I would like to add a few words in praise of the effective outreach efforts of the NN Ry. In the interest of full disclosure I must state that I have not yet visited the property and have only enjoyed it via photos and videos.

I am a member and do send contributions from time to time as I'm able to afford to.

From my perspective Mark Bassett has done an outstanding job of bringing the unique nature of the NN to the attention of thousands across the nation and as evidenced by the huge increase in their support base numbers his message is sure resonating with many.

In addition there is now the very real possibility that thanks to the building of a new coal fired power plant on the NN that they will have a first class, 100 plus mile mainline rr to run over.

I'm confident that with Mark's dedication and talents that the best days for the NN lay ahead.

IMHO-Ross Rowland

The word from Heber Valley RR today is 'no steam for at least 1 year'. Both steamers are 'out for maintenance'. 2-8-0 #75 is disassembled in many pieces, boiler is off the frame, etc., smokebox has a huge hole in the bottom where it was cut from the frame. #618 is intact in the yard, missing the headlight and bracket borrowed from the #3203 folks in Portland (I assume it's been returned, or placed in storage).

The Alder Gulch Shortline, between Nevada City and Virginia City Montana, operated this year and will operate next year with our 30" gauge 2-8-0 (quite possibly the cleanest locomotive in the West!). We certainly won't mind you all visiting!

Michael Seitz
Missoula MT

Ross,
Isn't that your wheel lathe that is down there in pieces? Wasn't that suppose to be set up with in a year?

Yes, the 80 inch wheel lathe is mine and was sent first to the GCRR when the NS ended its steam program. I had lent it first to the NS with the proviso that if they ended steam work it would go wherever I directed. Bob Franzen asked for it for the GCRR but after it being there for a few years Bob was unable to get the funding to put it in service and he and I worked out an arrangement to send it to the NN.

I have faith that eventually Mark Bassett will work things out to return the machine to full service. Important to note that one of the conditions of the loan is that once it's back in service it will be available to anyone needing its services for a fee to cover the NN's out of pocket costs.

I believe that once the new power plant construction starts and with it the comenserate rebuilding of the entire NN to heavy duty mainline standards that the progress at Ely will accelerate greatly. Time will tel!!

Ross Rowland