12/4/2020

Greetings Volunteers! We have some outside work to get done, but it's supposed to be a wet one. Should the weather man be wrong, a little block work needs to be done. Where the shay crosses the driveway next to the Blacksmith Shop there's a dry well for water shut-off. The blocks have come loose and need to be cemented back together. Wayne has all the needed supplies as well as some bright yellow paint for it. There's always some pesky leaves in odd corners that can be raked out. Yonie and Wayne have taken care of the rest of the grounds, great job guys! With the coming of the winter weather, the bathrooms are closed, the water is off. Porta-johns are available at the sawmill. The kitchen is also closed, so lunch is byo. The gas engine guys are taking a break this weekend. Everyone have a great holiday, we'll get back at it in the new year. Thanks for all your help.      Jim

11/5/2020

Greetings Volunteers! 
Here's what we got going on. Leaves, leaves and leaves! Bring a rake, gloves and power equipment if you want. Leaves not your favorite thing to do? We got a little painting to be done on the Stationary Steam building. We got some cleaning up to be done at the loading dock. The floor of the Wagon Building needs to be repaired over a collapsed drain pipe. This being the last work day before the water is shut down, Chef Bill and his crew will be making his traditional R&T Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, stuffing, corn & pumpkin pie! Please remember to be safe, be mindful of your distance, and above all, let's have a little fun!   Jim

 

10/2/2020

Greetings Volunteers! Hard to believe October is already here. Leaf season is coming! The grounds already looks wonderful. Wayne told me the bag worms have had their way with some bushes next to the red sheds north of the farm house. Not hard to figure out which ones. Rip them out and send them to the burn pile. Speaking of the farm house...... it's right next to the kitchen where Chef Bill and his crew will be making another excellent lunch. Chicken corn soup, home made meatball sandwiches, chips, pickles, AND APPLE CRISP with HOME MADE ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!. I'm sure other groups will be working, don't forget to check on the construction crew, they have quite a nice setup out there and could use some help.  Thanks!  Jim

9/18/2020

Greetings Volunteers! Sorry for the late notice, tomorrow we'll be cleaning up for the picnic. Lunch is byo, stay safe!  Jim

8/23/2020

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday we have a few things to catch up on. The bollards around the fuel tank need a second coat of paint  and the tanks themselves need a few coats. The front of the Auto Haus is scheduled for regrading if the equipment is available. There's always some weed wacking that needs to be done. See Wayne, he'll set you up with what you need. The usual crew for the gas engine guys will be there making progress on the old Shatz building. The construction guys will be out working on their equipment, you might also find progress being made on the Harrisburg engine in the Steam building. Chef Bill and his crew will be serving BBQ Sandwiches, Bed Spring Salad, Chips & Pickles, and Fruit for dessert. We'll have some new volunteers coming out, let's give em' a welcome and put em' to work. Thanks everyone and be safe. Jim

7/30/2020

Greetings Volunteers! Seems like it's been a while, but we're slowly getting back to our routine. Most importantly, Chef Bill and his crew are back! Lunch will be Stuffed Peppers, Buttered Noodles, Corn, Water Mellon & Cantelope. Now that the important stuff is out of the way, we have a little bit of work to do. There's a dead tree back near the loading dock the needs to come down. Also a little, according to Wayne, " high visibility, high reward,  low effort painting" ( roller only! ). I hear steam, construction and gas engine guys will be on sight, I'm sure others will be too. Get out of the house, come out and have some fun. Gonna be hot, bring a beverage, stay hydrated.      Jim

7/10/2020

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday we have some small painting jobs and a tree out in the Grove the needs attention. Wayne has paint and saws ready to go. 

7/3/2020

Greetings Volunteers! We're back to almost normal operation. The 25 person limit has been lifted & the bathrooms are open. There's still no work day lunches, so you'll have to bring your own. This Saturday Wayne has some easy painting projects to do. He has assured me it's roller only work. Have a happy and safe 4th of July! Jim

6/25/2020

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday, Wayne has a few projects on deck. He's working on cleaning up the fence row out by the construction area. While you're there check out the updated Construction  Office. Kudos to all of you involved in that project. Some small painting projects & landscaping that needs to be done around the stationary steam boiler. If you're coming out contact Bud Burdy at [email protected]  or call 610-850-5404 to get your gate code. We are still bound to Pa. Covid rules. The bathrooms are now open. Stay hydrated, it's supposed to be a hot one tomorrow. Thanks! Jim

6/9/2020

Greetings Volunteers! We're Back in business (sort of). As long as we follow the state guidelines, and observe a limit of 25 individuals, we can resume activities. Please check Buds message on the website home page. If you have any questions, shoot Bud or myself an email or call. There are presently 5 spots available, for this Saturday. If you wish to reserve a spot,  call Bud at 610-850-5404 or email [email protected], he will send you a temporary gate code. For now, until we work out the details, I have to ask that you only take a spot if you have something going on. The 25 person limit is quite small, we want to be fair to everyone. If you can work on a week day instead, please do. Hopefully this will pass quickly and we can get back to normal. Also, I'm sad to announce, Chef Bill won't be able to delight our taste buds. It will be BYO until further notice. Bathrooms are closed, but porta pottys are open. Stay safe, don't forget your masks.  Jim

5/23/2020

June Workday cancelled and any non essential work on R&T grounds until after R&T board meets 6/6/2020.

4/22/2020

Friends,
I hope that you and your family are doing well in insolation .
If you are still working...I hope you are being safe!
In support of Governor Wolf's "Stay at Home Order" R&T will remain closed until 8 May.
To abide by the Governor's order we will be cancelling the May Board Meeting May1st and the May Workday May 2nd.
As an organization lets focus all our energy on the reunion being the "Best Ever"!
Watch our Smoke,
Bud Burdy R&T President

3/28/2020

Friends,
In the effort to control the COVID-19 virus, protect our membership and support Governor Wolf's stay at home mandate that has been extended to Lancaster County, the facilities of Rough and Tumble will be closed until 6 April, 2020. If Governor Wolf extends the "Stay at Home" mandate in Lancaster County, Rough and Tumble will remain closed until the restriction is lifted.

To reduce exposure of the COVID-19 virus the gate code at R&T will be changed to eliminate non critical entrance on the grounds. If you have an emergency need to enter the grounds contact Steve McCoy at 484.716.0682 or Bud Burdy at 610.850.5404  More PA Information is available here.

Please keep healthy and share your R&T kindness with others.
Bud Burdy   R&T President

 

3/19/2020

Greetings Volunteers. In the interest of everyone's safety, until further notice, we are suspending our projects for now. When things return to normal, we will get back to it. Please visit our website, there's a letter from the board, some of you probably already received it. Stay safe, take care of yourselves. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

3/19/2020

Friends,

Rough and Tumble is a special family that is immune to many of the influences of the outside modern world but we are not immune the threat of the COVID-19. As an organization our greatest treasure is not our Otto Engine or the Shay Locomotive but our membership. We especially cherish our senior members who help us connect the past with our present. I want to make a special request to our older members or those with medical conditions; The best thing that you can do for our organization is to protect yourself from contracting COVID! 

The keypad to enter the grounds will remain active. R&T would asked that you follow the CDC guidelines while on grounds including reducing group size and proper hygiene. Lets apply that "Good Old Common Sense" that we all preach.The safety of our members should be our # 1 concern.

The R&T Board will put these precautions in place:
-Work Day 21/28 March(cancelled)
-Board Meeting 3 April (cancelled)
-Official Work Day 4 April (cancelled)
-Antique Tractor Pull 25 April and Spring Steam up 8-9 May. Events are not cancelled but are under review of R&T Board and Shows Committee.

I want to leave you with the words of Winston Churchill in these times:
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

Please free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Stay safe and wash your hands,
Bud Burdy  R&T President 

3/11/2020

Greetings Volunteers! We're going to take advantage of the great weather and get started with some projects this weekend. The Little Toot gang is going to lift and re- ballast their tracks on Saturday, they could sure use some help. Come out, bring gloves, a shovel, rake and hoe if you have them. This may be a multi Saturday project, Allen Gruver is heading up this event,  we'll keep everyone updated.   Get your calendar out, March 21st the Shay crew will be back in action, they'll be replacing a bunch of ties. Scott has this down to an art, with some help, it goes quite quickly. Any questions, contact Scott Tasso or myself. 

3/5/2020 

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday we will be tearing off the awning between the wagon building and the old Shatz /  New Small Engine building. There's also some accumulated leaves at the farm house and the Shay building if there's time

2/1/2020

The Merge's family and ace Stanley mechanic Kelly Williams score the first steam up of the new decade with R&T's Stanley Steamer getting it running work Day Feb 1st 2020

1/30/2020

Greetings Volunteers! Weather permitting, this Saturday we'll be cleaning up in preparation for next weekends Mid Winter Get Together. We never got to the leaves in the stalls next to Little Toot or around the Shay shed. I'm sure some of the other groups will be here working inside if it does rain. Make sure Feb 8th is on your calendar, Mid Winter Get Together is a great time to show off your winter projects and bring the family to see what you have been doing on those cold Saturdays.

1/1/2020  

Greetings Volunteers! A new year has begun, our first work day of the year is this Saturday. Wayne told me the grounds are great, there are some leaves hiding on the Little Toot side of the steam building and in the saw mill. I hope to have the Farmall we use for leaf pick up functional by then. Have a great new year!

Work on the Harrisburg Engine Jan 4, /2020

 

12/24/2019

Seasons Greetings Volunteers! Thanks to all of your help, we had another great year. I can't remember when we've been this far down Wayne's "to do" list. We'll be at it again January work day, the Winter Get Together will soon be upon us. Have a wonderful New Year! Jim

12/5/2019

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday is the last work day of 2019. We're still after the piles of leaves hiding from the wind between the buildings. Easier to get them now while they're light than in the spring! Dress warm, it's gonna be a might cool.  Jim

11/14/2019

Greetings Volunteers! First, a great big THANK YOU! To Wayne and Nevin for winterizing the bathrooms and kitchen last Thursday, hours before the freezing weather arrived. Also thanks to Dave Supers for winterizing the water truck and steam mower. It was all on the schedule for last Saturday, but the weather beat us by a day. This Saturday we'll be raking leaves. The bathrooms are closed for the season, there are portables at the saw mill and behind the shop. 

11/3/2019

Greetings Volunteers! We're looking for the Alemite grease pump that used to reside in the shop, time to service our crawler before it's long winter nap. Looks like the attached picture, but not as pretty. Holler back if you have seen it recently. Thanks! Jim

10/31/2019

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday, since y'all did such an amazing job on the farmhouse front porch, we're going to treat Jeff our grounds keeper to a new porch and steps on the trailer. We will also be digging into the mounting leaf piles. Keep in mind the up coming Little Toot Re-grade project. This will be the last work day this year that Chef Bill and crew will be making us lunch before we winterize the kitchen. They're going all out, serving up Thanksgiving dinner, not to be missed!

Jim

10/25/2019

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday marks the official start of leaf season. If it hasn't already, the mill can be cleaned out and all the scraps thrown in the bin. The Little Toot crew is looking for volunteers for it's roadbed re-grade project. More information to follow.

10/18/19

Greetings Volunteers! First, a great big THANK YOU! To all of you. We had a great year, all of our projects got done in time for shows. Looks like a quiet weekend, Cool springs is this weekend, so I'd expect the gas engine guys to be up there. Don't forget, Tumble's banquet is next weekend. Soon enough we will be into leaf cleanup and Winter prep, most likely next work day. Chef Bill will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us then, not to be missed!  We got the new email partially working ( phone only) we're getting closer. If I can get the computer to cooperate, I'll be very happy! Again Thanks!  Jim

10/9/2019

Fall Harvest is upon us. Looks like we're in good shape, the grounds are perfect, great job guys. The farm house porch was completed Saturday, thanks to all that helped. Kathy let me know she's good with the gate on Saturday. One thing we need is barrel train drivers for both days, if you have a little time to spare, we could use the help. Contact Wayne and let him know or stop by Wayne's world across from the gas engine building. Steam School sign up is 8:00 Friday morning. Be there early, seats fill FAST! Also, don't forget to renew your memberships.
Thanks!
  Jim

10/4/2019
Greetings Volunteers!
One week to the Harvest Show, lots of clean up and set up to do, all of our groups should be out, from Construction to Stationary Steam. Come on out and lend a hand. Wayne is planning to replace the farm house porch floor, he sure could use some help. Don't worry if you don't know how, have experience or the tools to help with a project, just bring gloves. We'll show you how and have fun doing it. Kathy could always use help next Saturday at the gate, if you can spare a little time, give her a holler. Chef Bill and his crew will be making lunch for us again, Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches, Mashed Potatoes, Pepper Cabbage, and APPLE CRISP!!!! Want to help in the kitchen, just show up in the AM and Chef Bill will put you to work. I said last week I was going to a new email account, but alas, the Gremlins have thwarted my attempt again!! Maybe next week............
Thanks!
Jim

Hi Everyone!

