Thursday, May 14, 2015

Meet the Goodspeed!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our newest member of the VRR passenger car fleet. Last Friday, the long-awaited arrival of our new First-Class car Goodspeed came to fruition. Formerly located in Florida, the car took a circuitous journey to finally be delivered to the Old Saybrook wye by the P&W Railroad. Valley crews brought her home to Track 11 where she now awaits renovations for future First-Class service, adding capacity for our popular North Pole Express.
 

Kevin Dodd adds: We owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Dave Conrad for his time, during his vacation, to make repair, inspect, and prepare the Goodspeed for its journey north.   Dave’s efforts to find good and exceptional investment opportunities like this have been a huge factor in the success of the Essex Steam Train.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Engine House News

Bob Wuchert reports: Over the winter months, the Engine House was, and continues to be, a beehive of activity.  Work progresses on Locomotive 40’s boiler; coach cars have been in and out of the shop receiving inspections and repairs; the Open Car received a great amount of steel work, floor refurbishment, seat painting and staining, new lighting throughout the car, a service bar, new beverage holders and other improvements.