allen photo spring training - preserving rochester's rich ... · 2 • february 2015 • the...

LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN: Recalling the “steam era” on the Livonia, Avon, & Lakeville, engine no. 38 picks up interchange from the ErieLackawanna at Avon, N.Y., on May 13, 1972. Look for our special announcement on page 5. RICHARD J. ALLEN PHOTO

INSIDEMuseum News . . . . . . . . 3

Annual Rules Class . . . . 5

LAL Fan Trip. . . . . . . . . . 5

2015 Event Schedule . . 6

Annual Banquet . . . . . . . 7

While the greater Rochester area is cov-ered in a blanket of snow, it’s time to startthinking those warm thoughts of Spring.Even though the cold weather drasticallyreduces our outdoor activity, you can besure that everyone is working to get readyfor opening day of the joint season. Pleasesee page 6 for the 2015 Joint OperatingSchedule that was approved by RGV andNYMT boards. Promotion efforts andadvertising for the coming season arebeing coordinated by Otto Vondrak andJim Dierks.The annual Rules Class has been sched-

uled for Saturday, March 14, and ismandatory for all operating personnel. Westrongly encourage ALL of our volunteersto take the safety training that is part of thiscourse. See page 5 for more details.

Our annual banquet has been scheduledfor Saturday, March 28, and we’repleased to welcome career railroader DonBrown as our guest speaker. You won’twant to miss this fun event, so make sureto reserve your tickets early!We’ve got some great fantrips planned

for the spring and summer, thanks in partto the efforts of Dave Shields. Do you haveideas about fun activities we could organ-ize for our members? Let me know!We’re looking forward to another great

year of growth. Please reach out and askhow you can get involved! Have questions or comments? Call me at

(716) 474-2833 or by email [email protected]. Think warm thoughts!

—Mike Dow, Museum President

Spring Training

FEBRUARY 2015VOL. 58 NO. 6

NEWSLETTER OF THE ROCHESTER & GENESEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM

ROCHESTER & G ENESEE VALLEY RA I LROAD MUSEUM • ROCHESTER, N EW YORK

NEXT MEETING:

February 19Dale Hartnett presents

“Wartime Photos from FSA/OWI”

2 • FEBRUARY 2015 • THE SEMAPHORE

The official publication of the Rochester & Genesee Valley

Railroad Museum

Volume 58, No. 6

EDITOROtto M. Vondrak

[email protected]

PRINTING AND MAILINGDave Peet

Don Wawrzyniak

©2015 Rochester & Genesee ValleyRailroad Museum. THE SEMAPHORE is pub-lished monthly by the Rochester & GeneseeValley Railroad Museum. Electronic distribu-tion by e-mail is free. First-Class mailing isavailable for $7.00 a year. Non-membermailed subscriptions are $12.00 and runfrom January 1 to December 31. Membermeetings are held the third Thursday of eachmonth, and the Board of Trustees meets thefirst Thursday of each month. Any itemsrelated to the activities of the Rochester &Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, andregional railroad history and current eventsare gladly accepted for publication.

www.rgvrrm.orgMUSEUM OFFICERS

PRESIDENTMike Dow

(716) 474-2833

VICE PRESIDENTJoe Nugent

TREASURERDave Peet

RECORDING SECRETARYOtto M. Vondrak

CORRESPONDING SEC’YJoel R. Shaw

TRUSTEESDave BoswellBob BurzPeter GoresJim JohnsonJim Otto

David ScheiderichMark Wilczek

PLAN AHEAD: Next Meeting:

February 19at 40&8 Club, Rochester, NY

JOIN THE MUSEUM TODAYAnnual Dues: $25.00

Rochester & Genesee Valley RR MuseumP.O. Box 23326

Rochester, NY 14692-3326

AROUND THEMUSEUM

ABOVE: Volunteer Joel Shaw is leading the project to con-struct a third trailer for our track car fleet. The frame is com-plete and the axles have been attached. Next will come “roadtesting” before the deck is affixed. JIM ZIOBRO PHOTO RIGHT:On February 10, 2015, volunteer Dave Shields made a presen-tation to the local chapter of the Rotary Club about our muse-um activities. This kind of local outreach helps raise the pro-file of our activities in the community! BELOW: VolunteersMark Wilczek and Adam Lloyd remove air valves from RGV1654 on a very cold January 31, 2015. The valves were sentout for reconditioning to prepare for our upcoming operatingseason. JEREMY TUKE PHOTO

UPCOMING MONTHLY MEETINGSOn February 19, member Dale Hartnettwill present “Wartime Images fromFSA/OWI.” These historic images in theLibrary of Congress collection offer a win-dow into the world of railroading duringWorld War II. On March 19, we will host another

installment of “Members Slide Night.” Nodigital this time, just good old analogmedia. To sign up for a slot, please contactprogram chair John Stewart.The R&GV Railroad Museum meets

every third Thursday at the 40&8 Club,located at 933 University Avenue in down-town Rochester. Doors open at 7:00, meet-ing begins at 7:30 p.m. Museum bookstoreopen prior to meeting. Cash bar available.All events are free and open to the public!

