We’ve been workin’ on the railroad! Maybe not all the live-long day, but our volunteers are always busy with something! Check out the latest updates about everything our volunteers have been working on below.
- Do you want to help with projects like these? Consider becoming a member of the society and volunteering with us! Visit our Membership page for details about getting involved.
- You can also support these projects with a monetary donation – visit our Donate page for more information.
- These projects all require supplies and tools to make them happen. Visit our Wish List page for some ideas of the tools and materials we could use to continue these great projects.
Project Update: GMDH-3 Receives New Radiator
Our one-of-a-kind GMDH-3 got a new radiator installed thanks to the hands of a few dedicated volunteers. After finding a massive hole in the original radiator, we had a new one fabricated for installation. In order to complete this task, the unique nose cone needed to be removed, offering a great time to patch some of the holes in the fiberglass. Following the installation of the new components, the locomotive was test-fired again with success. There is still a long list of items required to bring this unique locomotive back to service, but this is a huge step in the
Project Update: Speeder Repairs at Trenton High School
One of our speeders was recently taken to Trenton High School for some repairs by their auto shop students! The speeder will receive new lights, a new wheel, a repair to the charging system, and a general refresh to keep it going for our track crews! We are proud to have this connection with Trenton High School through one of our volunteers. The students have taken on a number of small restoration projects in recent years and we are immensely grateful for their help! Of course, it also affords some unique learning opportunities in turn!
New Donation: RoadRailer Unit and Documentation
We are excited to announce that we have acquired a complete Triple Crown RoadRailer unit thanks to a generous donation by Norfolk Southern and its subsidiary Triple Crown Services! Couplermate TCSR 960048, Bogie TCSR 5381 and Trailer TCSZ 468820 have made their way to Clinton over the past few weeks to become exciting new additions to our unique collection. RoadRailer technology was first pioneered in Michigan in the 1950s by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The first trains operated from Grand Rapids to Traverse City, with service later extended to Detroit and various other cities as the service blossomed. The
Project Update: The Wide Visions Get Some Paint
Despite the scorching temperatures recently, a pair of volunteers climbed up on top of our wide vision cabooses, GTW #79053 and DWP #53101, to give them a new coat of roof paint! This silver paint job will ensure the roofs remain in excellent shape for years to come and will help keep the cars a little cooler in the window. Not to mention improving the looks for passengers taking in those sweet cupola views!
Project Update: Clark Street Crossing Rebuild
What a busy spring! Our volunteers have been hard at work over the last few months to prepare for and execute the rebuilding of our Clark Street crossing in Clinton. This 3-track crossing was a huge undertaking, but we could not be happier with the end results! With the village repaving the entire street, we stepped in to rebuild the railroad tracks and ensure this crossing will last for years to come. We’d like to thank The Village Of Clinton MI for their support and partnership throughout this project! We appreciate your patience as we continue to tackle large projects