Re: GRAMPS 75th Anniversary in 2015/ UTLX 125th 2016 ...

Russo:

Yes there are some of the Gramps clan still kicking and I have been in my spare? time been trying to track them down....Bill Jr. is apparently in Monte Vista, CO but I have not been able to reach him yet. Any help from other listers would be appreciated in this effort.

Coincidentally 2016 marks the 125th anniversary for the Union Tank Car Co. (UTLX) and I have also been trying to get them interested in partnering with the Friends on a return to operation of a unit train their UTLX cars (especially the Van Dyke frameless versions). With all the bad news this year about tank car problems I thought this might be just what the PR men needed...

John Cole and I have also been discussing restoration of the Chama oil rack but I am not sure if this could be pulled off by next year. The Friends have their hands full in just getting the frameless tanks (3 now with the latest acquisition from Lindsey Ashby of # 11050) restored and operational. Plus some of the 6 narrow frame cars still need bearings/ truck change out and paint/ lettering.

There is nothing like the motivation of a deadline to get things done so perhaps if a date was set now it might actually provide the reason to “git er done”.

Rod

P.S. I have spoken to the local lumber companies in Chama and we also might be able to “borrow” some product to further the Phraudographic recreation of a loaded flat car with lumber for WB movement from Chama Skyline Lumber as was shown in JBWX & Fritz Klinke photos during this time period...