Greetings
Finally after weeks of subzero temps everywhere, things are starting to warm
up, including HVRM. Many things to report on todays activities inside the west
shop area.
After a grueling week of driving school bus in nothing short of harsh winter
conditions, I was ready for some relaxing activities. I got up early to meet
some friends at Fingerhut Bakery for breakfast. WOW was I surprised at
7am to find almost all tables full, but managed to sit down with a couple of ham
radio friends who were not at the master table. I guess everyone in North Judson
was having the same idea, get out of the house and enjoy the day. So after
an excellent breakfast, I proceded down to HVRM. Most of the activity seemed
to be at the shop building. A large crew had already assembled inside and
were starting on projects. Walking into the west shop, it was actually very
warm. The new heater was inspected last Monday an bought on Tuesday
an transported to North Judson. Its a monster, and does it put out the heat.
I'm not sure what the btu's are, but in the range of 600,000 I think. Runs on
#1 diesel fuel. The second surprise was the concrete for the long anticipated
floor along the rail will be poured Monday morning. About 27 yards have been
ordered. The day was spent in prepartion of leveling the sand and putting down
the wire. The side boards were beefed up to prevent bowing when the concrete
is being poured. John, Cory, Dave and Steve Hendrics were the workers.
The back-hoe tractor was started and managed to get in close to lift the bent
coupler to be put in John LaOrange's truck for another attempt to get it straight
again. It was found out it is hollow and if heated up, it most likely will be able to
get it back to normal.
After the tractor moved out, the payloader pulled in to have it serviced. Change the
oil, change fuel filters and have it greased. Cory, John and Sparky worked on
this project.
Steve Hendrics moved a small cabinet from Grasselli tower inside and primed
it for future painting. Steve also did some more work on a pipe he has ground
down, primed and final painted today.
Joe Baker was there today also doing whatever. Joe Kingsbury was busy
around the shop building also. Margret was there today to provide lunch
for the crew. Loretta was in the depot drumming up throttle time participants.
Doug was over at Osinkis auction today and came back with a list of bought
items. Bob Barcus was holding down the gift shop. Mark Kniebel doing all
types of odd jobs today also. Elmer Mannen showed up in the afternoon an
stayed for about an hour or so. Steve Newland, Richard Warner were also in
attendence.
I took on the task of starting to grind on the ND&W west end and getting a start
on the task that is going to take a long time to complete, removing the old paint.
Haven't work this hard in months. Was fun to get all dirty again and I was the first
to make the new heater look like it has been inside the building for months, dirty.
About 3pm, it was time to pull the loco and IC caboose into the other shop in
prepartion for the cement pour. This only took a few minutes with the payloader
providing the power.
Shop was locked up and everyone moved over to the depot for a meeting.
The annual dinner will be held at the Revolution Restuarant in Valpo in April.
More in the newsletter coming out soon. A couple of other items were discussed
and adjourned about 3:45pm.
Headed towards home for a hot shower and clean clothes. Hope everyone has
a better week and warms up some. Drive safe, roads are still ice coated and
slick. Things are looking up at HVRM, come on out and visit with us some Saturday.
Finally after weeks of subzero temps everywhere, things are starting to warm
up, including HVRM. Many things to report on todays activities inside the west
shop area.
After a grueling week of driving school bus in nothing short of harsh winter
conditions, I was ready for some relaxing activities. I got up early to meet
some friends at Fingerhut Bakery for breakfast. WOW was I surprised at
7am to find almost all tables full, but managed to sit down with a couple of ham
radio friends who were not at the master table. I guess everyone in North Judson
was having the same idea, get out of the house and enjoy the day. So after
an excellent breakfast, I proceded down to HVRM. Most of the activity seemed
to be at the shop building. A large crew had already assembled inside and
were starting on projects. Walking into the west shop, it was actually very
warm. The new heater was inspected last Monday an bought on Tuesday
an transported to North Judson. Its a monster, and does it put out the heat.
I'm not sure what the btu's are, but in the range of 600,000 I think. Runs on
#1 diesel fuel. The second surprise was the concrete for the long anticipated
floor along the rail will be poured Monday morning. About 27 yards have been
ordered. The day was spent in prepartion of leveling the sand and putting down
the wire. The side boards were beefed up to prevent bowing when the concrete
is being poured. John, Cory, Dave and Steve Hendrics were the workers.
The back-hoe tractor was started and managed to get in close to lift the bent
coupler to be put in John LaOrange's truck for another attempt to get it straight
again. It was found out it is hollow and if heated up, it most likely will be able to
get it back to normal.
After the tractor moved out, the payloader pulled in to have it serviced. Change the
oil, change fuel filters and have it greased. Cory, John and Sparky worked on
this project.
Steve Hendrics moved a small cabinet from Grasselli tower inside and primed
it for future painting. Steve also did some more work on a pipe he has ground
down, primed and final painted today.
Joe Baker was there today also doing whatever. Joe Kingsbury was busy
around the shop building also. Margret was there today to provide lunch
for the crew. Loretta was in the depot drumming up throttle time participants.
Doug was over at Osinkis auction today and came back with a list of bought
items. Bob Barcus was holding down the gift shop. Mark Kniebel doing all
types of odd jobs today also. Elmer Mannen showed up in the afternoon an
stayed for about an hour or so. Steve Newland, Richard Warner were also in
attendence.
I took on the task of starting to grind on the ND&W west end and getting a start
on the task that is going to take a long time to complete, removing the old paint.
Haven't work this hard in months. Was fun to get all dirty again and I was the first
to make the new heater look like it has been inside the building for months, dirty.
About 3pm, it was time to pull the loco and IC caboose into the other shop in
prepartion for the cement pour. This only took a few minutes with the payloader
providing the power.
Shop was locked up and everyone moved over to the depot for a meeting.
The annual dinner will be held at the Revolution Restuarant in Valpo in April.
More in the newsletter coming out soon. A couple of other items were discussed
and adjourned about 3:45pm.
Headed towards home for a hot shower and clean clothes. Hope everyone has
a better week and warms up some. Drive safe, roads are still ice coated and
slick. Things are looking up at HVRM, come on out and visit with us some Saturday.
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