Entries by Roger Kramer

Many of you have been waiting for this announcement and so here is the good news!    Jeron Glander and Cody Ziarko have drawn up a long term plan to restore the Silver Pony to operation!   With the approval and input of Curator, Paul Cronin, the initial steps have been finalized!   Jeron and Cody have already begin working on the "Pony" as of this blogging. The two major steps to this project are, first, repair the interior by installing new windows, fixing the lighting circuits and generally cleaning the interior so that it is presentable for tours.    The second phrase, and more expensive, will be the costly repair of both trucks, repairing the air conditioning system, upgrading and installing a reliable electric system to power the needs of the Dome.  THIS will be a very expensive project!   It will need almost the same amount of money[$] as the Electroliner project!  If you have given donations to the Electroliner in the past please seriously consider sending any donations large or small to this project!     If you are a fan of Budd equipment or light weight equipment in general this project is just right for you!!    One of Jeron's and Cody's first projects is the purchase and installation of new window gasket material.This will be any amazing car to ride.  The view from the dome will be breathtaking!    Depending on the amount of dollars given to this project the Pony might be available to operate in excursion  service with our Zephyr!  Just think of the possibilities!      Now, Jeron and Cody, definitely, can not accomplish this by themselves so...   They have asked me to pass along this request:  to help by volunteering and becoming part the team they are putting together;  THE PONY TEAM!    I know a number of you have already asked about helping with this special project.          Well...   Come on out and join the Pony Team!  Here, now, is your opportunity to help bring this unique piece of railroad equipment back into operation.   Cody and Jeron are working on the Pony in barn 11 most Wednesdays and Saturdays.    Come out and see the progress and join their team.     Yes, don't forget your check book!!!                   Thanks       Roger

Two weeks ago I visited the museums two display coaches and was amazed by the professionalism and artfulness of the displays.   I would strongly suggest to all the members  to view this attraction when next visiting the museum!  It is truly a very excellent display of just a few of the  many Irm railroad  artifacts.      To refresh your memory they are located in yard 5 on the third track.    You can not miss them  for they are very well marked! Above is just one example of what a typical dining customer would sit down to when eating on the American railroad diner of the 20's 30's 40's and 50's.   For those of you who are concerned about this displays protection, Mark and Mike have advised me that this entire table setup will be under a protective plastic canopy.      The above picture of builders plates was donated to the museum four years ago.  I do not remember the patrons name but graciously thank him for his generosity.  Thanks to Mark and Mike for taking these pictures and sending them to me so that I might blog about these outstanding and professionally created displays!  Please take the time to visit them.  Its well worth the viewing time.   If you would consider a donation to help further the development of more displays there will be one donation canister located in each car for your convenience.    You can also send in your donation either via mail or email and please mark it for Coach Department Displays.    Again, thanks to Mark, Mike, Shelly, Ray, Mike Baksic for making this possible!  It truly is an inspiration to all their hard work!    Thanks    Roger

The Dover Strait has received much attention in January in spite of all the cold, snowy, and rainy weather.   Dale and Mark have been working away at removing much of the old three layers of paint in bedrooms A and B.  We have committed ourselves to removing as much paint as possible from these last two bedrooms before the Spring weather sets in.  Myself along with Mark, Dale, Bob,  Austin, Jane and Howard have worked on this project either in barn 3 or in the heated wood shop extension.    We have also been working in the  museum's heated woodshop where we have been refinishing doors and tables from the Dover.  When all doors and tables are free of old paint we will then restain and apply two coats of polyurethane clear gloss coat to each.  Would you like to help us?  Come out on any Wednesday or Saturday and we will gladly help you get set up in your new restoration experience!   A series of three pictures showing the progress in bedroom B You can help make this final restoration push a reality by sending in a donation to the Dover Strait fund.  We are still on our work schedule and now we have narrowed down our carpet choices  for the lounge!  Please consider a donation.   Thanks     Roger