5/5/12

Missed you guys at the museum today.  Loretta asked me to help out in the depot since she was there alone today.  So I spent my day there selling items in the gift shop, a couple of train tickets and running the Erie Triplex G gauge train on occassion.  Since I didn't get much chance to move around, here is a short synopsis of what I know went on:   Train rideship was poor.  Morning train had 5 paying riders, the 1:30 train between 15 and 20 and the 2:45 train to La Crosse a grand total of 2.  This on a nice day with moderate temps.  Also had a number of visitors that did not ride any of the trains.   Joe Baker and Steve Newland were working on windows and doors in Grasselli.   Elmer Mannen and Bob Jachim worked on getting the oil barrels moved around the Shop.   Fred Boyer worked on 2789.   Mark Knebel told me that he, Cory Bennett and Dave Cook put in 40 ties on Friday east of Main Street on the Erie and spiked and tamped 10 of the ties today.   No lunch starting today.  Food purchased from the folks from town who had set up a tent  out at the parking lot.  Italian beef was good.   Engine crew John LaOrange and Doug Kosloske with Bob Barcus as conductor.  Joe Kingsbury, Randall Downs and Bill Dauber were carhosts when needed.   Hope to see you guys next Saturday.   Les