Articles by Todd DeFeo

About Todd DeFeo

Todd DeFeo loves to travel anywhere, anytime, taking pictures and notes. An award-winning reporter, Todd revels in the experience and the fact that every place has a story to tell. He is owner of The DeFeo Groupe and also edits Express Telegraph and The Travel Trolley.

WDW Classics: It started with a steam train

April 20, 2009 Todd DeFeo

It’s no coincidence that the first attraction to greet guests of the Magic Kingdom is the railroad. After all, trains played such an important role in Walt Disney’s life – even Mickey Mouse was created on a train.

Marking the anniversary of The Andrews Raid

April 12, 2009 Todd DeFeo

For anyone looking to take advantage of the spring weather, today marks the 147th anniversary of the Andrews Raid.

There’s no point in waiting one hour for pictures anymore

April 7, 2009 Todd DeFeo

It used to be that a few days were quick enough; then it went to an hour. Now, a few seconds is just unacceptable.

Kingston: The turning point of the Andrews Raid

March 9, 2009 Todd DeFeo

Railroad travel was very different during the Civil War, and stops were frequent. In some cases, a town’s sole livelihood was the railroad.

‘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.”