November 22, 2011, as "NH 3025" goes into service for the first time at Essex: J. David and Wayne.



Best wishes for you both, in your new roles.

Howard P.

Congratulations Dave. I disagree with a previous post about this being bad for the industry. I look forward to your new-found freedom unleashing you on all sorts of worthwhile projects. Can't wait to see what you are up to next. Best wishes, Linn

Dave, I've been honored to get to know you professionally and work on a couple projects with the Valley Railroad rather than just read about what you've done in the magazines.

The 3025 project was brilliant, glad it worked out, and the day that I saw the pictures of the SY in the Kane enginehouse like a big piece of burnt toast with the toaster melted on top of it, I'd never have imagined anybody would have had the vision and imagination to pull something like this off.

And I don't think you're quite done yet, but it's an accomplishment in this boomer 'industry' to draw an honored retirement from an outfit with this many years of consecutive service, and I salute you.

Very best wishes to you David. I learned an immense amount every time we spoke and enjoyed every minute of it. Like many I am grateful for your immense services to the field as a whole, and for all your achievements at the Valley. But I will always thank you as well for the many hours on the phone you spent with me helping me understand the industry, past present and future.

<back to the lurker's cave for me!>

I'm glad J. David has finally reached the point in his career where he can take up a worthwhile hobby... like restoring classic Mustangs. (ducking for cover)

Good luck, J. David, it's a shame I never got up to the Valley to see it, yet.

Dennis:
You may not be too far off!
Having sold my 1951 Studebaker Regal, I am thinking of acquiring a pre-1955 Hudson Wasp.
During my "Jensen" years, I drove "interesting" autos, including a '53 Wasp.
When Dave Wantz burned up the clutch on his Hudson coming down to help Jensen, he made it to the 49th Street Round House. Being the resident Hudson expert, I installed a new clutch for him in the Round House parking lot.
J.David

You sold the Stude? Say it ain't so!!!

Howard P.
(how about a late 30s Buick?)

Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Conrad! I have yet to venture out east to visit the Valley Railroad, but it's close to the top on my list of places to visit.

Thomas Dyrek