During the past few decades many railroad lines have declined due to lack of service. Others that were used eventually declined due to lack of proper maintenance. The positive side of this that many of these lines still exist to this day. The recent surge in freight traffic is causing some of these lines to be upgraded to meet the demands of the current busy  economic conditions.

Union Station is about as close as you get to the downtown area. Due to it proximity trains could arrive on regular basis from all different directions. Fleets of buses could be available to shuttle the masses of people to and from the stadium. The impending parking problems and major traffic snarls could be almost eliminated with a well operated rail and bus operation.

Let's review the various lines available for the purpose of moving people in and out of Hartford. There are a number of lines which currently exist today, which reach out to many surrounding towns.

1 - Amtrak's "Inland Corridor" is used currently for daily service. Northward is Springfield, Mass., and the towns of Thompsonville, Windsor Locks, and Windsor, Conn. Southward are the towns of Berlin, Meriden, Wallingford, and the City of New Haven.

2 - Eastward is Connecticut Southern's freight line to East Hartford, Buckland, and Manchester.

3 - Another line which leaves Connecticut Southern's freight line in East Hartford is the Armory Line. This line serves the towns of  South Windsor and East Windsor.

4 - Due south of the City is the Connecticut Valley Line. This line is currently being upgraded by the Providence and Worcester Railroad for freight service between Hartford and New Haven via the City of Middletown. Towns served by this line are; Middletown, Portland, Cromwell, Rocky Hill., and Wethersfield. (Note!! This lines passes very close to the proposed site of the stadium. Why not put a stop here to handle the Connecticut Valley Line patrons??

5 - Another line available leaves the "Inland Corridor" near the railroad station in Berlin, Conn. This line is currently used by the Guilford Rail Services . It serves the towns of New Britain,
Southington, Plainville, and Waterbury.

6 - The last line available is the Griffiths Line. This line leaves the "Inland Corridor" just north of Union Station and heads northwest. This line serves the town of  Bloomfield.

All of these lines would be available to handle the "Football Trains" and literally transport thousands of people comfortably and safely without causing massive traffic jams or environmental  problems. Just think about the economic benefits that the city could reap at every game.

It doesn't end here - just consider once the system is operating efficiently - why not expand to include the movement of commuters in and out of the city every weekday. On weekends people could be brought back into the city for all sorts of scheduled events.

Please welcome aboard the following members that  were voted in at the April 18th meeting:  Richard and Merrill Adams of Middlefield, Alan and Connie Marshall of Hampton, Earl and Maria Dunton of Willimantic.

Thanks for your support  and feel free to come and visit us on Saturday mornings at the museum site!

Income as of April 30, 1999 was $1199.04.   Expenses $3224.62.

Do you have a story that you would like to have published in The Ghost Train Journal?  What about an old newspaper clipping or picture with a short story?  The editor is always looking for interesting articles that can be shared with your fellow railfans.  Drop me a line at the address above, or better yet email me at jeffrey.ricard@snet.net

Great Dames for Sale.

Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.

For Sale:  Three canaries of undermined sex.

Vacation Special:  Have your home exterminated.

Get rid of aunts.  Zap does the job in 24 hours.

We do not tear your clothing with machinery.  We do it carefully by hand.

Stock up and save.  Limit one.

The chapter is considering holding a second railroad show this year.  We are looking at the month of September, possibly around the 12th. We will let you know exactly what the plans are in the May newsletter.  Right now we are checking with Windham High School to see If that date would be available.  A second show should help make up some of  the needed income to support the various projects taking place this year. Stay tuned.

 Art has also been working on the wall designs for the roundhouse and on installation of the electric service with CL&P, we hope to have these next steps done soon.

The chapter would like to request email addresses from all members that would like to receive postings and notices about chapter events.  We would add you to a mailing list that could be used to notify members of special work days, museum events, news from other railroads, feedback to the museum, etc.  If you would like to receive this information please drop me a quick note with your email address to jeffrey.ricard@snet.net
We will let you know how successful this project is.

Volunteers will be needed to staff the museum both Saturday and Sunday May 15th and 16th during the Victorian Willimantic Home Tour.  Please contact Bill Jeske (742-9425) if you can help out.  If everyone could volunteer a small amount of time this would make it easier on of us who are participating.