“Fletcher’s crew was not able to coordinate a work session in July, but we pulled a small one together here at the beginning of August.

This last Saturday, Fletcher, Steve P., and I met for a quick huddle at the #9’s old location at the end of the car shop. It was an odd site to all of us not seeing our half-painted locomotive where it had sat for the last 5+ years. Once a good plan was devised, we headed out to the car shop where Fletcher was able to apply the last coat of paint on the locomotive seat boxes.

As the seat boxes were drying, we headed over to the #9’s new location, with the tender AND locomotive back together again. There we climbed into the cab where Fletch and Steve removed all the gate valves we could access. We meticulously and deliberately marked all valves for accurate replacement in the future. Our hope now is to get these painted and back in the cab in the coming months.

As we stood in the cab working on those valves, the 3:00 PM train rolled by loaded with riders on its way out of the museum. As usual, I stopped what I was doing to offer a friendly wave to those railroad lovers, young and old. My heart was full when I noticed one rider catch the attention of her son, or maybe grandson, as she frantically swung her arm around him to point out the #9 as they passed by. It was easy to see she wanted to make sure he noticed before it was too late. With her arm stretched out pointing directly at us, I hoped the drastic difference between the clean tender and shiny cab was a sight to see when compared to the rusty and bare boiler. In my mind, it was a good reminder of where we were, and how far we have come.

As we wrap up this August work session, I want to remind all we still have a long way to go on the cosmetic restoration of the D&R #9. But with your help, we can continue making her a piece that always turns heads in both adults and kids that visit Mid-Continent. Please consider donating to the #9 restoration fund via the button below.

Thank you”

-Fletch and Jason