The Last Day Of Steam At Sugarcreek 5/24/2003 by Dave Hyman

I had a very restless night last night, tossing and turning, the minutes just dragged by, every one of them was torture for me, knowing that tomorrow was going to be yet another day that would pass into the history books, never to return. Sleep came and went, intermittently, never closing my eyes for more than 15 minutes at a time. There is nothing I can do to undo what was about to happen, it was out of my hands. Finally, at 5:00 am the skies began to brighten up as the sun was about to break over the horizon. Still tired, and at the same time somehow energized, I began to add haste to my footsteps, and endeavor. An inventory of my camera equipment and supplies was in order, checking everything 3 times. After all, there were no second chances for me. A cup of coffee stood by me, half drank and now cold. With an eager eye on the clock I decided that I could wait no longer, as I slung my bag over my shoulder at 6:00 am. The trip to Sugarcreek seemed to last forever, although in reality it was just 45 minutes or so. Every mile bringing me closer to that dreaded moment of reality. This trip was the last trip I would make to Sugarcreek to witness Ohio Central steam in the town. The sun was shining brightly as I entered Sugarcreek, Amish farmers were working the fields, horses busy and hard at work pulling plows and raking up the dust as they make their way across the fields. Traffic was brisk and folks were starting to show up at Sugarcreek Depot. I picked my parking space close to the depot carefully as I knew I was going to be chasing the train this morning, and I had to be ready to move out ahead of the train.

The crew were busy preparing 1293, a 4-6-2 G5d Pacific , ex Canadian Pacific , locomotive, washing her down with soap and water, loading coal into the tender, and putting a fire in her belly. Today was a special day and 1293 was to look her best., shining in the morning sun in all her resplendent glory. The brass bell was polished, headlamp glass sparkling clean, valves popping and hissing, as the time grew closer to that first run of the day.

Finally, after she was given the once over by the engineer and fireman, it was time for 1293 to make her grand appearance before the waiting crowds. With a mighty roar she let out a voice from deep inside, a moan, a sound that sends a shiver down your spine, a reminder that she was still very much alive and ready for a days work.  Gently and without effort 1293 began to reverse back out of the sidings, sending powerful blasts of steam into the morning air.

After making several maneuvers through the switches and out onto the mainline 1293 picked up her load of coaches and eased up to the depot for the photo session. I made my way across the tracks and positioned myself for the roster shot of the day, fighting for prime space as the photographers were lining up in anticipation.

With bells clanging in gently rhythm, a shrill whistle, and valves popping, 1293 put on a show for the photographers and video cameras as she stood in the bright morning sun.  The crowds had gathered to be a part of this historic day and were ready to board the train for the last time. The station staff, conductors were ready to board the passengers as the engineer and fireman stood talking to those who asked questions. As the last passengers boarded the train the crew said a fond farewell to those who refused to believe that this day had come. Heartbroken, and sad that the town of Sugarcreek would hear the sounds of steam no longer. I rushed across the main road as 1293 made her presence known with a crescendo of whistle blasts to get a shot as she eased out of the depot.

Undaunted and with firm resolve I got back into my car and drove out to my chosen photo spot along the route and made ready for 1293 to come past me on her way to Baltic, some 6 miles from Sugarcreek. I was not alone as I made my way to my chosen spot, a cavalcade of photographers and enthusiasts had formed and were also chasing 1293 along the route. I pulled over and set up as I heard 1293 blowing her whistle in the distance, not far behind me.

Now firmly engrossed in my resolve to record this day I returned to the depot and made ready for 1293’s second trip of the day. I was to repeat this sequence for all 4 trips, knowing it would be over in a matter of a few hours. At 4:30 pm 1293 was made ready for her final trip out of Sugarcreek. The crew had given the fans everything that could be asked of them, the sights and the sounds of steam, conversation and fond memories. As 1293 eased out of the depot, a strange feeling came over me, the heart wrenching truth that I had just witnessed history in the making.

It took all I could muster to take the very last shot of the day as 1293 slipped around the bend and out of sight on her last trip out of Sugarcreek. I returned home with a deep sorrow in my heart at the passing of what was for me an inspiration and a chance to capture the essence of steam railroading in today’s modern world. Dave Hyman.

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