John Rimmasch, Chief Mechanical Officer at the Heber Valley Railroad, is pursuing a career opportunity at the Ohio Central, to head up their steam program. We at the Heber Valley Railroad wish him the best and look forward to great things in Ohio. As a result, we want to continue making progress in our ongoing program here at the Heber Valley. We are accepting applications from people who share our vision of what a steam-oriented tourist railroad can be. The position description can be found on our website at www.hebervalleyrr.org under "Job Opportunity". I can be contact via e-mail at clacey@hebervalleyrr.org, or by phone at (435) 654-5601, Extension 102.

A few things about the Heber Valley Railroad: We are a non-profit, independent Utah state agency, which means that we are owned by the State, but do not receive regular appropriations. We earn our own way, through ticket, gift and charter sales, as well as through tax-deductible donations. All proceeds are put back into the operation. We are a year-round operation, with 7 full-time employees and approximately 65 part-time or seasonal people. We have one of the best volunteer programs in the industry, and are located within an hour of several major metropolitan areas. We run up to 6 trains per day during the summer, and a limited winter schedule. We run a diversified operation, with daily runs along our 16-mile route, as well as special-event evening trains (barbecue trains, murder mysteries, and seasonal trains such as "Haunted Canyon", "Polar Express" and "Thomas"). Our annual passenger count is around 70,000 and growing.

We are organized into three departments, Operations, Business and Retail Sales. The C.M.O. runs the Operations Department, which includes train and shop operations, track maintenance and the volunteer program. John has delegated much of the management of his part of the organization to a number of very capable individuals, and there is a tremendous spirit of teamwork and cooperation here!

Facilities and equipment at the Heber Valley Railroad include a new depot facility (2001), a modern heated shop with overhead crane (1994) and the basic equipment needed for locomotive and track work. Like most organizations of our type, the money is always tight, but we carefully manage what we've got. Our rolling stock includes two operational 1907 2-8-0 steam locomotives and an 0-6-0 switcher recently acquired through donation; 3 diesel-electric locomotives, 6 operational coaches, 2 snack cars, 5 open-air cars and 3 cabooses. We also have other rolling stock in the process of being restored. We maintain an antique freight train and have a photo-freight program. Current projects include a 1472-day Part 230 overhaul on locomotive #75, and we are submitting TEA-21 proposals for 618's running gear and the restoration of #300 to operational condition. We also have ongoing coach and locomotive maintenance and upgrade projects.

This will be a tremendous opportunity for someone who wants to take the reins of a dynamic operation. We look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to contact me directly as directed above, or to contact John at jrimmasch@yahoo.com or at (435) 654-5601, Extension 105.

Craig H. Lacey
Executive Director
Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority
450 South 600 West
Heber City, Utah 84032
FAX (435) 645-3709

clacey@hebervalleyrr.org

>For many of you out there in the railfan world, the forth coming news is really no news at all. I am simply here tonight to announce formally that I am leaving the Heber Valley Railroad in the spring of 2004. An opportunity has become open for me to take the job of Chief Mechanical Officer of the Steam Department of the Ohio Central Railroad System. I will begin working for the Ohio Central in late January as we finish a smooth management transition for the Heber Valley Railroad between January and March, 2004.

Often in our industry, job changes are a result of some type of problem between employees and management staff. I am here to tell you tonight, that my decision to leave the Heber Valley Railroad has nothing to do with management problems, hate, discontent or any other perceived problem. In making a decision to move on, I have struggled with the fact that the Heber Valley Railroad is an excellent place to work. I have been give opportunities at Heber that many railroaders never have in their entire life.

It is my hope to convey a strong message to the employees who work for me at the Heber Valley Railroad that I have grown to have a deep and respectful love for everybody that I have worked with. The Heber Valley Railroad Operations Department is one of, if not the best in our industry. We are very proud of the work we have done. It has been a true pleasure to lead a group of such high quality people.

As for the Ohio Central, I am not in a position to speak about the management changes that have been made with-in the Steam Department. I can tell you however, that there are very bright days ahead of the Ohio Central Steam Department. As the new CMO, it is my goal to see the volunteer program of the Ohio Central Steam Department grow and prosper. It is also my goal to see as many of the Ohio Central steam engines returned to operating condition as soon as possible. Myself and the other steam department employees are excited about the future of steam on the Ohio Central. The 2004 operating schedule for the Steam Department is very ambitious. Mr. Jerry Joe Jacobson is also excited about the future of the program. He and his management staff are committed to the preservation of steam and the operation thereof. A posting regarding the Winter Steam Photo Specials can be found here on RYPN in the Interchange. Jason Johnson has done a wonderful job planning this event.

