Volume 44, Issue 3 March 2009 Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. Board of Directors Stan Hall, President Jim Pasby, Vice President and Program Chair Drake Rice, Secretary Charles Price, Treasurer John Ansell, NRHS Director Bob Cossairt, Director of Museum Grounds & Facilities Bob Hussey, Director of Track Maintenance Jim Murray, Director of Mechanical Operations Harry Currie, Director at Large Greg Hall, Director of Museum Activities Pat Riley, Director of Museum Displays Ed Birch Jr., Train Show Chair Gary Moore, Membership Chair Gary Githens, Dispatcher Editor Ed Birch Sr., Director Emeritis Articles and/or photos are due by the 15th of each month. Email to Editor at: ormnews@cox.net Inside this issue Presidents column Pg 2 Museum update Pg 3 Trains TV Show Pg 3 EMD-8 Locomotive Pg 4 Curtis Hill Snake Story Pg 5 New Tractor Pg 5 Adventure Station Sign PG 6 Howdy Burrows obit PG 6 Order form for engraved brick Pg 7 ORM telephone number: 405/424 8222 ORM FAX number 405/424-0504 Surf the Web... The ORM Website address oklahomarailwaymuseum.org The following article is reprinted courtesy of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System publication Inside Info It looks like lofty oil and gasoline prices are the newest amendments to Ben Franklin s shortlist of life s certainties. As one bus stop philosopher was overheard saying recently, Some day this petroleumfuelled utopia had to end. S time for folks to start livin right. She was not talking to anyone obviously present and she did not actually board the bus, but that doesn t make Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historial Society Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Off the Rails by Larry Johnson her words any less wise. Three years ago I cut my daily commute from 40 miles to 10 and started carpooling. On days I don t carpool, I make every attempt to ride the bus to work. So I m getting by alright. Except on those bus days. One day, it took 11 hours to put in my 8 hours after factoring the walk to the bus stop, the wait, and the 45-minute, 5-mile bus ride each way. During my lonely 35- minute wait for the trip home, I got to thinking about the old Oklahoma ORM Acquires EMD SW-8 Locomotive Story page 4 New ORM Locomotive in OKC on Valentines Day photograph by Gary Githens Railway Company and its electric street cars. The ORC has been the stuff of romantic nostalgia in the city for some time and it s still the darling of railfans. At the street car system s peak of ridership, most homes in the city were within a short walk of a rail stop and cars hummed by every 12 minutes. Colleges, schools, major employers and recreational and entertainment venues were all well-served for a nickel a ride. At the time of the ORC s demise in the late 1940s, critics said the private venture was never profitable and couldn t operate without public subsidies. That might sound right to many on first hearing it, but I ll wager that Anton Classen and John Shartel would disagree with the profitability argument. continued on page 2
Page 2 Off the Rails continued from page 1 They became millionaires using their street car franchise to sell thousands on the idea that they could live in the suburbs and ride the rails to work. And you ll have a hard time convincing me that the billions spent constructing roads aren t public subsidies of a transportation system. It s folly to think that oilsoaked Oklahoma City could have ever resisted the national trend toward the private automobile, but on that long workday last week, a street car clanging by every 12 minutes would have seemed like a luxury. Larry Buddy Johnson has been with MLS since 1998. Not only a librarian at the Downtown Libray, he is the brilliant mind behind the Oklahoma Images dataabse which is a collection of pictures and essays that illustrate the history of central Oklahoma. Santa Fe Caboose Donation photographs by Stan Hall Well, it is almost the middle of February and time for me to put together a few thoughts on the Museum for next months Dispatcher. Last week was almost Springlike and a lot of projects got started. We are increasing the length of the platform and adding decorative fencing along the east side of the parking lot. Harry has almost completed the 50th street depot and the whole area looks really nice. Work is continuing on the RS-3 repairs. Lots of little problems with it. We should also be receiving a new locomotive from Government surplus in the next few weeks. My main news for you this month is the contribution of a Santa Fe steel caboose (pictures below) to the museum from Tom Jerlow s grandchildren. It is in pretty good shape and adds another car for visitors to ride. Children especially like the coupla view. The board has authorized the cost of moving it to the museum and Bob Hussey has accepted the overseeing of the move. I have asked him to do it as soon as possible so we may use it on our Spring train rides. If you would like a little fresh air and sunshine come on out and see us this weekend. Stan Hall
