June - Oklahoma Railway Museum

the Dispatcher
Volume 50 Issue 6
June 2015
Central Oklahoma Chapter
of the National Railway Historical Society
Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd,
NARCOA Affiliate Member
SW8 “KATY” representative #48
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.
the Dispatcher
Page 2
The Presidents Column
Oklahoma Railway Museum,
Ltd.
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.
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
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
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,
Photographs and stories by Gary Githens unless credited otherwise
405-424-8222
Oklahoma Railway Museum
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
Page 3
Museum Update
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
Group for UK visit the ORM
by Anne Murray Chilton
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.
“Rex”
In next month’s issue learn about Rex
We recently had a group from England. They are
touring railroad attractions in the US.
photo Larry Dodd
L to R Peter WIlcox, Brian Garvin, Anne, Brian Manktelow, David Bosumworth, Chris Capewell
the Dispatcher
Page 4
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
Rock Island ALCO RS1 743 update
by John Schumann
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:
service, particularly in the pipeline industry.
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.
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.
While 743 was being built, Alco was still turning out This allowed dirt to blow in and cover the rocker arm
steam engines. 743 actually shared shop floor space assemblies, which will act like sandpaper in the movwith world famous Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 3985, which ing parts. Furthermore, 743 was parked years ago
was being built while 743 was leaving the factory. due to unknown mechanical problems. These prob3985 was released from Alco in July 1943. 743 is ac- lems have been described as a bad power assemtually a full year and a half older than equally famous bly (the liner and piston assembly), or water leaks, or
Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844, which rolled out of Alco in water coming out of the exhaust stack, depending on
December 1944.
who you ask. As our first step, it has been decided
to pull all of the heads in order to clean dirt off the
The ALCO RS1 was railroading's first road-switch- valves, and also check clearances and condition of all
er. It was built at the request of the Rock Island, by the cylinders, to make sure all power assemblies are
lengthening the frame of the model S2 switcher and in running order.
adding a short hood over road trucks. Before the
RS1, road sized engines were all cab unit, like ORM's Before we can get too far, lifting issues have to be
Frisco painted F9A #814. The mechanical layout of resolved. Everything on the model 539T prime mover
the RS1 is still seen today in road engine built by GE is big and heavy. The cylinder heads alone weigh in
and EMD. Our 743 was one of the absolute first road at a whopping 450 pounds each. A reliable way of liftswitchers ever, and was part of the original order for ing and handling these heavy assemblies needs to be
road switchers from the Rock Island.
worked out before the work can proceed.
the Dispatcher
Page 6
Lands’ End and ORM logo
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
Special rail fan event.
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
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
Page 7
the Dispatcher
ORM Depot Store
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
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.
Purchaser’s Name ________________________________ Phone No. (______) ________________
Line 1
Line 2
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.
Line 3
Line 4
Become an ORM Member
2015 ORM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:
New Membership
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
$500.00 -
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.
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
3th
1
une
cJ
icni ide
p
ship train r
r
e
d
mb free
foo mily
me
e
fre ur fa rns
o
o
g y r air h
n
i
r
b
you
g
n
i
br
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
the Dispatcher
Page 8
TIMETABLE
Any changes to the following information or articles for “the Dispatcher,” should be directed to the Editor, Gary Githens,
(e–mail: [email protected]). For information on upcoming programs, contact Larry Dodd email: [email protected]).
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 [email protected]
or Marshall Douglas (405) 290-8989
or Steve Kamm (405) 685-3755 e-mail [email protected]
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 [email protected], 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 405-8500597 or by email [email protected]
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.