The Florida East Coast Railway -- Page One

Welcome to the last classic American railroad! The FEC has survived years of mergermania to become the last truly independent "steam era" railroad in a land of look-alike giants. Watching FEC's group of highly dedicated and professional employees hustle tonnage across the sunshine state is one of the best shows in railroading today. Here is a short look at the railroad from my three visits to Florida in 2000, '02 and '03. They are arranged in geographical order from north to south and cover the railroad from Jacksonville to Jupiter. Enjoy!

Photography by James House

An FEC transfer run out of Bowden yard crosses the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, Florida. FEC ownership ends just north of the bridge at Beaver St. Tower and the train will use trackage rights reach its final destination.

Transfer off of Norfolk Southern moves southward over FEC rails through South Jacksonville, Fl . FEC originates and terminates its through trains at Bowden yard on Jacksonville's south side and makes connections with NS and CSX through a network of transfer runs.

FEC #441 rests outside the company's shop complex at Bowden Yard on May 9, 2003.

An overall view of the Bowden locomotive service tracks shows power being readied for the nightly southbound fleet. The signal at right is used to perform ATC tests on outbound locomotives as part of the FRA's required calendar day inspections.

Bowden's shop complex is as nicely manicured as a Florida golf course, complete with palm trees and freshly mowed grass. The fact was readily apparent on this beautiful May '03 day.

Another view of the servicing area shows outbound power waiting just outside of the service shed on May 9, 2003.

Veteran FEC hogger Dave Shelley takes a moment to pose for the photographer before taking charge of Hialeah-bound train #107 on the afternoon of May 9th, 2003.

A trio of classic second generation EMDs gather under the watchful eye of FEC's landmark water tank at Bowden Yard in May 2003.

Blast off!!! FEC #107 departs the south end of Bowden yard at Sunbeam, Fl., on April 16, 2002. Once the head end passes the signal, the engineer will notch out to Run 8 and quickly bring the train up to track speed.

Local #905, the "Bunnel Turn", has one final stop today before racing north to Bowden Yard for an early quit. The train is seen working the rock facility at Durbin, Fl., on May 9, 2003.

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