I noticed that one of our posters uses the "handle" (to use a truckers' term) of u25b. Orange Empire workers have just completed repainting Southern Pacific U-25B 3100, renewing the paint job it had when it arrived in Perris. Several railfans have commented that "this is the best looking SP unit they've seen in the last 30 years" (SP had a reputation for not keeping their engines clean and shiny). One of our next goals in the diesel realm is doing body repairs and repainting Santa Fe FP-45 98 (nee 108), in its classic Warbonnet paint job. And yes, our new Barn 7/Ron Ruffulo Car House is now filled. When it was first constructed, one member, marveling at its size, named it the "Zeppelin Hangar". Not only does it get dozens of cars out of the weather, along the sides are industrial storage racks for tons of spare parts and supplies.

The Sumpter Valley Railroad will be rebuilding the platform at McEwen as well as the loading ramps at both our stations to improve handicap access to the trains. The bathrooms will also be receiving a facelift, and a new museum building should be opening this spring. Our Mikado number 19 is well along on it's 1472 overhaul, and diesel-electric number 720 will be finished up, or close to it, this summer. Ridership was up 10% percent last year, and we were able to retire an $80,000.00 debt the year before. We still need to build a big storage barn for the wooden rollingstock, but we're working on it. Until then, we're keeping up on paint and repairs, and at least two new cars should be in service for the fall photo trains.

Thanks, Taylor