Our Goals
The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society (PLERRHS) has two goals.  The first is the preservation of materials concerning the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE), its predecessors, subsidiaries, and affiliated railroads.  The second is to provide accessibility of those materials to anyone interested in learning more about the "The Little Giant".

The Reason
Until now there has been no official organization dedicated to the objectives presented above. Currently there are some loosely organized employee organizations, and a few forums on the web.  We are the first group dedicated to preserving the history of the P&LE.

The Present
The PLERRHS is a non-profit corporation within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The PLERRHS currently has 501-C-3 status pending from the Internal Revenue Service.

Immediate Objectives
The PLERRHS has three immediate objectives.  The first is a membership drive to provide a strong base from which we can begin programs to preserve and protect the history of the P&LE.  The second is to provide the membership with a quarterly newsletter focusing on the P&LE's history and modeling potential, and to keep the membership informed of the PLERRHS preservation efforts.  The last is to continue to expand this website, so that we may provide anyone interested in the P&LE with a source of modeling and historical information, and promote the PLERRHS by attracting potential members.

Future Objectives
Develop the PLERRHS to be an asset to historians, former employees and their families, modelers interested in the P&LE, and other institutions that are repositories for the history of railroads and the industries that they served.

December 25, 2004 PLERRHS News-Notes #2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. A Message from the President
2. Lead Articles in Vol. 1 No. 4 of THE LITTLE GIANT
3. Help in Locating an Ex-Employee
4. Post Gazette Article
5. The NEW Society Website
6. Articles for THE LITTLE GIANT
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1. A Message from the President
Having been on the Board of Directors since the beginning, I have seen and learned some amazing things about the P&LE. This is especially true considering my only purpose for signing on to start the society in the first place was to create a place for the preservation of MY favorite road, a subsidiary of the P&LE/PRR, the PC&Y. Over the last year or so, I grew to love exploring the complex tapestry that was the P&LE, and ALL of its subs, and its essential contribution to the building of the industrial giant that is Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, with all the joy, also comes frustration. One of the biggest being that there is so much material & information out there that I and the rest of the Board will never live long enough to process it all, and still feed our families. So much has been lost already. We are losing more everyday. In order to just keep up, THE SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELP. There is so much that needs done! Locations need to be documented, buildings need to be photographed, oral histories need to be recorded, records need to be transcribed, documents need to be preserved, & numbers need to be crunched.

There are many ways you can help preserve the heritage of the P&LE. If you are near an ex- system station or depot or mine tipple or piece of equipment or whatever, photograph it in detail - NOW! If you are a veteran of the P&LE, write down what you remember. If you know an ex- railroader, talk to him and write down or record what he says (but before you do, be sure to let us know so that we can supply you with the necessary release forms). If you have maps or plans of anything along the system, we can get them copied at little or no cost to you. How about having your photos scanned or scanning them yourself? Please let us know beforehand, though, so that we can inform you of the proper size and format for best results. Copy old employee newsletters, timetables or any other interesting documents and send them along. How about writing an article about your favorite facet of the P&LE or maybe prodding someone else who you believe should write an article about it. Even if its about one engine, a freight car, a building, a signal bridge or a particularly good model of one. Every little bit helps.

In addition, thanks to the excellent responses to our member survey a few month ago, we have identified several P&LE veterans who would consent to be interviewed and many other members who either have resources to share or are willing to write articles for the magazine. We don't, however, have the manpower to follow up with them all. The Society can use the help of some motivated individuals who have the time and inclination to contact these people and expedite their contributions to our pool of knowledge. If this sounds like something that you might be interested in doing, please contact me at president@plerrhs.org. In any event, let the society know what's going on and we will try our best to help and get that information out. After all, its YOUR society. It lives or dies by your contribution, whether it be information, time, effort or money.
Frank Stingone
President - P&LE Railroad Historical Society
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2. Lead Articles in Vol. 1 No. 4 of THE LITTLE GIANT

This issue of the TLG is being printed as this News-Notes is being issued, and should be ready for mailing by about January 1st. The following are abstracts of the 3 lead articles.

