Just returned from Rocky Mount, NC, and this has to be, one of the best meetings of the ACL/SAL HS. The city of Rocky Mount has done a magnificent job of restoring the old ACL Depot, and ACL business car 303. The society has been very lucky to have the donated space from the city of Rocky Mount. The 3 day affair was well planned, and I want to thank ,personally, the officers and board members for a great job. I rode the Silver Palm back from Rocky Mount to Ocala, and at midnight, the Silver Palm is no more. They have taken off the sleepers and dinner, and renamed the train the Palmetto. And a special thanks to Vic Lewis for all his knowledge of the local area, and colorful commentary. I wish all members would send a letter or email to Amtrak and request that they restore the SILVER PALM, and full Amtrak service. Sincerely, Allen L. Wiener, Ocala, FL

-- Allen L. Wiener (SouRwy@aol.com), April 29, 2002

Answers

I have to agree with the comments about the quality of the Rocky Mount meeting. Unfortunately, because of work, I was only able to stay for a day and make the Friday trip north but it was a very enjoyable experience. I finally made it to the renovated station. I really like what's been done. It's a real success story considering North Carolina's history as the "good roads state". I'm also thankful for the efforts to save the Whopper Hopper. Again, great job guys. I look forward to the next meeting when I can stay longer.

-- Paul Williams (plwexpress@hotmail.com), May 04, 2002.

Vic I have praised to the roof what the state of North Carolina and the city of Rocky Mount have done to prserve railroad history, with depots, rail cars, and have interstate trains runnning with Amtrak personnel. I have given to Ocala's Asst.City Manager, Mr. Peter Varney name to contact and find out how this has helped the City of Rocky Mount with every dollor spent with a return of 4 dollars. I can only hope this will get Ocala and the state of Florida on the track of North Carolina. Thanks again for you help and conments on the ACL and CSX in the Rocky Mount area. Allen Wiener

-- Allen L. Wiener (SouRwy@aol.com), May 02, 2002.

Thanks for comments Allen and would like to extend an invitation to all members to visit Rocky Mount sometime,you'll be pleasantly surprized.

-- V.L.Lewis (TrkInsp5F33@aol.com), May 01, 2002.

Thanks Allen for the compliments, and thanks to you and all the other members who turned out for this great meeting. As you mentioned, the major credit belongs to the City of Rocky Mount for making all this possible. All those who couldn't come to R. M. really missed a good one, but we hope to do it again sometime. Meanwhile, as you'll read in a formal announcement in the next Lines South, the board is asking for member "bids" to run the 2003 mid-year meeting, so if you have an idea for a location and program and are willing to take charge of the planning and logistics, let us know.

-- Larry Goolsby (LGoolsby@aphsa.org), April 29, 2002.