—John Stewart, Program Chair

MUSEUM MANAGER’S UPDATEAs I write this, it is 5 degrees outside andprojected to drop well below zero. Thegood news is only 35 days until spring!Last month I put out a request for people to

step forward and help fill the various open-ings we have in our department structure.Unfortunately, no one contacted me, withthe exception of one brave soul.I would like to announce Bob Achillies

as our new Track and Right-of-WaySuperintendent. Bob brings in extensiverailroad knowledge along with excellentskills in budgeting and management.Thank you very much Bob, you will cer-tainly be a huge help in the planning andmaintaining of the track and ROW goingforward! The Tuesday Night Track Gangknows about Bob filling the position, andis looking forward to coordinating effortswith Bob. If you have any questions, sug-gestions or would like to get involved inthis area, please contact Bob directly [email protected] to another subject: Keeping on top of

routine maintenance tasks around theMuseum. I would like to ask all of you tohelp out in identifying and letting me knowof any issues you see around the Museumgrounds. Not all of us notice things thatneed to be addressed, and when we do, wemay not know who to tell about it. I amcompiling a list so we can identify andtend to those matters. “Little things” like a

blown light bulb, gutters that need clean-ing, or a broken hinge on the shop door. Iam offering to be the one point of contactfor that list. The best way to notify me is byemail at [email protected] orput a note in my mailbox at the depot. Forimmediate matters, please call me at (585) 721-1377. While I will put all items on the list, it

will be prioritized by the need to get itfixed along with who might be able to getto it, not necessarily by when it goes on thelist. This will also help me let volunteersknow what they can work on when theystop in for our regular work sessions.Please note this list is not for suggestionsof things we could, or should do, but ratherthings that need immediate attention.Thank you, keep warm and stay in touch.

—Mark Wilczek, Museum Manager

INSPECTION PIT PROGRESSIn December, the forms, rebar and rail oneither side of the pit were in place andready to pour the concrete base, but thenwinter set in. I had stayed optimistic thatwe would get enough of a thaw in lateDecember or in January to pour the con-crete, but that obviously did not happen.

WWW.RGVRRM.ORG • THE SEMAPHORE • FEBRUARY 2015 • 3

ROCHESTER & GENESEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUMV I S I T O U R W E B S I T E : W W W. R G V R R M . O R G

MUSEUM CONTACT INFO

MUSEUM PRESIDENTMike Dow

(716) 474-2833 [email protected]

MUSEUM MANGLERMark Wilczek


MOTIVE POWER SUPT.Joe Nugent


OPERATIONS SUPT.Jim Otto


TRACK AND ROW SUPT.Bob Achilles


PROGRAM CHAIRMANJohn Stewart(585) 704-8885

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMANSam Rosenberg

[email protected]

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORJim Ziobro


Rails have been re-installed over the inspection pit, the next concrete pour will take place in thespring. Further progress on the floor will be dependent on donations and fundraising. RochesterSubway Car 60 and BR&P caboose 280 can be seen at left on January 17, 2015. JIM ZIOBRO PHOTO


So we have had to wave the white flag toMother Nature and put the project on hold.Since all preparations are in place, as soonas the frost is out of the Restoration Shopwe will be pouring concrete. We haveenough funds to pour concrete for the railbase, around the pit and part of the Eastwall. As soon as the weather breaks and wecomplete the next pour, we will be puttingon a full court press to raise the remainingmoney needed to finish the east wall andcenter section of concrete floor.

