Re: SN Engine House for 9-29, Hoffer update

That is fabulous news that Jerry is up and about and felling well enough to visit the site. As one who had worked on the roof of those box cars, his accident made it like a personal concern. The photo of the volunteer on the ladder fixing the door now has me nervous because there is no one in the view standing next to the ladder. I suggest you establish a work safety rule that requires a second person to be adjacent with anyone who removes their feet off the ground for any reason. Any use of a ladder requires it to be a two person job. And there is never any need to go to the roof of any box car as the wheels should be chained-locked or skidded at the rail head. Forget that staff-brake.

As a word of caution, some states require a permit to install any new culvert, even if it is on a railroad. We replaced a few damaged culverts and added a couple on a railroad I’m familiar with and the Dept. of Environment Protection went bonkers and wanted to fine us major bucks. Likely, you don’t have that department of trouble out your way but just a suggestion to save later concern.

Fritz, you are great for telling us about how Jerry is recovering. Let’s not forget how easy it was for Mr. Hills to fall off the ladder in Albuquerque working on the cab of AT&SF 2926, and died a few days after Jerry got hurt.