Todd DeFeo

An ‘Appalling Catastrophe’

February 1, 2004 Todd DeFeo

At about 8 p.m. on Sept. 29, 1906, a northbound Louisville & Nashville Railroad passenger train — No. 102 — steamed towards a swing bridge crossing the Cumberland River. Near the overpass, a glowing red light broke the night’s darkness, signaling for an approaching train to stop.

A southbound NJ Transit train passes through Elizabeth, N.J. in August 2003..

Trains and travel: The perfect combo

October 15, 2003 Todd DeFeo

I love trains. And, I love to travel. Combining the two makes for the perfect getaway.

On a recent jaunt to Washington, D.C., on Amtrak’s Crescent, I noticed something on the train’s lead Genesis unit.

Railfanning is Fun, But Safety is Key

June 14, 2003 Todd DeFeo

I always play it safe when I take to a trackside location to railfan. Safety is my — and should be all railfans’ — No. 1 priority. For example, if you’re watching trains from a railroad crossing, abide by the law and stay behind the gates.

Hit the rails

May 18, 2003 Todd DeFeo

Whether it be steam or diesel that strikes your fancy, there are plenty of nearby railroad museums for train enthusiasts. Throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, more than a half dozen museums await exploration by anxious railroad buffs.

Engines steam toward Cookeville excursion

May 18, 2003 Todd DeFeo

A few times a year, perhaps only for a few hours, this eastern Tennessee city takes a step back in time to an era when railroads ruled.

Time travels by train

May 18, 2003 Todd DeFeo

Every year, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers more than 20 excursions from Nashville to various Middle and East Tennessee cities, including Watertown and Cookeville. The museum is located at the former Tennessee Central Railway’s Master Mechanic’s office on Willow Street.

Crossroads of America

March 31, 2003 Todd DeFeo

I found myself standing at the intersection of two railroads.