I'm doing a little "crowdsourcing" (as they call asking for help from the public) for the upcoming revised e-book version of my 1994 book "Zephyr: Tracking a Dream Across America."
Specifically I'm looking for crew members, present or former, who were in the book almost 20 years ago, to update their stories. I've found some, but the following are so far missing. At the time they were based out of Chicago and most probably still are, if they are still with Amtrak.
Wally Prince, engineer Mike Kemp, assistant conductor John Davis, chef Reggie Howard, train chief (I understand he returned to SCA service when the chiefs program ended) Noel Prell, lounge car attendant (he was living in New Orleans at the time and commuting to the Chicago base) Bob Pimm, conductor (he was based out of Oakland) Alfredo Gomez, dining car service attendant (I hear he moved up at Amtrak)
If you have encountered any of these or if you do, please let me know! Or tell them I'm looking for them and that my email address is h.kisor@comcast.net.
Thanks a million.
Posted by MDRR (Member # 2992) on :
The only name I recognize is Alfredo. He is working in Chicago as an Instructor, ie for new hire classes, refresher safety training , etc. If for some reason I see him on East coast, I do from time to time,... I'll let him know.
Also just a thought, have you tried looking on facebook for any of these folks...?
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Or LinkedIn. I'm a member of the Amtrak group on there and just ran the names - no luck I'm afraid, but if you post, somebody might know them.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
Hi Henry- I worked with Noel fairly regularly during my stint of regular assignments on the Sunset. Interesting to hear his name again-- as you know, that guy had an incredible bone dry sense of humor. A classic New Orleans gentlemen; as if he had just walked out of the Olde Absinthe House in the 1890's French Quarter-- good luck in finding this superb fellow who made things very classy, in those early, and VERY smoky Amtrak Lounge cars!
Posted by martin robles (Member # 98256) on :
That's my uncle Alfredo and I need to get in contact ASAP concerning a family mater . Please forward my info to him or pass mine along . Thanks everyone Martin (nephew) 619-708-4296 Martinrbls aol.com