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January 15, 2012

Winter is here (and it can now go away!!)

Winter finally hit Niagara this weekend, an Fort Erie was not spared.  While there were a few inches outside, the interior of the shop was coated in about a 1/2" of fresh powder.

New work has also begun on the Plymouth MDT40t. An evaluation of the control panel has started, as has cleaning of the cab, to get it ready for repainting in the warmer weather.  Wiring for the electrical will be completely replaced, as the current wire has been in place for a few decades.  Best to start new to avoid any potential problems.  The air gauges will likely have to be replaced as well, but will at least be tested first.  Other gauges like oil, water, etc, are easy to find at any automotive store.  We are also looking into new batteries, likely about $500 for the pair as well as a generator/alternator, which we believe is missing.  The air compressor is being rebuilt and the fuel system has also been checked over.  Air lines and the air system have also been looked at, and some of the smaller pipes need replacing.  Once we are able to move the locomotive, we will move HEPC46 further back, and put the Plymouth over the pit to do some repair work on running gear and a wheel.  If all goes well, we hope to have the locomotive operational for 2012.  We are still seeking donations for the restoration, and any donation over $100.00 will get the donor a chance to be one of the first people to operate the Plymouth on our Museum track, once it's restored. Please feel free to contact the Museum for more information on this unique opportunity.

In other news, don't forget, the 12th Annual Niagara Falls Model Railway Show is coming up on March 4th, 2012, at the Optimist Park Hall in Niagara Falls Ont.  We will also have displays at the Ancaster TH&B Flea Market at the Ancaster Fairgrounds on January 29th, and will also once again be part of the 13th Annual  Heritage Showcase at Niagara Square Mall on February 17th – 19th.

Our first open house of 2012 will be held on the weekend of May 26th & 27th at the Niagara Railway Museum Inc. Shop in Fort Erie, Ont.  Come out and see our equipment, artifacts, and recent shop developments.  There will also be other displays with information coming soon.

January 1, 2012

Happy New Year

Progress on E-7

2011 is now in the past, as 2012 is upon us.? I would like to take the time to thank everyone who came out and supported the Niagara Railway Museum Inc. in 2011, and of course our dedicated members who do their best to keep the Museum going, despite not being open to the public.? 2012 is going to be a big year for the NRM.? More details on this years plans will be forthcoming over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned to find out more.? Some work has been progressing this weekend, mostly on the cosmetic restoration of HEPC E-7.

HEPC 0-4-0st #46 is covered for the winter as she sits right beside the missing windows.

The Plymouth is also covered, for the same reason, but also because the cab windows were broken and removed in 2010.? Aside from the restoration of HEPC E-7, the other main project for the year is the restoration to operation of our Plymouth diesel.? The motor starts and runs great, but we are in need of replacing some of the missing parts.? The electrical wiring is all needing to be updated as well, and some of the smaller airlines going through the cab floor have rotted away.? These are fairly simple to fix, but some other issues will have to wait until warmer weather.? The compressor is being rebuilt, and will be reinstalled and hooked up as soon as it is ready.

As always, if you would like to donate to any of our projects, it would be greatly appreciated. The Niagara Railway Museum Inc. is a registered Charitable organization, and can issue a Charitable Tax Receipt for any financial contributions.