It's Almost Here

Showcase Weekend (otherwise known as Members' Day or Weekend) is almost here, and the excitement is building. We're planning to run the three-car wood CA&E train again, so I checked the oil in all the compressors and main journals, so I won't have to do it on Saturday, and tested the control system with a new control jumper. Everything seems fine.

Meanwhile, Ron Coy the painter was lettering the 431. This car recently had its letterboard repainted, since we now have a better idea of what the color should be, so it needed to be relettered, as seen here. The red was fine and was not changed.

Here we see the 460 sitting over the pit. Later it was pulled outside so Ron could do the numbers, after he finished the 431. But I had to leave before that started.

I went out to Yard 14 to check in the 321 for some parts. The tarp seems OK and the inside of the car is pretty much the same as always. And I even managed not to start crying.

Jack Biesterfeld has been making impressive progress on the B&M diner, which is on display in the Lester barn. Here he is in the kitchen area. Unfortunately, the original kitchen was completely removed when the car was converted to camp service, there's not much left.

This is the side of what was the passageway past the kitchen. Jack has stripped and revarnished the woodwork.

This is the last section of original woodwork he has to refinish. He's thinking about constructing a scale model of the kitchen area over the winter to display here, since it would be nearly impossible to find all the appliances that would be needed for a restoration.

The coach section is just stunning.

Diamond Quality Used Vehicles

Frank and I drove this ancient high-rail Suburban out to Rockhill, Pa. back in 1998 to swap parts with the trolley museum there, and we thought it was on its last legs then. But it's been used until recently, and now it's for sale! At bargain prices! Call the number on your screen in the next 15 minutes, and we'll throw in free a set of self-unsharpening planer blades! Operators are standing by to take your call, so don't delay!