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Drive the Train
Experience the thrill of operating a historic railroad locomotive at LASTA’s “Drive the Train Program”!
Get ready to climb aboard and take the controls of one of our diesel locomotives under the guidance of our experienced staff. Our program is perfect for train enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who loves the idea of operating a powerful machine. You’ll get hands-on experience with all aspects of locomotive operation, from managing the throttle and brakes to blowing the horn. So whether you’re an experienced engineer or a beginner, our program will accommodate all skill levels.
For more info, check out our drive-the-train page.
AUG 2018 Steam Up Post Card
Did you receive our recent postcard for the Steam Up? If so, please let us know when it was delivered. This will help us better plan for future events.
Track Work
Cleanup in the old yard continues with the removed of switch #1. This switch will be moved to the new yard and used to expand the yard to a 3rd track.
745 Journal
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-Fall-2011.pdf” title=”745 Journal Fall 2011″]Fall 2011 745 Journal
- Coverage of the yard configuration
- David Redman article on rail photography
- KC trip journal by Patty Abbott
- Rail Tales from Ray Duplechain
- Volunteer Spotlight – Mr. Charlie,
- David Bartee recalls his times and trips with LASTA.
745 Journal
Summer 2011
- Steam Fest changed to May
- A ride o n the Cumbres and Toltec
- 745 and consist recreated in HO Scale for raffle
- Rail Tales from Phil LaRosa
- VolunteerSpotlight – Danny Rawinski
- Gerry Lynch article on the operation of the Ellsworth maritime steam engine at Steamfest
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-Summer-2011-color-rev.pdf” title=”745 Journal Summer 2011 color rev”]
National Train Day
On May 7, 2011, join LASTA while we celebrate National Train Day at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
1001 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70113
Event Date: 5/7/2011
Time: 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
http://www.nationaltrainday.com/
2011 Steam Fest Info
LASTA Members, your Steam Fest is coming up May 14th and 15th back at the Audubon Park Riverview. The construction of the new ballfields is finally complete. The fest grounds have doubled in size. Attendance for LASTA Members is free so come on out. Hours for the event are from 10 to 7. SP745 will be under steam after a full reassembly following the five-year inspection. The cab will be open for tours. Bring your camera to take pictures on the front of the engine. 745 is in the best shape ever.
The consist will be open for tours. We will have an exhibit providing an overview of the state bicentennial trip along with a maritime steam exhibit. This maritime exhibit will complement a large selection of maritime steam engines from a various marine craft all professionally restored. One of these engines will actually be run with steam fed from 745. The “Thomas” kiddie train will give rides. Multiple model train layouts will be there for the junior engineers. An inflatable train will be available for the kids to climb through. Operation Lifesaver will reinforce the rail crossing safety message.
The music line-up includes classic rock by “The Refugeze” and rock-a-billy by “Christian Serpas and Ghost Town” on Saturday. On Sunday the Bluegrass band “Hazel and the Delta Ramblers” play followed up by the 60’s and 70’s band “Liquid Peace Revolution”. Food vendors will be on site along with cold drinks and frozen treats. The gift shop will be set up. And as always pets are welcome.
This is LASTA’s one and only fundraiser. We welcome everyone to come out and have fun with us to keep 745 in top shape. We look forward to seeing you there.
Louisiana Bicentennial Commission
The state launched a new Facebook page for the Bicentennial. Click on the link to keep up with the activities including the state rail tour as details get posted.
Yard Progress
While work continued on the new LASTA yard, we were visited by the Ellsworth Steam Trailer. Jerry, our Chief Mechanical Officer, was hard at work obtaining measurements from a 1942 Marine Steam Engine. Plans are to demonstrate this recently rebuilt engine at our upcoming Steam Fest.
The LASTA track crew continued working on the new track. The first new switch has been moved into position and we should be making the connection to the main track soon. The first leg should run parallel to our existing track.
745 Journal
Spring 2011
- Yard reconfiguration
- LASTA’s Glacier represented in N scale
- Rail Tales column inaugurated by Jonathan Sturges
- “Members Train Pics” inaugurated by Phil LaRosa
- Volunteer spotlight – Keith Bonnette, UP Safety Train
- Operation Lifesaver, Book Review Pelican Road
- 745 Journal celebrates 10yr anniversary
- Mike Palmieri autobiography
- LASTA Christmas party
- Regional model railroad clubs
- 745 club gains member #32
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-spring-2011-color.pdf” title=”745 Journal spring 2011 color”]
ICG MOW Cars and the Scrap Man!
