the Dispatcher Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd, NARCOA Affiliate Member SW8 KATY representative #48 Volume 50 Issue 6 June 2015 photos by Larry Dodd Painting SW8 2034 as a tribute to the MKT Katy railroad is nearly complete. Number 48 was chosen because it is a number never used by the railroad. This has been a major project involving many ORM volunteer workers. After the clear coat is applied the locomotive will be put back in service pulling our regular ride day trains. A future project will be the restoration of the MKT inspection car. The paint colors will be the same and the scheme similar.
Page 2 The Presidents Column The weather has not been kind to the Museum in the past couple of weeks. Thunderstorms have torn down much of the Murals on the North fence. We are having these redone but it will be several weeks before they are put up again. We also had a downspout torn off the shop building as well as a lot of water get in under the doors. Mowing has been difficult since the grounds are so wet. Which brings me to the need for volunteers for parking art The Women s Softball World Series. We have an additional parking lot this year so we can use all the help we can get. Call Anne if you can help. This is our second most important project after Thomas. Projects continue to move toward completion. The Rock Island Caboose flooring was started last weekend; rebuilding the upper bunk has been completed and installed. The repaint on the 48 to MKT colors is complete except for a clear coat. When we get these two projects out a concentrated effort will be made on the Steam locomotive to get it sealed and ready for a repaint. Come out and see what we are doing. Stan Hall Photographs and stories by Gary Githens unless credited otherwise Oklahoma Railway Museum 405-424-8222 the Dispatcher Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. Board of Directors Stan Hall, President Erick Dilbeck Vice President and Program Chair Drake Rice, Secretary Charles Price, Treasurer Greg Robertson, NRHS Director Bob Cossairt, Director of Buildings & Static Displays Bob Hussey, Director of Track Maintenance Terry Birchett, Director of Mechanical Operations Harry Currie, Director at Large Greg Hall, Director of Museum Activities Bob Cook, Director of Museum Displays Ed Birch Jr., Train Show Chair Anne Murrary Chilton, Membership Chair Gary Githens, Dispatcher Editor Want to drive a steam locomotive? by Steve Kamm I recently returned from a trip to Cuba where I did drive a steam locomotive. I selected a trip with Collette Tours because the itinerary included riding through a former sugar cane plantation behind an old steam locomotive. When we arrived, I found they had four engines, two static and two operational. In spite of some language difficulties, the crew spotted my enthusiasm and was happy to show me around their workshop. I was amazed at what they ve been able to accomplish with very limited resources. When they invited me into the cab of the locomotive which was to pull our train, I thought it was only to blow the whistle. But, they told me I could ride in the cab with them. Then, amazingly, they actually let me operate the locomotive over a mile of track! The trip ended at a field for a picnic with fresh fruit, raw sugar cane, and a five-piece band. It was the highlight of my journey. I highly recommend the trip to any railway enthusiast! photo Steve Kamm
the Dispatcher The carpenters at ORM keep working on the interior of the Rock Island Caboose. The bunk beds in the short end have been installed; they are now laying flooring in the long end and will be placing another bed/bench after the floor is completed. Painting is also being done on the interior. This caboose will make a great display and can be used for photo runs when completed. Work continues on the final touch up of the ORM SW-8, now known as MKT 48. The volunteers have done a great job of cleaning, painting and clear coating and we look forward to getting the unit back in service for our museum trains. It is really nice to see the work that ORM volunteers can do in restoring and improving our museum. Thanks to all who have helped on this project. Volunteers have begun work on the restoration and future painting of the oldest tank car at the museum. The car will be restored to its 1920 s appearance and the mechanical department has completed the repairs to the brake system. The car will be moved into the shop when the MKT 48 comes out. The baggage cart that has rollers and can be cranked up to the car height now has inflated tires and a new tongue, but we need someone who might have some pictures of a similar cart. The carpenters would like to have a picture that they could use to identify missing parts on the cart. If you have a picture, please contact Anne at the ORM Museum office. We would appreciate the help. With the record rains, we are again having wash out issues Museum Update Page 3 by Drake Rice south of the 23rd Street Bridge, they are not serious, but do require attention. In addition we will be purchasing some more ties to replace ties in our mainline that the track crew have identified for replacement. The work on drainage along the line is paying off and hopefully in the near future drainage along the line will not be an issue. With the storms we had a down burst of wind which damaged some