Connellsville's P. McK.&Y. Stations - by: Paul Damon

With passenger Rail service at Connellsville, PA in an almost constant state of growth during the late 1800's and early 1900's, the Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny Railroad and later the P&LE, responded with no less than three stations to serve the public's needs. Author and historian, Paul Damon, looks at each of these stations in detail, examining their construction, location and use during this height of the rail-passenger travel era.

UP's ex-P&LE MP15DCs - by: Joe Sparico
By the mid-1980's, motive power requirements for the P&LE had changed considerably. This was due primarily to the collapse of the steel industry and the opening of new on-line coal fields. To compensate for this change, the P&LE entered into a three-way agreement with the Union Pacific and Conrail. Part of that deal was to provide the Union Pacific with excess P&LE MP15DCs. Joe Sparico provides us with a look at those units at home, on their trip west and working for their new owner. See them various paint schemes and get a complete renumbering roster of those units which the Union Pacific acquired.

Kit-bashing an H9 Mikado (Part 1) - by: Dave Wilson
In this first of a two-part series, Dave Wilson shows us how he has transformed an HO-scale Mantua brass model into a classy P&LE Class H9 Mikado. The highly detail descriptions of his techniques, coupled with his drawings of custom made parts make his project's article a must-read for any avid modeler. Several action shots of H9s in their hey-day are also included. Dave's second installment in the next issue of TLG will conclude with scratch-building the tender and painting the entire engine. It will also include a complete parts list used in both issues and extra added bonus images and drawings.
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3. Help in Locating an Ex-Employee

Does anyone know a Warren Mayfield, who I believe lives somewhere in Elizabeth Township in southern Allegheny County, PA.. I would like to contact him. He is reportedly a railroad modeler and enthusiast, and possibly also an ex-P&LE employee. If you know how to contact him, please let me know. Paul Damon at paulsr@paul-n-paul.com.
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4. Post Gazette Article

On 7/21/2003 Pittsburgh Post Gazette had an article on the Yough River Trail, formerly the P&LE Railroad line between McKeesport and Connellsville. Discusses their issues in obtaining funding for maintaining the Trail. It can be viewed at
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20030721trailreg2p2.asp
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5. The NEW Society Website

Our Society website at www.plerrhs.org has been completely overhauled. Please visit. This is still an on-going project according to our Webmaster, with more changes and additions coming in the next several months.
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6. Articles for THE LITTLE GIANT

The Little Giant, our Society magazine, could use a few good men and women. What do you remember about the P&LE, or any of its parts? What interests you the most in thinking back to the good old days? Did you live next to the tracks, or go through the stations to ride the trains, or view the engines snaking their way down the tracks? I remember my father entering the Smithfield Street station every several weeks to take the overnight sleeper to Washington DC. We would drive him there, and later pick him up. Why not contact our editor, Vince Skibo, and let him know. Why not write something for Vince about your interests, or your memories. Not a good writer??? "Never fear, Vince is near". He can help you. Contact Vince through our website at www.plerrhs.org and let him know.



Paul Damon, Vice President
P&LE Railroad Historical Society

October 25, 2004 PLERRHS News-Notes #1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Status of the Society and the Publications
2. Society Website www.plerrhs.org
3. Society Board of Directors
4. Request for Archival Resource Information

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1. Status of the Society and the Publications

The P&LE Railroad Historical Society is alive and kicking, if not a fair-piece behind in their publications. This current News-Notes is the first issue of what will hopefully be an informative news-in-brief about the Society. We will be issuing a wide variety of information about the Society and its miriad of activities in the coming weeks and months.

About our publication, THE LITTLE GIANT. As all of you who may be members of the Society are aware, we are significantly behind in the publishing schedule. Our best estimate is near the end of the year for the next issue. Be assured that all of you who joined over a year ago are still full members, and will be until the fourth issue is published. At this point, we will be asking for membership renewals. Those of you who joined during the past year and a half, your membership will not expire until you have received 4 full issues.

