Passenger Car Department

It was a fabulous day. Early in the day Shelly Vanderschaegen and John McKelvey continued the big job of reupholstering seats for the RI 2612 coach. Michael Baksic, Ray Mormann, and Mark Gellman were trying to drill holes for the vestibule door between the Birmingham and the Loch Sloy. They worked on it all day but were unable to make much headway.

During the mid-morning Jon Habegger helped Shelly prepare food for the lunch to come.

Before his shift as conductor, Michael McCraren and Mark Gellman tackled the number board on the north side of the Pacific Peak. Last weekend work was done on the number board on the south side of the car.

Pacific Peak north side original number board covered with a panel - Photo by Michael McCraren

Mark Gellman drilling out the pop rivets and removing the panel - Photo by Michael McCraren

A one inch wide band of yellow was discovered which was a surprise - Photo by Michael McCraren

Michael McCraren painted the area yellow with UP model railroad paint - Photo by Michael McCraren

Michael masked the area painted black on the south side and sprayed on the yellow paint - Photo by Michael McCraren

We had a great turnout for a plaque presentation to Susan, David, and Rob Stepek in honor of Phil Stepek who passed away last year. Shelly Vanderschaegen came up with the idea to create the plaque, Jon Habegger put the words together, and Pauline Trabert helped Shelly choose the plaque and design. Michael Baksic made the presentation to the Stepek family. A second identical plaque will be hung inside the Birmingham diner where Phil spent a great deal of time.

David, Rob, and Susan Stepek in the Birmingham - Photo by Shelly Vanderschaegen

Michael Baksic presents a plaque to Susan Stepek - Photo courtesy of Shelly Vanderschaegen

After the plaque presentation, there was a picnic lunch in the Birmingham followed by a ride on the coach train. Later on David and Rob Stepek crushed cans which had been collected by the department. This is David's usual volunteer job.

Jon Habegger went to his post in the 1st Exhibit Car following the luncheon.

Jon Habegger wears a Birmingham serving jacket - Photo by Shelly Vanderschaegen

David gives the thumbs up inside the coach train. Behind him are his brother and mother - Photo by Shelly Vanderschaegen