Doyle McCormack: Stories of the American Freedom Train, ALCO PAs & More!

Let’s learn more about Mr. McCormack’s career…

Doyle was born and raised in Conneaut, OH. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a communications electrician on the USS Saratoga and on the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

After discharge from the Navy, Doyle went to work for the N&W (Nickel Plate) as a telegraph operator before entering engine service as a fireman and later promoted to Locomotive Engineer. Doyle got involved with the High Iron Company when it brought the NKP 759 steam locomotive to Conneaut to be rebuilt for excursion service. He was part of the engine crew for the Golden Spike Centennial Limited and other excursions for the next few years. In 1974, Doyle got a call about being on the team to rebuild the Daylight steam locomotive 4449 for the American Freedom Train.

During the American Freedom Train, Doyle took a leave of absence from the N&W and went to Portland, Oregon where he was chosen to be the Chief Mechanical Officer for the rebuild of 4449 as well as its engineer. After the American Freedom Train concluded, he took a job in engine service for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Portland until his retirement in 2003.

In February 1981 the 4449 was called to represent the SP at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, California. This led to a second career for him and the 4449 which has lasted to this day. This also opened doors that allowed him to be involved in several steam locomotive restorations and operations. In 1990 he was honored to be asked to join the newly created Engineering Standards Committee for Steam Locomotives. This committee has worked hard over the years to promote the safe maintenance and operation of steam locomotives, as well as being part of the re-writing of the federal regulations regulating steam locomotives and helped write a section in the National Boiler Inspection Code that covers steam locomotives.

Doyle has been President of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation since the late nineties and has presided over the building of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center that is now the home for the SP 4449, SP&S 700, and the OR&N 197, all steam locomotives that belong to the City of Portland.

Day Out with Thomas 2024 - October 11-13 & 18-20!

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: THE BUBBLE TOUR IS HEADING TO TEXAS FOR A

TRAIN RIDE ADVENTURE

All Aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine is coming to town and bringing a bubbly new spin to Day Out With Thomas events. For the first time ever Thomas & Friends will be celebrating the magic of bubbles with Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour. The Bubble Tour will be stopping at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad October 11-13 & 18-20, 2024.  

Day Out with Thomas is a fun-filled, family event that takes place at Heritage Railways across the country.  Every ticket includes an interactive train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Families will be able to enjoy live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games and stop by the pop-up gift shop for exclusive Thomas swag.

This year, Day Out With Thomas is celebrating bubbles. Guests can expect plenty of bubbly, family-friendly activities. Even Thomas will be getting in on the fun. Fans will be able to snap photos with Thomas, who will be adorned with bubbles. With plenty of activities for everyone, guests are encouraged to invite family and friends to create new memories that are certain to last a lifetime. This celebration of bubbles is not to be missed.

WHAT:  Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour highlights include:

o   Friends and families will take a 25-minute interactive train ride featuring a talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive.

o   Activities and entertainment featuring:

o   A bubble blowing zone and bubble bouncer-ball racing

o   Bubble activities in the Bubble Zone

o   Play with Thomas & Friends toys then pick out a temporary tattoo in the Play Pod

o   Photo opportunities throughout the event, including with Thomas himself.

o   Live entertainment including Wildlife on the Move, Marty the Magician and Dallas Puppet Theater!

o   An activity sheet that will guide guests through the event experience highlighting the four key station stops to visit for a free giveaway

o   Outdoor activities like play tables, arts & crafts, and more!

o   Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway

o  Tickets are $26 each for everyone ages one and up

o  Pop-up gift shop on-site with exclusive Thomas & Friends products only available at Day Out With Thomas

o   Food and drinks available on-site for purchase

WHEN:   October 11-13 & 18-20

Select a designated train departure time when purchasing tickets at https://www.historictrains.org/events      

WHERE:  Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051

Tickets for an unforgettable day at Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour are on sale now at https://www.historictrains.org/events Ticket prices are $26 for ages 1 and up (service charges and fees may apply). Advanced ticket purchase is encouraged. 

For more information and directions, contact Museum of the American Railroad at (214) 428-0101 and https://www.historictrains.org/events  

For more information about Thomas & Friends please visit: www.thomasandfriends.com, www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends and for bonus material and exclusive content www.youtube.com/user/thomasandfriends.