Hello to Members from Pres. McGrathSpring Work Day • Member’s Meet

Last Ride at Squannacook Jct.Spring Steam Up

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WaushakumJournal

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In This Issue ...

Waushakum Journal

Volume XXXVI Number 2Spring Issue • April 2018

Published May 2018

© 2018 Waushakum Live Steamers, Inc.

The Waushakum Journal is published four times a year for members in: January, April, July, and October. Reproduction and use of newsletter content is prohibited without the written permission of the Waushakum Live Steamers, Inc. All entries have been created by the Editor, unless otherwise credited. The Waushakum Journal is not responsible for errors and omissions.

Officers of the Waushakum Live Steamers, Inc.

President Jim McGrath jim.mcgrath@comcast.netVice President Bob Newcombe bobnewcombe@gmail.comTreasurer Jim Abrams abrams464@yahoo.comSecretary Jed Weare jed@wearecnc.comMembership Coordinator Dan ConnorSend email and postal address corrections to:

dan@connorandconnor.com

Waushakum Journal:Designer & Photographer & Editor J.B. Mentzer creative@zekedev.com

waushakumlivesteamers.org:webmaster Father Jay Finelli webmaster@steamingpriest.com

WJ 36:2 • v1.0.3

Photo 40:

Top: The Charlton RS-3 and Jim Davidson at the Steam Up

Left: Art Downer’s train waits on the siding at the Member’s Run Day.

Photos by J.B. Mentzer.

Right: Roland Gosselin and your Editor take one more ride at Roland’s track.

Photo by Hank Walther.

On the Cover

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Hello to Members from Pres. McGrathSpring Work Day • Member’s Meet

Last Ride at Squannacook Jct.Spring Steam Up

S p r i n g 2 0 1 8

WaushakumJournal

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Waushakum Journal Editor J.B. Mentzer on location at Page station taking photos during 2015’s Annual Meet

Thank You ...A nod to the members who helped bring this issue to you:Jim McGrath and Walt Weber for proofreading and Dan Connor for managing distribution of the Journal via email.

From the EditorJ.B. Mentzer, Editor, Layout Designer and Lead Photographer

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President’s Hello to Members . . . . . 3Club Business Update . . . . . . . . . . 3Annual Dinner Ad . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Pioneer Valley 2018 Calendar . . . . 62018 Waushakum Calendar . . . . . . 7Spring Work Day 2018 . . . . . . . . . 8Last Ride at Squannacook Jct. . . . . 9Member’s Run Day 2018 . . . . . . . 10Spring Steam Up 2018 . . . . . . . . . 11

3Spring 2018

Club Business UpdateJed Weare, Secretary

January 11. 2018

Minutes The meeting was called to order by the President at 8:09 PM on January 11th at the Holliston Historical Society house. 28 members were present for the meeting.The Minutes of the December 2017 meeting were read by the Secretary. Ac-ceptance of the minutes was proposed by Bob Mitchell, seconded by Jim Davidson, and carried unanimously.

Superintendent’s Report — Mark ArsenaultMarc reported that another tree from the small stand of trees near the com-pressor shed has fallen. We should probably remove the whole stand, as all the roots appear to be rotted.

Old Business The New Year’s Day Meet was held, not surprisingly, on January 1st 2018. The weather was extremely cold, but

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the turnout was pretty good, with about 50 cars in the lot. No engines ran, because of the cold and snow and ice on the track. Russ Steeves fired his model cannon at noon, as usual. There was plenty of food, but no beef barley soup, owing to Pam being unable to attend because of pneumo-nia. Donations amounted to $45.03. Thanks to Tony Riano for plowing the driveway once again.

New Business Jim O’Brien announced that he would be stepping down as President after 15 years in the job, which is the second-longest time in office in the history of the club. He said that he and Pam were also ready to give up the cook tent work after 20 years. The members present applauded Jim’s and Pam’s long and faithful service to the club.

Hello to MembersJames McGrath, President

Photo 1: Jim McGrath (L) receives the gavel from Jim O’Brien at the Annual Business Meeting. Photo: JB Mentzer

Club members,First off, I like to thank all who have congratulated me for being elected president of the Club. Jim O’Brien will be sorely missed; he shaped and inf lu-enced all aspects of the Club for a long time. But, I hope everyone recognizes the strong capabilities that we have in the other Club officers. I certainly have since being voted in last January.Speaking of Jim O’Brien, I really don’t know what to say. After being the president for 14 years, he’s leaving a very large void that will be very hard to fill. I’m very glad he will be around as all of us will need him for some time to come.I’m writing this just after our first Work Day and Members Only Meet. Now that we’re in the running season, we’ll be needing more participation in the meets if they are to be success-ful. The officers have asked Walt Weber to coordinate, manage, or run the meets as the Events Manager. He showed us his skills in this area during last year’s Annual Meet. With Jim O’Brien’s and Pam’s “retirement” from running the Annual Meet, Walt will certainly have his hands full this year. That makes it more imperative that we all help out at the meets.We especially need volunteers for food preparation and serving during the Annual Meet. Without an adequate number of volunteers many meals that we’ve come to expect during the meet may not be able to be provided. We’re looking for all our members to help where they can. And, thanks again for your support.

