(erielack) Diamond

[Erielack1_@_aol.com]

The Diamond reached the Settle area today and all I can say is WOW! The crew 
at Andover Press has done an outstanding job. The Board of Directors also 
need to be commended on approving these changes. The photo selection was 
great. The photo of the inside of the Lake Cities diner brought back memories 
of sitting in the lounge section and eating at the tables. Bob Bahrs photo of 
train 1013 was great. I remember the RS and GP-7 units on the Boonton line 
cars like it was yesterday. The morning train out of Washington I used to 
watch for everyday before going to school as it passed behind the M&M plant 
in Hackettstown. Many a night I meet the train at the station and Fred Shay 
would give me a ride to Washington and then drive me back home. 
       Al's account of tonnage over Great Notch was well top notch. Have been 
in similar situations over the years when I have loaded up trains to their 
tonnage limit or beyond and the waiting for it to top the hill is some of the 
longest minutes you ever live. That plus the little prayer you say that all 
the units stay on line and none of them go belly up. The story of the fire in 
the stack of 412 also was right on. I have been in similar situations over 
the years. It is amazing how fast things can get blown out of proportion.   
       Already looking forward to the next issue of the Diamond and the ink 
is not really dry on this one yet.
Bob Stafford

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