ABM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Note, the 3194 did NOT leak any water while it was
> at Hunter's Point. It was also run extensively
> back then.
> Amazing what some regular operation and routine
> maintenance will do...


Also note that at hunters point GGRM was allowed to run the locomotive freely around the compound as they wished. That is not the case at all at Niles Canyon, what so ever. So I do not see your point, and i also do not see your point in attacking our maintenance unless you are seeing first hand how we treat our assets at this time, and considering your reference to hunters point and not Niles Canyon, i am assuming you do not volunteer with us any longer. Water seals dry up in 567s, its nothing new, and its not something that cannot be remedied. This is not a case of deferred maintenance, it is a case of a locomotive that has not been needed by the organization at this time, so in turn it has sat winterized essentially for the best part of the last two years. The core of diesel folks have been busy with other projects over this period of time which we see as a higher priority, like getting the #3 (now temporarily the #9) running in tip top shape to be used for switching and possibly paying back power hours to NCRY, and the efforts have shown. Also, just like the steam crew, they are working on getting our passenger cars in safe and suitable shape to be shown to the public and used on both GGRM operations and NCRY operations in the canyon (and who knows, maybe elsewhere). We have been very busy with other projects that will ensure the current needs and goals of the organization are met, and spending man hours to ensure that the GP9 is currently turn-key is not one of them at this time. I can assure you however that the 3194 is not forgotten, and an evaluation of the work needed to return it to "turn-key" operation has been completed by personnel who are more than qualified to do so.

I invite you to come and volunteer your time with us if you would really like to know the full story of whats going on with us these days in Niles Canyon. We are always looking for another friendly helping hand.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding our practices, feel free to email our president, Dave Hensarling at president@ggrm.org. Or like i mentioned above, come visit with us on any saturday between 8am and 4pm at the NCRYs' brightside yard and ask some questions.

Take care and have a great day,

Jeff