The difficulty with the publication is one of time. Many of you may know that our editor, who has devoted countless hours to publishing the first 3 issues, is a railroad engineer, traveling between New Castle and points west. For the past 6 months or so, he has had a killer schedule that has cut significantly into his personal time, and the time that can be devoted to the publication. Several other members are actively trying to help with the preliminary work, but the "buck" stops with him. Unless we could find someone else with a broad knowledge of the computer programs he utilizes and an intimate knowledge in printing and layout technology, it is not possible to aid his efforts in the final layout, which is what takes so much time. His efforts result in a quality publication printed at a cost lower than to be expected considering the quality.

We prefer not to compromise quality at the expense of schedule. Any group can issue an informal mimeographed and stapled set of sheets. We are proud of the other direction we have taken, but are suffering the delays as a result. We have a top-notch magazine publication to present to the membership.

To those of you who are not members, have you seen one of our issues?
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2. Society Website

Have you visited our Website recently? www.plerrhs.org We are scrapping the format of the entire site, and starting afresh with a much simpler means of navigating through the site. You will shortly be seeing these changes, as Ken, our webmaster, completes his efforts.

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3. Society Board of Directors

The first elected Society Board consists of the following persons

Frank Stingone - President, Membership Chair, and Society Store
Paul Damon - Vice President and Historical Committee Chair
Steve Raque - Secretary
Joe Sparico - Treasurer and Asst. to other Committees
Vinson F. Skibo - Editor
Ken Izzo - Webmaster
Larry Kline - Historical Interviewer
Matt Adams - Member-at-Large

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4. Request for Archival Resource Information

Larry Kline is trying to gather information as to "Who Has What". That is, where are the historical resources for the P&LE Railroad. Not only documents, but photographs, etc. Obviously, the University of Pittsburgh has the major collection, but many resources are likely available in individual collections. If you would be willing to share the knowledge that could result from what you have in your collections, please make him aware of it. You can contact him through the website. Another of Larry's objectives being actively pursued is interviewing ex-employees of the railroad. Many of their stories will be printed in future issues of The Little Giant

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Prepared by Paul Damon, Vice-President, PLERRHS

Every one knows that railroads use signals to control traffic, but just how well do you know the rules that govern the use of those signals? This web site update has an in depth look at the Color Light Signal System on the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad and the Operating Rules that control their use. The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society gratefully thanks Joseph Cappitte for providing the materials that these pages are base on.

Operating Rules 275 thru 297-Rules Governing Fixed Signals-July 1, 1976
Color Light Signals-Learning the Names of the Signal Indications-July 1, 1979

This is the first part of a three part web site update that coincides with the release of the latest issue of The Little Giant, the magazine of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society.

Kicking off this issue is a look at a steam era P&LE switcher, the USRA 0-8-0 "Bulldog." The P&LE owned 100 of these engines, built in three groups by Lima in 1929 and 1937 and Alco Schenectady in 1944. These locomotives toiled day in and day out every where on the railroad until they were replaced by diesels in the early 1950's. Author David Wilson also provides details on converting a readily available HO scale model into a late steam era version of this work horse locomotive.

The Great Depression is often perceived as a time of stagnation, but not so on the P&LE. The railroad continued to grow, guided by it's Board of Directors and the Board's Executive Committee. New engines and freight cars were just a few of the things on the agenda when the governing body of the railroad met. Paul Damon gives us a look at how the P&LE expanded despite the country's economic woes.

Next on deck is an interview of Warren Mayfield, our P&LE Feature Employee. After joining the railroad in 1972, Warren worked for both the P&LE, and it's successor CSX, until his retirement in 1999. Mr. Mayfield recounts his early days on the track gang and how these maintenance crews handled their daily tasks in the late 70's. Hard work and know how led to Warren becoming Track Supervisor of the East End, the position he held un till the P&LE ceased operations in 1992.

Robert Brendell continues our history of the Beaver & Ellwood Railroad with a detailed explanation of the B&E's small locomotive roster.

Bringing up the rear of this issue is a great story of a young rail fan involving John W. Barriger III and Business Car 99. Mr Barriger enjoyed providing a personal touch when it came to rail fans. Stephen Timko relates a day spent in the company of the P&LE's president that finished with a memorable ride from Pittsburgh to Stephen's home of Warren, Ohio.

