LOCO NEWS JANUARY 2008 VOLUME 21, No.1 FROM THE TOP A COUPLE OF NOTES FROM THE PREZ To all LOCO members I would like to wish you a happy new year. 2007 provided us with many challenges and I would like to thank all the members that that came out when the chips were down and we needed your help. For example: In April of this past year representatives from the State inspected our track and determined that ties on the 4-SSSS bridge and Fawcett Lake bridge needed immediate replacement and some tree limbs needed to be removed before we could take the public for rides at our track. Without any advance notice, your turnout was phenomenal and the necessary repairs were made in just one weekend. Train operations continued without any downtime. There have been several other times since then when the club needed help and you came through without any hesitation. Thanks' again. As we move into year 2008, we face the no small task of clearing away ice storm damage. Looking more forward, I see a big opportunity to improve/expand our track and have fun just running trains with our families. Lastly, all of us should reflect on the words at the end of the newsletter as written by our current editor and unite to make our club even better in 2008. TRUMAN
2008 MEMBERSHIP DUES NOW DUE Annual membership dues for 2008 are due. Annual membership will remain at $100 with an associate membership available for $25 for anyone living more than 60 miles from the LOCO facility. Your dues must be received by Jan 31 st, 2008 to remain in good standing with the club and to receive the 2008 annual club membership roster. Please send your membership renewal checks made out to LOCO to: HARVEY CANNON Route 1 Box 83B Sparks, OK 74869 With your membership check, please include the following information so that we can build a 2008 membership roster: Last name, First name + spouse s first name List children s or grandchildren s first names if desired Complete home address Current telephone number Current email address AROUND THE LOCO TRACK BALLAST BAFFLES FROM JASONVILLE TO THE SOUTH TUNNEL PORTAL In the December issue of the LOCO newsletter, we talked about pressure treated boards that were being put around various sections of the track to keep the ballast in position and to prevent it from washing or migrating away from the track. After completing the area around Pee Wee Park, the venerable crew of Art, Gene, Truman and others went hard at it to complete the long straight-a-way from Jasonville to the south tunnel portal entrance. In the pictures below, pressure treated boards have now been installed along the length of the straight-a-way. In the second picture below, Art has begun to back fill the area up to the boards with ballast. Not seen in these pictures was the monumental work done by Gene Berger as he leveled and straightened the track out before the final ballast was put into place.
In this next set of pictures, the ballast work is definitely in progress. Art, Gene and Truman brought in many hopper car loads of ballast to give this portion of the track the fine LOCO finished look. Prior to putting the final ballast into place, electrical piping was placed along the sides of the boards to support the track control lighting system that Bob Bogardus is building/installing. Breaks in the pipe were every 20 to 40 feet to allow for signals to be installed if needed and to allow the running of wires. Junction boxes were installed for light controls. And now we have some great pictures of the final ballast work. This fine work allows an easy walk way for this section of track. In the case of an inadvertent train derailment, we no longer have to worry about the train possibly rolling down a hill. Additionally, the area to the left was rototilled and the dirt moved to give better drainage on the west side of the track. Since the hill seems to keep creeping east, some thought is now being given to extend the west side tie wall down further. The wall would only be 2 ties high and act as a retaining/drainage wall.
The picture on the left is another view of the finished ballast work looking south. And of course, inspector Sugar was out inspecting the work to ensure only quality work was accomplished. At the end of the day, she left her paw print of approval on the project. GRAIN ELEVATOR HEAD HOUSE BASE In the December LOCO news, we saw that Gene was putting together a base made of pressure treated wood that will become part of the head house assembly for the grain elevator siding. In the pictures below, Gene has leveled the silos in the vertical position so that he could install the head house base assembly onto the concrete silos. After getting everything clamped into place, the wooden base was clamped and ultimately secured to the top of the concrete silos.
In the next set of pictures, the wood base is in place and the supporting boards have been removed. A boxlike structure will next be installed and a roof of galvanized metal will then be used to top off the roof of the structure. It will definitely look great pushing a train of covered hoppers or boxcars into this industrial siding won t it? DECEMBER WINTER ICE STORM INFLICTS TREE DAMAGE AT LOCO LOCO trees suffered a set back from the massive ice storm that moved through Oklahoma City only a few short weeks ago. As soon as the roads were passable, LOCO members went out to check the status and condition of the house and property. Although the power was out for quite a few days, it does not look like the house sustained any long term damage. However, it will be spring before we can really determine the extent of the damage to the trees on the property. In the ensuing set of pictures, you will be taken around the track to show what branches need to be removed to make the track ready and operational for the first run of 2008. The first picture shows a large limb that needs to be taken down near Jasonville. In the second picture we have some limbs that need to be cleared out of the Berger Siding area.
In the first and second picture, we see a lot of limbs that came out of the giant Cottonwood tree at the entrance to the guest parking area. Going west up the hill towards the house driveway, some large limbs were pulled down on the big pine tree adjacent to the road. The second shot shows the same area from the other side (looking east) and we see that a few more trees shed a few more branches.
