Outgoing Voiture 1171 40 & 8 Chef de Gare Carl Urps (front row, center) is pictured with the incoming new Chef de Gare Raymond Bean during a special installation ceremony at the Welch American Legion June 13.
“I have really enjoyed the challenges and the camaraderie that the 40 & 8 offer,” Urps said. “I have had a really good time.”
Bean commented, “This is indeed an honor. It took me 82 years to get here. I’m looking forward to working with you and for you. It is hard following Carl, but I will do the best I can.”
In other business, Charlie Honaker nominated Jim Spence as the newest member of the organization and Jimmy Hampton gave a report on the nursing program that the 40 & 8 helps sponsor. The passing of member Russell Burge was acknowledged, and Raymond Bean and Frank Cooley won the 50/50 drawing.

Pictured with Urps and Bean are Chef de Train James Miller, Sous de Train Earl Stone, Commissaire Intendant Melvin Swartz, Correspondant Frank Cooley, Conducteur Thomas Johnson, Lampiste William Austin, Ado Cat Nick Cavallo and Medicin Arvil Wyatt. The Cheminots Locaux pictured are: 3 year, 1 Dennis Altizer, 2 Charles Spencer and 3 Charles Honaker; 2 year: Frank Cooley, Jimmy Hampton; and 1 year: Wiley Lester and Henry Paul.
Aumonier George Anderson, 2 year Chiminots Locaux Robert Fanning and 1-year Cheminots Locaux James Dotson were absent.
The 40 & 8 meets again July 17. (Photo by Cathy Patton)