—Mark Wilczek, Museum Manager

RGV ANNUAL BANQUETPlease join us for our annual R&GVRailroad Museum Banquet on Saturday,March 28, at the River's Edge PartyHouse, located at 31 Paul Road, Rochester,N.Y. Our guest speaker will be DonBrown, a seasoned railroad industry veter-an who has enjoyed careers with PennCentral and Conrail as well as the manage-ment team that operated the OntarioMidland and Ontario Central railroads.Please join us as we look back upon a yearof accomplishments for our organizationas well as enjoy Don Brown’s “tales of therails.” Doors open to a social hour withcash bar at 6:30 p.m. Buffet dinner will beserved at 7:30 p.m. Banquet Tickets are$30.00 each. To reserve your seats, pleasesend check or money order with your totalorder to:

R&GV BanquetP.O. Box 23326

Rochester NY 14692-3326

Please R.S.V.P. by March 21, 2015.—Otto M. Vondrak, Event Coordinator

LEHIGH VALLEY CABOOSE 95100Even though its the dead of winter,progress continues on the restoration of LVcaboose 95100. Charlie Marks has beenreplacing rotten boards in the sub-floor, aswell as helping reconstruct the car’sunique wooden interior. New volunteerAdam Lloyd has been assisting with clean-ing and repair of various mechanical parts,under the supervision of Joe Nugent. Workwill continue as weather permits, if you’dlike to get involved, please contact JoeNugent (See top of page 3).

—Joe Nugent, Mechanical Supt.

JOINT BOARD MEETINGSUMMARY

Your board met with NYMT officers onFebruary 4 to discuss a number of mattersimportant to our continued success andgrowth. What follows is a summary of theagenda highlights.The first item of business related to an

amendment to NYMT’s by-laws thatspecifically prevents any member of RGVfrom holding positions simultaneously onboth boards, citing a potential “conflict ofinterest.” Charlie Lowe reported there is aproposal on the table to rescind thisamendment entirely. Charlie Lowe made a presentation

regarding the position of Chief Track CarOperator to supervise all track car opera-tions throughout the year. Both boardsnominated Jim Otto for the position, whichhe accepted. Both boards will vote sepa-rately to confirm the nomination.Otto Vondrak made a presentation

regarding the creation of a “Season Pass”that individuals could purchase during thejoint operating season to take advantage ofmultiple visits at a discount. The passwould be good for admission and trainrides to both museums, and would becounted as revenue evenly between bothgroups, but would not convey membershipprivileges. Discussion was tabled pendinga review by the NYMT board.

Mike Dow explained that a newNORAC-based rulebook would be ineffect starting with the 2015 joint operat-ing season. The new rulebook would notsignificantly change operations, but wouldaddress a number of safety issues and otherinconsistencies in the current rulebook.The final document is being prepared andNYMT will have opportunity to reviewbefore it is published. The NYMT boardexpressed their displeasure at not beinginvolved in all aspects of planning andimplementation of the new rulebook.Charlie Lowe made a presentation on the

Town of Rush’s plans to open the formerBOCES property adjacent to NYMT as atown park, complete with a system ofrecreational trails leading down to theriver. Lowe asked for RGV assistance witha number of housekeeping projects relatedto this development, to which RGV enthu-

ABOVE: Charlie Marks made repairs the sub-floor of Lehigh Valley caboose 95100 as part ofthe ongoing restoration efforts to get this carback on the road. New wooden planks were cutto size and installed on February 14, 2015.RIGHT: NEW Adam Lloyd wire wheels air systemcomponents for LV 95100 inside our RestorationBuilding. JOE NUGENT PHOTOS


siastically agreed.Otto Vondrak made a presentation

regarding the 2015 joint operating sched-ule. The schedule is altered slightly fromlast year, opening to the public on June 7,and running until November 1. Bothboards unanimously approved the newjoint operating schedule.Otto Vondrak made a presentation

regarding an increase in the joint advertis-ing budget that would allow both organiza-tions to promote the entire joint operatingseason. The discussion was tabled pendingreview by the NYMT board.Mike Dow called for a committee to be

formed to develop joint holiday opera-tions, based on our success withHalloween and Santa Trains. Dave Coonand Mark Wilczek nominated themselves,both boards will seek one additional mem-ber each to serve on the committee.Mike Dow called for a committee to be

formed to address joint track projects andinvestments. Charlie Lowe nominatedhimself and Rich Fischpera, Dow nominat-ed Bob Achilles (recently appointed RGVTrack and ROW Supt.).Mike Dow offered RGV assistance in

reviewing and improving the museum dis-plays at NYMT. Charlie Lowe deferreddiscussion to Jim Dierks.Mike Dow expressed RGV’s concern

over equal coverage by the press duringthe joint operations season when membersof the media show up unannounced at

