Hoosier Valley Restoration Page: North Judson Extends Agreement with Railroad Operator, Challenges Remain for Museum Trains

Greetings to all,

Let me start out that on Thursday evening at the North Judson town Hall had a special meeting with HVRM on the

agreements with the Railroad CKIN. The following article explains what went on an the course of the

Town Council of North Judson. A good crowd was there for support. Did not end on a high note, as

the meeting was abruptly ended. I'm sure more will follow.

Saturday was very cold an windy, but dry. Lots of rain the last couple of days has made

fields pretty muddy an stream at high water levels. During the last couple of weeks

the museum had a couple of weekday tourist trips with school children. A very good

turnout an all had a lot of fun. The Alco 310 an EJ&E caboose 184 had a brake

problem. The caboose was switched out of the train an GE #11 was substituted for power.

Saturday morning early work on the EJ&E handicap caboose, but not exactly 100%

sure if the problem is fixed. The Friday group had tours an lunch first, then went on the

train ride with no problems.

Board meeting at 8am brought up the items of interest. This coming Friday Les Beckman,

and a group of individuals will go an inspect a 600 horsepower SW-1 over south of Calumet

Harbor, I think. A list of things will be inspected as to determine it is worthy to accept.

A NS inspector will also be in attendance to inspect the engine an see if it is capable to

travel on its own wheels to HVRM.

Work continues on the new lunch car with much more done inside the car. Windows

are installed an framed in. A new air conditioner will be installed in a window with

appropriate 220 volt requirements. Joe Baker has the electrical roughed in right now

an more to do for the lighting on the ceiling.

A discussion of options about the closure of the English Lake-Lacrosse line were discussed.

A couple of guest engineers were in attendance early an the passenger train ran on time

with a low turnout of rides due to cold an windy conditions.

The LIRR couch engine for the heating would not start easily. Checking the battery it was

found out that the battery charger is putting out about 40 plus volts an the big battery is

only 32 volts. Checking cells an it was found out it needed distilled water in most of the

cells. The battery is in an extremely tight place under the coach an can not be pulled out

on a sliding tray, so some improvising with a turkey baster was used to fill the cells.

Les Beckman did some minor work in Grasselli Tower in the afternoon.

Not much else was done on Saturday due to nasty conditions outside. Hopefully next

Saturday will be warmer an nicer.

Have a good week everyone.

Tom Travis

Hoosier Valley Restoration Page