The P&WV Hi-Line

[M.JCT.]

I just finished reading the Tim McCready Chronicles and have to say how pleased I am that these accounts have been documented and saved.

It is truly great to read stores of the time during the days of steam, when PGH was an industrial giant and the workshop of the world. To read stories of steel, fire, cinders, whiskey, sweat and the 1100 Mallets was a thrill. Reading about the industrial stops and rail yards along the P & WV; places like Monessen, Clairton, Mifflin, Avella, and Rook, all add interest to this saga.

And to think that Mr. CcCready witnessed all this during a time when this country was at War and was still able to serve his country to boot. I can only imagine the hard work of firing and operating one of those steam engines!

JR/JZ, Bill Poellot, thanks so much for sharing these stories and photos; and a special thanks to Gene Schaeffer for sharing his collection and for his foresight in making this record. And above all, thanks for Mr. Tim McCready!

[BillK]

Just went back and re-read Tims notes. the first time I missed where he quoted my Grandfather on the loss of steam and the romance of railroading.

BillK