LRHT was unable to find a buyer for the ICG MOW cars and they are now on the way to the scrap yard. The crew has also started cleaning up the inside of the Amtrak E9 with the hope that it may soon be on the schedule for a cosmetic restoration.
Railroad Benches
Four Railroad Benches for Sale — $100 each
These Railroad Station Benches were built for and used in the 2008 movie “ **The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.**” They were used in the train station scene. During filming, the set included only a few benches and a facade that was later filled out with complex 3D digital images of ornate ceilings, rows of windows and a large crowd. Check out the behind the scene details at Animation World Network.
- Condition: They are functional and very sturdy and look like the real thing. Some of the veneer is loose but could be re-glued. They have been stored inside a railroad boxcar and are somewhat dusty.
- Construction: Composite /wood product (not wafer/particle board) with laminate covering.
- Size: They are a few inches short of 10 feet long, 4 feet wide and about 3 feet high.
- Style: Double Side, Railroad Bench
- Weight: There are 8 sets of back to back benches and are VERY HEAVY.
They are not recommended for outdoor use and sold as-is. Buyer is responsible for transportation; however, we will assist with loading. Proceeds for the sale will be used for the operation and maintenance expenses of our historic steam locomotive – SP745.
2007 General Meeting
The general membership meeting and election of board members was held on November 1. James Amdal, Keith Bonnette, Bruce Brown, Barry Keegan, Wayne Minnick, Bill Morris and Louis Saillard were elected to the board.
Mr. Amdal is our newest board member. He currently serves as the Director of the Merritt C. Becker Maritime and Intermodal Transportation Center (MITC) at the University of New Orleans. His experience in transportation infrastructure development and historic preservation will be a great asset to our organization. The remainder of the board is comprised of active crew members and long-time volunteers.
Steam Fest III
Steam Fest II was held on October 20 and 21. This year’s theme was military railroading with a special guest present who served in the US Army Transportation Corps during WWII. Visitors were able to see dozens of railroad photographs, maps and other items in our theater cars.
Visitors were also able to climb aboard our magnificent steam locomotive and our red caboose.
During the event, we maintained 50 lbs of steam so that visitors could feel her ‘alive’. Musical entertainment was provided by Rocky’s Hot Foxtrot Orchestra, Hazel and the Delta Ramblers and Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue.
745 Journal
Summer 2007 – Steam Fest preview announcing displays of the US Army Transportation Corps in WW2, Annual Inspection completed and FRA cleared 745 for operation after the low water incident. 745 stars in the independent film “Listerine on Sundays”, and calendars are provided as a perk of LASTA membership. Arrangements begin to have the Bisso locomotive moved to the LASTA yard. Community outreach program invites Cub Scouts for a visit yard to earn various badges and educational awards.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-Summer-2007-v.-2.pdf” title=”745 Journal Summer 2007 v. 2″]
745 Journal
Spring 2007 – July 14, Mike Hankins Day where volunteers assembled at Mike’s house to help his wife and son by repairing various things Mike would have otherwise taken care of himself. LASTA’s red caboose, the Ray Duplechain, received a replacement period stove and Agnes (Alco RS-1), received some attention to her leaking radiator and other mechanical issues. The first batch of used donated motor oil passed quality tests and was transferred to 745’s tender. There was also an article on the comparisons of well-known steam locomotives, including 745.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://lasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/745-Journal-Spring-2007-color.pdf” title=”745 Journal Spring 2007 (color)”]
2006 General Meeting
LASTA held its first general meeting in the new Sea Island Visitors Center on November 2. The officers and team leaders provided information on our recent events and updated the membership on current projects. LASTA extended its lease on 745 and various pieces of equipment owned by Louisiana Railroad Heritage Trust (LRHT).
Louis Saillard reported that we gained 43 members during the month of October. Many joined during our successful “Steam Fest” that was held at Audubon Park. Harry Abbott was appointed as our new Safety Officer.
Steam Fest
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the donation by Southern Pacific Railroad to Audubon Park of steam locomotive number 745. This year also marks the first anniversary of this historic engine’s rebirth as the Spirit of Louisiana!
LASTA held its first STEAM FEST with the locomotive and her exhibit train on display at Riverview Park behind Audubon Zoo on October 14 and 15. Music was provided by Dennis and Company , Country Fried , Pat Flory and Hazel and the Delta Ramblers. A special slide lecture was given by railroad historian Louis Saillard.