This picture shows the full sized wooden casting pattern for an antique "Janney" coupler knuckle built by Harold Whalen. This pattern will be taken to a foundry in El Cajon to be cast and machined to an exact fit for our 125 year old old wooden combine.
Larry Rose, Photo
Engine 7285 Gets New Generator Brushes
Our trusty 80 ton locomotive known as the "Banana" because of it's yellow color, has been the mainstay of our excursion train operation for years. Ron Hyatt, Dave DiGiorgio and Randy Houk have been doing the weekly maintenance and discovered that the main generator needed new brushes. Dave DiGiorgio researched the brushes and found a source of supply. Dave then went on the Museum's internet chat line and put out the word requesting donations for forty brushes, 32 for the generator and 8 spares. The response was immediate.
Richard Pope, Frank Stites, Paul Lundquist, Bob and Sandy Schussler, Ted Kornwiebel and Larry and Tanya Rose dug into their wallets and put up the cash in less than a week. Dave had the brushes sent to us via Fed Ex and Randy Houk installed them after the last train on a Saturday night. He then load tested the engine so it would be ready for the next days Miller Creek trains. Thanks to all for a wonderful effort!
Operations Report
Ken Kahan has repaired and replaced 13 of the 14 brake valves on our ex military EMD MRS-1 locomotive. No. 1820, in the last month. The 14th valve has been very obstinate and Ken has been having a tough time getting it removed. Ken comes up during the week and services the brakes on all of our cars and locomotives currently active on our demonstration railroad or in yard switching service. Thanks Ken, for keeping us rolling!
The train crew for July and August entertained 671 weekend passengers for the period. Here is the honor roll with the number of days each volunteer worked: (Keep in mind each day is two trains worked!)
Jim Baker (4), Robin Becker (1), Darrel Bivans (1), Roger Challberg (3), Dave DiGiorgio (2) Sherwin Dorris (1), Duane Dubke (1), Don Getz (3), Larry Hieshetter (2), Dave Houk (1). Randy Houk (5), Al Keevil (1), Diego Lundquist (1), Jim Lundquist (6), Sabrina Lundquist (1), Seth Miller (5), Tony Neece (2), Bob Nickles (3), Jack O'Lexey (1), Dick Pennick (3), Don Pope (1), Ann Ruppert (1), Dick Ruppert (1), Brian Sampson (2), Bob Schussler (2) and Frank Stites(2).
Jack O'Lexey has been our able crew caller for many years and continues to do a great job getting an operating crew put together each weekend. Jim Lundquist has been the "stopper" filling in at the last minute as conductor or brakeman if somebody had to back out. Our Miller Creek trains provide the Museum's main source of income and keeping them staffed and running is vital to our financial well being. We simply must keep the trains running without fail.
The mechanical troops doing the maintenance have been recognized elsewhere in this issue but one more cheer for these people in the "skinned knuckle" department won't hurt anything: Ken Kahan, Bill Palmer, Dave DiGiorgio, Ron Hyatt and Randy Houk have been doing the day to day wrench work. Dick McIntyre, (the welding wizard!) Dick Cupp, Tom Walker and Fred Carnathan have been working on rebuilding the hand brakes on SD&A coach 250.
Special recognition is also due John Rotsart curator of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park for letting us use the SDMRM new library room to hold our operating department meetings for the last few months. SDMRM has also provided free storage for our most rare library artifacts that lost their long time home as reported in the last newsletter.
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