April 26, 2011

Hello Everyone

Well in spite of the weather we were able to accomplish a lot this past weekend.  I won't reiterate what Tim has already reported in his blog, but I will say that the museum is certainly changing for the better.  A lot of cleanup is occuring, and the momentum is carrying it.  We have gotten so efficient at cleaning up that computers that Xian had arranged for to be picked up for recycling were accidently put in the scrap dumpster for disposal.  The computers were later retrieved from the dumpster and have been picked up for recycling.  Having so many volunteers now thinking about how they can help clean up the museum is a real positive for the museum.

Coming up this Saturday (April 30) there is a fundraising meeting at 8:30 A.M. for anyone interested.

We expect that there will be a lot happening at the museum this weekend.

In the shop, work will continue on getting the lathe ready for turning 836's wheels.  A gantry crane has been altered (shortened) to fit over the lathe which will make loading of the wheel sets much easier and safer.  We expect to be putting the gantry crane togeather this weekend.  Also, once the machining is complete for the motor belt drive, the motor will be installed. 

At the visitor center, the shifting of the Mansfield caboose over one track is expected to happen this
Saturday.  This will allow the caboose to be moved under the train shed for work to commence.  The work on the roof and siding will start after the check ceremony on May 7.

A lot of cleaning up around the property has been occuring including cutting of trees.  I am sure that additional cleanup work will be occuring this coming Saturday also.

As usual, we are only restricted in our progress by the help we have on hand.  I have been delighted this spring at all the help we have had at the museum, and continue to look forward to seeing all the new faces and of course our usuals.

Don't forget our Annual meeting is on May 7, and we will be having the check ceremony with the Windsor Locks Preservation Association.  Everyone is welcome. 

Looking ahead, we have the Preservation (flea) market on May 21, and Larry Lunden will be holding a meeting on June 18th at 9:00 A.M. to kick off the planning for the Day of Caring.  this is the annual event where people from different companies volunteer for a day.  Last year, we had a great group of volunteers who helped re-landscape the front of the visitor center islands, and installed the brick pavers at our front entrance.  We need volunteers to help lead different projects, so if you are interested, come and help plan our effort this year. 

Hope everyone is having a good spring, and I look forward to seeing you at the museum.

Galen