Rail enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn about railroads and railroading from a retired locomotive engineer. Mike Offineer will deliver a presentation at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Fayette Christian Church Multi-Purpose Building at 302 North Church Street.

The Fayette Area Heritage Association (FAHA) is sponsoring this event. There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be available.

 In the years before the mid to late twentieth century, nearly every town in the country was served by at least one railroad company. They flourished because trains carried people and freight in and out of their communities. Today, most people are familiar with railroads only when they are forced to stop their cars at a railroad crossing or hear about a derailment on the news.

In his program, Offineer will explain that the railroads have been, and continue to be, a viable and efficient part of our nation’s transportation system. A native of New Franklin, he is a retired locomotive engineer. 

His program is full of history, information on equipment and operation, and some interesting stories from his perspective in the cab of a locomotive during 41 years of service on our own Missouri-Kansas-Texas, and, later, Union Pacific railroads.  

Due to its length, the program is suited for those over 12 years of age or older. For more information, call Gary Bagby at (660) 728-2455.