John Allen Tribute - 2
2
2: At 8:00 am on July 2, 2013 in honor of John Whitby
Allen’s 100th birthday, “HAPPY 100th JOHN!” banners
are added to both sides of the bobber caboose at Gorre as
the crowd sings “Happy Birthday.” Even Emma, the No.
13 stegosaurus, is an on-looker. She still hasn’t learned to
use the ash pit! “SGT. ENNIS” – the colorful gold leafed
Belle of the ‘80s
4-4-0 loco – has been restored for the
occasion by the GD Locos shop in Gorelle. The John
Allen Centennial Train is heading east to Great Divide for
another ceremony and then will return to Gorre.
Dave Gorelle built the sound-equipped “Sgt. Ennis” using a rare
Mantua “Belle of the 80s” and a new Roundhouse 4-4-0 mecha-
nism and tender frame. The fabulous artwork for the decals was
digitally re-created by Rick Luther based on photos of John’s
hand-painted original. Dave also built the lighted Red Ball bob-
ber caboose. The two Butler Mines ore cars (3) were salvaged
from the fire that destroyed John’s layout in the 1970s.
MRH-Aug 2013
