Screaming Eagles in the Coal Fields
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Thomas Austin

I am a Southern Illinois Native. I am a fan of nostalgia, and the history of Southern Illinois. Model Railroading has been a large part of my life; and it helps serve that interest. Through this interest I have learned much about the region; the people; and the industries that gave us all hope of building a life beyond our formal education. Small Towns in the Midwest built this nation...and this site aims to share that fact with the world.
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May 2023

We have moved most of my stuff from the Centralia address at this time. Trying to get settled in and recover from the muscle exertion at 55 years old. I should have hired a moving company to help. That’s for sure. It’s nice to be back in West Frankfort. But Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 4 weeksMay 5, 2023 ago
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April 2023

Here we are in April 2023 already. Daylight savings time; Easter around the corner; and some spring storms to boot. I have been inundated with work right now on projects for other folks and packing up the layout for the move to West Frankfort. I am eager to begin the Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 2 monthsApril 5, 2023 ago
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March 2023

March is here…along with the uncertain weather conditions that early spring brings. Lots of changes around here to report. We are selling the house in Centralia after all. I will relocate back to my home area in West Frankfort IL. The layout will be reconstructed in a new home; as Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 3 monthsMarch 7, 2023 ago
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February 2023

Well, one month down in 2023. All is well. Started new projects for the layout. Bob has completed the re-design of the layout with the new revisions of both Ziegler 4 and Freeman 4 mine spur; the pass through/swing gates have now been eliminated; and you are walking up the Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 4 monthsFebruary 10, 2023 ago
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January 2023

2023 is here. Wow! Where did the year go? Lots of stuff happening here right now. Changes in the air to the layout; etc., I have been working very hard on projects away from the house for about a month. I have been traveling up and down Interstate 57. Luckily, Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 5 monthsJanuary 3, 2023 ago
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December 2022

Fully moved back into the Centralia house. Glad to be home. Thanksgiving was very nice and quaint this year. It was nice to be with family and friends during the holiday. Typically, the holidays make me a bit sad due to family members no longer with us; and the memories Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 6 monthsDecember 4, 2022 ago
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Thanksgiving 2022

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We made the initial move to Johnston City; only to discover that downsizing wasn’t exactly what we envisioned. We have decided to move back to Centralia after all. We have likewise decided to keep the house in Centralia; as we Read more…

By Thomas Austin, 6 monthsNovember 18, 2022 ago

MP Sedalia Built Steel Caboose bringing up the markers

  • Home
  • The Joppa Subdivision
  • Blog
  • Rolling Stock
  • Track plan
  • Operations in the coal fields
  • Contact Us
  • Joppa Sub Photo Gallery
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