We are excited to announce that PSRMA has been awarded a $13,000 dollar grant to be used towards purchasing new starting batteries and engine lubricating oil for our low-nosed Southern Pacific GP-9 #3709. Among many other projects in the Mechanical Department, we hope to restore this locomotive to operable condition over the next few years. You can read more about the legacy of John H. Emery at emeryrailheritagetrust.org/WP/grants-for-2019.
The Museum Services Department has teamed up with the Facilities Department at our Campo Railroad Park & Museum site to construct the Athey Mine town for our Mine Train exhibit. New member Jim Tewksbury has stepped forward to lead the effort to create the western town. Jim has created western towns at both his home in Descanso and his new home in Alpine. The town will include several mines which will depict various time periods of mining as the Mine Train passes by.
Donations are being solicited for materials to be used in this effort, with several substantial donations already received and transported to Campo! Donations needed include lumber, corrugated tin for siding and roofs, old cedar fencing and old machines which would be commonly found in and around mines.
In addition, we need more volunteers to step forward to assist in constructing the town. Our work is expected to last many months, with work days during various weekdays and weekends scheduled in advance. If you can donate your time, please let Jim Lundquist know so that you may be notified of our upcoming work days in Campo. No specific skills are required, as we can use all willing hands.
If you can donate time or materials, contact Jim Lundquist via email (best) at Jim@psrm.org, or call at 619-417-7059. Thank you for your assistance in making our newest exhibit come alive.
For those of you interested in joining or continuing to be a part of our volunteer train operations crews, here is some important information about our 2019 rules class schedule. While we’re still working on scheduling Safety and Security Class dates and sending out reminders to our existing crew for which classes they are now due for, here are the preliminary dates for GCOR, Air Brake, and Air Brake and Train Handling classes. All classes are held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3902 Kenwood Dr., Spring Valley, CA 91977
Safety and Security Class – 4 hours of instruction
General Code of Operating Rules Class – 8 hours of instruction, 1 hour lunch break
Air Brake Class (for Brakemen and Conductors) – 4 hours of instruction
Air Brake and Train Handling Class (for Engineers) – 8 hours of instruction, 1 hour lunch break
For more information, please contact us at training@psrm.org.