Visitors to the B&O Museum in the past, may recall seeing among other things, a old snowplow, boxcar, coal car, and C&O caboose in the back lot under a awning. The caboose will be returned to the C&O Historical Society, while the other pieces will be placed on the deadline out front, along the fence and out of view, or out on the west end of the museum property. Because the tracks in which these peices are son currently has no connection to the other museum tracks, a 350 ton crane will be brought in on site next week, and will begin to move those pieces and a few others onto active tracks so they can be moved to thier new home. Visitors know that some of these pieces are falling apart, and there appears to be no funds in the foreseable future to restore them. Once the area is cleared out, the tracks will be removed and the area will be paved allowing for more covered, and a flat, even surface for special events. A sidewalk will also be put in to the special platfrom used duing Steam Days or Thomas (Last weekend in April, 1st weekend in May BTW). In the past, visitors included those in wheelchairs had to trudge through ballast to reach the special platfrom. Personally, as a volunteer there, I don't agreee with removing the tracks, and thus reducing the amount of area we have for displaying equipment, but the powers that be at the museum feel this is in the best interest of the museum. I do not have an exact schedule for next week, other than it being suggested that the entire project less paving, will take all week. I've also been told that access to the back yard area will be limited, so don't rush out there next week expecting to get great shots. If I go up and am able to get any shots, I will post them.

Chris Bogley
Bowie, MD