https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbzAJoW34DM
https://bobbalew.blogspot.com/2009/03/o-winston-link.html
Train 42 'The Pelican' headed by N&W 4-8-4 Class J No.603 arrives at Rural Retreat, VA eastbound from New Orleans to Washington shortly before 10pm Christmas Eve 1957, and thunders off into the night. The Norfolk & Western Railway's own Class J was perhaps the finest of all express steam engines, and Number 603 is heard here in its last days of main line service with a consist of 17 cars. The photograph is of Train 17 'The Birmingham Special' westbound arriving later that same night at 11.37pm, being waved through by Agent J.L. Akers. The photograph and sound recording were by O. Winston Link and his assistant Corky Zider who operated a Tapesonic recorder and non-directional microphone; chimes were played specially for the recording at the nearby Grace Lutherian Church by a Mrs. K. Dodson. Seven nights later, steam motive power would come to an end on the Bristol line. The building on the right still stands today, however its future seems uncertain.
OR ... DEPENDING WHERE YOU SEEK ...
During the Christmas season of 1957 at Rural Retreat, VA, an absolutely stunning steam railroad sound recording was captured by legendary photographer O. Winston Link.
Winston was set up to not only capture on film the passing of Norfolk & Weatern's 'The Pelican' and 'The Birmingham Special' (attached black & white OWL night photo) rolling through Rural Retreat, VA, but to also preserve for all time, the sounds of "The Pelican" as it made its approach, station stop and eventual departure from the small town. Winston also captured the sounds of the Grace Lutheran Church chimes as they rang out 'Silent Night' during this timeless sequence.
Many still believe that the recording was made Christmas Eve 1957, but it was actually December 27th. Link was in Rural Retreat December 24th, but didn't like the results he got. He returned three days later and made probably the most famous steam railroad recording of all time. Winston's field notes contain the sequence of events and dates, so there is no question as to the dates. However, there were two versions published. The sequence on the original 'Fading Giant' LP back in 1958 was about 6:20 long. The later single CD of the 'Fading Giant' (circa 1995) was about 11:40 long, with longer approach and departing sections. Fortunately, the currently available CD Box Set includes the longer version.
See the notes below regarding the session
"Train 42 'The Pelican' headed by N&W 4-8-4 Class J 603 arrives at Rural Retreat, VA eastbound from New Orleans to Washington shortly before 10pm Dec. 27th, 1957, and thunders off into the night. The Norfolk & Western Railway's own Class J was perhaps the finest of all express steam engines, and 603 is heard here in its last days of main line service with a consist of 17 cars. The photograph is of Train 17 'The Birmingham Special' westbound arriving later that same night at 11.37pm, being waved through by Agent J.L. Akers. The photograph and sound recording were by O. Winston Link and his assistant Corky Zider who operated a Tapesonic recorder and non-directional microphone; chimes were played specially for the recording at the nearby Grace Lutheran Church by Mrs. Kathryn Dodson. Seven nights later, steam motive power would come to an end on the N&W main line through Rural Retreat and Bristol."
As always,this georgous sound recording is perfect for Christmas Eve listening. Turn up your volume and enjoy !
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