Not even the first test run of this locomotive will keep this hardy volunteer from his appointed painting rounds!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvDwYy3s1u4

Now that's dedication!

Later!
Mr. Ed

The video reminds me of the time when we were restoring Reading #2102 for use on the American Freedom Train at the B&O Riverside roundhouse in Baltimore in early 1975. At the end of the thirty day period the engine was under steam and being moved out of the roundhouse for the first time. As it was the first steamer to run on those tracks in about 20 years, and probably the heaviest axle load on them in about the same time, it acted as a track tester. It quickly found the rotted ties and/or light replacement rail at one point on the lead. One rail promptly rolled over and the engine was on the ground. While the railroad organized its re-railing the volunteers noticed that the rods were now located in a different place than when the drivers had been painted blue with white tires before it began moving. They quickly got the paint and were busy painting the parts they couldn't reach before on both sides, much like they guy in the video, although this engine was motionless. Just single minded dedication in both cases.

The Toronto Railway Heritage Centre group has done an awesome job lately. Recently besides restoring their #1 Centercab diesel locomotive, they have been putting finishing touches on the former CPR John Street Roundhouse, and moving the massive Canadian National Railway #6213 steam locomotive from Exposition Park to the TRHC complex.