NYMT. Otto Vondrak offered to draft aprocedure to help NYMT’s Officer of theDay and RGV Depot Guides deal with“surprise” visits by the media, to bereviewed by Jim Dierks.Mike Dow and Jim Dierks have been

working in committee to identify ways tostreamline and improve operations at theNYMT ticket desk. Dow distributed copiesof the preliminary report, but tabled thediscussion in the interest of time.Mark Wilczek made a presentation

regarding the efficiency and costs of oper-ating the weekday private group tours.Wilczek has been working with JimDierks, and asked for his committee to beofficially sanctioned by both boards so hiswork can continue. Both boards agreed.Presently, RGV is not participating ingroup tours, pending the outcome of thecommittee findings.The date for the next joint board meeting

was set for June 6, with the stipulation thatanother meeting could be scheduled soon-er if there are matters to discuss prior to theopening of the joint operating season.

—Otto M. Vondrak, Recording Sec’y

ANNUAL RULES CLASSSATURDAY, MARCH 15

It’s that time of year again... The 2015Book of Rules class will be Saturday,March 14 starting at 9:00 a.m. The class isbeing held at Rochester Institute ofTechnology, in Louise M. Slaughter Hall

(also known as Building 78 or “CIMS”)Rooms 2230/2240. Park in T Lot for bestaccess to the building.This class is required for anyone inter-

ested in taking part in train operations,including car hosts, brakemen, conductors,engineers, trolley motormen, trolley con-ductors, and track car operators. This classis required for anyone operating on ourshared railroad at any time for any reason(whether for the public or not). This year,we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALLVOLUNTEERS to attend the first part ofrules class which is related to your person-al safety around the railroad.Class will start with mandatory Safety

Training for all volunteers. For those inter-ested in being a conductor or engineer, therequired Air Brake & Train Handling classwill follow after the Book of Rules Class.Coffee and donuts will be available in themorning; and we will “pass the hat” andorder some pizza for lunch.These classes are open to anyone, and

are a pre-requisite for future hands-ontraining. If you think there’s a remotechance you want to get your hands dirtythis year, you must attend the full class.Can’t attend March 14? We will scheduleadditional classes as make-ups.If you have any questions, please contact

me at (585) 755-8942 or by email at [email protected].

—Jim Otto, Operations Supt.

LIVONIA, AVON & LAKEVILLE50TH ANNIVERSARY FANTRIP

Mark your calendars! We’re excited toannounce that your museum will be oper-ating a special fantrip in coordination withthe Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad onSaturday, May 9, to celebrate the rail-road’s 50th anniversary of operation. Thedetails are being worked out, but the tripwill utilize our Empire State Expresscoaches. That evening, a special nightphoto session will be coordinated by Steve

LEFT: RGV hosted a special Joint BoardMeeting on February 4 to address a number oftopics of mutual interest to our museums.Pictured clockwise are Doug Anderson, BobNesbitt, Charlie Lowe, Bob Sass, DavidScheiderich, Otto Vondrak, Joe Nugent, MikeDow, and Mark Wilczek. Just out of frame areJim Johnson and Dave Coon. JIM ZIOBRO PHOTO


MAY31 – Joint Operations “Dry Run” – Trolley and Diesel

JUNE7 – Joint Season Opening Day – Trolley and Diesel 14 – Trolley and Track Cars21 – Father’s Day Trains - Trolley and Diesel28 –Trolley and Track Cars

JULY5 – Subway Day Trains - Trolley and Diesel12 – Trolley and Track Cars18 – Trolleys at Twilight/Food Truck Rodeo – Trolley Only 19 – Baseball Day Trains – Trolley and Diesel26 – Trolley and Track Cars

AUGUST2 – Classic Cars and Trains – Trolley and Diesel9 – Trolley and Track Cars16 – Diesel Day 2015 – Trolley and extended Diesel23 – Trolley and Track Cars

SEPTEMBER6 – Trolley and Track Cars13 – Fall Foliage and Fire Trucks – Trolley and Diesel 20 – Fall Foliage Trains – Trolley and Diesel27 – Fall Foliage/RG&E Appreciation Day – Trolley and Diesel

OCTOBER4 – Fall Foliage Trains – Trolley and Diesel11 – Fall Foliage/Kodak Appreciation Day – Trolley and Diesel18 – Fall Foliage Trains – Trolley and Diesel25 – Fall Foliage/Pumpkin Patch Trains – Trolley and Diesel

NOVEMBER1 – Fall Foliage Trains – Trolley and Diesel

2015 NYMT-RGV JOINT OPERATING SEASON

All events details posted in one place!

Tell your friends to please visit...

