Ancient Transit Returns to Jax! (Jacksonville: live, shop, rail)

[Ocklawaha]

Did you know that railroads are ANCIENT TRANSIT? True! The first railroad was built about 5 miles across the isthmus of Corinth in Greece, some 2,608 years ago. It was designed within 2 inches of todays standard gauge, and carried passengers, cargo and small ships from sea to sea. Longest lived railroad in history 1,300 years, it served many empires, including Rome. So was the Apostle Paul an early tram passenger? Almost certainly!

Well it finally happened. Those of you who are following the story in Folio or waiting for David or Phil's piece over at the TU our Trolleys are on the way back. How far they get is partly up to you.

Last week, I partnered with a major rail car builder, officers from another up and running trolley line and an odd collection of international friends (including a former Secretary General of the UN!) and we looked up, dug out and re-filed all of the papers for the original Jacksonville Traction Company. This is not a copy or a re-make, but the original company made active again. We issued 100,000 shares of stock and had already made presentations to the City.

Chamber of Commerce is working with the rail car plant and the whole thing along with a number of excellent high paid jobs, for people with wood, metal and artistic skills, may soon be in a City near you.

We have a meeting scheduled with the City Council and will compete for dedicated incentive money to build mass or rapid transit in this city. Our plans are for a collection of new cars built on the blueprints of the historic Trolleys and streamlined Diesel Rail Cars of the 1920's and 30's. As the plant would be here, we would get the first two for at or near cost.

I'd also like to hear from interested railroad buff's, with possible investment ideas in a hobby-gift shop, as well as folks considering food service business that might enjoy working from our very own subway car. Anyone out there with skills, preservation, building, restoration, activism, just let me know how to reach you.

By the way, which came first, the railroad or the railroad wagon (freight car)? We're fixing to find out. Ever want to do historical preservation or restoration and walk in the footsteps of the apostles at the same time? Here is your chance. Watch Folio, Last 4 issues for detailed information.

Ocklawaha
President, JTCO

[riveree]

That sounds very cool, Ock!

I love the idea that the trolleys will look historic. Hopefully they will look "Jacksonville" too.......and I have an idea (with a source) for that, and I'll get that info to you DM.