March 2015 President’s Report

It is now March 2015. It is snowing again and still feels as if we are in Alaska, although Alaska is warmer than here in the Northeast. Throughout the year many activities, events and projects roll along as they have in previous years. Our newsletter publishes pictures of the happenings and periodically we highlight a new project, acquisition, or relevant item of interest. All too often, however, we/I tend to take some of the day to day operations and activities in stride, forgetting that they might be of interest to our readership. Some years ago I wrote a column entitled “The Yard Inside” which related activities and changes to the layouts, models, displays and enhancements to the interior of the Museum building.

Please accept my apologies for not keeping you (our readership) informed. The following is a “Yard Inside” update:

A grant from the Meserve Foundation in early 2014 allowed the DRM to purchase a new 72+ inch flat screen TV, Blue-ray player and display furniture for the main lobby. Used every day and for Wednesday evening programs, this equipment replaced the projection TV we utilized for 15 years.

We have relocated a lot of our display cases and even some of the model layouts. In addition, all the model layouts have had storage enclosures built under them and additional displays built on their tops. We have added new displays of china dishware, uniforms, Grand Central Terminal memorabilia and railroad tools.

A new art display by railroader Vic Westman and photography display by WestConn students have also been added in the main hall.

Work is currently underway to erect the support for the newly acquired Solari board (from Union Station in New Haven) and limited operational circuits have been designed and tested for future operation.

More enhancements are in the works for the “Yard Inside” and we will attempt to be more diligent in relating the progress. Stay tuned. On behalf of the Danbury Railway Museum, Wade W. Roese