RochesterTrainRides.coma joint project of New York Museum of Transportation

and the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad maga-zine. Otto Vondrak will be organizing theevent, while Dave Shields will be coordi-nating volunteers for the fantrip. Moredetails will be available soon.

—Otto M. Vondrak, Event Coordinator

RAILFAN OVERNIGHT TRIPTO UTICA AND COOPERSTOWN

JUNE 6 AND 7Save the dates Saturday, June 6, andSunday, June 7, 2015, for a fun overnightrailfan trip to the Leatherstocking region ofNew York State! Our preliminary plans areto have a restroom-equipped air condi-tioned motorcoach take us to Utica on June6 for a special Landmark Society tour ofthe Utica Union Station, followed by atrain trip using Adirondack Scenic Railwayequipment for a ride on the Mohawk,Adirondack & Northern (ex-NYC) toBooneville for dinner. We will also visitthe Key, Lock & Lantern Society railroadi-ana and antique show in Utica and stayovernight. On June 7, we will take ourmotorcoach to Cooperstown and ride theCooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad(ex-D&H), returning to Rochester thatevening. Seating will be limited.Additional details and tour prices will beforthcoming in the next edition of THESEMAPHORE. Tell your friends!

—Dave Shields, Trip Chairman

DEPOT GUIDES 2015Another season is quickly approaching,which means we will need trained DepotGuides to meet and greet our guests andtour them around our museum grounds atIndustry. I received some complaints aboutlast year’s training, and as a result we’ll bemaking some changes to make the job eas-ier for everyone in 2015. This season willbe a 23 week schedule, and I’m lookingforward to having new faces participate.Training dates will take place in April andMay, watch for announcement. If you haveany questions about becoming a Depot

Guide, please contact me by email at [email protected].

—Otto M. Vondrak, Patrol Leader

CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY AT NYMTFOR AUGUST 2

We are trying to organize a display of clas-sic cars at NYMT for our August 2 specialevent. We are aware that many of ourmembers (Joe) are (Rand) proud (Charlie)owners (Jim) of (Jeremy) vintage autos.We would love to have as many cars as wecan participate in the event to make it atrue attraction. Please reach our to yourfriends and RSVP to [email protected] details.

—Otto M. Vondrak, Event Coordinator

RGVRRM BOARD MEETINGThe next Board of Trustees meeting isThursday, March 5, 2015. Meetings areheld at the 40&8 Club, 933 UniversityAve., Rochester, starting at 6:00 p.m. Toget an item added to the agenda, pleasecontact president Mike Dow at (716) 474-2833 or email [email protected] that any members are welcometo attend, but to address the board, youmust be on that meeting’s agenda.

WWW.RGVRRM.ORGFACEBOOK.COM/RGVRRMYOUTUBE.COM/RGVRRM


SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH TOTAL ORDER TO:R&GV BANQUET • P.O. BOX 23326 • ROCHESTER, NY 14692-3326

Please R.S.V.P. by March 21 to [email protected]

TICKETS

$30.00PER PERSON

Join us as we look back upon a year of accomplishments for our organization

as well as enjoy Don Brown’s recollections of his long career railroading in Rochester!

This Event is Open to the PublicPlease Reserve Early

MATERIALS SUBMISSIONS:We welcome your contributions to The Semaphore! Any materials related to the activities of the Rochester& Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, as well as the history of Rochester’s railroads are welcome for publication in THE SEMAPHORE. Allwritten materials should be submitted as Microsoft Word or plain text documents, and all photographs as high-resolution JPEG files.Materials and inquiries should be emailed to the Editor at [email protected] or call (585) 820-2341.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28River’s Edge Party House

31 Paul Road - Rochester, New York

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30Cocktail Hour - Buffet Dinner

Award PresentationsGUEST SPEAKER: Don BrownCareer railroader with Penn Central, Conrail,

Ontario Midland and Ontario Central

This Month’s Meeting:

February 197:30 PM at 40&8 Club

933 University Ave., Rochester NY

Next Month’s Meeting:

March 197:30 PM at 40&8 Club

933 University Ave., Rochester NY

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/rgvrrm

WHOOPS: On January 27, 1940, Lehigh Valley 130 was shoving two loaded coal cars ahead and one behind on their way to the University of Rochesterpower plant when they collided with gas-electric motorcar 17 near River Jct. The fireman and a trainman aboard the 130 were killed, and the railroadinstalled automatic block signaling between Rochester and Rochester Jct. as a result. JEFF FAUST PHOTO COLLECTION, CAPTION BY T.B. DIAMOND

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