As of 0430-7/24/04 here's where we are with the # 33 project;

1.Boiler has been completed and is being air tested, water will be added later today,warmed and a first hydro performed tonight. Test firing remains on schedule for 0900 on Monday 7/27.

2.Most of the running gear work is completed, with brake rigging and some minor appliances to be installed today.

3.Tender has been copaled/watered and mated to the loco.

4. Completely new wiring system is installed and completed.

5. Subject to the results of todays hydro and Mondays test firing she is currently scheduled to join sisters 1293&6325 for a tripleheader trip on Wed.7/29 to Dennison in preparation for Trainfestival2004.

6. The crew (paid&volunteer) are tired but doing well. The spirit is wonderfull and all are committed to seeing her at Trainfestival.I'm confident she'll be one of the stars of the show.

In other Trainfestival developments here's where we stand;

1. The live steamer track(1500ft.) has been completed and test runs are now being made. Among the 10 live steamers that will be operating is a Pennsy T-1 and a Pennsy M1. They'll be able to provide a 10 minute ride to about 1,000 people an hour around the elongated oval, and as the rides are free(part of what you get for the general admission ticket) I'm sure there will be a line all day.

2. The vendor section is sold/out with a variety of sellers from across the country offering everything from builders plates($500-$25,000) to the usual souvenirs.

3. Most but not quite all of the one hour steam excursions are sold out, with a few tickets available on the very earliest departures. As the major public-relations/advertising campaign only starts today in all 10 surrounding major markets, the remaining seats will certainly sell very soon. These trains will be pulled by 1293 in one direction and an F9 in the other. They'll go out about 9 miles from Dennison then reverse. Most of the cars will be open window.

4. The 2 all day trips from Columbus to Dennison are sold out with a waiting list.These will be powered by the 6325 in one direction and diesel in the other.

5. There are a very few one day seats left on Mr. Bennett Levins Sat. trip with the all private car train from Dennison to Sugar Creek with a shop tour of Morgan Run. This is truly a very special opportunity for you to spend a day on some of the finest passenger equipment in the country, be pulled by his two beautifully maintained E8's for a bargain price and the $$$ goes to benefit the Dennison Depot Museum. Please contact the museum to make a reservation. There are also a few seats left if you wish to ride the whole trip-please contact Mr. Levin on that. See www.trainfestival2004.com for contact info on both subjects.

6.The site preparation work is nearly completed and it looks great.

7. Advance ticket sales are very strong and if we are blessed with good weather we should do very well.

All in all things are looking good. If you've made a volunteer committment please keep it as we'll need everyone to do their part to make the show what it can be.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers.

Ross Rowland

rrowland@weidel.com

> Please keep all of us in your thoughts and
> prayers.

> Ross Rowland

That you always have. Wish we could be there to do something a little more concrete (or steel, or cast iron.) Here's to good weather and great crowds!

--Becky Morgan

RMSMorgan@yahoo.com

How much stock do you put in weather forecasts, see how things are suppose to shape up for next weekend in Dennison

Dennison 10 day forecast