David Dewey Wrote:
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> Hutch, that was Ken Roller. I didn't realize he
> was upset about it. Since the unit would be
> repainted no matter who owned it, I just had some
> fun on my time off--I'm an American Flyer
> Collector, so that seemed a natural, since there
> wasn't a PA to do it too! :)
> A cousin of A C Gilbert visited the museum while
> it was still here, they got a real kick out
> it--and I really thought someone would notice it
> during it's trip back east.

Ken was/is a good guy(don’t know if he is still alive) First time I met him, I was like 8 or 9( 1988-89) he gave My dad and I a tour he quized me on locomotive models and pointed out differences in different sub models and manufacturers. I was an Alco fan back then and he was amazed I knew my Alco’s. And back then Portola had its fair share, well that and GE center cabs. Saw him many times during the 90’s after that. Even visited the museum in the middle of winter once with a foot or so of snow on the ground.

Last time I met Ken was about the Summer of 2005. I was passing thru on my honey moon and the young wife and I rented a locomotive. He found out that I was wrenching on heavy equipment and showed me Portola‘s extensive library of service manual. I think I spent like 2 hours reading thru different service manuals of different locomotive manufacturers.