BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Jones

Loving anything connected with railroading long before I even started school, "Casey" Jones became my first and foremost childhood hero.

When I was a very young lad, I thought ALL engineers were named "Casey"! (in my day, many steam-era "hoggers" were still on the job,looking every inch a "classic era"engineer....how I idolized these "larger than life" men!

With my striped engineer's cap upon my small head, with my large, plastic ride-on "Casey Jones";locomotive (which I STILL have!) eat my side, I sat in front of our old Sylvania "Halo-Light" set, eagerly awaiting the start of my favorite show, "CASEY JONES" (starring Alan Hale, Jr. as "Casey; the shows was then being rerun in my area)

I also STILL have in my collection, the tin, battery operated "CASEY JONES"locomotive (with its box!)my older brother gave me, way back in 1962!)

I also have a number of Casey Jones collectibles in my collection.

Over the decades, I've read just about everything I could find on "Casey"; his faithful African-American fireman, Simm Webb; in later years, also became a great hero of mine.

Imagine had "Casey"lived to see diesels and electrics!

Ironically, Mr. Webb passed in 1957, the same year I was born.

And I've ALWAYS been elated that, like "Casey", my name is also John!

'NYO"

["THE MAN AT THE THROTTLE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

I've only visited this outstanding museum in my imagination, but, I well tell you, I could easily LIVE there! (not to mention buying out the gift shop!)

WHAT A MUSEUM!!!!!!!!

https://www.hawkinsrails.net/preservation/cjhrm/cjhrm.html

["382"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Casey's "Big Ten-Wheeler".....built in my home state of New Jersey!

(excellent article!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_Central_382

["ROGERS LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The famed "ROGERS LOCOMOTIVE WORKS" of Paterson, NJ, not only built Casey's legendary #382, but also, the famed Civil War engine, the "GENERAL"............

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogers_Locomotive_and_Machine_Works

["HIGHBALL!"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Also of interest................

https://railfanning.org/people/name/casey-jones/

["CASEY JONES-TOOK HIS FAREWELL TRIP TO THE PROMISED LAND"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

In 1950, Walt Disney came oit with the entertaining animated short, "THE BRAVE ENGINEER", a highly humorous spoof on "Casey", and his "never give up" persona, reflecting that long-ago time when keeping on schedule was PARAMOUNT to a railroad man!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brave_Engineer

"ON TIME" was practically carved into stone,in those days!

Then-popular comedian Jerry Cologna gave the short a rapid-fire narration that heightended theaction.....I'vewatched this sgort on DVD too many tines to count,over thetears!

(this short is a MUST for ANY railroad buff!)

"NYO"

["ON TIME-ALMOST!"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

In the April, 2000,issue of TRAINS Magazine, there usan excellent cover story, "THE BRAVE ENGINEER-CASEY JONES' LAST RIDE"; by by Peter A. Hansen.

The in-depth, well-written article includes many rare photos, including the only known photo of Casey in the cab of #382.

This interesting, well-researched article is a "must read" for anyone interested in 'The Brave Engineer"............

"NYO"

"THE CANNONBALL"]