I am desperate for help at the gate.  If anyone can help me for 2 hours, just 2 hours please let me know.  I need 7 people to commit to one 2 hour shift.  

Thanks in advance 

Kathleen

9/26/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday Wayne could use some help working on the fencing and spreading stone around the gift shop and the front sign. I'm sure there's other goings on, it's supposed to be a beautiful day.
The next weekend is a work day, last one before the Fall Harvest show, so we'll have lots to do then. I'm forwarding a note to everyone from Jim Conte, He's working on a schedule for steaming at the kitchen for the Harvest Show.  Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact him. Hopefully, starting next week, the weekly email will be coming from Dragsaw162 instead of Weezers. My lovely bride has sucessfully defeated the evil safari e-mail empire so I can have 1 list of contacts instaed of 2. If you don't recieve an email next week, it will be available on the website under "Saturday Activities".
Thanks!
Jim 

Greetings,
October 11 and 12 will soon arrive. Usually, we get the entire batch steamed for both days on Friday. Saturday is a contingency day, just in case.
The plan is to have the fire lit by 0600 and have the first sausages ready for breakfast by 0745 on Friday.
We already have a good stock of dry wood in the boxes. We will have fresh water and a dose of soda ash treatment ready in advance.

The schedule is below. Your help is appreciated.
Jim Conte

   

9/5/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like a quiet work day at Tumble. Wayne asked that the trash cans in front of the kitchen go outside the back gate up in the corner after lunch. The 400 John Deere and trash trailer should be available.  
Chef Bill and his crew will be providing lunch, Bar-b-que Sandwiches, Mac Salad, Deviled Eggs, Chips and Pickles with Cherry Pie & Ice Cream! If anyone has anything, contact myself or Wayne, we'll get on it.
Jim

8/29/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like another quiet weekend on the grounds. If anyone has anything for us, please let us know. Have a happy and safe holiday!
Jim

8/22/2019

Greetings Volunteers!

What a GREAT REUNION! Thanks everyone for your hard work, I didn't hear any complaints. Even the rain was kind to us. We had an exceptional turn out, judging by shingle sales, our second highest in at least 10 years. As for Saturday, I think we're pretty much cleaned up, even Wayne didn't have anything on his list for us to do. Don't fret, Time of Harvest is not much more than a month away, then it's return of the dreaded LEAVES! Again, thanks everyone for all your hard work!

Jim

8/8/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
It's here, last work day before Reunion. We will also be working Monday and Tuesday. So far, the steam building is emptied out, the  
Rumely building is 1/2 done, the grounds look GREAT! Thanks Jonathan  and Mac, they were already mowing this morning when I got there and were still at it when I left. Still on the to do list.........clean  out the vendor area behind little toot. All the equipment comes out.  The gutters need to be checked too, the maple trees play heck with them. Pretty much everything gets swept/ blown out, & tear down the  spider webs.

We'll need a few people to run thru the flea market  grove to dress the trees, anything hanging around head level is fair game. Sweep & dust the down stairs of the gift shop, & buff the gift shop floors. I don't know what day the thresher building is getting emptied, but the more help the better, I'll update with another email on that when I find out. The people mover positions have  been filled. Still need gate workers for admission and hand  stamping. Also barrel train drivers and shuttle drivers positions are open. Contact me or Kathy. Interested in construction equipment? Now  is the time to jump in, just show up, they'll be happy to put you to  work.

Chef Bill and crew will be working overtime, feeding us Saturday, Monday and Tuesday!  Help would be appreciated after Tuesday  lunch to clean up and get out of there to make way for the Reunion  food crew to move in. The Menu:   Saturday is Toasted Cheese  Sammiches, Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad and Dessert. Monday is Meat Ball  Sandwiches and Bed Spring  Salad, Corn and Dessert.Tuesday is Hot  Dogs, Corn and Dessert.  It's been super hot the last couple weeks, please go easy and drink lots of water. I'll have a cooler on a wagon at the shingle mill with bottled water on ice Saturday and all next  week, please help yourself.
Stay Safe and Have Fun!
Jim
 

8/2/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
It's the last work day before Reunion, and as promised, I have projects for you! First up, Wayne's putting a new counter top in the kitchen. Gonna need some hands with that, contact cement isn't forgiving. The Vendor spots under the awning next to Little Toot need to be emptied and cleaned. Trees near the pulling track need to be trimmed. the hornets nest is gone, but please keep eye out for more for your safety and our visitors. We'll need a skid steer operator and a few helpers to spread stone around the steam winches to the right of the steam building entrance. See Wayne for instructions. You'll get to try out the new counters with Chef Bill's Stuffed Peppers, Buttered Noodles, and Watermelon for lunch. Chef Bill is also tasked with finding drivers for the people movers at Reunion. Interested persons 16+ years old with newer tractor experience should contact him or myself asap.

We're also looking for drivers for golf cart shuttles on the show grounds during the show. Interested? Contact me and I'll forward info. The grounds equipment need a quick level check over and fuel.  Both fork lifts, the IH350 and the skid steer. I don't know where we are on the water truck, I understand there was fuel in the oil. Please check with someone from the steam crew before operating.  the saw mill needs to be raked out also. Status of the dump truck is also unknown. I'd be fairly certain the battery is dead, if it does crank but not start, we have had fuel filter problems. Please don't smoke the starter, just clean the filter. We'll be emptying the tractor, steam and Rumely buildings next Saturday. Kathy still needs help at the gates to take admissions, stamp hands, and hand out programs. We don't need a lot of your time,just a few hours. Contact Kathy or me. Still need barrel train drives too, contact Wayne or me. I'll also be forwarding a note from Jim Conte, he's looking for help with the sausage steamer at reunion, interested parties please contact him.
Thanks, be safe and have fun!
Jim
 

We have a small but dedicated team at the R&T kitchen sausage steamer. We need to add young folks to the crew. We work two hour shifts on a planned schedule during Reunion. Shifts are 8 AM to 10 AM, 10 to 12 Noon, 12 Noon to 2 PM.

It isn't a " Glory Job " and it isn't a difficult one. Watch the water and the pressure. Turn the steam on and off. Work with an experienced operator and learn. The Kitchen crew handles the Sausages and other food. It helps R&T and Kinzer Fire Company.

Visit with folks walking by. Toot the whistle and let little kids toot it, also. Lots of fun and a little work for two hours.

Contact Jim Conte at
jimconte50@ gmail.com
or 717-940-4156

7/26/2019
Greetings Volunteers,
This weekend is John Deere days, come on out and take in the Waterloo Boys show. Wayne is still looking for volunteers to drive the barrel train for Reunion.
Also will need folks for the gates, let myself or Kathy know if you have time, it doesn't have to be all day, every day, just a few spare hours is a big help. Last work day before Reunion is next Saturday. The grounds already look excellent, we'll have our usual last minute get everything out and set up. I'll have a list next Thursday.
Thanks!
Jim 

7/18/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
I'm calling a "Just too hot for anything" day. If you do decide to come out, PLEASE stay hydrated and in the shade if possible. Let someone know where you are if you're working alone and check in with them before you leave.  That said, there are a few tree branches around the bleachers / tractor pull staging area that need to be trimmed to keep drivers from being poked off their machines. 
That's all for now, stay cool.
Jim

7/11/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
First, Wayne and I would like to thank everyone that came out last Saturday. It was a hot one, but much got done, Wayne is very happy lots got crossed off the to do list. The buildings and grounds look great. We also would like to thank Chef Bill and his crew, it's always at least 20 degrees hotter in the kitchen, but they put together a great lunch for us. This week end is the Tuckahoe Md show, they are predicting good weather, so most of us will be there. If you haven't been, it's worth the drive. We'll get back at it next Saturday, 4 weeks to Reunion.
Thanks everyone!
Jim
 

7/4/2019

Greetings Volunteers! This Saturday we have lots going on. We still have gutters that need cleaning on the gift shop and the front of the stationary steam building. The farm house doors and windows need paint, The gift shop bushes need trimming. We will be pulling the people mover wheels for new tires and wheel bearing check. Also, a message from Jim Conte; We will be working on getting the Harrisburg engine and generator ready to run in 2022. That is the 100th anniversary of it being installed at Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown. We also are cutting and splitting firewood for the Sausage Steamer at the R&T kitchen for Reunion, which is only 6 weeks away. Come out and enjoy the gang.  Chef Bill and Crew will be serving hot dogs, BBQ, bed spring and/or potato salad and a tasty desert. Sposed to be another hot one, so bring a beverage with you to stay hydrated.
Happy 4th!
Jim
 

6/27/2019
Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday we'd like to get the gutters cleaned out on the front of the gift shop and the Little Toot side of the Stationary Steam  
building. There are ladders available in the wagon building and the  
west end of the bay building. It's going to be hot, so bring plenty of water if you do come out. Next Saturday is a work day, only 2 left until Reunion!
Happy 4th!
Jim

6/20/19

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday the Red tractors take over R&T. The International Show is Friday and Saturday, check the website for events and times. Also the gas engine guys are having their school Saturday and Sunday, you might catch some of the big engines running, even the Cooper! Food is available Friday and Saturday. Next weekend we will resume normal activities.  
Jim

6/13/19

Greetings Volunteers! This  Saturday we will be painting. Everyone did such a great job last Saturday, we'd like to keep the momentum going.  
Have a Happy Fathers day!
Jim

6/6/19

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday, Wayne needs some talent to tackle a few projects. The oil tank outside stationary steam needs to be power washed, the announcer stand gets weed block fabric and stone a good time to sharpen up rusty skid steer skills. There will also be some painting (the roller kind) that needs to be done. Lunch is BYO.  Chef Bill and crew will be back in the kitchen July 6th.
Jim

5//31/19

Greetings Volunteers!
Hopefully this weeks storms have been kind to you and your families. Wayne reports no damage at R&T, so we'll get on with pressure washing, painting and other chores that need doing.
Check the board in Wayne's shop for details. Jim Conte is going to be working in the Stationary Steam building on the Harrisburg's bearings and planning the new exhaust system. Chef Bill and his crew will be delighting or taste-buds again. Come on out, it's supposed to be a beautiful day!

I've just been advised that lunch will be BBQ, Bed Spring Salad, Deviled Eggs, Pickles, and Strawberry Short Cake! Bring your appetite!  
If you'd like to volunteer in the kitchen, see Chef Bill any work day in the morning, he'll put you right to work.
 
Thanks,
Jim

5/24/19
Greetings Volunteers!
First, a belated THANK YOU for making Spring Steam up a successful one. Weather aside, everything went well. I was out Wednesday, the grounds still look great, kudos to the grounds crew. I haven't heard of any jobs scheduled for this weekend, if you have anything, let myself or Wayne know so we can post it. Next weekend is a work day, we'll have plenty to do then.

The dehumidifier is doing a great job in the covered wagon room, please keep the divider door closed when we're not in show mode.

Have a safe holiday, and Veterans, Thank you for your service.
Jim

5/3/19

 Greetings Volunteers!
Last work day before Spring Steam Up, lots and lots of cleanup left to do, inside and out. See Wayne or myself for specific areas that  
need attention. Chef Bill and his helpers will be in the kitchen.  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas, ice cream and pie are on the menu.
Hope to see you there!
Jim
 

4/26/19 

Work continues in getting the Harrisburg running for it's 100th anniversary in 2022.
We are cleaning, prepping and painting the crankcase, connecting rod and crosshead.
We also have a gear type oil pump to recondition. There is work for carpenters,
welders, pipefitters and general mechanics. Call 717-940-4156 for more detail or show
up on Saturday morning to help.

