I can’t think of many short-lines that have more old style charm and personality than the Arcade & Attica. My good friend Ben Martin and I wanted to shoot the line and got to the enginehouse early with the intent that we could get some tips on the day’s operation from the crew. It turned out that we got there plenty early as the crew was not in yet so we walked around and soaked up the atmosphere. At 6:50am, as if on cue, a half dozen pickup trucks and a man on a cruiser style bicycle converged on the shady parking lot in front of the office all within a minute of each other and found what was obviously “their" spots. Out of each truck emerged a character from central casting and each fitted their roles perfectly. The bicyclist turned out to be the railroad’s head mechanic and the crew gathered around him to make a game plan for the day’s tasks. With an obvious familiarity to what was expected of each other and years of working together, talking was kept to a minimum and each person went off to their task. Within a few minutes, the engine house door was opened and the 65Tonner was started up and headed out the door to the interchange where three cars were waiting to be picked up. Ward Kimball would have felt at home here.
From a hint of "Bee" (NKP 765), colorful "Bees" (KCS), "Bees" w/ "attitude", to "Bees" that "sting" your eyes, in their own way they have "Bee" on display! Equipment that "Buzzes" with Yellow & Black colors! ("Bees" can still "Bee" entering this "hive"!)
