“As I am sure you are aware, the month of June started off with cool temps and dry conditions, and is ending with hot temps and rain, SO big changes from start to finish. We are also seeing big changes with the #9 here in June.

On Saturday June 14, Fletcher and Chris B. rallied at the #9 where they did a great job sealing the cab roof on the locomotive. They sealed holes, cracks, and gaps to keep rain and snow melt OUT of the Cab. For many years, moisture has been able to penetrate the roof and affect the wood and other materials inside the cab. This brings us one step closer to sealing the cab off from the elements and protecting the materials inside for restoration. Once that was completed, Fletcher and I retrieved a paint sample that Bill B. graciously provided, and we acquired the paint needed for the box seats. We were hoping to get the paint on the seats, but ran out of time, so we “kicked that can down the road”. Many thanks to Chris B. for getting this done.

On Wednesday June 18, during the “All-Hands on Deck” work session put on by the Restoration Dept. Bill B. and Fred B. literally picked up that can Fletcher kicked down the road and applied a beautiful green coat of new paint on the locomotive seat boxes. Many thanks for Bill and Fred for helping us out. You are always welcome on the #9 crew.

On Saturday June 21, we had one of the most exciting events since last year. Ed R. and the operations crew hooked on to the #9 and then re-united the tender and locomotive for the first time since about January of 2022. Seeing them together was such a jolting reminder of where we were, what we have accomplished, and what we still have left to do. June sure was a successful month for the #9. Fletch and I hope the remainder of the summer is just as productive for both the #9 and the rest of the museum.”

-Fletch and Jason R.

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