July 2011 President’s Report

In this issue of The Railyard Local we can share a plethora of progress reports, Museum accomplishments, and individual successes: Tops of the list is the connection and operation of our first 44-Tonner. Originally under a Union Pacific flag, it now functions under the DRM flag. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of Justin Chapin, Jeff Van Wagenen, Bob Pitcher, Rob Bell, Jim Teer, and J .R. Mitchell, among many others that deserve recognition, the Museum can celebrate a significant and monumental milestone. Thanks to all who participated on this project. With training for some already completed, and more engineers and crew currently in training, work will continue and refocus on our “Little Diesels”. Thanks, General Dynamics!

May, June, and July will have seen birthday parties, a graduation party, a music video shoot, maybe even a wedding photo shoot. Work continues on the New York Central caboose, the Tonawanda Valley, the first of our pavilion and waiting shelter structures, G-gauge layout and interior exhibits and displays. The Glenbrook catenary supports are close to being relocated to the Museum property and an ongoing yard cleanup project is making the yard look more presentable to our visitors. Our lease extension and lot line limit redefining is close to being signed. We continue to make progress with our programs thanks to the many members who share their talents and expertise with each other. This level of cooperation has an exponential effect on the extent and success of our accomplishments.

A recent small bump in the road: the location of a pole by a utility company in front of a major display in our railyard was averted due to the diligence of some alert and vigilant members.

In the works: We have renewed discussions with the parties involved in attempting to save and relocate the Albany sequestered locomotives. Keep your fingers crossed! We are currently planning a night photo shoot in conjunction with the Candlewood Camera Club and will keep you apprised of progress as we get closer to its proposed date. In addition, we are negotiating toward some new interior exhibits/displays that should be of interest to many (railfans and visitors alike).

Please check the Wednesday schedule for a program that might be of interest to you, stop by to see our progress, or even consider helping with an existing project, or proposing a new one. We look forward to members’ visits, comments, concerns, and input. In addition, consider this your personal invitation to join us at the Members’ Picnic in August.

On behalf of the Danbury Railway Museum, Wade W. Roese