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New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
Date: 10 Apr 2010
Subject: Restoration of 2926
Subject: General Meeting
Call to Order: 9:00 AM
OLD BUSINESS:
Call to Order: President Mike Hartshorne called the April General Membership meeting to order at 9:00 AM April 10, 2010 at the restoration site. Mike reported that the BoD had just finished meeting for breakfast prior to this meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Ernie Robart had previously e-mailed the April Treasurer’s Report to the Board. Ernie reported the checking account had a beginning balance on March 13th, 2010 of $20,040.90 and an ending balance on April 10th of $13,845.45. Deposits for the period totaled $3,747.12, the majority of which were annual membership contributions and flue sponsorships. Expenses were $9,942.47, the largest of which was $6,500 for Super-heater support bands. The ending balance in the savings account (including $1.23 interest) was $40118.23. There was $50.00 in petty cash yielding total cash assets of $54,013.68 as of April 10th, 2010. Jon Taylor moved and Ed Strebe seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Safety Officer’s Report: Jon Spargo reported that three new safety vests have been purchased. They are made of mesh net and have the word “Safety” emblazoned on the back of each vest. These vests are to be worn by the safety officer, when on site, or the designated work party Safety Supervisor. When the Safety Officer can’t be present the CMO will select someone to be the designated “Safety Guy” for the work session. The Safety Guy will be selected from those who are qualified having taken the appropriate training. That list is posted on the Bulletin Board in the WHQ building on the Authorized Worker List.
One issue that continues to be a problem is based on the fact that people still like to wander into the site without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. A sandwich board sign is being constructed that will be set up just inside the inner gate to the work area. It will remind visitors that they need to sign in and be assigned a Society member as a guide and have appropriate personal protective equipment. A donation box will next to the sandwich board to make a contribution to our effort.
Finally, last week a problem was discovered while trying to clean up the smoke box door. In doing so a very small amount of asbestos was found. Thanks to Rick and Gail and our friends at GranCor the problem has been properly resolved. Jon Taylor moved and Ed Strebe seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
CMO Report: Rick Kirby reported that the remaining parts and materials for repairing the boiler are being identified, ordered and shipped. He said he and Bob DeGroft have been hard at work researching potential suppliers and best pricing. It is time consuming, behind the scenes work, involving himself, Gail, and Bob DeGroft in a continuing effort for several months. But will soon pay off as parts begin to arrive. For example the rectangular sheet steel piece for the repairing the fireman’s side of the wrapper sheet has been ordered, as well as have 200 replacement staybolts. The staybolts will replace the bolts that will be removed along with the steel sheet. The number includes a small number of extra bolts to cover other needs. The steel sheet should arrive with a week. Meanwhile, several sources are being investigated for use in repairing the cracks in the compressor housing. Pictures of the crack are being sent to several potential vendors. Because of the weight of the housing shipping will be a major expense. Shipping, roundtrip to one company in Buffalo, NY is estimated to cost in the $3500 ballpark. Discussions continue with Garlock on getting packing for the compressors.
Work is progressing on ordering the remaining parts for rebuilding the superheater units. All the piping has already been purchased and is on site and an order has been placed for the replacement superheater support bands. A search is currently underway for a supplier for superheater return ends. The total cost is likely to run in excess of $30K. Strasburg will likely be the supplier as their shop is well equipped to service steam locomotive customers. Strasburg’s original estimate of $47/each for return ends was a little over $31K. However they based it on an incorrect number of 660 return ends when they should have used 220. They have revised their estimate based on 220 and come up with a cost of $67.50/each. The price per item difference is due to the $3800 set up and overhead cost in involved in any sized order. Bob DeGroft is looking at other foundries that might be able to satisfy the Society’s requirement to see if there are any that could do the job at substantially less money.
Purchase requests documentation has been organized for the audit. Rick reported that the purchase order process for tools, supplies and equipment is being revamped based on suggestions coming out of the audit. He said that he would be the approving authority for all requests, with Mike Hartshorne and Dave Traudt being the alternate approving officials.
In other developments the FRA inspector, Ralph Gutierrez, met with Bob DeGroft and Rick to review the boiler restoration planning. Bob gave him a notebook detailing the boiler hardness measurement methodology and testing procedures. Rick said Mr. Gutierrez was impressed with the Society’s documentation.
