Just received John Smatlak's excellent, weekly OERM Red Cars/Yellow Cars Update. John really is one of many hardcore members who makes things happen. Yes, maybe the Brill Bullet Car restoration is taking some time, but look at how many other museum projects have taken decades to complete. The car certainly looks good, even if all the parts are not yet in place. It is a long way from "chicken coop" status. Restoration work is very time consuming, especially considering that it is all volunteer labor, and that money must be raised, and parts located. How many such restorations have detractors such as "That guy" completed? John has certainly been involved in many of the improvements to the physical plant at OERM, and works tirelessly to better OERM.

Many longtime OERM members, and outsiders looking in, are quick to comment, and all too quick to place what they see as blame, and trade in rumors. OERM's elected officers are not perfect. There has always been some heavy duty politics, and many disagreements. But because of good volunteers, of which John Smatlak is a fine example, OERM continues to be such a fine railway museum, that visitors and members can continue to enjoy. John's ability to get along with curmudgeons, railfans, historians, visitors, rail and transit professions, and the membership should be commended.

I hereby yield the floor to all detractors. Especially those who spread rumors and don't sign their real names.

Glen Icanberry
Redlands, CA