The Old Rails Luncheon in Tales of the Jointed Track

We are all Santa Fe here..I worked with most of these guys,either entirely during my career, or at least 25 years of it.

Well here we are one is 73 a couple in the late 60’s and us “new” kids… LOL Starting with the Stripped shirt to the left Billy Hugh. Rich Dooley, Flannel shirt and hat Jerry Worcester.Next is Joe Augustine. The head is Norm Redd The Black T shirt and hat Mike O’Leary John Stapleford is next. White beard and hat Bob Morley. Next the Dumb ol rail..Orange shirt Larry Witheridge

Billy Hugh: Brakeman, Locomotive Engineer, Troubleshooter I worked with Billy in many areas we finished off our career as Locomotive trouble shooters on the grade

Rich Dooley: Locomotive engineer. Rich hired out in Barstow, CA with the Santa Fe. He transferred seniority here to the Joint-Line, when the opportunity presented itself. Rich ran, from Needles to Barstow and Needles to Seligman,AZ. Was forced to Barstow to hostle motors and wouldn’t see a running turn for 20 years, hence he made a move.

Jerry Worcester: Brakeman, Locomotive engineer, (Company officer) Road Foreman of Engines, Planner terminal KC Argentine yard. Most of Jerry’s Trainman service was out of Emporia,KS on the Transcon. Jerry’s brothers did Train and engine service and have retired as well.

Joe Augustine: Brakeman/ Conductor. Joe hired out as a switchman on the P&LE or Pittsburgh and Lake Erie. That was a terminal switching railroad, also worked the steel mills. Worked with Joe many times..locals, mainline freight, helpers.

Norm Redd: An original Raton 2nd and 3rd Subdivision fireman and engineer. Transferred up, due to seniority, and being cut off, Norm worked 40 years, but 35 were up here on the Joint-Line.

Mike O’Leary: Brakeman and Conductor Many turns with Mike a good hand.

John Stapleford: Brakeman and Conductor. Worked many times with John in many capacities. Was an accomplished and worthy rail.

Bob Morley: Brakeman and Conductor. Bob is our elder now 73. I worked with Bob as Fireman and engineer. Bob worked out of Clovis, NM or the Transcon to Belen, when system seniority was implemented. I always liked working with Bob. He knew railroading and the rules.

Bob Terry: The “dumb ol rail” Machinist, Locomotive Fireman, Locomotive Engineer. (Company Officer Crew planning and Locomotive Utilization.) Locomotive troubleshooter.

Larry Witheridge: Orange shirt. Larry started in LA as a Superintendent’s/ Trainmasters clerk. Left and came to hire out on the Joint track. Brakeman Conductor and Locomotive engineer.

Okay that is our history with the Santa Fe BNSF.

Thanks for reading

Last updated June 13, 2015