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Staying
"above ground" and "vertical" one day at a time!
Contents
of the "About the Curator" Tab:
The
Springer Softail
Carport
Expansion
Motorcar
Storage Track
Motorcar
Excursions
The
Motorcar Fleet
Retirement
Activities
Model
Railroading
Ocean
Cruises
Faithful
Companions
2005
Harley Springer Softail
 
  
FOR
SALE
I
have decided to sell the last of my Harley Davidson motorcycles.
The 2005 Harley Springer Softail originally cost $22,176.87. I
upgraded the bike with a custom short windshield, custom seat
with backrest, sissy bar and luggage rack, custom chrome chain
and rear sprocket covers, chrome rear brake cylinder, custom exhaust
system, new tires (only 25 miles on them), new battery, polished
front brake caliper, and numerous other small chrome parts. I
still have all the parts that were taken off the original bike
in case you want to restore the bike to the original configuration.
I have receipts for all parts and the maintenance record. I have
changed the fluids every 500-600 miles, never driven the bike
in the rain, and kept it stored in a climate controlled garage.
For the last six years I have driven the bike about 200 miles
a year. This bike went out of production in 2006. Price is $10,000
or best offer. I also have a man's and woman's leather jacket
woman'leather jacket, two helmets and new (never worn) leather
chaps whic are included with the bike.
The Curator
I grew up in Connecticut
until I moved to Iowa to attend Iowa State University where I
earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. I taught high school science
for three years in Iowa before becoming a full-time beekeeper.
After running 1200 hives of honeybees in southwestern Iowa for
several years, I entered the Air Force and received a commission
as a Second Lieutenant in 1980. I spent the next 28 years serving
in the military as an officer and civil servant. On November 9,
2012, I decided to finally retire and start working to obtain
the necessary funding to expand the museum.
I have been a "collector"
since early childhood. This passion has grown and expanded through
the years. I initially collected railroad tie date nails, a collection
that now exceeds 25,000 nails dating from 1900 to 1980. I has
also managed to amass over 4,000 bank notes from over 200 currency-issuing
authorities worldwide. Eventually, I expanded my expertise by
collecting marbles, lithographs and engravings, oil paintings,
handmade bottles, antique Harley-Davidson motorcycles and spark
plugs. My personal collection of Anchor Hocking items presently
exceeds 15,000 pieces of glass, over 400 boxed sets, 75 glass
mold sets, 250 wooden patterns, 500 blueprints, 25,000 pages of
glass advertisements, and 500+ catalogs. The entire collection
is now on display in the Anchor Hocking Glassware Museum in San
Antonio, Texas. The museum will not have regular hours so the
collection will be available only when the author is home.
Now that I have 20 motorcars,
a sickle mower, and a hydraulic crane, I built a facility to protect
the cars. I recently installed a 14,000 lb. capacity car lift
so that motorcar maintenace would be much easier.
  
With 19 motorcars, I have purchased
numerous new old stock Fairmont motocar parts that I needed to
store, so I enlarged and enclosed the west side of the carport.
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I was lucky to find original
Fairmont motorcar parts which
included new roofs (complete and frames only for M-9, M-19, MT-14,
and A-cars), windshield side mounting brackets, 15 pairs of new
aluminum lifting arms, front and back panels, new windshields
in the original crates, Fairmont sound absorbing sheets, and Onan
starters.
  
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On subsequent trips, I was
able to purchase four complete sets of cast steel wheels and
thousands of Fairmont parts that came directly from the company's
warehouse. The parts included aluminum side panels for the M-19,
M-14, S-2 motorcars, roof ends needed to make new roofs, and
a myriad of structural rails and supports.
  
  
On another trip to Granite
City I found more heavy metal red fussee/torpedo boxes, countless
drive, idler and rear sprockets for single and double rowed chain
drives, 3 new transmissions, and buckets of transmission gears
and assorted parts (washers, shims, bushings, shifter forks and
shifter rods). I had to modify my trailer to haul the myriad of
parts.
  
