Ray on Ottaway number five on a 2005 visit to the c & h railroad
Ray Johnson was a Union Pacific fireman and lifelong railfan. He owned four Ottaway steam trains and operated the Smoky Hills Special in Kenwood Park, Salina Kansas for over forty years. Ray corresponded with other live steamers across the country and will be missed by any who knew him.
Sam at the Ottaway Reunion 2009
March 19th 2010 the railroad world lost a great person and a terrific friend when Samuel (aka "air man") Kibble lost his fight with cancer at the age of 65. Sam retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in 2004 and increased his volunteer activities with many railroad affiliated groups in Northeast Kansas including the C and H Railroad. Sam was always there to help get the grounds ready for a run and usually stayed until the last piece of trash was picked up. Sam was enjoyed by all who came in contact with him at the railroad whether he had known them for years or just met them. Sam will be missed not only by the C and H volunteers but anyone who ever visited the railroad and saw his smiling face.
Sam with Dave Cregut
Harold Chance
