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Weekly News February 28, 2005Description
Our winter is leaving reluctantly, and it's hard to think that before long we must be actively preparing for our spring and summer operations. Thinking of spring, I remember how I used to look forward to taking a Stanley to the first event of the year. That was 55 years ago, and my father would also take one of his cars (he also kept me going when I had trouble). I was always tense the first several miles, but confidence built as the trip wore on. One such pleasant time was a trip to Waynesboro and Staunton, VA, to participate in the new Shenandoah Region's Old Dominion Meet. It took us a day and a half each way and we were there for one day, consuming a long 3-day weekend. The steamers were hardly 40 years old then, and seemed to enjoy being exercised.
A very nice framed certificate arrived today from the Ormond Beach Racing group, commemorating our Stanley Model CX's participation in this year's event about a month ago. We'll want to hang it in the Museum. Thanks again to Butch and the 2 Bills for taking the car and making all of us proud.
One new event has surfaced for Auburn Heights in May. On Wednesday, the 11th, we are planning to run one train for several of the Pre- schools in the area, and can use the help of about 4 retired volunteers between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning. Other May operations here include the Friends School group on May 1, our first "Steamin' Sunday" on May 29, and possibly a special event for our FAHP Advisors and Board members, the date for which is not yet established. We will also be taking cars to Dover on Saturday, May 7, and to the Wilmington & Western R.R. on Saturday, May 14, and quite probably to the Willowdale Horse Show on Sunday, May 8, and to Linvilla Orchards on Sunday, the 15th. So, March and April will be "get ready" months.
As some of you know, Bill Schwoebel is trying hard to get work and training projects under way. Despite unfavorable weather for work sessions, several projects are progressing well. The Rauch & Lang is running again thanks to Emil, Jerry Novak and Jim Personti, the flue work is finished on the Model 87 (a professional job!) thanks to Emil and Jerry, the front fender of the 87, nearly destroyed by me last summer, is almost finished, the water tank from the CX is being rebuilt by Emil and Butch, and the differential rebuild for the Model 76 is well under way in Michigan under the guidance of Mike May. Steve and Jim are working on new springs for Locomotive #402 and for the wooden coaches. Anne is planning a postponed meeting of the Special Events committee at her house on Thursday (March 3), and Rose Ann reports our paid membership now stands at 53. I hope we can give special attention to integrating new volunteer/members into our operating group, and move along with our training program when the weather breaks. Happy sliding. Tom
