May 1, 2001

The Fullerton Model Railroad Historical Society (FMRHS), a Committee of the Fullerton Railway Plaza Association (FRPA), is pleased to announce the appearance of Mr. Jack Elwood, 81, retired Santa Fe locomotive Engineer and Road Foreman of Engines (1939 -1981). Mr. Elwood will appear at the FMRHS booth during Fullerton Railroad Days throughout the day on Saturday May 5, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Sunday May 6, from 9:00 AM to 1:00PM.  See below* for further information on Railroad Days 2001.

A dedicated historian with a passion for imparting his knowledge and experiences, Mr. Elwood has written a special tribute to the steam locomotive for Railroad Days 2001. He will read this at opening ceremonies, Saturday at 10:30 AM. In an extraordinary set of circumstances, Mr. Elwood discovered in his personal engineer's time book, that fifty-eight years ago to the day of this event, on May 6, 1943, he was serving as Fireman on Santa Fe locomotive No. 3751 as it powered the "Grand Canyon Ltd.” through Fullerton.  No. 3751 is a restored 1927 steam locomotive that is the featured attraction at Railroad Days. In 1992, Mr. Elwood served as Engineer on No. 3751 for Santa Fe's “Employee Recognition Excursion Train” from L.A. to Chicago.

Mr. Elwood has authored articles for prestigious historical publications and has been a featured speaker at various historical society conventions. While knowledgeable in many aspects of railroading, his special passion is steam locomotives. He is uniquely qualified in this area having been a fireman and engineer on mainline freight and passenger steam locomotives. With few people still alive to tell this story, his appearance represents a rare opportunity for guests to gain a first-hand recollection of “big time” railroading in the western U.S. from the 1940's through the early 1980's. Be sure to stop by FMRHS booth for personal conversation, and experience first-hand the recollections of railroading in the glory days of steam and early diesel locomotives.

Mr. Elwood served the Santa Fe Railway for 42 years, while compiling a total of 44 ½ years of railroad service, having started with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1937. In the diesel era Mr. Elwood was involved in the start up of Santa Fe's famous Super C, the fastest freight train in the world. He is currently compiling his detailed knowledge of Santa Fe's Los Angeles Terminal Operations (1940’s - 1960’s) for future publication.

*Fullerton Railroad Days is an educational, family oriented event. The event promotes rail safety, rail travel, and the historic connection of Southern California to the Railroads. Attractions include tours of Amtrak's new Surfliner cars, historic and world famous Santa Fe No. 3751 a 1927 steam locomotive, and vintage passenger cars from the glory days of passenger travel. The event also features model railroad layouts of every major scale, various youth and civic organizations, local historical societies, railroad and historical museums, public service organizations, safety programs from the railroads, musical entertainment and food.

Fullerton Railroad Days is held next to the Fullerton AMTRAK Station, 124 E. Santa Fe Avenue in Fullerton. The event is Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6th starting at 9:00AM until 6:00PM on Saturday, and 5:00PM on Sunday. For further information call 714-278-0648 or visit the FRPA Website at www.trainweb.com/frpa.
 
 

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Supporting the Fullerton Railway Plaza Association

Website: www.trainweb.com/frpa/fmrhs