I think I have purchased the
majority of the motorcar parts I need from Brown's in Granite
City, IL. On this last trip I found 50 rear access boxes for MT-14M
motorcars, 14 NOS transmission cases, NOS bell housings for CCKB
and B48G engines, assorted frame rails, and windshield side panels
for MT-19s, MT-14s and S-2s.
SPECIAL NOTICE
The
motorcar parts originally listed in this tab have been permanently
moved to another site dedicated solely to motorcar parts. The
new site, PHIL'S MOTORCAR PARTS,
can be found at https://www.philsmotorcarparts.com.
Carport Expansion
Due to the increase in my
parts inventory, I am going to expand the east side of my maintenance
area to accomodate the additional parts. I already ordered some
of the support beams, plywood and rebar for the project. I dug
the holes to secure the posts before the concrete slab is poured.
  
Once the forms were up and
the rebar installed, a contractor poured the thick concrete
slab. While I am at Brown's getting another motorcar and more
parts, the concrete will cure and harden. Upon my return, the
construction of the roof, walls and storage shelves will commense.
  
The expansion is progressing
well. Three walls are up and the roof is on. Now I just have
to shingle the roof, add insulation and siding to the walls,
and install the end wall. I purchased the materials for the
shelves and will complete them shortly. Once all the parts are
organized, I can continue the restoration of several motorcars.
  
  
The roof is finally done
and the shelves have been installed. Now I am busy organizing
the parts so I can create a database and price list for the
parts I plan to sell. Some items, such as the brake rods, were
difficult to put on shelves, so I hung them in brackets on the
wall. I have purchased so many parts that I had to start stacking
them on some motorcars, even motorcars I restored and have yet
to run on the rails. In July 2019 I built a second set of shelves
for small parts and a large rack for heavy A-car longitudinal
channel beams.
  
The vinyl siding done, the
storage shelves have been completed and almost all the parts
and motorcars have been purchased from Brown's Railroad Equipment
in Granite City, IL. Overall, I spent over $85,000 at Brown's
buying 9 motorcars and the majority of their NOS Fairmont motorcar
parts. Generally, if I found a part at Brown's, I bought all
of the stock available since most of the parts are no longer
produced and not available anywhere else. I was also lucky to
purchase heavy steel storage racks after the auction.
Motorcar Storage
Track
  
Due to the large number of
motorcars that I have accumulated over the last five years I
have run out of room. I decided to construct a storage track
in the lot where the majority of the motorcars and all the parts
are located. The large platform will be used to support a lift
for removing heavy items from motorcars undergoing restoration.
It may also be used for a place to erect a paint booth.
  
I am now modifying the fence
to install a gate. The first step is to install the posts which
were held in place while the concrete hardens. with the concrete
hardened, I put in the pressure treated stringers and cedar
face boards. The final step is to install a gate and remove
the old fence over the tracks.
  
Because I have to work alone,
I had to prop up the gate while the hinges and cover boards
were installed. Once that was done I put in a suspension chain
to support the excessive weight of the gate. With the gate finally
done, I started to move motorcars onto the storage track.
  
The deck around the rails
is so handy that I decided to extended its length. I laid the
new wood out in the sun so the pressure treated lumber would
dry out.
 
I finally decided to install
a walkway down the center of the tracks. This will give me a
platform for jacking motorcars up while providing a smooth surface
for moving other equipment around the property.
Motorcar Excursions
Save
on shipping charges for motorcar parts: I will transport
parts (large and small) to the run location free of charge if
they are paid for prior to leaving from Texas! I have done this
in the past for large roofs, 16" wheels and other assorted
parts.
2024 Motorcar
Excursions
Cumbres &
Toltec Scenic Railroad - Chama, New Mexico
  