In making the transition from the Heber Valley Railroad to the Ohio Central, I have committed to be active in future projects at the Heber Valley Railroad. I have also committed to assisting the Heber Valley Railroad in itÂ’s search for a new CMO. The Heber Valley Railroad will always hold a special place in my heart. It is my goal to see the railroad left in a position to grow and build. As you can see, the posting for the job can be found on the Heber Valley Railroad web sight at www. hebervalleyrr.org

As I move on, I would like to share a few final thoughts. First, I want to thank all of the industry leaders who have shared ideas, opinions and thoughts about the Ohio Central. It is my feeling that our industry supports the Ohio Central and the future of steam on the Ohio Central. Also, I want to thank all of you who have voiced concerns regarding the future of the Heber Valley Railroad. May I assure you that the Heber Valley Railroad will survive and it will grow. Second, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Craig H. Lacey and the Heber Valley Railroad Board of Directors for their understanding and support of my decision. It is not often that you find an employer who is willing to see itÂ’s employees grow and learn. Never once has a harsh word been said from any member of our Board or from any member of our Management staff about my decision to leave. I have many good friend in Heber. If you have any questions regarding the job posting or want to speak with me about the job, please call me anytime at (435)-654-5601 EXT 105.

John E. Rimmasch
Heber Valley Railroad/Ohio Central Railroad System

John Rimmasch, Chief Mechanical Officer at
> the Heber Valley Railroad, is pursuing a
> career opportunity at the Ohio Central, to
> head up their steam program. We at the Heber
> Valley Railroad wish him the best and look
> forward to great things in Ohio. As a
> result, we want to continue making progress
> in our ongoing program here at the Heber
> Valley. We are accepting applications from
> people who share our vision of what a
> steam-oriented tourist railroad can be. The
> position description can be found on our
> website at www.hebervalleyrr.org under
> "Job Opportunity". I can be
> contact via e-mail at
> clacey@hebervalleyrr.org, or by phone at
> (435) 654-5601, Extension 102.

> A few things about the Heber Valley
> Railroad: We are a non-profit, independent
> Utah state agency, which means that we are
> owned by the State, but do not receive
> regular appropriations. We earn our own way,
> through ticket, gift and charter sales, as
> well as through tax-deductible donations.
> All proceeds are put back into the
> operation. We are a year-round operation,
> with 7 full-time employees and approximately
> 65 part-time or seasonal people. We have one
> of the best volunteer programs in the
> industry, and are located within an hour of
> several major metropolitan areas. We run up
> to 6 trains per day during the summer, and a
> limited winter schedule. We run a
> diversified operation, with daily runs along
> our 16-mile route, as well as special-event
> evening trains (barbecue trains, murder
> mysteries, and seasonal trains such as
> "Haunted Canyon", "Polar
> Express" and "Thomas"). Our
> annual passenger count is around 70,000 and
> growing.

> We are organized into three departments,
> Operations, Business and Retail Sales. The
> C.M.O. runs the Operations Department, which
> includes train and shop operations, track
> maintenance and the volunteer program. John
> has delegated much of the management of his
> part of the organization to a number of very
> capable individuals, and there is a
> tremendous spirit of teamwork and
> cooperation here!

> Facilities and equipment at the Heber Valley
> Railroad include a new depot facility
> (2001), a modern heated shop with overhead
> crane (1994) and the basic equipment needed
> for locomotive and track work. Like most
> organizations of our type, the money is
> always tight, but we carefully manage what
> we've got. Our rolling stock includes two
> operational 1907 2-8-0 steam locomotives and
> an 0-6-0 switcher recently acquired through
> donation; 3 diesel-electric locomotives, 6
> operational coaches, 2 snack cars, 5
> open-air cars and 3 cabooses. We also have
> other rolling stock in the process of being
> restored. We maintain an antique freight
> train and have a photo-freight program.
> Current projects include a 1472-day Part 230
> overhaul on locomotive #75, and we are
> submitting TEA-21 proposals for 618's
> running gear and the restoration of #300 to
> operational condition. We also have ongoing
> coach and locomotive maintenance and upgrade
> projects.

> This will be a tremendous opportunity for
> someone who wants to take the reins of a
> dynamic operation. We look forward to
> hearing from you. Feel free to contact me
> directly as directed above, or to contact
> John at jrimmasch@yahoo.com or at (435)
> 654-5601, Extension 105.

> Craig H. Lacey
> Executive Director
> Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority
> 450 South 600 West
> Heber City, Utah 84032
> FAX (435) 645-3709


jrimmasch@yahoo.com

The Ohio Central Railroad is looking forward to John Rimmasch as the new Chief Mechanical Officer of the Steam Department. John came highly recommended by many industry leaders and his management style and manners echo those recommendations. We are confident the Ohio Central Railroad has a very bright future in steam with the full support of Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Joe Jacobson, and the leadership of John Rimmasch as CMO.

Next year looks to be our most exciting year with many different excursions and events being planned. Stay tuned to RYPN and our website www.ocsteam.com as next years schedule unravels over the next few months.

Regards,
Jason Johnson
Operations Manager
Ohio Central Steam Department

jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

So what happened to Tim Sposato?

