, hopefully we can meet one day, and then you can write less nonsense and better prepared arguments instead of your mice against the cats and horsedung raves. Maybe you could start to participate positively instead of continually attacking those that at least are making an effort.
Still waiting for our luncheon coordinator to set the date, time and place……
David, your love affair with the trains is almost… scary. Just the thought of your running after the Pioneer Empty Locomotive on its first run, taking photos of it like it was Liz Taylor (but it ain’t), I don’t know…
Have you consulted with a trained mechanic about this obsession?
Prego,
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!