Museum Update by Drake Rice The holidays are now past and work is begining to prepare for the upcoming operations season. As always there are a lot of projects that need to be addressed at the museum. Bob Cosiart can use help in painting; fix up, mowing and general cleanup. Work is underway to build a permanent fence where the orange barricade fence is now in place by the children s play set and the parking lot. Work is also being done on the front track gate to improve the looks. Already, five fence posts have been set along the east side of the parking lot and a contractor has begun layout of the stem wall for extending the platform north from the existing one to the entrance gate. This will allow better access to the cars when we are using more that the normal three cars set for the museum trains. This project can use extra hands. Special thank to Greg Hall, Charles Price, and others who helped or are helping with the work so far. If anyone one would like to help on this project, contact Drake Rice or Harry Currie. Jim Murray continues to lead work on the RS3. Electric work is being checked out. The check led to the discovery of field mice work on some wires behind a control panel. The wires are being replaced under the leadership of Terry Burchett. The wires needed to be replaced where the insulation has been taken off. Pressure work to check for water leaks is continuing on the unit. If you would like to assist with the work on this unit or other equipment the museum has, please contact Jim Murray. Work on the Katy Trail has continued to cause track problems between NE 30th Street and just south of the 23rd Street Bridge. The drainage work and collection of water could force a wash out of track around the bridge in a heavy rain. The Parks Department who is in charge of the project said they would take care of the issue. Bob Hussey continues to monitor the trail work and its impact on the area for the museum rail operations. Bob Hussey and Company continues to monitor track conditions along the line and will be addressing some areas that minor work needs to be done. Work north of NE 36th Street will be addressed this year to allow a few trains to operate that direction. The real need is for street signals at the NE 36th Street crossing. The museum is continuing to work to obtain signals for that crossing. Some clean-up work needs to be done at the depot, birthday caboose and the Burlington Way-car display. In addition the Frisco Display car could also use some cleaning. If you can give a hand on this project, please contact Pat Riley or Stan Hall. For those who attended the Annual Members meeting, it was nice to see the improvements that have been made at the museum. Please stop by, the museum is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday s, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are also in need for more docents to help with the weekday at the museum this allows the museum to be open at least 20 hours a week. Please contact Stan Hall for more information on helping with manning the museum to allow it to be open more hours during the week. Trains and Locomotives TV Program by John Holbird Page 3 There is a little known but highly informative program on TV, on Dish Network, Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. called Trains and Locomotives? It is shown weekly on the RFD TV Program (Rural Farm Delivery). The channel is 231. It lasts one hour and is very very good. I don t know if Cox Cable is offering it or what their channel designation would be. It also comes on at Saturday morning @ 8:00 a.m. on RFD TV but I can t confirm that. It is well worth recording if most of the members of ORM are busy. You might consider announcing this in. Since the Channel 13 PBS program of Tracks Ahead has been removed from the Sunday morning line-up at 8:30, this will be a welcome alternative. Most of the Tracks Ahead programs have been showing in repeat mode anyway for a long time. Membership Meeting March 7th, 4:00 PM
Page 4 ORM Purchases Locomotive Story by Drake Rice - Photos by Gary Githens Locomotive at service pit. Wheels nearest camera are being turned to eliminate flat spots. Traction motor power leads were disconnected and power leads connected to a generator. Traction motor turned at a speed adequate for lath operations on wheels. The Oklahoma Railway Museum was able to purchase an SW8 through State Surplus Property in mid-january. The engine was built by EMD in 1954 and has a 567 8 cylinder engine. The unit had originally been used at the Munitions plant at Savannah, OK but transferred to Ft. Sill in the late 1980 s. It was taken out of service about three years ago by the railroad at Ft. Sill and was turned in for disposal in December. Since the museum is now open for over 20 hours a week, and with the personnel at State Surplus watching for railroad equipment, ORM received a call in early December that the engine was up for disposal and were we interested. continued on page 6 The board discussed the engine and gave the okay, provided members would inspect the engine to make sure it was in good shape. On Monday, December 29th, Jim Murray, head of the mechanical Department, Guy Lynn, Terry Birchett and Drake Rice traveled to Ft. Sill to inspect the engine. The engine was found in good shape. It had been taken care of by the railroad personnel on the base. The engine was found to have some flat spots on three axles, which the ORM would have to repair, but otherwise in very good shape. In January, ORM received notification that if we wanted to pay the surplus price, it would be ours. Close up view of lath operation. Machinist at work. Notice the pile of shavings. The same wheel turing activity was taking place on the other side of locomotive. A hydraulic jack was used at each side to raise the axle.
