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Just west of Mewshaw Siding is Mile Post 12, located in the I.D.
Fairchild State Forest. This 2,989 acre property was transferred from
the Texas Prison System in 1925 and named in honor of Texas State
Senator I.D. Fairchild of Lufkin. It is the largest of the five
state forests in Texas. Senator Fairchild sponsored legislation that was
instrumental in rehabilitating the railroad and subsequently leasing it
to the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. It effect, he saved it from
certain abandonment.
The track runs through a deep cut at 380 feet above sea level. The depth
of this cut makes it an ideal location for photography. In 2012, while
on a scouting trip for just such a location, Everett Lueck discovered
it. In the spring of 2013, Everett was joined by Cody Akin, Casey Akin,
Mark Huckaby, Kevin Gentry, John Price, Brent Muecke, Chase Bond, and
Brandon McElroy. Together they cleared out a few trees, created a
walking path, and constructed a loading platform for passengers. When
the railroad runs photography excursions, passengers can easily unload
here and hike up the hill for that perfect picture. |
