American Heritage Railways official discusses Thomas the Tank Engine

Officers, directors and committee chairs of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce hosted a dinner meeting Friday night at the home of Roy and Penny Reynolds. Special guest and speaker was Paul Schranck of American Heritage Railways, Inc.

Mr. Schranck related plans for the proposed visit of Thomas the Tank in mid-October. He explained that the appearance of Thomas has drawn upwards of 30,000 visitors at other tourism trains in the nation.

"In 2001 our facility in South Carolina hosted Thomas, drawing 30,000 guests," he said. "We will offer more than the centerpiece, but also related activities. We would like to have a petting zoo, story telling, Thomas movies, live music and many family type activities. There will be an abundance of Thomas memorabilia for purchase."

A ticket purchase proposes to provide a half hour train ride and three to four hours of food, fun and fellowship, he stated.

Other plans are being developed for parking, emergency medical assistance if needed, a mother's station for assistance with small toddlers and numerous port 'o pots.

"We will offer the opportunity for food vendors to share in the excitement," Mr. Schranck said. "These applicants will need to have standard certification for food service, including the legal license requirements," he explained.

He estimated that the help of approximately 25 volunteers will be welcomed by American Heritage. We will provide identification for the volunteers, making it easy for them to move among the visitors helping in many areas of activities.

Among the chamber officials present were chamber president Penny Reynolds and Roy Reynolds, hosts, also Theresa Tosh Langley, Toni Meador, Connie Brown, Kay Epperson, Angela Raiborn, Glenda Long, Bob and Jeannette Goldsberry, Jim and Laretta Britton.

The recent flooding and damage to this area has drawn attention to the operation of the TSR. From company offices in Colorado, Mr. Schranck said Monday in a telephone interview, "This is just railroading. Accidents happen. This can be repaired and we need to do that as quickly as possible and then move on."

Negotiations are ongoing for the accomplishment of needed repairs which stem, in part, from excessive rainfall over the weekend.