Page 5 Curtis Hill Railfan Adventure Story & photos by Clyde Stickley Much Needed Equipment Arrives at ORM Story & photos by Gary Githens East bound headed downhill in this Curtis Hill photo taken from Rattlesnake Hill. Bettye and I went to Oklahoma to attend the Curtis Hill Roundup last October. We arrived at the Quinlan bridge about 11:00AM Saturday. Keel Middleton showed up while we were there and after shooting a couple westbounds Keel told us other westbounds were behind a derailment in Kansas. We drove up the road just past the bridge to where the wooden cross is displayed and went out on the hill to shoot a couple eastbounds. Keel left after 2 eastbounds ran and told us there was one more coming so Bettye and I remained to shoot it. When it showed up we were in the parking area and I walked over into the weeds on the right side of the parking area to get a better angle on the train coming down the hill. After taking my shot, I looked down and about 3 feet from where I was standing was this rattlesnake (pictured at right). Needless to say, I didn t stand there very long. I didn t wade through any more weeded areas the rest of the weekend. Editors Note: Clyde worked for the SF from 1950 until he retired in 1988. He ran from Amarillo to Waynoka then to Wellington when they ran through in 1985. He also operated a photography business and won numerous awards in Photographic Society of America competitions. He carried a camera with him and was a prolific photographer. Numerous of his photographs are on display at the Waynoka Historical Society. The ORM has about 3 miles of track right of way that has to be mowed, trees trimmed and track sprayed for weed control. Soon we will have a station at 50th street with landscaping to be maintained. There is always a need to be moving heavy items as maintenance is accomplished on equipment. A new tractor with front loader was delivered on August 23rd. The loader is equipped to quickly switch between the bucket and forks. Three point equipment included a 6 mower and 55 gallon spray rig. The tractor with forks got a considerable amount of use in preparing for and packing up the DOWT event. Photograph by Clyde Stickley Editors Note: Clyde s report and one other at the same location are the only snake events I am aware of during a Curtis Hill Rendezvous Membership Meeting March 7th, 4:00 PM at the Museum
Page 6 Robert Howdy Burrows, 88, passed away January 29th. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Clare Burrows and two children, Cathy Burrows French of Broomfield, CO., and Robert Burrows of Oklahoma City and 3 grandchildren. Howdy was a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in Horticulture. He served during WW- II in the Navy as a submarine Fire Controlman First Class in the Pacific. The flower beds at the ORM were developed by Howdy. Although the past couple of years physical limitations would prevent him from working in the flower beds, he was a frequent visitor and crossing flagger. He was a dedicated OSU fan as evidenced by his vehicles. Howdy will be missed at the ORM. ORM Purchases Locomotive continued from page 4 With the good report to the board, and need for a back up engine at the DOWT Event, the engine was purchased by ORM. As of this date, Jim Murray and Jim Pasby are in Lawton with a contractor turning the wheels and getting the blue card up to date. The Stillwater Central will be inspecting the engine for a movement to Oklahoma City where they will take it to the UP who will deliver it to the ORM track at Eckroat. The locomotive was in Oklahoma City on the 14th. The Engine will provide back up for the F-9 in the DOWT event and also work in the weekend trains the museum operates. This will be back up for ORM 301 which has held down the museum trains since they started. All of ORM looks forward to having the engine at the museum and a special thanks to State Surplus property for watching for railroad equipment, Ft. Sill Railroad for allowing the inspection and providing the documentation on the engine and use of the shop to turn the wheels, Jim Murray and Jim Pasby for working with the contractor on the wheel turning and assisting with the preparation of the engine for movement, the