Til Next Year

Frank writes...

Day Out With Thomas concluded for this year on Sunday; it was a very successful event, and besides running smoothly (at least as far as I know), it also saw larger crowds than the past three or four years. Kudos and thanks to all who were involved in planning, managing, and executing the event! I wasn't able to get out to IRM until mid-afternoon, so unfortunately I didn't play much of a role this second weekend. The most I was able to do was help get the 1374 into service right after I arrived. It had been "on deck" as a spare, and good thing too because the 4391 had one of its batteries fail. The PCC was taken out of service with low battery voltage but the "Matchbox" quickly took its place. Joel has a spare battery on hand, so the 4391 should be back in action soon.

The big news is that track construction has begun in Yard 4 East. In this view, taken from inside the unfinished building extension looking east, you can see new tracks 42 and 43 largely in place, though not completely bolted up. They will also need ballasting, of course, but this is exciting progress! The 144 can be seen in the distance in DOWT service.

I didn't get any pictures of what I was doing, which was mostly more work on repainting the 18, including more Bondo and sanding work. Most of the regulars were helping with Thomas, but in the evening once the event wound down, more work in the shop got done. Above, Nathan (left) is working on the rebuild of our small forklift. Dan (right) was lending a hand when I stopped by. Bob and Mikey were also working on contactors for the Class B.

And many thanks to Zach, who was able to find a spare whistle valve, lap it so that it's no longer leaky, and give it a nice coat of Washington blue. This is now ready to go back on the 308. Thank you!