James Conte

 

4/26/19
Greetings Volunteers!
It's time for our annual antique tractor pull Saturday. It's also TWO WEEKS to Spring Steam Up! We still have some cleaning up to do,  
inside and out. Come on out have some fun and enjoy the pulls. Food  
will be available at the pulling track. Next Saturday is a work day, we'll be putting the final touches on for the show.
Thanks!
Jim

4/4/19

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday the focus is clean up, lots of leaves have congregated behind buildings. Chef Bill raked out around the kitchen &  
farm house at the beginning of the week. We need to get those piles  up, only 2 more Saturdays to tractor pull and a couple more to spring steam up. Bring gloves, rakes & blowers if you have them. If I can  scare up a few pallets, there's stuff to move out of the gift shop  display area. There's lots of branches down, especially out in the flea-market grove.

The steam screw will also have steam school students helping with cleaning the steam traction engines in prep of inspection.

Speaking of Chef Bill, the kitchen is open! On the  menu is Chili, Hot Dogs, Fries and ........... <<<<>>>> !!!!!! Come on out, work up an appetite and have a good lunch.
Hope to see you there.
Jim

3/21/19

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday we will be repairing the pulling track bleachers, and the shay work crew will be on hand. Both could use a hand. Hopefully there will be less wind than last Saturday!

There are many piles of leaves collected behind some of the buildings that need to be taken to the construction area, remember, please don't dump in the pit. I will be cleaning in the lower gift shop again, if inside work is preferable.
Hope to see you there!
 Jim
 

3/14/19

Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like a nice Saturday coming up, time for the yard work to get caught up. Lots of branches down, especially in the flea market grove.  
Also pockets of leaves here and there. The farmall A and the  spreader trailer should be good to go for that. The Shay team will also be working on track repairs, come out and give them a hand. I'm  sure the gas engine guys will be about. I'll be in the bottom of the gift shop catching up on long overdue cleaning.
Thanks!
 Jim

2/28/19

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday is March work day at R&T. The weather might not be with us, but leaf / branch pick up is priority as we're only one work day from the antique tractor pull.

Please don't dump the leaves and branches (or anything else) in the pit, it all just turns to soup this time of year. There's a notch in the dirt piles that is the new "waste accumulation" area.  We will also be cleaning out the loft in the shop, dust masks and old clothes or cover-alls are desirable, it's been a loooong time since anything has been done up there. The Shay railroad has posted they're spring work days, they are March 16th & 23rd, April 13th & 20th. they have lots to do and could really use the help. They usually get started around 9:00. R&T's fork lifts, skid steer, ingersol compressor,  and IH 350 will be needed on these days, if possible, we should go over them Saturday so they are ready to go. There's still inside, although unheated, work to be done in the bottom of the gift shop. I have the supplies in the wagon building.
Thanks!
 Jim

2/7/2019

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday at R&T is the Winter Get Together. Bring out your projects, come see what others have been up to. The Model Building, Blacksmith Shop, & Stationary Steam Building will be warm and have coffee and snacks.

Hope to see you there,

Jim

1/31/2019

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday promises to be a cold one. We'll be in the front room of the stationary steam building, cleaning & wiping down the engines. 

Wayne's going to have the coal stove hot, along with coffee and donuts.  We'll be getting ready for the winter get together, so cleanup is on the agenda. Hope to have the new-to-us leaf vac going to get the leaves that aren't frozen to the ground. I'm sure the stationary gas guys will be working. Not sure what's going on in the shop, but it's usually a good place to thaw out. Three work days to Spring Steam Up.............

Stay Warm!

Jim

1/3/2019

Greetings Volunteers!
The first work day of 2019 is upon us. Supposed to be a wet one, according to the weather man, so we'll plan on being inside. Hopefully we'll finally get to the Toyota brakes. The parts washer can be assembled and filled if it hasn't already. Also the stoves in the bottom of the gift shop need to be sprayed w/ WD-40. It's already there, I'll bring rags and cardboard for the floor. It goes pretty fast, most of the work is sliding them out. No heat down there, so dress warm in old clothes. Please make sure all the used rags find a safe place out of the buildings, we don't need any fires except in the boilers! The shop needs a broom and pick up, if anyone is so inclined.  

Not sure what the other groups are doing, the gas engine guys are usually there. No lunch yet, a couple more months and Chef Bill will be cooking for us again.  I'm still trying to figure out how to make a contact list in Gmail without success, I lost the whole list in there somewhere, so we're back here again. If anybody knows how, please give me a shout. Continue to contact me at the Gmail address, I'm determined to figure this out.
Thanks!
 Jim

12/20

Greetings Volunteers!

 First, a big THANK YOU for all your help! No project was too big or too complicated, I believe everything was accomplished that was set out to be done. Amazing! Some of you are receiving this "Thursday Newsletter" for the first time, welcome to the show. I apologize for neglecting to update the mailing list, I'm in the process of migrating to a new system, so things might look a little different in the future. If you have someone in your group that should be receiving this, please drop me a line. I will be going solely to the [email protected]

Address soon. New Gate code coming soon, make sure all your people can get in, hate to leave volunteers waiting at the gate. If you need shop access contact Colton Garver or Art Jr, I haven't heard if these are going to be changed with the gate codes or not, stand by for an update on that. Other than leaf patrol, not sure what's happening. I intend to be out Saturday, if it hasn't been done yet, the brakes on the Toyota lift truck need to be checked, the left was hanging up. The stoves in the gift shop need to be sprayed with wd-40, it's a big project, but doesn't need to be done all at once. No heat down there, but inside, a good rain day job. I'll pick up supplies on the way in. 

We could use some steel tine leaf rakes if you have any extras lying about. Put 'em in bay 9 of the bay building with the rest of the grounds equipment. If you have a project going and need help, please let us know. Everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Safe & Happy New Year!

Jim

11/29

Greetings Volunteers!

 This Saturday looks like the weather is going to keep us indoors. 

Nothing worse than dealing with wet leaves. The only thing I currently have as far as inside activities is the brakes on the Toyota forklift (specifically the left) need to be looked at. I'd like to clean the shop out, but need someone there to make the keep it / trash it decisions. No use sweeping up just to put all the unneeded stuff back in the same places. If anyone else has ideas, please kick it out to all of us. Chef Bill has gone into winter hibernation, we shut off his water, so no lunches till spring. Also the bathrooms are closed now, so the porta- potti behind the shop is the place to go. The shop still has hot & cold water for washing up.

11/8

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday we will be continuing with the new roof on the vendors stand. Wayne has promised coffee and donuts, it's going to be cold & windy, so dress warm.

Thanks!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Jim

11/4

Thanks everyone for a successful windy work day! 1 roof fixed, 1 ready for new metal (next Saturday) Steam engines put away, winterizing begun, progress on the Stanley & an excellent lunch to boot.       

Thanks!  Jim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/2

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday at R&T, we're looking for help starting on a new roof for the small building across the tracks from the information booth.  
Those with a fear of heights, fear not, it's low and flat. Wayne will be heading this group up. I'm sure other groups will be on hand doing their winter preps. This will be our last work day lunch for this year, we'll be turning the water off and draining the system in the next few weeks. As per R&T tradition, Chef Bill and his kitchen crew will be cooking a Thanksgiving lunch for all the volunteers as a thank you for all your hard work throughout the year. If you haven't experienced this yet, it's not to be missed. We'd also like to thank Chef Bill and his hard working kitchen crew for the great meals they prepare for us. The noon bell is always a most welcome sound.
See you at noon.........
Jim

10/19

Greetings Volunteers!
Sorry for the late notice, things get away from me sometimes. First, thanks for all your help with yet another successful show. The weather was iffy, but I think we got everything in. Winter get ready is next up. Wayne will let us know when the water system winterization will take place. I'd like to get a few more people involved with this project.

Right now Nevin, Wayne and myself are familiar. It's quite involved. We need more people to be knowledgeable in the process to avoid a very costly repair bill should things be allowed to freeze. R&T's equipment needs to be brought in out of the weather. All equipment needs the coolant freeze protection checked or drained if it's water. The hoses at the hydrants need to be walked out, wrapped up, and hung in the bay building.

Next work day will most likely be a leaf cleanup day, weather permitting. If the weather is bad it will be a shop cleanout day. The Toyota forklift has a brake hanging up (left side). Now is a good time to bring that in for service (engine, trans & differential oil changes, all filters) Winter time things slow down as we work on our long term projects. Project leaders will advise when  and where, I'll pass on the info as I get it. If you don't hear from  
me on Thursdays, I just don't have anything new to pass on. I will always post 1st Saturday work day happenings.
Thanks All!
 Jim

10/5

Greetings Volunteers!
Last work day before Harvest show, we need folks to come out and help clean up. R&T's tractors, saw mill, down stairs of the gift shop, some random weeds out front near the sign, down at the coal bunker and the construction area. We'll wrap up the IH 350, some re-arranging in the wagon building, and I'm sure a few other areas. Wayne is looking for volunteer drivers for the barrel train for Friday and Saturday. We'll be using the Cub Cadet, If someone could fuel that up and check the oil and tires, that would be great. Chef Bill is making Hot Dogs, Hot German Potato Salad, Apple Sauce, and for dessert.......... APPLE CRISP!!!!!!!!!!!   Windsor show is this weekend, if you're going, watch for Columbia, Bridge Bust is Saturday too, the low bridge will be closed.
Thanks,
Jim

9/28

Greetings Volunteers,
First, I want to thank everyone that came out last weekend, the skid steer is back in operation, the IH 350, with Tom Cochranes creative engineering,and help from Bill Yarnall, Allen Gruver, Gene Long and Dave Supers is back together. Excellent job guys! This Saturday, we're just looking at clean up. The mill could be raked out if it hasn't already, and the down branches picked up. The telephone poles in front of the shop need to be cut into 4 or 5 foot long sections to make them transportable. Also the stack of pallets next to them can go down to the pit. Wayne and I won't be out, I will be available, just a phone call away for questions. Next Saturday will be a work day, last weekend before Harvest, we'll need lots of help cleaning, dusting and polishing. Chef Bill will be delighting us with his culinary skills.
Thanks!
 Jim

9/21
This Saturday we'll be finishing up the skid steer, changing out the parts washer fluid, and maybe make a little progress on the IH 350.  
The skid steer is probably our most used (and missed) piece of equipment, so that is priority. I have the antifreeze, hydraulic fluid & pump to get the old fluid out. I also have the o rings for the IH 350 if we get that far. Wayne has some clean up projects, I'm sure there will be plenty to do. If anyone has anything else, holler.
Thanks!
Jim

9/13
Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like another light weekend, Washington's Crossing show Saturday. Looks like the grounds crew has everything under control.  
The white Ford dump truck parked at the bay building still needs to be emptied, & we have a few projects in the shop, but are awaiting supplies (skid loader and International 350). Hopefully we can get them wrapped up before Harvest show. We have new fluid for the parts washer in the shop, PLEASE try to get the worst off BEFORE it lands in the washer! That stuff's not cheap. We'll need to shovel out the washer before dumping it in. I want to try filtering the old stuff, so save it if possible. The shop has a new lock system installed, so if you have a key from the old lock, it's not going to get you in.  
Contact Art Jr or Colton  for assistance. If anyone has anything else that needs doin, speak now, or we'll get to it next week.............
Thanks!
    Jim

9/6

Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like a quiet one this weekend. I'm sure there will be people here if you're looking to hang out. Be advised the Rt 340 / Bird in Hand area will have road closures Friday and Saturday for a road race event this weekend. Penns Cave show is this weekend also.
Thanks!
 Jim

8/31

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday in addition to a work day, Blacksmith school will be in session. Weather permitting, we still have some cleaning up to do.  
Art's dump truck needs to be emptied, I have some logs that need to be cut up, split and put in the saw mill bin. The brakes on the Toyota forklift need to be checked, I'm hoping they're just dirty and in need of adjustment. The mill needs to be raked out if it hasn't been already. I'm sure there's a couple dozen other things that need doin, come on out. Only one more work day before Harvest, then...........leaf season starts again! I'm not sure what our big winter project is, as soon as I know, I'll pass it on. We do need to come up with signs for our displays. Not a small task, and long over due,  but a nice project for someone with a computer and printer.  
Nothing fancy just a line or two or a copy of an advertisement on our artifacts so people have an idea what they're looking at. I have a laminator to preserve your work. I also have a contact that makes the routed plastic signs if that would be more appropriate. Chef Bill is making BBQ sandwiches, mac salad, chips and watermelon for lunch.
Thanks!
 Jim

8/24

Greetings Volunteers!
First, thanks for all your help with this year's reunion, we could not have done it with out you. Tomorrow we will be finishing putting away R&T's equipment. The Toyota forklift needs the brakes looked at, the Farmall 300 lift lever is loose again, & the skid steer  is out of commission with a bad water pump. Thew mill will need to be raked out. Not sure who else is working tomorrow, there's always something going on. If you have suggestions, observations, or complaints,  please let me know so we can get on them. Again, thanks for all your help making another successful reunion! 