of the painted panels on the fence and caused roof issues. Harry Currie is working to address these issues with our insurance carrier. He has contacted the person who painted the panels and working to get them replaced. The museum is also moving forward with the future museum expansion work. The museum has the form to request closure of NE 34th street that enters the museum so that in the future we can control entrance to the museum and also allow us to have a fire hydrant installed for future fire protection. These projects are needed to be completed before any other work can be done. It will require working with the city planning commission and the city council. The city continues to work with the museum as we continue to expand and provide an activity that attracts visitors to Oklahoma City from around the state and adjoining states. But as always we need your help. We hope to see you at your museum. Group for UK visit the ORM Rex by Anne Murray Chilton We recently had a group from England. They are touring railroad attractions in the US. In next month s issue learn about Rex photo Larry Dodd L to R Peter WIlcox, Brian Garvin, Anne, Brian Manktelow, David Bosumworth, Chris Capewell
Page 4 the Dispatcher Presort First Class celebrates a family picnic at Oklahoma Railway Museum. by Eric Dilbeck Presort First Class recently held a family picnic at Oklahoma Railway Museum. Employees and their families were welcomed to spent the day playing putt putt golf, enjoying the bounce castle and the many attractions around the grounds. Presort had McAlester's Deli carter the lunch served in the Jim Murray shop building surrounded by vintage railroad equipment. Attendees enjoyed a 45 minute ride aboard our train. 13th Annual Membership picnic Great opportunity to see equipment upgrades, model railroad upgrades and new equipment acquisitions. Enjoy a Steam Whistle demonstration by members. You provide the Steam Whistle, we will provide the air! Free food and train ride for members and their immediate family. Food service will begin about 11:30. Chefs this year will be Eric Dilbeck and his dad Scott. Lunch will be followed by the train ride at around 12:30 Around the grounds These photographs by Bob Cossairt show damage to the murals as mentioned in Stan s article on page two. Considerable tree damage also occurred.
the Dispatcher Page 5 The ORM Mechanical department has started restoration work on Rock Island ALCO RS1 743. This engine was built by American Locomotive Co (ALCO) in May 1943. A few notes that may be interesting: While 743 was being built, Alco was still turning out steam engines. 743 actually shared shop floor space with world famous Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 3985, which was being built while 743 was leaving the factory. 3985 was released from Alco in July 1943. 743 is actually a full year and a half older than equally famous Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844, which rolled out of Alco in December 1944. The ALCO RS1 was railroading's first road-switcher. It was built at the request of the Rock Island, by lengthening the frame of the model S2 switcher and adding a short hood over road trucks. Before the RS1, road sized engines were all cab unit, like ORM's Frisco painted F9A #814. The mechanical layout of the RS1 is still seen today in road engine built by GE and EMD. Our 743 was one of the absolute first road switchers ever, and was part of the original order for road switchers from the Rock Island. Rock Island ALCO RS1 743 update by John Schumann service, particularly in the pipeline industry. The Mechanical department's first inspection of 743 found that the valve covers had been left off the engine during long term storage in Watonga, years ago. This allowed dirt to blow in and cover the rocker arm assemblies, which will act like sandpaper in the moving parts. Furthermore, 743 was parked years ago due to unknown mechanical problems. These problems have been described as a bad power assembly (the liner and piston assembly), or water leaks, or water coming out of the exhaust stack, depending on who you ask. As our first step, it has been decided to pull all of the heads in order to clean dirt off the valves, and also check clearances and condition of all the cylinders, to make sure all power assemblies are in running order. Before we can get too far, lifting issues have to be resolved. Everything on the model 539T prime mover is big and heavy. The cylinder heads alone weigh in at a whopping 450 pounds each. A reliable way of lifting and handling these heavy assemblies needs to be worked out before the work can proceed. The RS1 is powered by the model 539T prime mover. The 539T is a 1000 HP, turbocharged inline 6 cylinder with a monstrous 12 inch bore and 13 inch stroke. This is a throwback to the early days of diesel power, yet the prime mover was so over-built that they are extremely long lived. Parts are still available, and there are many 539T engines still running 24-7 in stationary The Mechanical department has been working on locating parts vendors, and we also have a ready information source-the CMO of a shortline railroad that is currently the biggest user of 539 powered locomotives in the US. We can always use additional hands on deck, so see Terry if you're interested in helping restore a true classic of railroading.
