Todd DeFeo

‘Big Shanty, 20 minutes for breakfast’

February 19, 2009 Todd DeFeo

The General steam locomotive pulled the morning passenger train, winding its way through the rural Georgia countryside. Shortly before 6 a.m. on a rainy morning, Engineer Jeff Cain blew the locomotive’s whistle to signal that Big Shanty was approaching.

‘The most extraordinary and astounding adventure’

January 24, 2009 Todd DeFeo

Trains still roar past the Kennesaw House located between the city square and the railroad tracks a block away. Turn back the clock 145 years to April 12, 1862, and the Kennesaw House was the stepping off point for one of the more intriguing episodes of the Civil War.

The so-called Classic City is known for a lot, usually revolving around the University of Georgia. But, a major rail line passes through Athens, and there are a handful of historic depots worth checking out – all located within a 30 mile or so drive in any given direction.

Check Out the L.A. Times

October 1, 2008 Todd DeFeo

The L.A. Times quoted me in an article they published today: “Train hobbyists are loco for that motion.”

Good Old Steam

May 28, 2008 Todd DeFeo

I went to Chattanooga this weekend. Here’s the first of what will likely be several videos. This shows No. 610 steaming around the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:

Railfanning in Japan

May 1, 2008 Todd DeFeo

I’m Standing at the Station…

April 14, 2008 Todd DeFeo

The subway car is silent except for the sound of metal wheels on metal rails as the train made its way beneath Tokyo’s busy streets. Commuters look at their cell phones, read newspapers or simply mind their own business. There is no conversation.

Tennessee Railroad Strike: 140 Years Later

February 6, 2008 Todd DeFeo

Today marks the 140th anniversary of an obscure railroad strike in Clarksville, Tenn.