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Railroaders' Nostalgia > Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest EngineersDate: 10/01/17 21:39 Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engineers Author: CA_Sou_MA_Agent Yesterday I went to the re-purposed ex-Santa Fe station in Corona, CA (mundo's hang out in the 1940s and 50s) for a retirement party for Steve Case, who finished off his career as one of Metrolink's finest engineers. The station is now a restaurant and bar. Steve started his railroad career with Santa Fe, then Amtrak inter-city when they started hiring their own T&E people, then Amtrak when it initially landed the Metrolink operating contract, then Connex, then back to Amtrak when they re-assumed the Metrolink operating contract.
It was great seeing a lot of active and retired employees, some of whom I haven't seen in a long time. All things considered, it looks like we're holding up pretty well. There was food, booze (Rule G was not in effect) and even live music, with Amtrak/Metrolink engineer John Kennedy strumming a guitar and singing a funny song, the lyrics of which are reproduced below. Amtrak # 4, the SOUTHWEST CHIEF, did a slow roll-by and some extra whistling in Steve's honor when it passed us later in the evening. Ditto for some Metrolink trains. Here's a trio of photos and a who's who. First photo L to R: Joe Bell, retired AMTK engineer with SP heritage; Christy Pacheco, active AMTK/SCAX conductor with UP, AMTK and Connex/SCAX heritage; Joe Theis, retired ATSF and AMTK engineer (Joe was # 1 on the AMTK national roster for several years. He used to hostle steam engines at ATSF in his early days!); Dennis Querio, a "short-timer" conductor at BNSF, who also worked at ATSF, AMTK and AMTK/SCAX. Note the "CORONA" sign in the background, on the east end of the building. It refers to the city, not the beer. Second photo L to R: Me, retired AMTK-AMTK/SCAX-AMTK conductor with ATSF heritage as a clerk, towerman & train order operator; Joe Bell again (these are officially his photos from his camera); the man of honor -- Steve Case, engineer extraordinaire - Happy retirement, Steve!; Keith Moore, retired AMTK/SCAX conductor (and UTU union rep) with PC, CR, AMTK, Connex/SCAX heritage. Third Photo L to R: Chuck Wright, current AMTK/SCAX engineer with heritage at ATSF, AMTK and Connex/SCAX; Charlie Hartsfield, retired AMTK engineer with heritage at ATSF and AMTK/SCAX. He was also a clerk at ATSF. https://www.facebook.com/CoronaDepotBar/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The PTC Song Woe is me, PTC Just put us in penalty Don’t think that we’re gonna make it through We’re stuck in Tunnel 26 And Oh Boy now, we’re in a fix Just between us two, I’d say we’re screwed The passengers are throw’n fits The GPS just took a chit The “Help Desk” doesn’t even have a clue Dispatcher’s askin’ questions But giving no suggestions “You’ve broke our fine machine so shame on you!” (Chorus) I’ve filled out all the forms and papers Cycled all the electric breakers Hope and pray is all that I can do They’re telling me to “cut it out” But I just want to scream and shout And go and pick me up some sniffing glue (Chorus) This freak’n bunch of hypocrites Says “Safety’s always topped our list” But want us to get by with one man crews Oh, they’re spending tons of money And I think it’s kind of funny We’ll still be whacking people two by two (Chorus) When it’s all said and done A stopped train is the safest one Our ridership will dwindle to a few I hope that I’ll still have a job But if I don’t, I will not sob I’ll move in with Steve Case and “that’ll do”!! Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 10/03/17 09:39 by CA_Sou_MA_Agent. Date: 10/02/17 07:24 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: 3rdswitch All the best to Steve. Only knew him by name. I have worked with Chris Pacheco many moons ago, went to engineer training in Topeka with Chuck Wright and just saw Dennis Q and Joe T at a Santa Fe engineer retiree get together in Long Beach in June. Time flies. What a lineup.
JB Date: 10/02/17 17:41 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: CPCoyote Happy retirement Steve. You're gonna love it!
Date: 10/03/17 14:06 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: spider1319 Thanks for posting.Some familiar faces to be sure.Worked with most of these guys , a great bunch.Bill Webb
Date: 10/09/17 07:58 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: whistlepig Steve taught me the ins and outs of the early San Gabriel sub. When you still had to get a Santa Fe warrant from the DS from Pomona to San Bernardino. He got me qualified. Really good man. Not crazy about his choice of cigars though. ;)
Date: 10/09/17 12:35 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: IC1038west Your lyrics are the best I have soaked up since santafe199 posted " Welcome to my roundhouse" in the flavor of GnR. Keep on jamming! Thank you for your post.
Date: 10/10/17 12:03 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: Chico43 "I wanna go home"!!
Date: 10/13/17 12:55 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: StarshipConductor HOLEY MOLEY, Joe Bell is everywhere! hahahaha
Date: 10/15/17 07:59 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: whistlepig Joe Bell was always right where I needed him to get me qualified to Kingmnan and back!
Date: 10/24/17 11:55 Re: Retirement Party For One Of Amtrak / Metrolink's Finest Engin Author: Bob3985 Congrats Steve. Welcome to the crowd.
Bob Krieger Cheyenne, WY |