Rick said he had met with representatives of Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 412 in an exploratory meeting to solicit their support to our restoration project. He described our project to them and informally they expressed interest. Support from them in the form of volunteer boiler certified welders has the potential to move the project ahead faster.
Ed Strebe moved and John Taylor seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote. Fundraising Committee Report: Ed reported that the Society missed the deadline for submitting our application to the CFC. Unfortunately, the CFC of did not tell the Chuck Mangold that they had changed procedures for this year’s application process.
In upcoming activities, Ed reported that a presentation is scheduled to be made to the ACVB staff 20 April by Bob DeGroft. Ed said that he and maybe Steve Bradford will also attend. Ed said that Jon Spargo is pursuing getting an article into the BNSF magazine to publicize the restoration effort to BNSF employees. Jon will also make a presentation to the Socorro Historical Society on 24 April and has made a presentation to the Masonic group in Albuquerque, formerly from San Marcial (wiped out in the flood of 1929). He is also working on doing a presentation in Las Cruces. He and Doyle Caton are developing a joint Hatch and Deming presentation.
Steve Bradford moved and John Taylor seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Elections: The BoD has appointed an Elections Committee to manage and oversee the upcoming annual election. Frank Gerstle will chair the committee and Doyle Caton and Dave Traudt will serve as members. The terms of Travis Atwell and Steve Bradford end in July. Nominees to run for these positions must be paid up members in good standing and file a petition with the elections committee. It must be signed by two additional members. Votes will be counted and the winners announced at the Annual Meeting in July
Merchandise Sales and April Art Show: Pete Adair reported that new merchandise has arrived. Two types of black hats are available: a premium one with a buckle for $15 and a regular one with plastic for $12. New Bennett T-shirts are priced at $20 for regular sizes. Steve Bradford reported that the 2 April Art Show Opening Night went well with several hundred attendees. The raffle and merchandise sales netted over $400. The show will run for the month of April.
NEW BUSINESS:
Doodlebug and Other News From Belen: Joe Rizzo reported that the Belen Model Railroad Club will be having a show on 24-25 May. He also indicated that the Doodlebug received significant damage while in California.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: The next Membership Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM May 8, 2010 at the restoration site.
New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
Date: 10 Apr 2010
Subject: Restoration of 2926
Subject: General Meeting
Call to Order: 9:00 AM
OLD BUSINESS:
Call to Order: President Mike Hartshorne called the April General Membership meeting to order at 9:00 AM April 10, 2010 at the restoration site. Mike reported that the BoD had just finished meeting for breakfast prior to this meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Ernie Robart had previously e-mailed the April Treasurer’s Report to the Board. Ernie reported the checking account had a beginning balance on March 13th, 2010 of $20,040.90 and an ending balance on April 10th of $13,845.45. Deposits for the period totaled $3,747.12, the majority of which were annual membership contributions and flue sponsorships. Expenses were $9,942.47, the largest of which was $6,500 for Super-heater support bands. The ending balance in the savings account (including $1.23 interest) was $40118.23. There was $50.00 in petty cash yielding total cash assets of $54,013.68 as of April 10th, 2010. Jon Taylor moved and Ed Strebe seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Safety Officer’s Report: Jon Spargo reported that three new safety vests have been purchased. They are made of mesh net and have the word “Safety” emblazoned on the back of each vest. These vests are to be worn by the safety officer, when on site, or the designated work party Safety Supervisor. When the Safety Officer can’t be present the CMO will select someone to be the designated “Safety Guy” for the work session. The Safety Guy will be selected from those who are qualified having taken the appropriate training. That list is posted on the Bulletin Board in the WHQ building on the Authorized Worker List.
One issue that continues to be a problem is based on the fact that people still like to wander into the site without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. A sandwich board sign is being constructed that will be set up just inside the inner gate to the work area. It will remind visitors that they need to sign in and be assigned a Society member as a guide and have appropriate personal protective equipment. A donation box will next to the sandwich board to make a contribution to our effort.