Jim

8/9

Greetings Volunteers,
Reunion is upon us! We can use help getting ready for and during reunion. Saturday, Monday & Tuesday we will be getting out all the equipment from the tractor, steam, Rumely, and thresher buildings. All the accumulated debris needs to be cleaned out. If you're a first time volunteer, now is the time to jump in, all of our groups appreciate any help they can get, some  are only active during reunion, so don't hesitate.  R&T's tractors need to be brought out and wiped down. I banished the spiders from the wagon building, I think they're seeking revenge everywhere else. Wayne and Jersey Dave will be needing help setting up and during the show, they're always on the move, look for the spiffy IH golf cart. All of our support equipment needs to have fluid levels and tires checked.

Chef Bill is still looking for drivers for the people movers, see him or call me, I'll forward your info.  
Speaking of food, you'll have to bring you own Saturday, but lunch is provided Monday & Tuesday. If you can stick around Tuesday after lunch for a few minutes, Bill could use a hand turning the kitchen around for the Reunion crew to take over. Kathy can always use help at the gates, even if you only have a few hours, any time is appreciated. The gate workers have nice new accommodations, no more cooking out in the sun! If you have any questions before or during the show, feel free to call or text me, 856-434-3896.  Thanks in advance for all your hard work getting ready, we can't do it without you.
Jim
 

8/2
Greetings Volunteers!
This is it, last work day before Reunion. Lots of clean up and get ready to do, come on out. Chef Bill is making his delicious stuffed peppers over noodles & peas for us. We are looking for drivers for the people movers during reunion, if you can help out, see Chef Bill or contact me. Also, we're always looking for help at the gates, if you have any time at all during reunion, please see Kathy Hazard or contact me and I'll hook you up. For our newbies, we also work next Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, Chef Bill takes care of lunch Monday and Tuesday, our busiest days. The kitchen will need to be turned over right after lunch on Tuesday, so if you can, hang around after lunch and give Chef Bill a hand. The threshing, steam, Rumely and tractor buildings get emptied and cleaned. If you have a few hours to spare we sure could use the help.

Thanks!
 Jim
 

7/5
Greetings Volunteers!
Hope everyone had a good holiday. This weekend is the Tuckahoe show in Maryland, many of our members attend, so things will probably be pretty quiet. We have a few small jobs to do, if anyone has anything else for us, please let us know. The Gas engine guys will be working as usual. Chef Bill will be delighting our taste-buds once again with his culinary expertise.
Thanks!
 Jim

5/31
Greetings Volunteers,

One more addition, the Stationary Steam group will be working on their boiler tomorrow. See Tom or Mike.

This Saturday we may be dodging rain drops, but there's plenty of work to be done. So far, we have windows to replace in the stationary steam building & plywood to paint for the room divider.
The telephone poles at the end of the pulling track need to be cut into bite sizes, and stone needs to be spread around the new fuel island. See Wayne for all the particulars when you get there. I'm sure  
there's more, so stay tuned. Chef Bill is going to delight our taste buds (and bellies) with his famous Barbecue sandwiches, bed spring  
salad, and strawberry short cake with ice cream! Come on out, give us  
a hand, and have a great lunch........................
Thanks!
Jim

Greetings Volunteers!

Spring steam up is here, come on and check out what our volunteers have been up to over the winter. The web site has a complete list of events, we're hoping the weather will hold for the Friday night tractor pulls, we'll also be plowing Saturday if the field isn't too wet. It is also the first of our 2018 blood drives on Saturday, the bus will be at the gift shop. Please donate if you can, your gift saves lives. Next weekend is steam school.

 Hope to see you there, Jim

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings Volunteers.
This is the last work day before Spring Steam Up, so we'll be in > clean up mode. First, thanks for all that came out for the tractor 
pull, it ended up being a great day. Besides the usual dust & polish, > Wayne has asked that there are still some leaves behind the bathrooms 
and the trash cans at the pulling track need to be emptied. I'm sure > the gas engine and stationary steam guys will be very busy and would 
appreciate some help. The R&T tractors could be wiped down. I'll need > a quick hand hoisting the ice sled off the floor in the wagon 
building. I'm determined to get to the bottom of the water intrusion > problems there, but not before Spring Steam Up.
Chef Bill is on deck, I don't know what he has in store for us, I'll > let you all know as soon as I do. If you wish to hone your culinary 
skills, a hand is always welcome there too. They'll need help cleaning > up after lunch for next Friday.

Ok, if this doesn't get you out for work day, nothing will............  Baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, apple sauce and pie for dessert!  Also we'll need the window wells of the farm house cleaned out.

Thanks!
Jim

   The saw mill will need to be raked out too!

4/26

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday is our tractor pull, come on out and join the fun, or come out and lend a hand, many of us will be getting ready for spring steam up. Wayne has some projects on deck, and I'd appreciate some help dusting and vacuuming the lower gift shop and wagon building. I believe the kitchen will be open for the tractor pull, so food and drink will be available. Also, if anyone is available on Monday morning around 7:00, Wayne will be pouring concrete in several places, he could sure use a hand.
Many Thanks!
 Jim

4/5

Greetings Volunteers!

What would April work day be without a little snow? Bring out the
winter weather work gear one more time. Intentions were to do a full
leaf clean out, cut up some tree limbs and a little painting before
the tractor pull and steam up. If it's not too bad we'll continue with
that plan, otherwise, we'll be inside dusting, sweeping and re-
arranging.

Chef Bill doesn't care if it snows, I guess it's better
than 90+ over the grill in August. He's making us hot dogs, chili,
and...............wait...................
for.......................it............................APPLE CRISP!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, aaaaappppllllllleeeee crrrriiiisssp.......

 Hope to see you.
  Jim

3/1/2018

Greetings Volunteers!

Sorry for the long hiatus, hopefully I can get back on track now.  
This Saturday Wayne's going to start on the Stationary Steam buildings ceiling. Anyone interested in coming out, your help would be greatly appreciated. As a reminder, I have a new cell number for questions, 856-434-3896.
Thanks Much,
Jim 

2018

12/1
Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday is a work day, we'll be looking to finish up leaf collection if weather permits. or inside work, the Yale has been scheduled to come in the back shop. We need the front wheels off for brake inspection and repair. We'll also be examining the column shifter assembly to repair the slop. Our goal is high gear in forward and reverse and then stop!
Tumbles Farmall parked in the horsepower has the wire harness temporarily patched. If the battery is charged (and some gas dumped in the tank) it should start, but the alternator is not connected and is suspected of being shorted internally. Lunch is BYO. Due to urgent family issues, I won't be out until after the new year. If anyone has a question or need, please don't hesitate to call. I have a new cell number,  856-434-3896.  There is a Board meeting at 1:00 pm also Saturday for all those interested.
Everyone have a safe and happy holiday!
Jim

11/23
Greetings Volunteers!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. No plans for this weekend, the annual antique tractor and engine auction at Wolgmuth Auctions in Leola (just north of R&T) is tomorrow and Saturday. You can do all your Christmas shopping for your collector friends there!  
You'll see familiar faces, it's a tradition for many of our members.  
For more info, check their web site.  Next Saturday is a work day, we have inside and outside work to do, so whatever the weather, we'll be busy...............
Thank you all,
 Jim

11/16
Greetings Volunteers!
Looks like a wet one Saturday. I know the Shay folks have a project on deck, not sure if it's still on due to the weather. I'll be out a little late to see what's  needed to keep R&T's  Farmall from making wire smoke. Could be our little furry friends. On that note, please make sure the toyota fork lift and the skid steer are in the shop at the end of the day. They have proven to be quite tasty to the citters in years past.
Thanks!    Jim 

11/10
Greetings Volunteers!
Sorry again for the late notice. I don't think there's anything scheduled for outside work tomorrow due to the cold. By now the bathrooms have been winterized, so your options are the meeting room behind the line shaft machine shop (if it's open) and the porta-john behind the shop. Many of the hydrants stay on and the shop has heat and water. Next weekend we should be able to start on one of our winter projects, weather permitting.

Thanks!    Jim 
11/3
Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday is a work day, there will be a rehash meeting at 10am and a board meeting at 1pm. Come on out and get to know what runs R&T.  
To do list: Clean out the shop, begin winterizing the water system, check the dump truck, it runs, but not well. The Stanley guys should be out, as well as the gas engine crew. If you have anything else, give a holler. Lunch will be BYO.
Thanks!
Jim

10/26
Greetings Volunteers!
This weekend is the membership banquet, so I'd expect Tumble to be a very quiet place........ next weekend is a work day, there will be plenty to do! Shop clean out will be top priority to prepare for our winter projects.
Jim 

10/20
Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday is the Coolspring Show, so the gas engine guys will be out there. I'm taking a week off. Not sure what Wayne has planned. If anyone has anything, give a "reply all" and let us know what you need.  
Next weekend we can start the winter clean up, winterization and put away.
Jim

10/13

Greetings Volunteers!

 Last show of the year tomorrow and Saturday. If you have time, this is a good one to relax and enjoy. We could use some help with the kids events and the gate on Saturday, stop in the gift shop and let them know you want to help. You can pick up your banquet tickets and renew your membership while you're there too. I'll hopefully have the correct inner tube for the Yale tomorrow morning.........

 Jim

10/5
Greetings Volunteers!
Last weekend before the harvest show, so we'll be in clean up mode.  
The bays facing little toot need to be blown out, any accumulations of leaves next to buildings (yes, already!) need to be blown out. The construction crew is looking for help they will be repairing the roof on their shed. The 2 leaf vacuums need service, I understand one of the mowers needs belts, I'll check into if the new ones are there yet. The gas engine guys will be there, I'm not sure if the mill has been raked out yet, that needs to be done before the show. The wagon building and the lower gift shop need to be swept or vacuumed and de-webbed. I believe the Auto Haus will be open, the Stanley crew will be working. Chef Bill will be treating us to lunch, so don't miss the 12:00 kitchen bell!
See You Saturday............
Jim
 

9/28
Greetings Volunteers!
This weekend is Steam-o Rama, so I would expect a light turn out here at R&T. The gas engine guys may be around. Next Saturday is a work day, so we'll be getting ready for the harvest show then.
Thanks,   Jim
 

9/22

Greetings Volunteers!

Looks like it's going to be a hot one. I believe the gas engine crew will be there, not sure about any of the others. The saw mill could be raked out in preparation for the up coming harvest show. The bay building doors are pretty sad, they need to be gone over, get me a list of what's broke and we'll get what's needed. The shop clean out is high on the list, but it may be in use tomorrow, I don't want to make dust storm for them, and there's plenty of it, we will get dirty!   3 Saturdays to Harvest..........

 Jim

9/14
Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday, well, it's all in flux right now. The gas engine guys are away, I'm not sure what's going on for sure. If I don't have to work, I'll be out. Getting the lawn sweeper in the shed, finish oiling the sash mill, clean out the shop were on the short list. Right after Harvest we'll be winterizing the water system, and R&T's equipment.  
The Yale forklift will come into the shop for a much needed brake job and repair of the shift mechanism. Oh yeah........Leaves!!!!!  I hear we have some kick butt equipment now to make the job easier. If anyone has anything needing to be done, give us a "reply all" shout. I'll know better tomorrow afternoon if I'll be out.
Jim

9/8
Greetings Volunteers!
Not sure what's going on this Saturday, the gas engine guys should be there as usual. If anyone has anything, let us know. I won't be there.  
(I'm sure this time!)
Jim 
 

9/1
Folks,
Update: The stationary steam folks will be working and Wayne has always got something going on, if you can keep up with him, he can always use help.
Jim 

9/1

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday is Blacksmith school. The forecast is for rain, so we'll try to keep things inside. The gas engine guys will be working, The Kahlenberg diesel is on their to do list. You might find some steam people there, they always appreciate a hand. The Stanley guys will be there installing the boiler and fitting new tanks. The rest of the sash mill needs to be oiled if you can get into the gift shop.  
Supplies for this are in the back corner of the wagon building.  

