Story Created:
Jun 22, 2008 at 4:59 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 22, 2008 at 5:14 PM CST
Today's the first day the passenger train Zephyr has passed through Wichita Falls since 1967. It started in Ft. Worth, and made a stop in Quanah for a huge celebration. And what a day it was for all 500 passengers aboard.
The train was delayed five miles south of Henrietta. According to police a man in his forties was standing in the middle of the tracks, coverd in paint and holding an ax.
The man is in custody and charged with tresspassing. After the bazaar encounter, the train continued on its journey to Quanah for some afternoon celebrations.
After a strange delay and a morning of waiting. Passengers boarding the Quanah Zephyr in Wichita Falls were eager to start their journey.
"I'm on the train for the first time in 61 years," said Jean Smith.
The National Railway Historical Society annual conference is being held this week in Ft. Worth. And it's the North Texas chapter of the organization that's sponsoring this excursion to Quanah.
"Quanah was founded by the railroad but we didn't know it was the county's birthday this year. So, when we told them we were planning on bringing the train they told us it was their 150th anniversary. It seemed to me it was a marriage made in heaven," said Zephyr conductor Steve Goen.
Passengers from around the world and of all ages enjoyed the historical recreation.
"We saw some interesting things going over bridges. We were going pretty fast," said Anthony Freeman.
Passengers got another surprise. Actors playing Commanche Indians and outlaws added some extra entertainment.
This attack, however, was planned by railroad authorities. The grandma to these young actors was actually a passenger on the very first Zephyr trip in 1940.
"I rode to Electra and my parents picked me up and it was a big deal," said Sheridan Fuqua.
Goen says after all the hard work, he's sad to see this day has already arrived.
"Today, you're seeing something that may not happen for another 40 years. It's that rare and that hard to pull this off," he said.
"I think today we created some more Texas railroad history," said Goen.
The train included a diesel locomotive, an electrical power car, along with six Amtrak cars and seven private cars owned by various railroad museums and or private railcar leasing companies from across the country.
Monday, Jun 23 at 4:01 AM Bob Cummins wrote ...
Thanks for the story. I would of like to been on train. The country is poorer for cutting back on Amtrak service. Hopefully when gas reaches 6 dollars a gallons something will be done. To reach the NW, I would have to drive to Wichita, KS, then go by train to Chicago, then go to Seattle. Lacks of train service services no one.