Trolley Bus Department

Last weekend (Thursday through Sunday!) we were able to finish the reorganization of the Andersen and Hoffman Garages.  A HUGE thank you to Wes Lloyd, who worked alongside me and Richard Schauer the entire day on Sunday.  Without his help it is doubtful we would have been able to finish the job last weekend.  Once complete, we gave a tour of the newly acquired coaches to President Joe Stupar, First Lady Gwyn Stupar along with other Directors, former Directors and volunteers.  Once that was finished, we all joined Frank Hicks and a good size crew to tarp one of the CA&E cars in yard 11.  It was a busy and rewarding weekend!

Yesterday started out lending a hand to Joel Ahrendt, who wanted to accomplish the simple task of moving CA&E 460 to the pit for inspection.   There just happened to be a couple trucks and two other CA&E cars blocking his path.  So we set about getting the two trucks, newly delivered for Tim Peters' 1024 project, ready to be moved.  As usual, Richard Schauer was an integral part of the team.  After a good deal of oil in strategic places, with additional help from Fred McGullam, Bob Olsen & Tim Peters, and encouragement from Marcus Ruef & Randy Hicks, we were able to get the trucks relocated.  We then switched to other two CA&E cars and Joel was finally, with cooperation from the Diesel guys, able to get 460 to the pit.

During the week, Richard and Greg Kepka acquired, primed and painted a new trolley board for Chicago Marmon-Herrington 9553.  Yesterday afternoon, with the help of Thomas Slater and David Fullarton, we installed it on the coach.  It may be one of the coaches we put into service to shuttle visitors to and from the parking lot during the Christmas event, so it was critical that this maintenance was done prior to the event.  Now, it is ready to go!!

We just received the bill for trucking the four newly acquired coaches from MOT in St. Louis.  The cost came to around $8,000.  Any assistance with defraying this cost via donations will be very gladly accepted!!!  Sorry, no pictures this week.

These past several months have seen and incredible amount of activity and progress in both the Trolley Bus and Motor Bus Departments.  I want to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us.  Not only the volunteers, but those of you who have supported us via donations - to EVERYONE who has helped, you are GREATLY appreciated!!!