There's and old tarp to use as a drop cloth inside the freight wagon, it can be cut up as necessary. If you use rags or paper towels, gloves (even if they are nitrile!) and the tarp, please, please do not leave them around. Put them in the firebox of the nearest engine. They will self-ignite. If the weather breaks, down past the farm house there's a lawn sweeper thats been out in the weather for too long. It needs to get into the red shed it's parked next to. It will take some re- arranging, but it will fit and should go all the way to the back of the building. The key to the building is in the key box in the gift shop, green fob. We're going to clean out the shop before the winter projects come in. I need a box on a pallet that will fit all the steam mower leftovers so that project can be put to bed and the space open for the next project. Minimum size  40'' long (pallet width)  20" wide and 20" tall. I want to try to keep the internal baffles removed from the water tank intact and large enough for the lift handle pattern to fit inside. Lunch will be provided by Chef Bill. Let him know you're there so he can have an idea of head count. Unfortunately I won't be there, Hurricane Harvey closed some of our facilities in Texas, so we'll be working weekends up here to pick up the slack for a while...... call if you have questions, it might take a bit, but I will call back. 609-420-6639.
Thanks,
  Jim

8/25

Greetings Volunteers!
First I like to thank you all for the incredible job you all did making Reunion a huge success! I heard many senior volunteers comment that we were never so far ahead of schedule and things were actually going so smoothly they were scared! I was out today to see what needed to be finished up............. nothing!

The tractors are away, the grounds look good. We do have one new project, the skid steer lost drive to one wheel, we'll be looking into that next weekend (work day) and I'd like to finish off the vertical mill for Harvest. If someone could check the fluid levels in all R&T's service equipment,(fork lifts, IH 350 and water truck) that would be great, The water truck has a gnarly looking battery terminal that could be replaced. It all worked flawlessly and could probably use a little love. I won't be out, but am only a phone call away. If anyone has anything, feel free to reply.
Thanks!
 Jim

8/13

Greetings Volunteers.

Many thanks to all that have come out to help us get ready for this years reunion! We still have a few more finishing touches, but we're in good shape. We will be working Monday and Tuesday, Chef bill will be treating us with lunch both days, so come on out.

I'd like to thank Frank Rowe, Phil Dunwody, and Barb & Tracy Merges for getting our sash mill together. I was set on completion by next year's reunion, but their hard work (and HEAVY lifting!) let us set up the major components early. Stop by the gift shop and check it out.

I'm not sure if I have WIFI where we're staying, so this may be my last note, I can be reached by phone with any questions, 609-420-6639, leave a message, I'll get back to you asap. Again, thanks for all you folks do, you make this event possible!
Jim
 

8/11

Greetings Volunteers!
It's time! If you have any spare minutes, we can use your help. The list is too long, come out and pitch in where ever you can. The will be people on site from tomorrow thru next Saturday. This Saturday we'll be moving things out, setting up and dusting off everything. I'll have an email a little later with specific needs for the event. Gate workers for Kathy and drivers for Chef Bill are always in short supply.. Ted Casey could use help watching the auto haus, hospitality greeters and tractor registration too. Leaders see Kathy for parking and gate passes for your people.............I will not be there Saturday, but will be available for phone calls 609-420-6639.
Thanks,
 Jim

8/4

Greetings Volunteers!
This is it, the last work day before Reunion. There's LOTS to do, so come on out, Chef Bill and Co. will be making lunch for us. The sawmill needs to be raked out, R&T's tractors need to be wiped down, I need some help finishing off the sash mill display, the lower gift shop needs de-webbing and vacuuming as well as the wagon building. The Shay Rail Road,  gas engine, stationary steam, and the construction groups will all be working, this is an excellent time to get involved with the group of your choice, even chef Bill could use some help in the kitchen, he makes us lunch the Monday and Tuesday of reunion week too..

Kathy Hazard will be organizing the gate crews, contact her if you have some time to work the gates during reunion. Chef Bill is in charge of the people movers and is in need of drivers, see him if you have some time to drive. Ted Casey needs help in the car barn before and during reunion too. Wayne Hartshornes and Jersey Dave take care of the grounds and take out the trash during reunion, they sure could use more hands getting that done. Not the most pleasant job, but greatly apreciated. We recieve many comments on how attractive the grounds look during reunion, thanks guys! Group leaders, see Kathy for your parking passes............ Next Saturday we start moving equipment out of the buildings.
Any questions / comments call me (609) 420-6639

Volunteers,
Chef Bill needs a hand to move the tables out of the kitchen after lunch. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,  Jim

7/28

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday we'll be starting clean up for reunion. The gas engine and construction guys should be on site, they'll be needing lots of help. The sawmill needs to be raked out. If I don't have to work, I'll be in the lower gift shop setting up the display mill. Wayne's installing a/c in the gift shop, he'll need some help with that. BYO lunch this time, work day next Saturday, there will be LOTS to do.
Thanks!
  Jim

7/21

Greetings Volunteers!
This Friday and Saturday the Waterloo Boys are having their annual event. Come and check out the John Deere show, for details check the web site.
Next weekend we'll start ramping up for the reunion. Details to come.
Jim

7/14

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday we'll be concentrating on clean up for next weekends Waterloo Boys Show. I'm sure the gas engine guys will be about as usual. Wayne's there and, he can always use a hand. Unfortunately I won't be out, but will be reachable by phone, 609-420-6639. I snapped some pictures of the mock up of the vertical sawmill, probably a lot of years since it looked like this. It's coming together nicely, hoping for a July 29 set up day if I don't have to work.

I'll be looking for some help, this thing is HEAVY!
Jim
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/6

Greetings Volunteers!

This weekend is the Tuckahoe show, it should be should be a fairly quiet weekend. If your coming out, the gas engine guys I'm sure will be about, and the construction guys have a ton to do, the sawmill needs to be raked out, the shop needs a good sort and sweep. Speakin of the shop, does anyone know what all the plastic sheet stock is for?

 
We'll find a spot for it upstairs if it doesn't have an immediate purpose. We need to build a crate on a pallet for the left over steam mower parts and patterns now that that project is wrapping up. If I don't have to work, the sawmill project can move forward in the gift shop.
All the shellers and cabinets need to be moved. I'm sure there's other things that aren't coming to mind right now, speak up if you have something.
Jim

7/2

Volunteers,

 All I can say is WOW! and a great big THANKS!!! to all that came out. 

The gift shop is nearly ready thanks to Wayne Hartshornes, Frank Rowe, Phil Dunwody and Jeff Long. The floor looks great! Thanks to Tracey & Barb Merges for jump starting the sash mill, I wasn't sure the display was going to make it for reunion, but they got it ready. Installation is planned for the Saturday after the JD show. Kirk and his boys Aiden and Seth had R&T's tractors out for their monthly exercise, thanks to them for keeping up with the fleet.  Thanks to Dave Payeur and Ted Casey for getting the Yale fork lift buttoned up. We have 2 fork lifts again! Bud Burdy brought around and introduced some Boy Scouts doing Eagle Scout projects for us. Todays youth are our future, please take extra time with the little ones, impressions we make today will be forever remembered. I know there were many more volunteers there and I'm sorry if I missed you, but please know how much we appreciate your work, you keep R&T running.

 Thanks All,

 Jim

6/29

Greetings Volunteers!
This Saturday at R&T we need everyone's help in the gift shop. Wayne is putting down the rest of the flooring and needs help moving and cleaning before the rest of the floor can go down. It's is an official work day, so lunch will be provided by Chef Bill and his culinary crew. Many thanks to them for feeding us!
Happy Independence Day to you and your families!
Jim

6/23

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Saturday we need your help! Wayne Hartshornes needs people to move cabinets, clean and help lay down the new flooring in the gift shop. No experience necessary, we'll train you on the finer points of tile installation. Just heard he's bringing COFFEE & DONUTS for his helpers! The gas engine guys are having their gas engine school this weekend, so they won't be working. If I don't have to work and the Fed-ex person blesses me with a shiny new torque converter with the ring gear on it, I'll be down in the shop re-assembling the Yale forklift. This is not an official work day, so lunch is BYO unless Wayne still has donuts left.......... If you happen to have the latest copy of the Whistle laying around and don't save them, the Frantz and the Wilson families would like to have extra copies. E-mail or call me. 

 Thanks!
  Jim

6/16

Greetings Volunteers!

 Not sure what's going on this weekend, many of our regular volunteers will be attending the Coolspring gas engine show. If anyone has a project, please holler back at us.

 Have a Happy Fathers Day!

 Jim

6/9

Greetings Volunteers!
    This weekend is the IH show, no work, come check out the International Club's event. Little Toot will be running and most buildings will be open.

    Jim

6/1

Greetings Volunteers!
    We'll be doing the usual pre-show clean up this Saturday, the usual groups will be on hand. Unless someone got to it, the mill needs to be raked out and there's a pile of leaves in front of the Auto Hause.

We'll be needing to move some things out of the gift shop in preparation of a new floor being installed, Wayne Hartshornes is the man to see, one cabinet is coming down stairs into the covered wagon room. The shelf w/ hand pump vacuum cleaners needs to be moved to above the new central vac. The sash mill needs a coat of linseed/ mineral spirits,  I'm sure there's a hundred additional things, See me if you're looking for a project. Chef Bill & Co. will be creating another culinary delight for lunch, 12:00, bring your appetite.

 Jim

5/26

Greetings Volunteers!
This weekend, we're staying home, but that doesn't mean you can't come out! If anyone needs help or have things that need to be done, please pass it on.  Have a safe and Happy Holiday, we'll be in full swing next weekend, it's last work day before the IH show.........Reunion's getting closer......

Jim

5/19

Greetings Volunteers!
 Thanks to all that came out for our soggy spring steam up! Not sure exactly what needs doing, If the tractors are out, they can be put away, there's a pile of leaves in the corner behind the wagon building. I don't remember if the picnic tables are out, the skid steer w/ forks works well for that, the stones are loose back in there. There are cans of linseed & mineral spirits on top of the sash mill in the end of the bay building, sorry, the big brushes didn't jump out of the truck last time I was there, there are some smaller ones in the back corner of the wagon building. A 50/50 mix works well, just keep it off the metal bits if possible, I have other stuff for those that dries. Don't leave any rags behind, that stuff will light itself, we don't need a fire! The fork lift is highest priority right now, it's in the shop and power washed. The seat and front cover, safety cage, drain & remove radiator, starter and anything else that's in the way needs to come off. Put bolts back in hole so the next guy can put it back together. We want to pull it in as big a piece as possible. Need the ring gear so it can be matched up. As, usual the Gas engine guys I'm sure will be there. Not sure I will be, trying to wiggle out of mandatory week end over time. This weekend will be steam school with students on engines Sat and Sun. I will have my phone for questions....609-420-6639.

 Thanks,
  Jim

5/10

Greetings Volunteers,
    Looks like we're gonna get a little wet, bring a rain coat, come on out and play in the mud, we'll still be running. I'd like to extend a thanks to Wayne Hartshornes and Nevin Brubaker on the job they did inside and out on the gift shop, nice job guys! I'd also like to thank Dave Supers, Shelly Hall and Patrick Sweeny for pulling out all the stops and re-assembling the steam mower last Sunday. What an outstanding job, you folks never cease to amaze me with what you can accomplish in short order, truly an asset to the organization. Check out the shine on that boiler!!

Jim

5/4

Greetings Volunteers!
    Workday is upon us, the last Saturday before Spring Steam up. If you can spare the time, we can use the help. All of our groups will be out, cleaning up and making preparations. Gas engine guys, Stationary Steam, Steam Traction, Line Shaft Machine Shop, Little Toot, Shay, and Grounds crew all can use a hand, come on out. If your group has specific needs or you have a question, feel free to "reply all" to this message. Chef Bill will be making us lunch, listen for the noon bell! The new central vac display should be arriving, we'll need some help settling it into its new home at the gift shop. Once it's in place, some shelving needs to be moved and a quick dusting of the lower gift shop would be helpful.

