Carol and Tom Schlueter bring the Freedom Train to fairs, festivals, and other events around western Ohio. The couple purchased the former airport baggage train from its original creator, Gary Katterheinrick, about two years ago.
Folks throughout western Ohio — in and around the area served by Midwest Electric — have become accustomed to seeing the Freedom Train chugging around area fairs and festivals.
With a vintage Coca-Cola bell clanging and small American flags flapping in the summer breeze, the train transports youngsters and adults along midways, across parking areas, and even through livestock barns.
New Knoxville-area resident and longtime co-op member Gary Katterheinrich created the 65-foot train 10 years ago after he retired as manager of Neil Armstrong Airport.
“I like to tell folks I was retired but not tired, and I needed something to do,” he says. “My wife (Sylvia) and I thought it would be fun to build a train that youngsters could ride on at fairs and festivals throughout the area.”
The couple initially considered a barrel train, but quickly dismissed that idea because parents and children could not ride together. However, the idea ultimately evolved into a vehicle that could not only accommodate all age groups, but also be accessible.
The construction phase took nearly 1 1/2 years with the assistance of Milo Keith, a neighbor and retired tool-and-die maker. The industrial gas-powered engine once towed luggage carts around the Greater Cincinnati Airport, while the three cars had been used to haul dumpsters around a Cincinnati waste facility.
In addition to an engine overhaul, the train got some sturdy wooden bench seats capable of accommodating 30 riders, and a back area for wheelchairs, strollers, and the conductor. A protective canopy was added later, in the interest of passenger comfort.
The train proved to be a popular attraction at festivals and county fairs in the area, with the schedule growing to nearly three dozen events ranging from the Buckeye Antique Machinery Show in May to the Wapakoneta holiday parade in December.
“The hours are long, but the greatest satisfaction comes from a smile or a heartfelt ‘thank you.'”
Katterheinrich sold the train to Botkins-area resident Tom Schlueter two years ago in the wake of health problems. The men share the same philosophy when it comes to operation: Senior citizens and veterans get priority seating; good behavior is expected of all passengers, regardless of age; no one pays to ride, but there is a tip jar for those wishing to donate toward maintenance and insurance costs.
“There is a lot more work involved than most people realize,” Schlueter says. “It ranges from transporting the engine and cars to regular maintenance, but you get plenty of satisfaction seeing folks enjoy their rides.”
It takes at least two people to operate the train: The engineer remains in the cab, negotiating busy festival grounds; the conductor constantly watches from the rear car, making sure that all passengers — children and adults — remain seated with their arms and legs inside.
Some rides have been more memorable than others. Freedom Train once fulfilled a special wish for a sick girl, taking her and family members for a trip between Botkins and Anna. Katterheinrich still remembers the smile that lit her pale face. Schlueter picked up an 85-year-old man at the Mercer County Fair and learned it had been 40 years since his last visit. The man apparently enjoyed the ride so much he came back every day and spent considerable time on board. Another time a bunch of senior citizens longed to see some livestock, but could not handle the walking. Stunned looks crossed their faces when the train traveled through the steer barn.
“The hours are long, but the greatest satisfaction comes from a smile or a heartfelt ‘thank you,'” Katterheinrich says. “There is no better pay in the world.”