  
The Cumbres & Toltec
Scenic Railroad excursion was an extremely demanding run for
motorcars because of the altitude and steep grades. This was
the first time I ran the A-4D motorcar that I bought in Kansas
last year. Overall, I was pleased with the motorcar's performance.
Unfortunately the car developed a major water leak in the lower
portion of the radiator. Because of the weight of the car it
was impossible for any other motorcar to tow me. Rather than
risk a real catastrophe and possible delay the railroad's passenger
trains, I decided to remove the car and go home. It wasn't a
total loss since I was able to run the motorcar for 80 miles
and discover any problems that needed my attention.
Colorado Pacific
Rio Grande - Alamosa, Colorado
  
  
The Colorado Pacific Rio
Grande Railroad excursion proved to be a test of both men and
machine. The weather changed drastically over the course of
the event. The first day it was cold with scattered showers.
The next day it started out gloomy. As we went up the steep
grade to the La Veta Pass summit at Fir, the temperatures dropped,
the wind picked up and the snow got deeper. The railroad escort
had to stop repeatedly to remove large boulders from the track
as we descended to La Veta. Eventually, the sun came out and
you could see the peak of Mount Blanca near Alamosa. The railroad's
newly painted units were waiting to leave La Veta on Monday
with a loaded train bound for Alamosa. The railroad provided
a first-rate excursion experience!
Farmrail System
- Clinton, Oklahoma
  
  
The Farmrail
System was another great excursion. Normally we go south the
first day and west the second day; however, because of severe
weather moving in from the south we reversed the order. Unfortunately,
some people decided not to run and some left after the first
day. The Sunday run only included five motorcars. The weather
was perfect as we passed through some unique rock formations
and a town full of junk cars south of Clinton. As always, the
railroad provided a friendly, well orchestrated excursion experience
for the best motorcar excursion value of the NARCOA season!
2023 Motorcar
Excursions
Farmrail System
- Clinton, Oklahoma
  
  
The Farmrail System had another
great excursion. This year we ran north on a line that hadn't
seen an excursion in 6 years due to extensive bridge work. I
ended up pushing another motorcar for several miles and then
we hit the high ballast. That motorcar ended up shearing off
the center bearing support on the rear axle. As a result, I
towed the motorcar almost 65 miles back to Clinton. The next
day the weather was gorgeous and the 8 remaining motorcars headed
west to the end of the line. The drought conditions that plagued
Oklahoma this year were clearly evident by the low water levels
in ponds, lakes and streams. Overall, the Farmrail excursion
was well organized and the Farmrail staff members were excellent
hosts for the group!
Red River
Valley & Western Railroad - Lamoure, North Dakota
  
The excursion on the railroad
was plagued by intense winds. The day before the run a ballast
train arrived in Lamoure. The railroad had laid ballast in numerous
places throughout the system. The excursion was completed on
the second day and then we travelled to Britton, South Dakota
for the remainder of the run.
Dakota Missouri
Valley & Western Railroad - Britton, South Dakota
  
This year the weather was
beautiful and it didn't start raining until after the excursion
ended. Once again the winds were intense but the run was a complete
success.
Palouse River
and Coulee City Railroad - Colfax, Washington
  
The excursion participants
were faced with low temperatures and humidity. The run was rather
uneventful and very relaxing. Most of the fields had been harvested
except for some colorful areas with yellow canola blooms. On
the second day of the excursion, we stopped to attend a city
festival.
  
The city of Colfax police
department has a terrible reputation. I had been in town for
less than 30 minutes when I heard someone pounding on my motel
room door. There, in the doorway, was a cop with a citation
book in his hand and his hands on his hips. I had parked about
1 inch over the white line on the side of the road. I was told
to move the truck immediately before he issued me a citation.
I drove around and finally found a parking space about a block
away. One the last day another cop was busy rousting another
participant who had parked in the same space as I had. He too,
was over the white line and had to move his truck. I searched
the internet and to my amazement Colfax, Washington is noted
for speed traps and unfriendly police. Luckily, I don't have
to ever go back to Colfax!
Ontario Northland
Railroad - North Bay, Ontario, Canada
  