The saw mill will need to be raked out and given a general clean up. There are an abundance of leaves between the line shaft machine shop and the kitchen that need to be removed.  We're looking for volunteers to help us out in the maintenance department. If you would like to be part of this essential group that keeps R&T running, please contact myself or Butch Biesecker. You don't need to have a mechanical back ground, just a desire to learn something new. (and not mind getting really dirty!) I need a tractor to run R&T's shingle mill next week end, R&T's John Deere B (or is it an A??) or R&T's Oil pull could be drug out, checked out and dusted off. My cell #- 609-420-6639, call with questions, leave a message, sometimes I don't hear it, I will get back to you.

as always, Thanks Much!
Jim

/20

Greetings Volunteers!
    Busy day this Saturday at R&T, 2 weekends to Spring Steam up! The bottom of the gift shop is getting a major make over, our new central vac display comes next Saturday, lots of things need to be moved, pictures need to be hung & a general spring cleaning. If you'd rather work out side, there's plenty to be done there too. Lunch is BYO, next weekend ( Work Day!) Chef Bill will delight us with one of his culinary masterpieces!
Thanks All,
Jim Wiest

Cistern water pump will be started and run through Spring Steam up, so boilers can be filled with cistern water from front row of hydrants.

Jim Conte

4/18

Greetings Volunteers!
    First, apologies for messing up the date of the Tractor Pull on my last email, it is the 22nd, this Saturday. We will be putting up the ceiling in the gift shop as well as shuffling things around in the down stairs section. Some things are going to be put in storage. The ice sled has been relocated to the wagon building, it will need to be re-hung there. Hopefully I'll have the wood slats cut for the steam mower, they will have to be fitted to the boiler before the wrap goes on. Shatz will have their food trailer at the track during the day, so you won't need to pack a lunch! The engine needs to come out of the Yale fork lift, the flywheel & starter need to be replaced. I pressure washed it last week end, so it's a little cleaner, but not much.

 Jim

4/9

And the answer is..................another coffin!!! No, seriously, we found inside a black cloth and a little felt covered coffin. Nevin said it may be a salesmans sample. It's just the right size for a Barbie Doll........
  Thanks to Wayne Hartshornes (holding the little coffin) Nevin Brubaker, and Ted Casey for spending the day on the ceiling. They're planning on putting up the metal ceiling panels on the 28th, the day of the antique tractor pulls. If you have time, please come out, give us a hand and watch the pulls. The whole bottom of the gift shop is a mess, we'll need lots of help and some luck to be presentable by Spring Steam. The Wagon building will need a de-webbing and sweep too.
 Thanks!
  Jim

4/6

Greetings Volunteers!
 This Saturday at R&T we'll be working on installing the ceiling in the lower gift shop where the covered wagon lives. Bet you're all wondering what's in  that coffin that's up in the rafters........ so am I!
It's been up there since I've been volunteering..............let's say quite a while. The suspense ends tomorrow, come out to find out. Also, I have the supplies for oiling the sash mill if someone likes to paint,
  you don't have to be neat, I just ask that you get more on the wood than the floor. Work clothes are a must! For the mechanically inclined, the Yale forklift starter/ ring gear are finally, after many many years of service, kaput. Let's get it in the shop and get it apart so we can access the situation. A pressure washing before hand would be of greatly appreciated. I'm sure the gas engine guys will be out, Little Toot's crew did a wonderful job on leaves last weekend!  
Thanks much to them. The shafts for the horse cart have been bent, hopefully they will be done this week, a new floor  has also been rough cut.

Jim

3/30

Greetings Volunteers!
    Work day is upon us, only one more to Spring Steam up. We have some projects to be done, but due to weather & man power, we're going to put them back to next week end. Most important project is to clean up the winter mess.  We're still working inside the lower gift shop, we're planning on putting a new ceiling up in the second section of the gift shop where the covered wagon resides. Once that's done, we have 2 new displays to set up, a central vac system from 1907!!! I didn't know such a thing existed back then. It is scheduled to arrive next work day.  

The rebuild of the vertical saw mill has been suspended for now, we're going to display the sash part on the wall next to the covered wagon. I'll need some people to clean it up and coat it with linseed before installation. It would be nice to be done before Reunion. We also need a shelf built in the bay building to store what we don't display so the pieces are off the floor and all together. I'm sure the gas engine guys will be in action rain or shine. The kitchen will NOT be open for this work day. we haven't turned on the water yet due to the iffy weather. Next work day we will be in operation. so hope for good weather next Saturday and we'll hit it hard then. I won't be there until after lunch, but call if you have questions, 609-420-6639.

 Thanks Much!
  Jim

3/2

Greetings Volunteers!
    Looks like it's going to be a cold one this Saturday, the die hards will be there. Wayne needs help with the three front windows in the gift shop, there will be donuts & coffee. I'm going to pull out the big pieces of the sash mill and attempt to grade off the inside of the building where the groundhawgs have had free reign for many years.  The steam mower has some plumbing to be done, I have the pieces and the shop is warm. The gas engine guys I'm sure will be there as always, and our Tractor / Stanley  Steamer crew wil be in action. The car barn is heated, unfortunately the tractor building is not! Lunch will be BYO. Chef Bill is warming up his oven, soon the kitchen will be open. No more PBJ's! Yay!

 Thanks!
 Jim

2/16

Greetings Volunteers!
    Supposed to be a beautiful weekend, I'm sure people will be out and about at R&T if you feel like coming out. I could use a hand or 2 cleaning up the West end bay of the bay building. We're going to do a little clean up and reorganization to clear a spot to mock up the sash sawmill (yep, that pile of wood in the corner is actually an 1800's saw mill!) Bring gloves, this is going to be quite messy, some of this stuff hasn't moved since the 70's. 

 Hope to see you there!
  Jim

2/10

Greetings Volunteers!
    Sorry for the late reminder. Come on out tomorrow & meet your fellow volunteers for coffee/ donuts and other tasty treats!  Check out the flyer on the web site for info. Some of us will be working if you're so inclined, the gas engine guys and myself will be busy, I'm sure the blacksmiths & line shaft guys will be about.

 See you tomorrow,
  Jim

2/8

The water room walls were scraped and washed, then about 40% painted with white block sealer. The area where the water softeners fit is complete and the floor tiles are complete there. The softeners can be reinstalled with PVC piping.
The improvement in light reflection on the white walls is noticeable.

Jon's son Peter was also working. He was a good worker and a trooper, a 12 year old learning to work and be part of the crew. Thanks, Peter.

Jon attended the brief Board meeting. There was a short discussion on plans for the steel tank for water storage.

Jim Conte

 

1/5/2017

Greetings and Happy New Year!
    Weather permitting, January membership meeting will be held on Saturday at 1:00. It's supposed to be mighty cold, I'll be there in the morning, but will probably find a warm spot to hang out. (the shop!)  I'm sure there will be other hearty souls about, If you're up to it, I'm sure we can find something to get into!

 Stay warm & safe!
 Jim

12/1

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Saturday @ R&T we will be busy busy busy and we'll need some help to get it all done. We will be working inside rebuilding a short retaining wall in the stationary steam building. There's lots of room to work (after we move some things) no experience necessary, we'll show you what to do, when we're done, you'll know how to build a block wall (no Trump jokes, please. ....) plus, there will be donuts & coffee supplied by Wayne H. Bring gloves & safety glasses/ or goggles. Also, the picnic tables in front of Shatz's need to come into the wagon building, I'll show you where. The end door of the bay building needs a handle & pull rope installed, I have the handle, but not the rope. I'll dig some up. I have  2 large pallets, one needs to be mounted under the stationary steam engine in the last bay of the bay building. There's wood screens there also that need the hardware stripped off. The washers & stoves in the bottom of the gift shop need to be "condensed" and covered. I think the tractor guys will be running, and the stationary gas guys will be doing their thing.    Oh, and those leaves.......................   This is a bring your own lunch event, unless there's donuts left over. 

 Merry Christmas to you and your families!
 Jim

11/4

Greetings Volunteers,
    First Saturday of November is upon us. I haven't been around for a few weeks, so I'm at a loss as to what we're doing. There will be leaves to be raked, that's for shure! I do have a few small projects we can knock out in the AM. There is a membership meeting at 1:00, If you'd like to learn more about your club, pop into the meeting room behind the lineshaft machine shop then. I should have a lineup of winter projects shortly.  Lunches will be BYO until spring, the kitchen is closed for the winter. Any questions or project suggestions, email me or the whole mailing list, we'll get on it. As usual, my cell # 609-420-6639.
 Hope to see you Saturday,
 Jim

9/16

Greetings Volunteers!
    I know how much you all look forward to hearing from me every Thursday, but I think I'm going to change things up. For the time being, I'll send out  only on official work days  (1st Saturdays) and for specific projects on off Saturdays. After Harvest we'll be back on the steam mower(& raking leaves) , & I'll definitely let everyone know when that happens. If other groups have something going on, by all means use the list to send out an "all hands on deck "  or feel free to contact me. That all said, more than likely I won't be at R&T until Harvest, so I won't have a clue as to what's going on anyway!  The mower put everything here in the shop on hold since last October, so it's time to catch up before the big freeze.

 Thanks!
  Jim

9/9

Greetings Volunteers!
    I have no clue as to what we're doing Saturday as I haven't been there for a few weeks.  I will be there this Saturday.  Gas engine, steam guys, you got anything for us? If Wayne hasn't got to it, we've got the wagon between the sheds that still needs to be picked apart.  
We'll figure it out , there's always something that needs doing!  
Probably be a short day due to the heat.

Jim 

9/2

Greetings Volunteers!
    Looks like this work day might be a wet one. Not sure what's going to be going on as I have been absent the past few weeks.  If anyone has anything, please message back. I will not be out, hoping for next weekend. Chef Bill, got anything good news for us?

 Thanks,
 Jim

To All. There will be lunch served on Saturday!
Chef Bill

8/26

Greetings Volunteers!
    First, thanks to you all on a very successful Reunion. It could not have happened without your help. I'm not sure what's going on this weekend. I was there on Monday, most of the mess was already cleaned up and equipment put away. You may find the Gas engine and steam guys about. Wayne H.always has something going on, a special thanks to him and his crew for keeping the grounds spotless during the show. I'm going to take at least a 2 week hiatus to catch up on my projects at home, so I'll have to rely on Tom C., Mike P. and Wayne to let us know what's going on and what needs to be done.  After Harvest, the steam mower will need to find it's way back into its corner of the shop. The boiler and engine need to come back out. The boiler gets insulated and its copper jacket put on. The engine needs the bottom end tightened up.

Thanks, Jim 

8/12

Greetings!
        It's here!  Still need volunteers for the gate, tractor registration, and trash detail, see last weeks email for contacts or call me with any questions 609-420-6639. There will be lunches served on Saturday, Monday & Tuesday for volunteers. Help in the kitchen on Tuesday afternoon for the switch over is always appreciated. R&T's tractors could use a dusting and the shop needs a broom run thru it if you're so inclined. 

See you at the show!
  Jim

8/5

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Saturday is the last official work day before Reunion. If you can come out, please do do. If you haven't yet, now's the perfect time, there's tons to do, you'll get a free lunch by Chef Bill & might even have fun! 
Here's my short list, everyone else holler if I missed you and you need help! We need the corners of the buildings & fences raked out, weeds wacked and general pick up debris, I'll make sure the Farmall & trailer are available for you. Bring rakes & gloves. I don't think the firewood got cut & split last weekend, that's semi under cover, expecting rain in the afternoon. I'll be de-cobwebbing & dusting the wagon building & the gift shop, a couple bodies makes this go much faster, the spiders are usually small ;-). The shop needs to be swept out before reunion. It makes it much nicer while doing the inevitable emergency repairs during the show, plus it looks nice for our visitors. The stationary steam guys can always use a hand cleaning up. I need someone to change out the plastic sight glasses for glass glasses on the steam mower, I have them & the gaskets. Also install the wood steering handle and the tow hitch if I get it done tomorrow. Short easy jobs.  Sorry Dave, forgot to order the gas valves, will have next week. 

 For Reunion:
        Tractor drivers for the people movers. Nice new(er) tractors, see Chef Bill Reber.
        Gate workers, see Cathy Hazzard
        Tractor Registration, it's right next to the DONUTS & COFFEE, in the middle of everything going on. Heck, somebody come run the shingle mill, I want that job! See Art Astle.  Wayne needs somebody twice a day to go round up the trash cans & replace w/ new, he could really use  some help with this. See Wayne Hartshorne.