Jim McGrath PresidentWaushakum Live Steamers, Inc.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

5Spring 2018

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There were no further nominations for Officers for 2018. The sole nominees for President, Jim McGrath, and for Vice President, Bob Newcombe, were elected unopposed. As there were no nominees for Treasurer or Secretary, the incumbents, Jim Abrams and Jed Weare were re-elected.The Food Permit for 2018 has been received. New door codes for 2018 are active. The old ones will be active until the end of January. Membership cards will be distributed after the meeting and at the end of the month.Membership dues and engine house rental fees are due.Members are reminded to use the hose at the entry shed for water and to shut it off afterwards. Marc Ar-senault said he would be installing a faucet inside the entry shed to avoid freezing issues in future.The next meeting will be at the Hol-liston Historical Society house on February 8th at 8:00PM.Bob Mitchell reported that Worcester Model Railroaders are holding their annual Train Show at the Auburn Elks Club on February 25th. This is new location for them.John Pilling reported that the usual donation of items for the Holliston Food Pantry at the New Year’s Day Meet did not occur this year. He planned to buy some food and donate it, and offered to accept donations from other members to purchase food for the Pantry on their behalf.Darrell Arndt said he had calendars for sale for $5 to benefit the restora-tion by the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME, of Boston Elevated Railway car #6131.

Arthur Butler thanked the member-ship for the birthday wishes offered to him at the New Year’s Day Meet, which he was very pleased to receive.Walt Weber gave a short status report on the Education Committee. Due to Walt’s ill health and the low level of interest, only one meeting has been held so far, but work will continue.Marc Arsenault asked about transfer-ring the credit card to President-elect Jim McGrath. Guy Jones suggested a debit card rather than a credit card. The discussion was tabled.The Treasurer said that the snack machine in the Hilton was owned personally by Jim O’Brien, not the club. Walt Weber proposed that the club buy the snack machine from Jim O’Brien for $151. The motion was seconded by Marc Arsenault and carried unanimously.

continued from Page 3Club Business Update

Adjournment A motion to adjourn was proposed by Bob Foster, seconded by John Pilling, and carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by the Presi-dent at 8:56PM.

February 8th, 2018

Minutes The meeting was called to order by the President at 8:00 PM on February 8th at the Holliston Historical Society house. 21 members were present for the meeting.

Officers for 2018: From left, Jed Weare, Secretary; Jim McGrath, President; Bob Newcombe, Vice President; Jim Abrams, Treasurer. Photo: JB Mentzer

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6 Waushakum Journal

continued from Page 5Club Business Update

The Minutes of the January 2018 meeting were read by the Secre-tary. Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Bob Mitchell, seconded by Walt Weber, and carried unanimously.

Superintendent’s Report — Mark ArsenaultMarc Arsenault was away on vacation, but told the President that there was nothing to report.

Old Business Fat Fahey, assisted by Jim O’Brien, will remove the boiler from the club Hudson when the weather improves enough to do it at the track. Jim Abrams wondered if we could build an engine stand and do the job at Dario’s shop, as the lack of an engine stand was the obstacle to that approach. The President will discuss with Dario.John Pilling reported that he had pre-sented foodstuffs to the value of $126 to the Holliston Pantry Shelf; the food was bought with money donated by John and other club members. John suggested setting up a donation center at the track during meets.

New Business Walt Weber will be the chairman of the Annual Meet following his similar work last year. Jim O’Brien is passing on his knowledge to assist in the transition, but Walt will need help from everyone to make a success of the task.The walkie-talkies used for co-ordination at the Annual Meet are the personal property of Jim O’Brien. John Pilling proposed that the club buy the radios from Jim O’Brien for $300. Walt Weber seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.

The old door codes will be active for a while, in parallel with the new codes.Surplus soda is still available for sale. Amelia Jamieson asked whether the 1” scale club Pacific was available for purchase. Per the recent reso-lutions on the sale of club assets, the Officers will discuss this matter.

There may be some relevant condi-tions attached to the donation of that engine to the club, as well as matters of policy.Amelia Jamieson proposed the setting up of a fund to assist members having difficulty paying dues. Walt Weber said that in his

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New Years Run/Pot Luck January 7th Regular Meeting January 21st Amherst Train Show at the Big E January 27th & 28th Regular Meeting March 25th Regular Meeting April 29th Work Weekend April 28th, 29th Steam Up May 4th, 5th, 6th Regular Meeting May 27th Work Weekend June 9th, 10th Spring Meet June 15th, 16th, 17th Regular Meeting June 24th Regular Meeting July 29th Work Weekend August 4th, 5th Clubs only Meet August 10th, 11th, 12th Regular Meeting August 19th Work Weekend September 8th, 9th Fall Meet September 14th, 15th, 16th Regular Meeting September 30th Work Weekend September 29th, 30th Blow Down October 5th, 6th, 7th Annual Meeting October 28th Regular Meeting November 25th

No Meetings in February and December

Pioneer Valley Live Steamers Calendar of Events for 2018

7Spring 2018

2018 Waushakum Calendar of EventsJames McGrath, President, WLS Inc.

Saturday May 5th, 2018Spring Work Day: Members new and old come get the track ready for another season.

