After the photo trains in mid-october, the railroad enters a somewhat dormant period prior to the Christmas Trains. As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fly, equipment is moved in for winter storage. The shops remain active as there is always repair work to be done, or special projects to be completed.
The first snow of the year piles a few inches on the equipment on display at McEwen.
With number 19 still under repair, work moves forward on equipping the Heisler with a snow plow in case it is needed for the Christmas Trains. Here we find Eric Wunz, Jim Grigsby, and Jerry Huck discussing how to mount the plow to the pilot.
A head on shot of the plow, a former highway unit, as it is getting fitted to the Heisler. The plow has been used sparingly in the past, usually with diesel switcher number 110.
The Heisler being switched out so that we can access equipment stored behind it in the shop. Note that all the brass work and jewelry has been removed for winter, and that the pilot steps have been taken off to fit the snowplow.
Diesel-electric number 720 is spending the winter in the Restoration Shop, and its a tight fit. It is hoped that this locomotive can be returned to service in the near future as it would be ideal for off-season events and snow plowing.
The plow has been fitted and given a festive paint job for the Christmas Trains. In the end, the snow wasn't deep enough to require the plow. Oh well, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
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