  See you Saturday!
  Jim                

7/29

Greetings Volunteers,
    This Saturday at R&T we'll be finishing off the steam mower. If you haven't heard, it was running last weekend, you can see videos of it on the R&T home page. Many many thanks to Dave Supers & Patrick Sweeney for spending a very late (2 am!) evening getting it operational. I was told it ran out of the shop like it was run the day before, a testament to the volunteers that put it back together.  
Oilers, a whistle, a good going over and some linseed oil and it's good for Reunion. I can't thank everyone enough, not only done, but done early. Hard to belive it's been 9 months since it was rolled into the shop. It's been an absolute pleasure working on this project with the most talented people I have ever met, thank you all. Make sure you get over at reunion to take a drive, you've earned it.  You'll be one of the few that has ever driven the only operational steam mower in the world.

    There will be plenty going on, Jim Conte has requested help cutting up slab wood at the sawmill. Bring gloves and hearing protection if you're cutting. The steam & gas engine buildings might be open, pop in, I'm sure they have things to be done before reunion. The shop could stand a sweep before reunion, so could the wagon building.

  Thanks,
  Jim

7/22

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Friday & Saturday the Waterloo Boys are having John Deere days.  
Generally, we don't work on days the grounds are rented. The sawmill & shingle mill will be operating, if you wish to try something new, come on out, it's a good time to get involved. The saw mill can always use a few off-bearers, bring gloves! Cold water & soda will be in the blue cooler at the shingle mill. The large gas engine and stationary steam buildings may be open. If someone wishes to knock down cobwebs in the gift shop downstairs or wagon building, I'll be glad to open them for you!

 Thanks!
 Jim

7/15

Greetings Volunteers!
    Gonna be another hot one! Lots to do before reunion, John Deere Days next week end, come out and see the green machines. The shingle mill will be running, I heard a rumor the saw mill will be too. If so they can always use a few off bearers. I should be there Saturday, lots to do on the mower. The drive chain if FINALLY done. Many thanks to Butch & Andrea Biesecker for cutting out the links and re engineering the mower drive. Also a big thank you to Tom Cochrane for making a new rod for the water pump. Need someone to knock the cobwebs down in the downstairs of the gift shop before reunion, see me, I'll arm you with dusters.

Jim

7/7

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Saturday is the steam show at Tuckahoe so we'll probably be light on members. I'll be down in the shop in the morning on the steam mower. It's supposed to be a hot one, so bring plenty of your favorite beverage. The large gas engine guys will probably be there as usual.  
Anyone else need assistance, chime in!

Jim

The gas pump is now fixed!!

John E. DiSante

6/30

Greetings Volunteers!
    We have a work day this Saturday, I know it's a holiday weekend, but there's plenty to do in preparation for John Deere days and Reunion. I will be in the shop working on the steam mower, any help would be greatly appreciated. Jim Conte is looking for help cleaning up the saw mill, bring a rake & gloves. I haven't heard from chef Bill, but what ever he's making for lunch, I'm sure will be delicious.

Have a Happy 4^th! 

Jim

6/23

Greetings Volunteers!
    Another short & sweet message, I intend on being there Saturday, expect to be pretty close on the mower, the big hurdles are behind us.  
I could use a hand or two for the 100 little things that need to be done. Gas engine guys should be about, don't know who else, as always, we'll find something to keep you busy!  Kathy Hazzard is looking for gate help at reunion, If you can spare a few hours, it would be greatly appreciated. Email [email protected]. and let her know if you are available. I always enjoyed working the gate, it's where I  started here many years ago.  Kathy takes good care of her crews,  you'll meet a ton of people, it's usually very entertaining, and the shifts go by fast.

  Thanks!
  Jim

Hi All, We also are looking for someone to take Tractor Registration.   Thanks Art

Weezers,
A suggestion, How about getting a crew together to split the big chunks of firewood and cut - up scraps laying around ? Also, the sawmill needs to be raked - out and cleaned.

There are lots of pieces of firewood laying round outside that need to be put inside and under cover.

Regards,
Jim

6/16

Greetings Volunteers!
    Short & sweet, I wasn't there last weekend, so I don't know what's going on. I do intend to be there this Saturday, the steam mower beckons. Cool Spring is this weekend, so you probably won't find any gas engine guys around. I'm sure there will be others about, there's always something to do!

 Thanks,
 Jim

6/9

Hey Guys,
The augers go way outback beyond the construction area. Please do  not put any scrap at the shop anymore. It will only  have to be moved.
I won't be there either. The weather doesn't look too good either. Bad for me either way. Got to get some project here done. (or at least started) Take care, John

Greetings Volunteers!
    Not sure what's going on this weekend as far as projects, got a few "need to be done eventually" projects. The old wagon between the red sheds can be broke down, save as much metal as possible from it for the blacksmiths, they love that old stuff, especially the tires. the red 2 wheeled cart goes behind the wagon building. The mower pieces on the pallet can be set aside. The grain augers can go down next to the shop for the next trip to the scrap yard The steam engine in the end bay of the bay building still needs someone to adopt it. If you can get into the shop, there's a few things that can be done to the mower, or just a shop clean up and sweep out would be great.  Call me 609-420-6639 with questions. I won't be out this weekend, waiting for fittings for the mower, plan on making more progress next Saturday.

 Thanks!
 Jim

6/2

Greetings Volunteers!

 We have TWO more work days to Reunion......YIKES!!!!!  Come on out, there's plenty to do. If you haven't got the email, John Disante is asking for help to take down the dead oak in front of the Stationary Steam building. Meet there at 10, bring gloves & a saw if you have one. I'll be down in the shop, much to do on the mower, time is becoming an issue, but I'm confident we'll make reunion. Chef Bill and crew will be creating lunch for us.

 Jim

Hi Jim! Finally have your email address. Thought I would give you a heads up on what we are having.
Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Vege, and surprise dessert.
See you Saturday
Bill

Greetings,
I have a project that would work well for this Saturday. It is the removal of a dead oak tree at the east end of the Stationary Steam building.
I want to pull the stump as the tree is pulled over. This will require the removal of an overhead electric line that feeds the men's bathroom.
We can use a dozer to pull the tree and I will bring the bucket truck to hook the cable high enough into the tree. We can cut the tree into firewood for the Traction engine guys.   
This will be a lot of work. Please bring a chainsaw if you have one.  And of course this will be weather permitting.  
See you around 10 on Saturday
Thanks,
John E. DiSante 
717 203 3849

5/26

Greetings Volunteers,
    Welcome to summer! This Friday & Saturday is our annual IHC Show & Tractor pull. We generally do not work during shows, however, come on out and enjoy the IH equipment on display. The kitchen will be open. I will be out to do a little test fitting on the steam mower, but do not intend to stay much past lunch.

 Thanks,
 Jim

5/19

Greetings Volunteers!
    First, thanks to all of you that helped make Spring Steam Up a success and clean up after . Art has informed me all the tractors have been put away. This Saturday we can get back on our Reunion projects.  
The steam mower can be progressed, I won't be out, but I left supplies in the shop. If you're coming out to work on it, call me and I'll give you the low down. There's the steam engine in the last bay of the bay building that still needs to be freed up. The rotted wagon between the small gas engine storage buildings can be disassembled. The blacksmiths have requested that the wheel bands and other metal fittings be saved for them. That old wrought iron is gold to them. The auger is scrap, save the steam pot for now, the red 2 wheeled cart can be rolled behind the wagon building. The transformer can is empty, scrap that too, separate the copper bits if possible.  The sickle bar mower parts can be set aside for now, don't know who owns it or it's story. Not sure it's all there.  That's all for now, call if you have questions, 609-420-6639.

Jim

5/12

Greetings Volunteers,
 This Friday & Saturday is spring steam up (in case you hadn't heard.) Come on out and see what everyone has been doing over the winter. The weather man is not being kind, but we run anyway, so bring a rain coat. We're always in need of gate personnel, especially Saturday.  
Many hands make short shifts, you'll meet all kinds of nice people, just go to the gift shop, Cathy, Pat or Jean will put you right to work. A BIG THANK YOU!!!!  to all the volunteers that came out to clean up and move equipment last week end.                                                                              

See  you at the show.

Jim

5/5/16

Greetings Volunteers,

        This is it, last work day before the spring show. There will be much to do, if you can spare a few hours, we can surely use the help. Both the steam & tractor buildings need to be emptied and cleaned up. The booths on the side of the stationary steam building need to be broomed out for our vendors. Don't worry if it's raining, the stationary steam & large gas engine guys will need help cleaning inside,& the work shop could use a broom over it too. I'm sure there's some stray weeds that have escaped the wrath of our excellent grounds crew, see me if you need a trimmer. Chef Bill and crew will be making our lunch. Sorry, I forgot to call and see what's on the menu. Questions or assistance...609-420-6639, I should be there by 9:00am.

 Thanks,

 Jim 

4/28

Greetings Volunteers!
Two more weekends to Spring Steam! LOTS to do, come on out and jump in. Lunch is BYO, next Saturday Chef Bill will be cooking for us.

 Jim

4/21

Greetings Volunteers!
    This Saturday is our annual Spring Antique Tractor Pull, come out, watch the tractors (or bring yours!) , have some lunch. I'm sure there will be people getting ready for spring steam up if you wish to get your hands dirty.

 Jim

4/14

Greetings Volunteers!
    Looks to be great weather this saturday,  I'm sure there will be plenty going on in preparation for the tractor pull and spring steam up. I have prior commitments, but feel free to call if you need assistance. As far as the steam mower, the fuel tank can be bolted up tight and the lines hooked up. I have the springs for the steering here, so that's at a standstill 'till next weekend. There's still that steam engine in the bay building...................
 Until next weekend,
 Jim

4/7

Greetings Volunteers!
    The weather may not be with us, but we do have some indoor activities. I have more pieces for the steam mower to be fitted & installed, and that steam engine is still in the bay building hoping for someone to work on it. I'm sure others will be around as time is getting short. Lunch is BYO but the shop will be warm.    

Thanks,
Jim

3/31

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday is an official work day, only one left to the spring show and the last one before the tractor pull. I haven't been out for 2 weeks, so I'm a bit behind on projects, but I'm sure there's a ton to do. This Saturday is also the first time this year Chef Bill will be firing up the grill. On the menu is grilled cheese w/ chicken corn soup & apple crisp. Come on out, help us out, have some fun & a good Lunch.                                     

Hope to see you there!                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jim

3/24   

   Once again I will be MIA, but will have my phone with me. I don't know what was left last Saturday, so I'll defer to others as to what needs doing. I'm sure that steam engine down the end of the bay building is still needs love........
 Happy Easter!
 Jim

3/17

Greetings Volunteers!
    I won't be in attendance this weekend, but can be reached @
609-420-6639 if you're there and need guidance. I'm sure others will be about and there's plenty to do! The gas engine guys are usually around , they always welcome a helping hand. There's a stationary steam engine in the last bay of the bay building. It needs to be freed up, I dumped some oil on it for the past 2 weeks, pick up a wrench and have at it. All I ask is that the pieces you take off end up back at the engine at the end of the day. You might find some steam people in the shop or the shed, the boilers on all the steam powered equipment need to be vacuumed out and readied for inspection. See one of the steam guys or gals for more instructions.

  Thanks!
  Jim

Hi All, Sat Butch &Co. Will be sawing logs for slab wood. He will need as many hands as possible. Thanks Art.

3/10

Greetings Volunteers,
    This Saturday we will be ramping up our out door clean up efforts.  
Wayne's been busy trimming trees, so there are branches on the ground to be picked up. I have a couple small jobs that need doing if anyone so desires. I'm sure the large gas engine guys will be around. If any other group leads have something, please feel free to jump in. We're looking for an artistic person to paint some large signs, let Art or I know if you're interested in showing off your skills.    

Jim

3/3

Greetings Volunteers!
    Another work day is upon us. Can you believe there's only 2 more work days to spring steam up! YIKES!!!!!! I'll be bringing pieces to be installed on the steam mower. It may be too muddy to work outside due to the snow. Below is a note from Jim Conte if you'd rather work indoors...... We're going to be running tractors too...... not too early to start cleaning them up. Lunch is bring your own, Chef Bill is still hibernating. 
Jim

 

Jon and all the gang,
On Friday, we will be having some snow, probably not a lot.
I expect that the weather will be cold and windy on Saturday, March 5th workday.

Art Driedger and I have planned to work on the floor and steps in the Gift Shop basement room.
We will grade it to slope toward the drain sump and continue the concrete pavers.
We will also disconnect the water softeners so they can be re-piped and positioned at the lower grade.
We will hopefully be forming for concrete steps from the wagon and sled room.

Useful tools will be a flat faced shovel and road rake.
A second wheel barrow would be handy.
I plan on being there about 09:00 will bring a saw, some levels and tape measure.