Going up the driveway towards the house, we see a lot of broken pine tree branches that have fallen down and are now partially blocking the driveway. The second picture shows the large pine tree closer to container junction and the size of the limbs that came down in this area. Going past the containers, some of the cedar trees lost their limbs as you drive to the steaming bays on the back side of the property. In the second picture, you are now on the North side of the property walking east from the Truman s Trench Bridge. The ice took down some of the smaller trees in this area, and they need to be cleaned out before they can fall and obstruct the track. Going further east (on the North side of the property) there are several cedar trees that have split in half and need to be taken down. This should not be too much of a problem, because in the near future this area will be widened to support the track that will be part of the High Line extension.
Approaching the yards, you can see that several of the summer shade trees on the West side of the yard took some ice hits also. These trees will need to be pruned and hopefully saved. On the South side of the barn, the large oak tree also shed a few of its limbs, along with some limbs from a cedar tree next to the house. In all cases, the limbs can be stacked in the back hoe and taken down the street where a neighbor will burn the limbs for us. By the time you receive this newsletter, Truman will have put the call out to LOCO members to come out and help clear up the track so that normal track operations can occur for the first run day in 2008. Please come out and help clean the track!
DECEMBER 2007 TRAIN SHOW A BIG SUCCESS FOR LOCO In the past couple of years, LOCO has branched out with two separate displays at the annual Oklahoma Train Show at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. Thanks to Dave Suenram we have the magnificent metal rack in the background to display our trains. This year we had trains on display from LOCO, Jim Murray s GP-60, the Bean family Little Mac and riding car, the Chessie System SW-7 by John Reiff, and Lloyd Cowger s steam engine. LOCO would just like to say thank you to all the members that brought their equipment to the train show to share with the public. With such great looking equipment on display, hopefully we can gain a few more new members to come out to the track this year. In the first picture below, we see one of LOCO s favorite male models doing his world renowned GQ modeling pose while dressed in up-to-date train garb. Notice how Dave Suenram exudes that overall impression of a man of all ages train sophistication while wearing matching official train attire that goes so well with Jim Murray s GP-60 demonstrator diesel. Although not seen that day, Dave s attire can be equally well used behind a live steam locomotive and is quite functional to thwart any wayward cinders that may be blown back as one gets a full head of steam going down the track. In the second picture, Dave is joined by Jim Murray and Truman Hefner who gave an added dimension to clothing used by the hobbyist of today. Jim is wearing multidimensional cool colors with matching railroad hat that can be used for spring, summer or fall train running. Truman on the other hand is styling clothes of the best worker/operator. From laying track to running trains, Truman s attire sets the pace. While these were not the only models that helped with the train display this year, LOCO would like to thank each for their help in displaying trains and helping the public understand what LOCO is all about!
Here is a good shot of Lloyd Cowger s locomotive on display with Brian Lacock helping talk to patrons that stopped by. In the second picture, Dave is handing the controls of the diesel to a couple of train enthusiasts. Blowing the horn on the GP-60 is always a hit with both the younger and the older folks. Part two of the LOCO display is the annual picture taking display. For the past several years, Earl has helped the club out immensely through the donation of his time and camera to take pictures of families
sitting on the Double Aught Christmas display. This simple display has turned into a great winter money maker for the club and cleared over $1,300 in picture donations this year. This display has become popular with the Oklahoma City train show goers, since LOCO is now experiencing repeat customers of parents and kids coming back each year to have new, updated photo s taken on the train. This has actually become a family tradition with some folks. In the first picture, John Farquharson was running the picture sign up and picture pick up area. After the picture selection and donation was made, the folks then meet and greet Charles Parker who helped the folks onto and off of the train display. Charles works wonders with the smaller folks that are sometimes hesitant about getting on the engine, but after just a few short minutes, he usually has them ready for a picture that their parents/grandparents are proud of. Here he is...the master picture taker, Earl Bean, doing a super-fine job for the club. In the second picture, Earl is printing out some picture treasures while Jason McManus stepped out from printing duty for a couple of minutes. The masters at work. Charles getting that extra special look out of the kids, and Earl capturing it on film.
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The tally was taken and the three directors selected for 2008-2010 were Bob Bogardus, Mike Rudd and Susan Carey. These three will join the other three director s consisting of Truman Hefner, Marshall Lee, and Harvey Cannon. In the first picture below, we see Truman, Marshall, Susan and Harvey at the December BOD meeting at the LOCO club house. *NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all pictures in this newsletter were courtesy of Gene Berger. Without him taking the pictures, this newsletter would not be possible* LOCO COMMENTARY 2008 is upon us and I just wanted to give a little perspective of where the club was and where we may be going. Although I was not in the club since its start, Truman Hefner has been kind enough to send me copies of his home movies that covered the growth of the LOCO track over the past 2+ decades. From private ownership by the Craddock s and the track s inception as a simple loop that extended where the current station area is, down to the area now known as Jasonville, back up the east fence of the property and then back towards the station area again. At that time it was only a simple loop of track, a couple of switches and when anyone arrived to off load equipment it was accomplished by brute manpower. Little thought was given to the creation of a club, but yes, there were quite a few folks that came to the Craddock track to have a great time running trains and sitting down and visiting. In the 80 s, the track started on some pretty hefty modernization projects. The track changed and an extension was added down around the front of the property, adding another 600+ feet of track and version 1 of the Huth Hollow Bridge. The area along the east fence was excavated creating the Ungrande Canyon and a tin covered 20 foot long tunnel to take the grade down to a simple 3 percent. A switch yard was added to the outside of the train building and the track continued to expand. The beginning of the LOCO organization started.
