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News Letter Index |
Various members give a report of happenings at the railroad.
Sunday, May 10 was Mother's day. The passengers started lining up early and several full trains started the day. As expected, the crowd slowed down around noon until about 2pm. Locomotives 13, 5205, and 928 were called up as power for the day. Once the crowd slowed down, 5205 was taken out of service to have its new hood fitted, (see Motive Power Report) but all too soon there was a mechanical problem with the whistle on 928 and for safety reasons it was removed from service. 5205 return to continue the day along with 13. We were able to get through the day without any rain which did move into the area later Sunday evening. Passenger count for the day was 357.
We has a Wednesday special with the retirement home where John Errante lives. 25 of this friends came out to enjoy a mid morning ride. It was great to see John as they celebrated his birthday at the railroad. Happy Birthday John!
Rolling Stock
Jim put push-handles on the mig welder cart along with braces. The welder was mounted on it and put a chain around one brace and the welder cart to prevent it from moving around. Reinstalled throttle cable on 13 and adjusted same.
Machine Shop
no report
Building and Grounds
We are beginning talks with a couple of companies to replace the windows in the Stucco building. This project will help restore the Stucco.
Maintenance Of Way
The grounds and tracks have been sprayed for weed control. More dead/downed trees have been cut and removed.
Extension - We spiked in the last of the 43 ties at 2.20 PM on Wednesday, May 13, picked up the tools and headed west just before the afternoon storms hit. This brings us to the end of the current phase. (the donation jar in the ticket booth from Sunday received $50.00 from passengers. - Thank You)
We have approximately 25% of the new extension's track down. We have laid 900+ ties. But we still have a lot of ballasting and leveling even for this stretch. According to Hank it might be awhile before any more is laid due to right of way needing to be prepared and summer work by Wildwood for the trail that will parallel the rail.
Motive Power
Work continues on the 400 to finalize winter repairs. A new rolled hood for 5205 was test fitted. The next step will be to install the hinges and wire up the two exhaust fans. The side panels have been installed and after a few more, the unit should be about ready for paint.
Signals
no report
General News
Members of the WF&P (organized by Robert McCaskill and tour guide Harold Wind) attended the second annual National Railroad Day in Chicago to celebrate the ceremonial final spike driven by Leland Stanford to join the rails of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah. Click here to read more about the trip.
