ST. LOUIS IRON MOUNTAIN ACQUIRES NEW ENGINE

Duane Reynolds, volunteer engineer, pulls the ropes to blow the horn as the St. Louis Iron Mountain train goes through a crossing on a weekday excursion.

The St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway's new diesel locomotive engine wasn't welcomed properly to Jackson as it had the unpleasant experience of hitting a truck that had ran through the red lights during the engine's first day on the job.

Fortunately, the driver of the truck had only minor injuries and the new locomotive had only lost a little paint.

The need for the new engine came when the other diesel engine the railway had been leasing was sold by the owner.

Dan Davis, president, said they purchased the dual engine E series from the Blue Mountain Railroad in Redding, Pa.

The engine provides more than enough power for its current duties. The 2250 horsepower engine should never be taxed by pulling the short Iron Mountain at speeds no greater than 10 MPH. The engine is capable of speeds in excess of 80 MPH. It weighs 330,000 pounds.

The engine is a dual engine and if one engine isn't working the other can be used to run the train.

Built in 1951, the engine was in service with Amtrak until 1985. It was restored to its original condition after its retirement from Amtrak.

Its duties for the St. Louis Iron Mountain is to run the train during the week. The steam engine will still run on weekend excursions.

Another bonus of the new engine is that it is larger than the previous diesel engine and passengers can walk through the cab.

Duane Reynolds, volunteer engineer since 1992, who also worked 20 years with Chicago Northwestern, likes the new engine. He also said that E and F series locomotives have there own following similar to steam engine followings.

During his stint with Chicago Northwestern, he engineered a F series locomotive. Reynolds said that this E series is basically the same thing.

Davis said the tourist attraction will attract 25,000 tourists this year to ride the rails. On Wednesday, the train was packed for both excursions.

Reynolds has the company of his son along in the engine. Kelly Reynolds is the fireman and his job is to help the engineer watch at crossings, make track changes and look after any other problems that may occur with the engine.

Kelly has volunteered with the railroad for a year and a half. Before that he was a factory supervisor.

"I grew up around this, but it is a new line of work," he said.

The St. Louis Iron Mountain has nine volunteer engineers and they rely on volunteers to run the train from engine to caboose. Duane Reynolds said volunteers are always welcome to help the railway.