The Humming Bird Special
The Hummingbird Returns by Jim Norton member Alabama Association of Rail Passengers
It was a sight to behold as Amtrak"s Northbound Hummingbird ( sounds good dosen't it ) rounded the curve as it rolled into Decatur Alabama's Union Station. this was the first Amtrak train to pull into Decatur since the Floridian was discontinued nearly 19 years ago. The train was lead by two Genisis locomotives qith horns blaring and strobrs flashing as the Superliner consist leaned into the curve as the train slowed to a stop. The rear was brought up by a private dome car.
The train apeared packed as the 50 to 75 passengers boarded along side the Decatur depot. The Hummingbird had been delayed in departing Birmingham due to signal problems and was nearly an hour late.
Myself along with Tennessean Ken McGarry had set up a table at Decatur Union Station to promote Amtrak and give out timetables, flyers, bumper stickers and the like. The table was well recieved and the late running of the train gave even more of an opportunity to educate and create support for Amtrak. We also set up the both the following day for the second Hummingbird trip on its northbound journey from Birmingham to Nashville.
I urge others in other regions to do the same when such a special train visits your area.
It is interesting to note only the local newspapers were on hand to cover the event. The local TV stations had been contacted but apparently this is not news worthy as none were on hand to great the train.
We in Decatur would Like to thank the Kentuckiana Rail Task Force, Tennessee Association of Railroad Passengers, Alabama Association of Railroad Passengers, National Association of railroad Passengers for their support. ( Note the N.A.R.P. flyers were reproduced with funds provided by the Kentuckiana Rail Task Force) and many thanks to Elijah Mason of Amtrak whp provided us with two large boxes of promotional items.
Jim Norton
Madison Alabama
PHOTO GALLERY
Trip advertisement
Two Postcards
1st pic at Nashville Tennessee in the Nashville and Eastern Interchange with CSXT
2nd, Humming bird passing thru nashville
3rd, Hummingbird at Brentwood tennessee entering the Lewisburg Subdivison The New Haven, KY Depot
Shot of the humming bird arriving Decatur alabama
Shot of the table of information at decatur and the Decatur Union Station photos courtsey of Louisville and Nashville Historical Society Member Jimmy the railroad man from Hartselle, Alabama
Photos courtesy L & N Historical Society member Jimmy the Rail Road Man
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