Stillwater Central, a WATCO family line for the movement of the engine to Oklahoma City and the Union Pacific Railroad for their help in getting the engine to ORM trackage. When all is completed the museum will have approximately $12,000 to $13,000 invested in the engine which covers the purchase and wheel work. Come by and check out the newest addition to the ORM and as always, donations are appreciated. Larry Dodd photograph Jay Klechner has a big smile on his face as the winner of the first train set given away at the 2008 Oklahoma City Train Show. Attention ORM Member Volunteers Area schools are being notified the ORM will run two school trains on April 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and May 1, 7, 8th. If this comes about we will need volunteers to help. We need car hosts and flaggers for two crossings plus train crew or 3 or 4 volunteers. Crews will be needed between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm each day. Contact Jim Pasby New sign at 50th street is first class all the way!
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 October. The store is also open for special events. Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 2009 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: $30.00 per year Individual Membership in the Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. (spouse included) $25.00 per year Individual Senior (age 65 and up) (spouse included) and Individual Student (full time student) Membership in ORM $33.00 per year To add Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Membership (add $5.00 for spouse) (Student Memberships: $16 per year) Send your application and dues to: Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. 3400 NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111 Name Address City Phone Fax Cell Phone E Mail 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. ( ) Become an ORM Member Upcomming Membership Meeting March 7th, 4:00 P.M. at the ORM Truman Hefner will show video of a two week rail fan tour of Switzerland he made in 1998. It will include mainline trains, side of the road interurban and steam operations, 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: Jim Murray, ORM, 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111. If you have any questions, you can e mail Murray at: jtmurray@cox.net. 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 $42.50 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 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1323 Oklahoma City, OK March 7th, 4:00 P.M. at the ORM Truman Hefner will show video of a two week rail fan tour of Switzerland he made in 1998. It will include mainline trains, side of the road interurban and steam operations June 13th Membership Picnic June 20th Dutch Oven Cooking. Story next month Page 8 TIMETABLE Any changes to the following information or articles for, should be directed to the Editor, Gary Githens, (e mail: ORMnews@cox.net). For information on upcoming programs, contact Jim Pasby, email: jimpasby@att.net). 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 October at 10:00 A.M, 11:00 A.M. Noon, 1:30 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. ORM Board Meetings Last Thursday each month at ORM, Oklahoma City 7 pm. Upcoming ORM Meeting General Museum members meeting tentatively 1st Saturday at 4:00 P.M. Oklahoma N Rail For information, call Rick Inselman, 405/412 1552. Oklahoma Passenger Rail Association Rail Consumer Advocate Organization. Meets bimonthly. For information, write or call Roger Carter, 1120 South 21st Street, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018, 405/224 7423 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 Railroad Museum of Oklahoma Tuesday thru Friday afternoons 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm, or by appointment, HO, N and Lionel layouts, Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 pm at Old Santa Fe Freight Depot, 702 North Washington, Enid Waynoka Station/Waynoka Historical Society 202 South Cleveland, Waynoka Call Sandie Olson, 580/824 1886. Curtis Hill Rendezvous - May 15-17, 2009 Major Oklahoma rail fan event. Contact Duane Koss at dak507@plateautel.net Website: curtishill.com