The second and third parts of the web site update will be online shortly. Be sure to visit again soon for more P&LE photos, drawings and materials.

This update coincides with the release of a special DOUBLE ISSUE of The Little Giant, the magazine of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society. An in depth look at the P&LE's Steam Era Structures and Facilities is featured, with many photos and drawings of the often overlooked structures that were a vital part of the day to day operation of the railroad.

This issue of The Little Giant also has a How To article that details modeling a first generation P&LE diesel. This issue also continues to examine the P&LE and PMcK&Y car rebuilding programs - this time the focus is on USRA Boxcars.

Before the advent of mass media communications, newspapers were the only source of what was happening the local area. The Little Giant provides an opportunity to step back in time and read P&LE related newspaper articles from the Golden Age of Railroading.

The final story of this issue of The Little Giant is a history of the Beaver & Ellwood Railroad. This fascinating short line, which began operating in 1890, was built to provide rail service from the P&LE to Ellwood City, PA, a distance of about 4 miles. Begun as a separate railroad, it was first leased, then eventually absorbed by the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad.

The Historical Society members will notice that there is an election ballot included with their issue of The Little Giant. The candidates statements can be found here. Please take a moment to fill out the election ballot and return it to the Historical Society.

This update to the web site continues to expand The Gateway Project. The final three building blueprints have been added, consisting of the Locomotive Service Building, the Car Inspection Buildings, and the most recognized building of Gateway Yard - the Hump Crest Building. There is also some new images in the Employees Gallery.

This update coincides with the long awaited release of The Little Giant, the magazine of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society. The main focus of The Little Giant is the West Pittsburg, Pennsylvania area. Featured is the West Pittsburg Passenger Station, built in 1907 to serve the small community south (railroad east) of New Castle, Pennsylvania. The station is currently being restored by the Beaver Valley Junction Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society.

The Little Giant also examines the architecture of a variety of structures dating from the early 1900's, including the magnificant railroad bridge that the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad used to cross the Ohio River between Monaca and Beaver, Pennsylvania. The history of a large class of P&LE and PMcK&Y USRA Triple Hoppers is also examined. Finally, there is a track chart of Aliquippa Yard in 1940, and a fold out chart of the area at West Pittsburg.

This update to the website continues to expand The Gateway Project. Three more building blueprints have been added, consisting of the large Car Repair Shed, the Hump Retarder Tower, and the Scale House and Track Scale. We have also added 10 years of ORER's, spanning the 1960's and 1970's. We will continue to expand both of these areas in future updates. There is also some new images in the Employees Gallery, and a new Model Gallery.

We also regret to announce the resignation of Vinson Skibo from the Board of Directors and as the editor of The Little Giant magazine. Vince provided the solid base upon which The Little Giant was built, and his insights and expertise will truly be missed.

October 2007 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Gateway Yard, which was the western terminus of the P&LE. This modern facility included a car repair shop, engine facilities, and a compact hump yard in addition to the traditional flat yard that lay beside the Campbell and Struthers Works of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Steel Mill.

LOOKING FOR A MEETING PLACE
The PLERRHS is searching for a place to hold regular member meetings in the area near Pittsburgh. We are also considering locations outside of Pittsburgh near the areas the P&LE served. Prospective sites should be able to accommodate approximately 40 to 50 people, and also have provisions for hosting slide shows, guest speakers, etc. If you have any suggestions, please contact us here.

HELP WANTED
The Historical Society is in need of a volunteer to help out with the website. If you are interested in contributing some of your time to the PLERRHS, and live in the Western Pennsylvania area, please contact the Society here.

We have posted some bonus material for the last issue of The Little Giant which due to an oversite on my part was not released with the magazine. We have also added some images to the Equipment 4 gallery and the Employees 2 gallery. The Company Store Bookshelf has been revised with the addtion of some interesting new books - browse the updated catalog.

2005 Historical Society Picnic, Saturday Oct 8th - more information here
We have been given the opportunity to use the former P&LE West Pittsburg station and grounds as the venue for our 2nd Annual Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society meeting. The historic station is situated next to the CSX mainline and is currently being restored by the Beaver Valley Junction Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society. Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and railfanning!