Finally, last week a problem was discovered while trying to clean up the smoke box door. In doing so a very small amount of asbestos was found. Thanks to Rick and Gail and our friends at GranCor the problem has been properly resolved. Jon Taylor moved and Ed Strebe seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
CMO Report: Rick Kirby reported that the remaining parts and materials for repairing the boiler are being identified, ordered and shipped. He said he and Bob DeGroft have been hard at work researching potential suppliers and best pricing. It is time consuming, behind the scenes work, involving himself, Gail, and Bob DeGroft in a continuing effort for several months. But will soon pay off as parts begin to arrive. For example the rectangular sheet steel piece for the repairing the fireman’s side of the wrapper sheet has been ordered, as well as have 200 replacement staybolts. The staybolts will replace the bolts that will be removed along with the steel sheet. The number includes a small number of extra bolts to cover other needs. The steel sheet should arrive with a week. Meanwhile, several sources are being investigated for use in repairing the cracks in the compressor housing. Pictures of the crack are being sent to several potential vendors. Because of the weight of the housing shipping will be a major expense. Shipping, roundtrip to one company in Buffalo, NY is estimated to cost in the $3500 ballpark. Discussions continue with Garlock on getting packing for the compressors.
Work is progressing on ordering the remaining parts for rebuilding the superheater units. All the piping has already been purchased and is on site and an order has been placed for the replacement superheater support bands. A search is currently underway for a supplier for superheater return ends. The total cost is likely to run in excess of $30K. Strasburg will likely be the supplier as their shop is well equipped to service steam locomotive customers. Strasburg’s original estimate of $47/each for return ends was a little over $31K. However they based it on an incorrect number of 660 return ends when they should have used 220. They have revised their estimate based on 220 and come up with a cost of $67.50/each. The price per item difference is due to the $3800 set up and overhead cost in involved in any sized order. Bob DeGroft is looking at other foundries that might be able to satisfy the Society’s requirement to see if there are any that could do the job at substantially less money.
Purchase requests documentation has been organized for the audit. Rick reported that the purchase order process for tools, supplies and equipment is being revamped based on suggestions coming out of the audit. He said that he would be the approving authority for all requests, with Mike Hartshorne and Dave Traudt being the alternate approving officials.
In other developments the FRA inspector, Ralph Gutierrez, met with Bob DeGroft and Rick to review the boiler restoration planning. Bob gave him a notebook detailing the boiler hardness measurement methodology and testing procedures. Rick said Mr. Gutierrez was impressed with the Society’s documentation.
Rick said he had met with representatives of Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 412 in an exploratory meeting to solicit their support to our restoration project. He described our project to them and informally they expressed interest. Support from them in the form of volunteer boiler certified welders has the potential to move the project ahead faster.
Ed Strebe moved and John Taylor seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote. Fundraising Committee Report: Ed reported that the Society missed the deadline for submitting our application to the CFC. Unfortunately, the CFC of did not tell the Chuck Mangold that they had changed procedures for this year’s application process.
In upcoming activities, Ed reported that a presentation is scheduled to be made to the ACVB staff 20 April by Bob DeGroft. Ed said that he and maybe Steve Bradford will also attend. Ed said that Jon Spargo is pursuing getting an article into the BNSF magazine to publicize the restoration effort to BNSF employees. Jon will also make a presentation to the Socorro Historical Society on 24 April and has made a presentation to the Masonic group in Albuquerque, formerly from San Marcial (wiped out in the flood of 1929). He is also working on doing a presentation in Las Cruces. He and Doyle Caton are developing a joint Hatch and Deming presentation.
Steve Bradford moved and John Taylor seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Elections: The BoD has appointed an Elections Committee to manage and oversee the upcoming annual election. Frank Gerstle will chair the committee and Doyle Caton and Dave Traudt will serve as members. The terms of Travis Atwell and Steve Bradford end in July. Nominees to run for these positions must be paid up members in good standing and file a petition with the elections committee. It must be signed by two additional members. Votes will be counted and the winners announced at the Annual Meeting in July
Merchandise Sales and April Art Show: Pete Adair reported that new merchandise has arrived. Two types of black hats are available: a premium one with a buckle for $15 and a regular one with plastic for $12. New Bennett T-shirts are priced at $20 for regular sizes. Steve Bradford reported that the 2 April Art Show Opening Night went well with several hundred attendees. The raffle and merchandise sales netted over $400. The show will run for the month of April.
NEW BUSINESS:
Doodlebug and Other News From Belen: Joe Rizzo reported that the Belen Model Railroad Club will be having a show on 24-25 May. He also indicated that the Doodlebug received significant damage while in California.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: The next Membership Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM May 8, 2010 at the restoration site.
Our project in the NM Travel Guide