2472 OVERHAUL is COMPLETE! We’re very pleased to announce that we’ve completed the overhaul of SP 2472. November 30 and December 1 saw a final flurry of activity on the locomotive. Through the generosity of Palo Alto Research Center, we were pleased to host eager volunteers for a “Day Working at the Railroad.” We took the opportunity to give the locomotive a good wash and polish; with side-rods, locomotive jacket, wheels and tender now gleaming. The laughter and good humor throughout the day suggested that people may have even been having a little fun - ?! The “regular suspects” (thank you!) showed up on Saturday and continued with last-minute odds and ends; minor plumbing has been reinstalled, sidesheets and smokebox have been re-coated with graphite, minor electrical work has been completed - and we are now ready to go. In the coming weeks, we will steam the locomotive up, check the safety valves, air compressor, headlight, bell and whistle one more time and will schedule some break in operations in 2008. We await approval from our hosts, the PLA, to begin steam-ups and break-in operations; we’ll publish the schedule once everything becomes clear. We hope to have more information by the time you’ve received this newsletter – check the website for details. Many people have contributed over the last months to finishing the overhaul, but I would like to especially thank Irv Stephenson and Garrett Brisbee for their contributions to our new auxiliary dome; Mark Gleason, Shelley Gleason, Ralph Bennett, John Rimmasch and Dave Griner of Wasatch Railroad Contractors for the collaboration and help on our new drop plugs. Many people have contributed to the continued operation of SP2472. Look for a whole crew list in the future. Thank you all for your support. While 2007 has been a challenging year for the organization, we have lots to be proud of, and lots to look forward to! SP 2472 is only one of our accomplishments this year! The locomotive looks great, so please come out and have a look. – Dave Varley, CMO