Eastern Railroad Discussion > NS F's and the Miracle Express

Date: 11/20/19 06:19
NS F's and the Miracle Express
Author: EL833

Since the bids come down today on the NS executive fleet I'll add what is my favorite memory of them. Like many, I've photographed and viewed them trackside a lot over the years as a fan, but a day in October 2010 remains the best during my career with NS. Norfolk Southern had donated the entire business train for a Cleveland to Toledo round trip dubbed the "Miracle Express" that gave many kids with illnesses, many of which were terminal, their first (and maybe last) train ride. I volunteered back in the coaches along with other local NS employees but took a few moments before we departed Cleveland to grab a shot of the train at the Amtrak station and a couple views from inside the 4271. It turned out to be one of those days that will remain etched in my mind as well as all others on that train, the smiles of those children saying what words couldn't. This wasn't the big deal like the CSX Santa train is with it's national attention, but in our little corner of the world it was a very big deal for those children.

Roger Durfee
Akron, OH