Train Day, May 9, 2009, at the California State Rail Museum, Sacramento.
Photos courtesy Debbie Mullins, Caltrans Rail Marketing Branch; Comments by Bill Kerby, RailPAC Treasurer. (Photo) Art Lloyd with Caltrans Rail Chief Bill Bronte

A California Car used on the Capitol Corridor and the San Joaquin Valley trains was on display for touring by visitors to the CSRM on Train Day along with all the great regular displays of California’s railroad history.

Art Lloyd (right) visits with RailPAC Treasurer Bill Kerby (left) and President, Paul Dyson before the ceremony. Seated behind/between them is RailPAC Director Bruce Jenkins.

Caltrans Rail Division Chief Bill Bronte, standing in as master of ceremonies for Caltrans Director Will Kempton, warmly and graciously noted Art Lloyd’s accomplishments over a 67 year career in railroading. Art’s career included many years with the Western Pacific before becomming one of Amtrak’s first employees, so it was appropriate the award was given in front of the Museum’s WP#913, an EMD F7A.

Art proudly accepted the crystal Golden STAR award, presented to a person with a life-long career of passenger rail advocacy by the California Division of Rail. (Photo) Art Lloyd is congratulated by RailPAC President, Paul Dyson. Art continues to serve as RailPAC’s VP North.

Art greets Doras Briggs, who was the first recipient of the Golden Star award. To the right behind them, the man standing on the right is Bruce Heard, who succeeded Art as Amtrak’s PR Director West when Art retired.

Eleanor Lloyd should be with her man in front of a WP locomotive. Art and Ellie have been married for 64 years. RailPAC knows Art has certainly earned this latest recognition of his continuing achievements to build strong rail passenger service in this country. Is there anyone in western railroading that doesn’t know Art Lloyd? Or that Art Lloyd doesn’t know? We suspect the answer is “no.” RailPAC was proud to be a part of this Train Day salute.

The RailPAC banner highlights the day, held by Treasurer Bill Kerby (left), Eleanor and Art Lloyd, President Paul Dyson, with Associate Director Mike Barnbaum in the back.

The next generations of railroaders tried out this locomotive cab simulator on Train Day at the Rail Museum, a fitting look at the future.