We will be inside and protected from the cold wind.
It is warm in the boiler and water room.

Regards,
Jim Conte

2/25

Greetings Volunteers!
    Looks like we survived the storm with minimal damage, hope you all did as well. We should have a nice day to pick up the debris, just watch you don't get stuck in the mud around the pit. The steam mower is moving along, if you can get into the shop, the drive pinion will need to be heated and driven on, leave some end play for the clutches to disengage. The ratchet clutch on the reel drive can be opened and cleaned/ lubed. While it's apart, the sprocket needs to be glass beaded so we can find the dowels that hold it to the clutch hub . I have the new lift lever & caster from the foundry, along with the steering cable.

Unfortunately I won't be out, call if you need remote assistance 609 420 6639. If the gas engine guys are around they can always use a hand. March 5th is our next  official work day (One more month to Chef Bills 2016 Culinary Debut!!!) and we will have LOTS going on. We're looking for a few interested souls to take on a new project for August Reunion. We have a stationary steam engine (well, it's on a pallet) thats seized tight. We need a body or 2 that would like to have at freeing it up / clean and paint. If the weather is agreeable,  I'll dig it out of the warehouse and get it someplace more accessible to work on.

Thanks Much,
 Jim

2/18

Greetings Volunteers!
    The weather might be with us this Saturday, so I'm hoping to get on the bay building doors. The steam mower is coming along nicely, R&T's recently donated F-12 needs a fuel line (I have the pieces). Don't know what the other groups are up to, but they may be taking advantage of the weather also. Welcome new members Alex Martin & Don Warrington!  The Brubaker building has damage from the ice and snow on the South side gutters. 
Lunch is BYO,  heat's on in the shop...... call w/needs 609-420-6639.
Jim

2/11

Greetings Volunteers!
            This Saturday is the mid-winter get together, supposed to be mighty cold, but the model building will be warm, come out & see what's going on. See the website for the specifics.......…    http://www.roughandtumble.org/viewreference/51/eventschedules/

 'till next Saturday.......
  Jim

2/5

Greetings Volunteers!
        Short & sweet................if  my newly acquired plague doesn't get  
worse the shop will be open. We'll also be doing our usual work day  
tractor run. Membership meeting in the afternoon.

1/28

Greetings Storm Survivors!

This Saturdays intentions are to operate on the steam lawnmower & finish the fuel lines & start R&T's newly donated Farmall F-12. I'll be a little later than usual, steam mower parts are going to Cattail............. Don't wear nice shoes, it's gonna be muddy!
Jim

1/22

Greetings Volunteers!

Pretty sure the weather is going to shut everything down for Saturday with the blizzard.

Everyone take care & be safe.  
Jim

1/15

Greetings Volunteers!

Sorry for the late notice, I was waiting for the latest weather report. Looks like rain for Saturday am, so lets push back the Bay Building door project until next weekend. No use being cold & wet.  

Stay Warm (& Dry)
Jim

1/7

Greetings Volunteers!

The weather may not be with us this weekend, I know I will not be out, but feel free to call me if I can help from afar.609-420-6639.  I will be looking for help next weekend, weather permitting. The doors on our bay building are in pretty bad shape.  Many are hard to open or won't open at all.  I'd like to repair what we can & make a list of what we need to fix the rest. The Tractor Team informed me 14 tractors escaped the shed and ran around the grounds last Saturday, a work day record for sure! Many thanks to the Merges family for keeping R&T's equipment up and running.

 Until next week, stay warm!
 Jim 

12/31 

The Water Committee is working on finishing the Gift Shop heat and water room improvements that were started before the chlorination project hit and pre-empted   All other work. We have Hot Cocoa, Coffee and cookies and camaraderie, starting at 8 AM . Jim Conte

Happy New Year R&T Volunteers!
    We're starting out this Saturday with our first work day of 2016. There will be a membership meeting @ 1:00, come out and see what's going on. I should be there if anyone wishes to get into the shop to work on the steam mower. 
The brake assembly still needs to be freed up, I have some chain samples to try out for the mower drive & ground drive.  I have a front tire for R&T's little IH F-12 that should provide someone with a work out & the onlookers with some entertainment ;-)  It needs the fuel drained out and fresh put in too. Radiator needs to come out of R&T's Case DC. I'm betting the Large Gas engine guys will be there also. If it's bearable out, we might even exercise some tractors. If you can't get in or can't find me call 609-420-6639.

 Thanks much,
 Jim

12/24

Just wanted to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Many thanks for all your hard work, looking forward to seeing you all in the upcoming year. 

 Jim

12/17

Greetings R&T Volunteers!

Hope you all are enjoying the warm weather, looks like we will be a little cooler this Saturday. I don't have anything on the list other than raking leaves. The grounds crew is doing an excellent job, we've never been this devoid of leaves that I ever remember. We'll be getting hot on some projects right after the holidays, so stay tuned.  
John, Tom M. or Tom C.,if your going to be out this weekend and need help, give a holler.
                                                                
  Happy Holidays!
   Jim

12/10

Good Evening, After a long day, Nevin, Ted and myself have most of the new water lines run.   There is Clay MUD everywhere! With this weather and the morning mist the mud is extremely slippery, Please be careful! Although most of the trenches are back filled please beware of the open sections.  The open trench areas still require some plumbing work.  Please do not backfill anything that was left open.  We are waiting on special fittings, connectors and conduit.   There now is no water along the hydrant line in front of the gas engine building, sawmill, track, and the Oasis. The water line under the stationary steam building has been disconnected so we won’t have to worry about filling the indoor swimming pool anymore.  
Hopefully, during this upcoming week, we can wrap up the trenches and get ready for the coming cold.  The new electric service will be the next trenching project yet this year. 

If anyone has any questions feel free to give me a call

John E. DiSante 
717 203 3849
Although email is an excellent form of communication, there may be times when I cannot respond in a timely manner, Please do not hesitate to call if it is of an important nature.  

Greetings Volunteers!

How about this weather! Looks like another good weekend to get things done. The large gas engine guys I'm sure will be out as usual to take advantage of the warmth. If any of the other groups will be out, jump in here and tell us what you need done before it gets cold and we're stuck in doors.  As usual the grounds guys need the corners & fence raked out so they can get at them with the leaf vac. I'll be busy here in Jersey but feel free to call if you have questions, 609-420-6639.  

Thanks Everyone!                                                                                            

Jim

12/3 

Greetings Volunteers!

We should have good weather for this last work day of 2015. There is a member meeting scheduled for 1:00, come out and see what we have planned for the upcoming year. In the morning, we will be exercising R&T's tractors, the steam mower brake system is still on the table in the shop, once it's freed new brake bands can be made up. John will be needing help with the water system project, & the gas engine guys will be doing their thing, extra hands are always appreciated. As usual, lunch is bring your own.  Rt 41 is now open to traffic.

 Thanks & Happy Holidays!
 Jim

11/26

Happy Thanksgiving !

If anyone needs an excuse to skip the Black Friday mess, I will be out at R&T cleaning up. The brake assembly has been removed from the steam mower, the adjusting rods need to be freed up & rethreaded. Now that the majority of the leaves are on the ground, gutters can be cleared, and of course raking out of corners where the leave collect would be a great help to the grounds guys. You may catch someone on the grounds Saturday as well if that is a better day.

Thanks, Jim

11/19

Good evening Volunteers!
This Saturday we'll be operating on the steam mowers brake system and rear steering cable guides. The grounds crew has the zero turn mower fixed up with a leaf vac & trailer, but they still need the nooks & crannies raked out & picked up. If you have the time, your help would be greatly appreciated. Help is also needed on the waterline project. As usual, rakes & lunch are BYO.

Thanks, Jim

11/12

Good Evening Volunteers!
This Saturday we'll be in the shop (hopefully) moving forward on the ?steam mower. The R & T Case needs the radiator pulled and R & T's 
John Deere "L" needs some attention. The gas engine guys are usually around and of course the leaves need to be rounded up.................If you can't get in, call my cell, 609-420-6639.

Thanks, Jim

Beware!

The trenches for the new water lines have been dug and may not be filled before Saturday! ?They are located across the drive from the Steam Museum to the Restrooms to the Flat Belt Machine Shop.

 

11/6

Volunteers,
It's November Work Day this Saturday at R&T. The gas engine guys could use some help with their projects (see note below). Leaf season is in full swing, bring your favorite rake & gloves. I don't know where we are on the steam lawnmower at this point, I haven't been in the shop to check progress lately. There are no more workday lunches provided, it's BYO until spring, the water has been turned off to most the grounds. Along those lines, there is a bathroom in the meeting room behind the line shaft machine shop & a porta potti behind the work shop available for use. If the main bathrooms are not off by now, they will be shortly. There is a board meeting scheduled for after lunch, stop in and see what's going on behind the scenes at R&T.

Thanks, Jim

A note from Tom Cochrane................
Gas engine guys are still Winterizing engines, if weather permits some painting can be done. Still need to organize the spare Cooper engine parts.
We plan on replacing the "Fire ring" on the 10" hot air engine over the winter. ?Over the winter we might install some lights and connect them to the General Electric DC generator in the main section of the building.

Tom

 

10/29

Good evening Volunteers!
 

This Saturday we'll continue to close up / clean out for the winter. The gas engine guys will be around and could use the help, see attached letter from Tom Cochrane of the large gas engine crew. Sorry to say the leaves are upon us, who needs the gym when you can come out and exercise in the fresh fall air..........you'll need to BYOR (bring your own rake) as R&T's have gone MIA. I don't know where we are on the steam mower, if nobody worked on it last week, see last weeks news letter for suggestions. I will not be out this Saturday, if you need to get in the shop to work on the mower, e-mail me back so I can try to make arrangements for you.
Thanks all!  Jim
 
Jim, there will be a couple of the gas engine crew working in the building covering engines for the winter and making sure the water is drained. If the weather allows we might clean and paint some parts. We want to start to organize some of the Cooper spare parts in the storage areas.

Tom Cochrane

Gentlemen,

There is no water at the northwest area (track, sawmill, farmhouse, kitchen, and steam areas). A leak popped up underground at the sawmill. There IS water at the hydrant outside the shop and at the west end of the Brubacher building. There is also a thrasher left outside at the fence along the campground. Chairs and orange safety fencing, out in the construction area, needs to be put inside for the winter. The fencing belongs above the men’s bathroom. The chairs can go inside the tractor building or in the Brubacher building in a corner out of the way.

Plans are to begin the water line and electric service installation the week of the 9th as the weather looks good so far. And help would be greatly appreciated.

And again thanks for all your help.
John DiSante

 

10/22

Greetings,
This Saturday is R&T's banquet. I won't be able to make it out to open the shop this or next weekend. If anyone is interested in working on the steam mower, please reply back to me so I can find someone to let you into the shop. The reel assembly has been removed. It needs to be freed up and greased, also the rod across the front needs to be straightened. The remains of the lift arm needs to come off to be mocked up and sent to the foundry. There are remnants of band brakes that need to be examined so new ones can be fabricated. Outside, hoses need to be gathered up and drained. Bay 9 of the bay building is a good place for them to spend the winter.
 That’s it for now, thanks!   Jim

10/15

Greetings Volunteers!

This Saturday we will be getting ready for winter, soon leaf season will be upon us. The shop will be open, on the steam mower, we need the boiler out of the frame, the mower off, the remains of the lift handle removed, and the fuel tank pulled and assessed. R & T's Case tractor needs the radiator pulled. I will be putting the lower gift shop and wagon shed to bed as well as some squirrel proofing that needs to be done.

You may catch a steam guy or two that might need help winterizing their machines. Lunches are done for this year, so BYO if you're so inclined. Welcome new members, just come out and jump in, there's plenty to do. If you can't get in, call my cell 609-420-6639. Be persistent, I might not hear it the first time.

Most of the gas engine folks will be out at Cool Spring for their fall show, so I don't think anyone will be in the large gas engine area this week.

Latest on Rt 41 closing at Atglen is October 20th....... Google maps for your best go- round, the official detour is ridiculous.......Cheers!,  Jim 

10/3 It runs! Tracy Merges, Frank Rowe & Kelley Peffley had it spinning on shop air today. It's still a little tight, & there seems to be a timing or valve issue in reverse. The jack shaft & jack bolts are free & re-installed. These guys did a great job today! Below is a video of the engine running! Jim