65 Takes its First Trip Down the Line in Over 20 Years

65 has seen some important physical touches put in place over the past two weeks. The last grab iron was installed, a door was refitted, tack stripping was installed to hold the roof membrane in place, and the repaired motor hatches were leveled to the floor. All this meant the crew was able to take the car out on a test trip down the line. Galen, Kelly, and Wil were joined on the car by Chief Motorman Roger Pierson and motorman Ryan Trombly photographed the event. This was car 65's first trip down the line in over 20 years. The car performed beautifully with only a few minor issues noted as needing work, such as the west end whistle not functioning. When the car returned to the yard, the crew hauled its seats out of storage and placed them in the car in preparation for them to be installed over the coming weekends. Once the seats are in place, we will be able to test the heaters. The crew is short 3 bench cushions for the car. A temporary solution will be devised.

65 at North Road curve prior to departing for testing

Photo: Ryan Trombly

Test crew at Wells Road after a successful outbound trip

Left to Right: Wil, Roger, Kelly, and Galen

Photo: Ryan Trombly

65 inbound by Skylark Airport

Photo: Ryan Trombly

65 inbound leaving Hancock Siding

Photo: Ryan Trombly

Heading outbound on 65 as the car is brought to full speed for testing

Video: Wil Gambardella

Seats placed in 65

John has been at work on Diesel 1 and one area of the locomotive now has fresh primer. The crew decided the diesel will be painted red, leaving the frame black.

Diesel 1 is being primed

Car 16 has been designated out of service until spring. As the car does not have heat, it is experiencing issues with its air system freezing due to the cold weather.

Roof Complete and Winter Projects a Go

Taking another shot at the rubber roof membrane, Galen was able to complete 65's roof. The material is much more cooperative when it is cold out.

65's roofing is all in place

3001 is being tarped off so it can be heated this winter, allowing John to continue work.

3001 is being prepped for winter

Adam began prepping Diesel 1 for a much needed new paint job.

Adam grinds old paint off of the locomotive

A Slight Reorganization and Much Progress

To better serve the needs of the museum, there has been a slight change in the shop's management structure. John has moved from the role of shop manager to that of restoration manager, to allow him to better focus on 3001. Galen has stepped into the role of shop manager. Kelly's title has changed from assistant shop manager to maintenance manager, her responsibilities remain the same. Questions and concerns regarding operating fleet should be directed to Galen and Kelly.

John is working on 3001's roof structure The first wooden pieces are now in place. Rebuilding the roof will allow the new west end framing to be attached. It is currently clamped into place.

John installs the first wood piece

First wood brace in place

Galena and Kelly began the work of installing roofing on the side sections of 65's roof. The rubber membrane is not working well. Some roll roofing will be acquired and installed. As the roof is only temporary, no canvas will be used on the car.

Galen works on 65's roof

Diesel 1 has been moved into the shop behind 3001. Some initial inspections have been performed to assess the work it will need this winter. It will be kept heated and ready to serve until after Winterfest. Work on the locomotive will begin in January.