Does anyone know if the Ohio Central steam shop staff was laid off with the cessation of tourist service, or were they reassigned to other duties on the OC system? Does Jacobson plan to mothball his Morgan Run shop facility? Is 1551 all apart on the shop floor? Will 6325 and 1293 be stored outdoors or inside the shop? My feeling is that he is somewhat "hot and cold" on things and that when insurance conditions improve we may see the return of excursion steam on the OC. I can't see a huge steam fan like Jerry Joe giving up his collection just because the insurance is flat. Fear not, steam fans.

> Does anyone know if the Ohio Central steam
> shop staff was laid off with the cessation
> of tourist service, or were they reassigned
> to other duties on the OC system?

Some employees were reassigned, some laid off and a few of us are still working on steam projects including the 1551, 1293 and 6325 as well as the fleet of passenger cars.

> Does Jacobson plan to mothball his Morgan Run
> shop facility?

No current plans to mothball Morgan Run.

> Is 1551 all apart on the shop floor?

She is being put back together. No reason to completly finish the 15-year work so that she can sit while the clock ticks. When the current insurance situation and economy start to turn for the better, work should continue.

> Will 6325 and 1293 be stored outdoors
> or inside the shop?

The 1293 and 6325 are both sitting right outside the shop stored serviceble, just add water and fire.

> My feeling is that he is
> somewhat "hot and cold" on things
> and that when insurance conditions improve
> we may see the return of excursion steam on
> the OC. I can't see a huge steam fan like
> Jerry Joe giving up his collection just
> because the insurance is flat. Fear not,
> steam fans.

We all are staying positive at this time. Jerry is very devoted to steam and preserving as much as he can. It just takes money, more and more each year just to stay afloat.

I hope this helps clear up some questions.
Jason Johnson
Ohio Central Steam Dept.


www.ocsteam.com

Thanks for the report from the right source. I did notice that the Ohio Central 2003 train brochures are still out in droves. I was in Youngstown, OH yesterday (Super 8 @ Youngstown) and the racks were full. For PR purposes, this is probably a detail that should be addressed through the distribution channels.

randy.gustafson@westpa.net

Just a note: Even without the steam, had a great time on the Ohio Bicentennial Train with the F-Units and 8 cars. Dennison put on a great celebration, and the food was enough to put me,my wife and my son to sleep on the trip home for a while. Had a chance to ride in the vestibule of one of the cars between Frazesburg and Newark, and if there is a way to liken this to a religious experience, it was one for me. Oh yeah, and always good to see Jason "the Ohio Bicentennial Bell-ringer" Johnson, but the golf-shirt looked a bit out of place. I mean, Heck, I'd live in bib-overalls if I could!

T.J.

Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org