Hello Everyone-
As many of you are reading this, yours truly is working tonight for "First Night" at our museum. The thought occurred to me that maybe its high time I expressed what RYPN means to this rail preservationist (if I've been in this field long enought to call myself that). Its been great being a part of the conversation that makes rail preservation the unique and wonderful experience that it is. Hope everyone has a safe and prosperous 2003. Here's wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

T.J. Gaffney

Port Huron, Michigan
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

I'd like to echo what T.J. said, have a happy and prosperous new year ... you folks have been a lot of help, and I for one appreciate your expertise, experience and knowledge, especially the way it is shared!

lamontdc@adelphia.net

hoping this holiday season has been pleasant for all and wishing all of you a Happy New Year.

#75 made it's last run yesterday (Dec 31st) and later this morning, a half dozen of us start breaking her down for the needed rebuild -- new flues, extensive boiler survey, rebuilding of the compressor and auto reverse, some running gear work, and as I understand a new tender. Plans are to be back in time for Memorial Day.

#618 has been down for "minor" work for the last 5-6 weeks and is just coming back together (I spent saturday painting grabirons, repairing some woodwork, and wire brushing the engine-to-tender drawbars and pins for their "stress test").

#1011 has performed well since coming back into service late this summer.

#1218 sits out in the westyard. Those with interest in Davenports with Cat engines may want to contact the CMO, John Rimmasch. He informs me that the engines are in fine condition, we just can't keep her in traction motors.

#1813 after six months, is back running after generator replacement and repair of a water leak.

well I'd best be retiring for the night -- 0900 H call time this morning.

doc

Heber Valley Railroad
utweyesguy@aol.com