Sunday May 6th, 20187TH Annual Members Meet

Members OnlyCook Tent: Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

Sunday May 20th, 2018

Carl Slack MemorialSpring Steam-up Meet

Sunday June 24th, 201817TH Annual Van Brocklin MeetCook Tent: Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

Note: Fourth Sunday

Sunday July 15th, 201816TH Annual

Model RR Club / NMRA Hub DivisionCook Tent: Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

Annual Meet 2018 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Thursday August 23rd, 2018 6:00 pm

Annual DinerAugust 24th, 25th, & 26th, 2018

48TH Annual MeetFull Cook Tent • Saturday Night Dinner

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Sunday September 16th, 201817TH Annual

Neighborhood Appreciation DayMembers & Invited Guests Only

Cook Tent: Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

Sunday, October 21st, 2018Fred Jaggi Memorial

Fall Blow-down Meet

Live Steam meets for May ~ October 2018 are listed below by date. Not listed: New Year’s Day Meet on January 1st, 2019.Unless noted, the Cook Tent is closed. Soft drinks are available at the soda machine all season.

continued from Page 6Club Business Update

experience, this was usually not a good idea in the long term, and provided an example from another club. Concern about the funding and administration of such a fund was expressed. Jim O’Brien said there may be other options, such as spreading payments over 6 months.Larry Micol reported that the 0-4-0 camelback he bought from the club was found to have water in the boiler. He thinks this may be a similar incident to the recent cases of unauthorized use of other people’s engines left in the engine house. It would be wise to check the club engines to make sure they don’t also have water in the boilers. Walt Weber said the Safety Committee should meet on the topic of engine house security, in particular the pro-vision of additional security cameras.Walt Weber announced that the Education Committee will be meeting this Saturday. He expects four attendees. Howard Gorin mentioned that the annual show of the Charles River Museum in Waltham will be held on 17th February.

Adjournment A motion to adjourn was proposed by Bob Foster, seconded by Amelia Jamieson, and carried unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned by the President.The next meeting will be March 8th at the Holliston Historical Society house.Respectfully Submitted, Jed Weare (Secretary)

March 8, 2018The March 8, 2018 Business Meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.

2018

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Spring Work Day 2018Photos by J.B. Mentzer May 5, 2018

Photo 1: Members unite get the club ready for 2018. Photo 2: Arthur Butler (L) talks with John Pilling. Photo 5: Thanks to Pat Fahey for mowing the field. Photo 5: Chris Detsikas hauls another load of brush. Photo 6: Walt Webber (L) and Bob Mitchell kept us fed.

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A Big Thanks to the to the members that pitched in to help our club ready for the 2018 season:

Marc ArsenaultDick BallArthur ButlerChris DetsikasArt DownerPat FaheyJ.B. MentzerJim McGrath

Bob MitchellJoe NgJohn PillingBob RandallAaron RiceDave RemingtonJed WeareWalt Weber

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9Spring 2018

Last Ride at Squannacook JunctionPhotos by J.B. Mentzer and Hank Walther May 1, 2018

At the April business meeting of the Amherst Railway Society, it was announced the ARS had purchased track materials from Roland Gosselin. The date for the recovery was set for May 5, 2018.

In late April, your Editor inquired if a last ride at Squannacook Junction could be arranged. Roland Gosselin graciously invited your Editor and speeder operator Hank Walther to visit on May 1.

Photo 1: Our host, Roland Gosselin and your Editor arrive at Squannacook Jct. Photo 2: Roland makes a repair to track damage from a fallen tree. Photo 3: Hank Walther aligns the turntable. Photo 4: Crossing the pony truss bridge. Photo 5: Last arrival at the station.

Squannacook Jct.

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Member’s Run Day 2018Photos by J.B. Mentzer May 6, 2018

Photo 1: Art Downer’s train departs the Station Area siding. Photo 2: Steam power requires constant attention. Photo 3: 1950’s on the Delaware & Hudson is represented by the blue and gray livery on Brian Cunningham’s RS-3. Joe Ng captures the move. Photo 4: Dave Remington (L) and WLS VP Bob Newcombe staffed the cook tent on Sunday.

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11Spring 2018

Spring Steam Up 2018Photos by J.B. Mentzer May 20, 2018

Photo 1: Jim Davidson and the Charlton RS-3 depart the station. Photo 2: John Kelly with his Portland & Rumford Falls 4-6-2 at Cornell. [See also, “Historic Engine Steams Again: Portland & Rumford Falls 312” Waushakum Journal, Fall 2013 —Ed] Photo 3:Ready for departure. Photo 4: Hank Walther waves hello while conductor Lilly Mello keeps an eye on the passengers. Photo 5: Dick Ball gives members a ride at Page.

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The Waushakum Live Steamers, Inc.P.O. Box 6034Holliston, MA 01746