Category: building

Late March was a busy time in Independence. The FRA inspector was in town to do the annual inspection on #18. A hydro test was performed and all went well. We have only a handful of things remaining before we are ready to operate the #18, which will next be on October 5-6, 2018.

In other work we laid a lot of track!There is now approximately 500 feet of track in place including a completed switch for our engine house lead. Our 1943 Plymouth switcher (ex. Apache Powder Co.)made multiple trips up and back hauling track tools and components as well as a few passengers. Next up for track work will be completing the ballasting and eventually adding a second switch with track heading north east towards the main museum building.

Also accomplished was painting and cleaning out of a good portion of boxcar #6 in preparation for its journey to Dehy Park and display. In the coming months the car will be moved and our new boxcar #15 will be placed on trucks.

Lastly it is with sadness that we must announce that Lynn “Ma” Cromer is stepping down as secretary. Lynn has been with us for well over a decade and will be sorely missed. She will be hard to replace.

As always, thanks for the support!

An unseasonally pleasant last weekend in January allowed work to progress on the engine house lead. Grading, switch installation, track laying and rail installation all took place. Next time around we will complete the switch, spike everything and ballast and tamp.

In addition to the track work, the #18’s washout plugs were reinstalled and the loose firing valve was disassembled and repaired. Also accomplished was the painting and lettering of boxcar #13. This car will soon head north to Laws in exchange for one of their cars from their “boxcar village”. Lastly the Clamper plaque that had been in Dehy park was moved to the museum building.

Our next work weekend will likely see the FRA annual completed and a boxcar moved into the Dehy park site.

As always thanks for your support!