Big South Fork Scenic Railway Crew

The responsibility of maintaining, operating, and managing the daily operations of the Big South Fork (BSF) Scenic Railway is multi-faceted and requires skilled crew members certified in specific jobs. The crew of the BSF Scenic Railway is a tight-knit crew with a strong work ethic worthy of recognition and praise.

This small crew provides professional service on a daily basis and affords passengers of all ages an unforgettable and safe experience. During a recent interview with the crew, I discovered the true scope of the jobs they perform and the depth of their expertise.

Josh Duncan holds the title of General Manager and has worked for the BSF Scenic Railway for over seven years. He is certified as an Engineer, Conductor, Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) Track Inspector and oversees training for other crew members. His job responsibilities also include track labor, observation testing, communications, and management of the crew as well as daily operations. His hobbies include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He enjoys connecting with nature and being outdoors.

Daniel Martin is an Engineer, Conductor, DSLE Track Inspector, Watchman Lookout, and Track Worker. He has worked for the BSF Scenic Railway for more than five years and helps train new employees. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, renovating cars, and spending time with his family. Daniel has an innate ability to see the big picture regarding moving heavy items safely.

Evan Wilson is a recent high school graduate who has worked for the BSF Scenic Railway for two months. He is a Conductor and Track Worker and enjoys every aspect of being around trains. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and working on vehicles. Evan’s paternal great-grandfather, Marion Wilson, was a coal miner for the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. His paternal grandfather, Gerald Wilson, was a coal miner for the Stearns Company and both a teacher and administrator in McCreary County Schools. Gerald Wilson was an outstanding math teacher and one of the finest men I have ever known. Evan is leaving this fall to begin his college career. Dwayne Morrow joined the crew in July and will fill the void left by his departure.

Daniel King is the Assistant General Manager, Engineer, Conductor, and DSLE Track Inspector. He brings over six years of valuable experience to the job. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and renovating his classic truck.

Jimmy Shook’s job title includes Engineer, Conductor, and DSLE Track Worker. He has worked for the BSF Scenic Railway off and on for over twenty years and helps train new employees. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. Members of Jimmy’s family have worked for the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company or the BSF Scenic Railway for six generations. These family members include Sylvester Shook, Jim Shook, Bill Shook, Edward Shook, Bruce Shook, and Ledford Maxwell.

The crew often goes above and beyond the call of duty for passengers. They provide assistance for those with mobility issues, answer passengers’ questions, conduct locomotive tours, and share the importance of safety regulations. The favorite part of their job is creating a memorable, positive experience for passengers. The smiles and laughter of the children is a motivator for each of them and they appreciate positive comments from passengers.

On a personal note, I appreciate their willingness to assist with any task requested. In 2023 this industrious crew has moved three pianos, a historic sofa, and cabinetry for the museum. Most of the time they were even smiling! In preparation for this article, I asked each crew member to complete a questionnaire with one of the questions being “What are your job responsibilities?” On the questionnaire, they each inserted ‘piano mover’ after their official jobs as a joke. In appreciation for their unwavering assistance, I am presenting each of them with an OFFICIAL PIANO MOVER certificate. In all seriousness, they are an outstanding crew, and each member of the McCreary County Museum Advisory Committee and McCreary County Heritage Foundation is thankful for them. Hats off to each of these fine gentlemen!

For questions or more information, contact Debbie Kidd-Trammell at [email protected].