Pop Quiz: What do the hills of Cincinnati, OH and the mountains near Denver, CO have in common? Hint: Take a look at today’s blog entry title. Answer: Both have at one time or another been graced by the haunting echoes of an authentic Thomas J. Nichol steam calliope.

As we left Louisville, we drove through the rolling landscape of northern Kentucky along Interstate 71 toward Cincinnati. Contrary to popular opinion, this reminded us of Iowa, or at least the part of Iowa that’s nestled...

Jon Tschiggfrie

Friends,

My sincerest apologies to all of you faithful “Notes” from the Road readers for neglecting my blogging duties for the past few weeks. It would be dishonest of me to blame this seeming desertion solely on my busy schedule. In reality, I’ve been too active with both the research activities and visiting some wonderful friends along the way. Wherever I went, I was greeted by folks who have enjoyed these blog entries and assured me that they were ready for my next one. With...

Jon Tschiggfrie

Just wanted to share some links just discovered. Here is the link to the US Code section with the exemption for the Delta Queen ending Oct 31, 2008:
US Code Title 46,3505. Fire-retardant materials

Then here is the source when the Congress accepted this exemption (it was in conjunction the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act for 1996):
Notes about US Code Title 46,3505

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 was Pub. L. 104–324: Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) Pub. L. 104-324)...

Franz Neumeier

Hello All,

This installment is about what could have been.

Many years ago there was a magazine called Passenger Boat News. Of all the periodicals I have subscribed to this one was my favourite. Each bi-monthly issue had the latest information in the Excursion Boat industry. They even predicted the Gaming Boat industry and the profound effect it would have on the Excursion Boat industry.

With each issue you know who was building what and where. I...

Travis Vasconcelos

Not even one single argument has been given by Rep. Oberstar or any other opponent of the exemption for the Delta Queen. Not one single precise and detailed argument that explains why they think the Delta Queen is a fire hazard. They just repeat the same lies and stupid comparisons with pre-Civil War boiler explosions, 747 aircrafts and other stuff that is far away from truth and reality.

I'd really like to encourage everyone, especially journalist working on a Delta Queen story, to...

Franz Neumeier