In the early 90 s, the track again took on a major upgrade with the addition of trackage from our current crossing on the North side of the property, down around Pee Wee Park and back up to the crossing. The chicken coop was torn down and burned and the swamp was drained to create the Pee Wee Park area. Those in the club at the time put their hearts and sweat equity into the track upgrade and took the track and the facilities to the next level. Members put in concrete bridge piers, built bridges and put additional track down. Holes were cut in the train barn, and storage tracks were put down inside the barn. In the mid to latter 90 s, things continued to grow and change. We went from private ownership of the LOCO property to what we have today, a club owned facility and trackage. With the switch to incorporated club ownership, we also had to modernize the way we ran the club. Public sponsorship (donations) and profit making endeavors like the LOCO switch machines became more important since this is where we needed to draw a good portion of our financial well being. We quickly realized that the dues collected each year from the membership were insufficient to sustain the cost of running the club and the facilities. Membership rose to the challenge, adapted, and continued to progress. With the new millennium, change in the club continued. We further realized the importance of bringing more of the public out to the track to encourage increased membership (families as members) as well as upgrading the facilities to meet the demands of LOCO family members. Such items as a bathroom facility for guests was added, a parking lot for visitors was established on the front of the property, a modern train off loading rack was installed for visiting railroaders, an 82 foot tunnel was put into place, and general renovation of the house and train barn was instituted. Track and ties that had now been down 10-15 years were replaced and we went into the major track renovation mode (that continues to today). Once the personal facility needs were met by LOCO families, we once again turned to track expansion. Lacock Loop went from discussion to rail on the ground, adding an additional 700 feet of contiguous track to the club. The High Line extension went from lines drawn on paper to completion of dirt work for the right of way. The club (with substantial private backing) purchased a back hoe as a major labor saving device that has been an invaluable tool since it was off loaded and used for the first time. The capability of the track to now support bi-directional running was achieved and a track lighting control system is starting to be installed. So, where are we today? Well, we ve now come under the scrutiny of the state since laws changed and we take the public for train rides. However, this is not bad since their annual track inspection helps guarantee that we have the safest track around to run upon. We remain financially solvent, but could still use additional funds to continue with long overdue facility upgrades. Our membership has increased, but we ve also suffered the loss of several of our members long live their legacy and impact on the club. We still have a small cadre of great folks that donate their time and effort to keep the track and facilities going, but we can always use more help with the Saturday morning work sessions. We ve had to structure and run the organization more as a business than a mom and pop home operation since we must continue to remain financially solvent to keep the track and facilities in operation. But, as an independent club with full ownership, we no longer have to worry that the club track will disappear with the death or movement of private property owners. Since our society has also changed, we ve had to become more structured and follow more rules. We ve gone from it s my fault for derailing your train to it s your fault that the train derailed and I intend on suing you because of it. Unfortunately, with the increase in rules, some long time members are having difficulties adapting to this change. 20 years ago, diesels were infrequent visitors to the track and steam ruled. Now, both steam and diesel share the track without any problems. So, where are we going tomorrow? Well, if you read above, change will be a constant at the club. As long as we can adapt to change, we will remain a strong and viable organization! The better question is are you going to be there to help guide the club for the next 10-20 years and make it even better? Each member in the club has valuable opinions and thoughts about how the club can best be served by the membership, but you have to show up to make those thoughts and ideas known. We ve had some squabbles/difference of opinion among members, but cool heads have always prevailed. Now is the time to put aside any differences and help with the next great expansion of the club track and help complete
the High Line extension. It will take everyone doing some active work for the club to make this happen. The roof on the house needs to be fixed this year if we do not want to lose our meeting facility. Birthday party functions have become a prime method for gaining precious dollars through donations, and constantly need LOCO members to assist with them. Your talents, whatever they may be, can be used by the club. So, mark your calendars for one or two Saturdays a month in 2008 and make the commitment to come out to the track and help us all make the club better! HAPPY NEW YEAR JOE FAWCETT UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY FEBRUARY 5 BOD Meeting (11:00, Club Room) 3 - Sunday Public (only) run ( 1 PM 4 PM) 6 Membership Mtg (12:30, Club Room) 10 Sunday LOCO (only) fun run 6 Sunday Public run (1PM- 4PM) 13 Sunday LOCO (only) Fun Run ABOUT LOCO Track Address 29626 SE 104 th St. McLoud, OK 74851 Directors TRUMAN HEFNER CARL BOGARDUS HARVEY CANNON President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer SUSAN CAREY MARSHALL LEE MIKE RUDD Board Member Board Member Board Member ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS Resident -- $100 Associate -- $25 (anyone living more than 60 miles from the LOCO facility)