> The Ohio Central Railroad is looking forward
> to John Rimmasch as the new Chief Mechanical
> Officer of the Steam Department. John came
> highly recommended by many industry leaders
> and his management style and manners echo
> those recommendations. We are confident the
> Ohio Central Railroad has a very bright
> future in steam with the full support of
> Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Joe Jacobson,
> and the leadership of John Rimmasch as CMO.

> Next year looks to be our most exciting year
> with many different excursions and events
> being planned. Stay tuned to RYPN and our
> website www.ocsteam.com as next years
> schedule unravels over the next few months.

> Regards,
> Jason Johnson
> Operations Manager
> Ohio Central Steam Department

I've worked with John Rimmasch at the Heber Valley Railroad for the past 4 years. His knowledge of steam and organizational skills has transformed what was a mediocre operation into, in my opinion, a world class tourist attraction. All of us at the railroad are sad to see John leave. But we're happy that he is fulfilling his dreams. The Ohio Central will benefit and the Heber Valley Railroad is better off today because John happened to pass this way. Good luck John.
Ken McConnell
Marketing Director
Heber Valley Railroad

kenm9@msn.com

Many of you are aware of the high level of importance that 'family' plays in the Mormon Church (sorry to bring up religion, but I note that politics is not taboo on this board either).

For the last 4 1/2 years, I have been a member of John's "family" of volunteers at Heber Valley. He represents exactly what has been "cried out for" on this board--the youth, knowledge, and enthusiasm to help carry on that which was started by those preservation pioneers of the last century.

Outside of this preservation community we would probably have to think of our own religious affiliations to answer the following: How many of you can say you have so many brothers (and sisters) from all walks of life? with ages ranging from their seventies to the teen-aged scouts that come to work on Eagle Scout projects? with such a wide diversity of interests and yet a common bond?

Many of us have brothers/sisters that have "done good" and don't we love to brag on them?

This volunteer rejoices in the success achieved by this brother and the opportunity for him to advance and grow in this new position. It's not good-bye but " 'til We Meet Again"

Good Luck, John and make it many great days on the Ohio Central!

sc 'doc' lewis



Heber Valley Railroad
utweyesguy@aol.com

Best wishes John, and may the program you build in Ohio be as strong as that you leave behind.

dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Congratulations, John! You're leaving big shoes to fill in Utah, and I'm sure you'll do a great job in Coshocton.

(I don't suppose Jerry would be interested in getting his hands on a Tkt-48, would he? ;-)

JAC

Well, John, your enthusiasm and knowlege have done you well... once again. Congrats!

Just one thing... did anyone tell you that Ohio is flat? A great railroad, good steam, good people, but no Wasatch, pal!

Jim

http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

Pshaw. No Wasatch, true, but lovely rolling hills around Sugarcreek, and some pretty deep valleys as you move east toward the Ohio. Now Indiana--THAT's flat.

eledbetter@rypn.org

John,

I've never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I've read about all the good things that you've done for the Heber Valley RR, and I congratulate you on your new opportunity in Ohio.

Since the closing of the Ohio Central's scheduled steam operations, I've been concerned about the future of the steam locomotives and passenger equipment there. That you've been hired to take over as Chief Mechanical Officer of the Steam Department makes me feel good about the future of steam there.

I hope to get to Ohio in the coming year to see the operation for myself.

kevin.r.gillespie@verizon.net

> Pshaw. No Wasatch, true, but lovely rolling
> hills around Sugarcreek, and some pretty
> deep valleys as you move east toward the
> Ohio. Now Indiana--THAT's flat.

In 1988, while shooting NKP 587's first runs between Indy and Logansport, I formulated the Craft Postulate:

Every Place in Indiana is Downhill from Every Other Place in Indiana.

(No one has proven me wrong on this yet.)

In 1993, while shooting NKP 587 and NKP 765 doubleheading west of Argos, Indiana, and looking for a decent photo location, Danah and I formulated a corollary:

Every Grade Crossing in Indiana Looks Like Every Other Grade Crossing in Indiana.

(And Corn is Usually Involved.)

JAC

But isnt the steepest grade in the U.S. located in Indiana? Something like 5.8 percent?

sutterd@hotmail.com

> But isnt the steepest grade in the U.S.
> located in Indiana? Something like 5.8
> percent?

Hell, in Colorado we called that level track.

Seriously, Ohio is close enough to the cradle of civilization, the Monongahela River Valley near its junction with the Alleghany where they join to form the oceans of the world, to have some decent ups and downs.

How about a trip down the old B&O Streets Run branch from Glenwood Yard behind a couple of Jerry's smaller hogs doubleheaded? White Hall tunnel and return?

dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

> Hell, in Colorado we called that level
> track.

I feel inspired to create the Colorado Corollary:

Every Place in Colorado is Uphill From Every Other Place in Colorado. *

* - west of I-25 only; for east of I-25, refer to Craft Postulate.

;)

JAC