Growing up in northwestern Connecticut and spending many holidays and summers with family in Waterbury pretty much groomed me as a fan of the New Haven and other local railroads. Noel's impressive expanse of knowledge and first-hand accounts truly brought the area's railroad history alive for me, and turned what are now photos in books, old rails buried in the woods, and rusting equipment on sidings into living history. I'm grateful that during my short time on these forums that I was able to learn what I have from what he's shared, and I truly appreciate that what I'm sure is only a fraction of his knowledge will carry on in these message boards.
Thank you for sharing your career and passion with us, Noel. You will be missed, and may my sincerest condolences go out to your family.
"That sapling that once grew just south of Wassaic may be long gone, and the Harlem Line’s appearance may have changed over the years, but for decades to come, I can count on it continuing to provide me with funny recollections"