Page 6 Lands End and ORM logo the Dispatcher You can now order apparel with an embroidered ORM logo from Lands End at the website below. Once you select the item you want, you will then be able to select the logo and where you want it placed. We will send out emails when Lands End runs a special. Anything on sale in the regular catalog will be on sale on this site as well. ces.landsend.com/oklahoma_railway_museum ORM volunteer Steve Kamm will be attending a special rail fan event after the Garden Railroad convention in Denver. You may want to consider joining Steve on the rail fan adventure. A special tour Colorado - Best of the West, hosted by LGBTours will begin on Saturday July 11th and extend through July 17th The tour includes inclusive: - 6 overnights in very good middle-class and upper- class hotels - Daily breakfast / 1 lunch / 3 dinners - All bus transfers in deluxe bus with A/C - All train journeys as per itinerary - All excursions as per itinerary - Full time tour guide throughout the tour - 1 LGB souvenir car per family Special rail fan event. Learn more about this trip at : http://www.lgbtours.de/seite/214009/usa-colorado.html Other LGBTours this year: - Swiss Alps Classic & Bernina Nostalgic Express August 9-16, 2015 - French Riviera & Spain September 11-22, 2015
the Dispatcher Page 7 ORM Depot Store The Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. (ORM) has items available for both children and adults at the Depot Store. These include baseball caps, polo shirts, t shirts, lapel pins, and coasters. Funds raised by donations for these items support the Museum projects. The Depot Store, located inside the Oakwood Depot on the Museum grounds, is open during regular Museum hours 9 am to 4 pm on the first and third Saturday operation days of each month April through August. The store is also open for special events. Become an ORM Member 2015 ORM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: New Membership Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 Renewal Membership (begin Jan 1st) Date $36.00 per year Individual Membership in the Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. (spouse included) Pro-rated dues $3.00 per month $30.00 per year Individual Senior (age 65 and up) (spouse included) and Individual Student (full time student) Membership in ORM Pro-rated dues $2.50 per month Order Form Engraved Platform Bricks Cost is $50.00 per brick. Up to a maximum of 4 lines with 16 letters and spaces per line Purchaser s Name Phone No. ( ) Engraved Platform Bricks More than one platform brick can be donated to the Museum and you can make copies of the attached form. Mail completed forms with checks or money orders to: ORM, 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111. If you have any questions call 405-424-8222 Thursday or Fridays. $500.00 - Lifetime Membership Send your application and dues to: Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. 3400 NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111 Name Address City State Zip Code Phone Fax Cell Phone E Mail Crosstie Donations Friends and families of ORM continue to make donations for crossties, equipment and facilities on the Museum property and on the leased track. If you want to make a donation to purchase a crosstie, a donation of $50.00 will help purchase a new crosstie. You can donate a crosstie in recognition or in memory of someone. All donations should be made out to the Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd. Please note on the check what the donation is for, mail to: ORM Ltd., 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, 73111
Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. 3400 NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73111-4417 membership picnic June 13th free train ride free food bring your family bring your air horns RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Page 8 the Dispatcher TIMETABLE Any changes to the following information or articles for the Dispatcher, should be directed to the Editor, Gary Githens, (e mail: githens@cox.net). For information on upcoming programs, contact Larry Dodd email: dodd@airosurf.com). Oklahoma Railway Museum (ORM) Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 A:M: until 5:00 P:M. except on major holidays ORM Train Rides - First and third Saturdays April through August at 9:15 A.M, 11:15 A.M, 1:15 P.M. and 3:15 P.M. ORM Board Meetings Last Thursday each month at ORM, Oklahoma City 7 pm. Oklahoma N Rail For information, call Rick Inselman, 405/412 1552. Central Oklahoma Garden Railroad Society [COGRS] Contact information: Steve Lemcke (405) 703-0209 e-mail steve.lemcke@att.net or Marshall Douglas (405) 290-8989 or Steve Kamm (405) 685-3755 e-mail skamm@college.occc.edu Passenger Rail Oklahoma A grassroots advocacy organization. Meets every Saturday and Sunday morning an hour prior to the arrival of the Heartland Flyer in Norman. The depot opens at 7:50 am. Contact Evan Stair at sfrr@aol.com, www.passengerrailok.org, 405/366 8957, or 517 Claremont, Norman, OK 73069 5020. Depot volunteer opportunities are available. Oklahoma S.W. Division NMRA 2nd Saturday each month, 1 pm, Goldman Room, Kirkpatrick Center, Jim Heidon, President Yukon s Best Railroad Museum Thursday/Saturday/Sunday and by appointment. Located 1 block north of Main and UP tracks in Yukon. Call John Knuppel, 405/354 5079, for times and information. OUT OF TOWN Waynoka Station/Waynoka Historical Society 202 South Cleveland, Waynoka Call Sandie Olson, 580/824 1886. Notice: They need help with their model railroad layout. If you could help some call Sandie.
Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. 3400 NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111 Museum Information Contact us-thursday and Friday. We have someone to answer your questions 405-424-8222. Our museum is open every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission to the museum is free. The Museum is an outdoor museum and MAY BE CLOSED for inclement weather or when the temperature is below 40 F. Find us From I-35 North take the NE 36th St. exit, at the stoplight on NE 36th turn left and go west about 1/2 mile. At the stoplight for Grand Blvd turn left for about two blocks, we are on the left at NE 34th St. Regular Trains Train Rides are scheduled the First and Third Saturdays of the month from April through August. The trains leave the Station at 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM and 3:15 PM. Ticket Price is $12 for Riders 13 years old and up, $5 for Riders from 3 to 12 years old, Children under 3 are free when carried on adult lap. Special Trains Thomas the Tank Engine will be here on September 25, 26, 27 and October 2, 3, 4, 2015. We recommend that tickets be purchased in advance. All Tickets are $16 on the Friday Trains. These leave the Station every 50 minutes starting at 9:50am All Tickets are $18 on Saturday and Sunday Trains. These leave the Station every 50 minutes starting at 9:00am Halloween Train October 31, 2015 Tickets $12, $5.00 children from 3 to 12 years old. Children under three are free on lap of parent The trains leave the Station at 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM and 3:15 PM. Smiley O Riley the Clown will be here. This is for Children, no scary stuff. Christmas Train December 19 and 20, 2015 Tickets $15 Children under three are free on lap of parent The trains leave the Station at 9:00, 10:30, noon, 1:30 and 3:00 on Saturday. and 1:30 and 3:00 on Sunday. Santa Claus will be here, hot chocolate, candy canes, songs and more fun. Birthday Parties We offer you two unique venues to host a birthday party. You supply the cake, presents and the guests while we supply tables and chairs. Also included are paper engineer hats and a rail safety activity book. We have a 1921 wooden caboose which can accommodate up to 25 people and a 1921 Party coach which can accommodate up to 60 people Time and date must be held with a 50% deposit. The balance is due day of the party. Birthday Party package options and membership information next page
Birthday Party package options Package One includes one hour and fourty five minutes for the party and an approximate 40 minute train ride for 20 guests on historic railroad passenger cars. Additional train tickets can be purchased for $5.00 each. The train rides are available on the schedule for regular trains above. The costs are: Birthday Caboose: $250.00 (includes $50.00 refundable security deposit) Party Coach: $300.00 (includes $50.00 refundable security deposit) Package Two is one hour and fourty five minutes for the party without a train ride. This package is available throughout the year on most non-operating Saturdays. The costs are: Birthday Caboose: $150.00 Party Coach: $200.00 (includes $50.00 refundable security deposit) Bookings and date/time availability are available on our website -www.oklahomarailwaymuseum. org -and can also be made with our party coordinator Chuck Shinn. He can be reached at 405-850- 0597 or by email -chuck@oklahomarailwaymusem.org Membership -Membership benefits include: Two free train rides on regular run days (Does not apply to Day Out with Thomas, Halloween and Christmas trains) Emailed copy of the ORM newsletter The Dispatcher Member Picnic and train ride Memberships are available at the following rates: Regular Membership $36 per year (spouse included) Senior Member (age 65 and up) $30 per year (spouse included) Student Member (Full-Time Student) $30 per year [these are prorated if you join during the year]. Lifetime Member $500. If you wish to join the National Railway Historical Society, dues are an additional $50.00 per year. This organization s due are not prorated. Note: Events, dates, times and charges subject to change without notice.