  
The first and last day of
the excursion were perfect: blue skies, warm temperatures and
no wind. The other days the weather turned cold and rainy. This
year we travelled far into Quebec where one motorcar suffered
a clutch disk failure. Unfortunately the clutch couldn't be
fixed and the railroad had to tow the motorcar for over 400
miles. Once again the excursion was well planned and the railroad
personnel provided outstanding support!
The Motorcar Fleet
Fairmont A-4D (4-Cylinder
Ford Engine)
This is the
newest addition to my motorcar fleet. This Canadian National
A-4D was purchased basically for parts and not restoration.
The motorcar was moved to San Antonio and disassembled.
I bought a 2-ton hydraulic
engine hoist to remove the major components of the motorcar.
Now that I have the hoist I can finally install the diesel
engine in my MT-14L narrow gauge motorcar that I bought several
years ago.
Fairmont A-3 (4-Cylinder
Ford Engine)
This motorcar
is a Sante Fe A-3. I wanted the outside frame to make a mobile
lifting device to move engines in and out of motorcars. Once
I take the outside frame off the motorcar I will attach four
wheels so the device can be moved easily. The rest of the car
is basically complete and equipped with a 1.6 liter Ford industrial
engine. This motorcar is a great candidate for restoration.
Fairmont A-4D Narrow Gauge
(4-Cylinder Ford Engine)
This is the newest addition
to my motorcar fleet. I purchased the motorcar and covered
trailer in Kansas. I sold the trailer and had to do the transfer
in the nearby Walmart parking lot. Soon after bringing the
car home I removed the radiator and had it recored. I then
thoroughly cleaned the "crud" off the engine. The
wood floor behind the engine was replaced with aluminum diamond
plate. The battery cables were replaced, a 250 amp cutout
switch installed and the ancient fuse panel was removed and
replaced. The wiring, ammeter, and one switch were replaced.
The three seats and two
large ammo boxes were removed from the motorcar. This allows
easy access to the fuel tank and battery. One ammo box was
placed on the passenger side of the car next to the driver
for tools and assorted parts. The extremely small steps were
replaced with large, fold-up steps on both sides of the car.
LED lights and an overhead channel to hold the radio and dome
light were installed. The hose from the air cleaner to the
carburetor was replaced thereby eliminating the old hose with
numerous holes.
One of the biggest challenges
was fixing the upper hose between the engine and radiator.
The connections were seriously out of alignment. The original
hose was so severely crimped that there was little antifreeze
flowing into the radiator. Using two 90 degree copper bends
and three pieces of heater hose the obstruction was eliminated.
I decided to remove the
custom tank made by the previous owner. I installed a stainless
steel 10-gallon tank. With the old tank removed I added a
10 micron filter and cut a hole in the floor so I can change
out the rearend oil. This motorcar was originally a maintenance
nightmare!
Beaver Motorcar (Onan CCKB)
The Beaver
motorcar was hidden away in a conex at Brown Rail. In May
2021 I was finally able to purchase the motorcar and start
the conversion for NARCOA compliance. I recently installed
windows but I still need to add seats and a tow bar. This
motorcar is unique because the original powerplant has been
replaced with a NOS Onan CCKB engine, NOS Fairmont transmission
and duplex chain drive. Since the motorcar was built it has
never been driven on the rails. Like the red MT-14L Tomah
cab motorcar I also bought at Brown's, I will have to remove
the mouse nest from the engine.
Fairmont A-4D
(3-Cylinder Lister-Petter Diesel)
  
  
The A-4D was the first motorcar
that I purchased. The car had been overhauled by the previous
owner so the only improvements I made was to add an intercom
system and new console. Eventually the pedestal seats from my
Tomah Cab car were added to this car when the suspension system
was installed in the other car. This year I purchased a set
of cast steel wheels and the original heater. This spring I
installed a new clutch, cast steel wheels, new radiator vibration
isolation mounts, a new radiator core and rebuilt the original
heater with a new core and fan motor.
Fairmont A-4D
(2-Cylinder Mitsubishi Diesel)
  
The motorcar was in really
rough shape when I brought it back from Florida. I had originally
purchased the motorcar for the diesel engine only; however,
when I got it home I decided it would be a real challenge to
restore the motorcar to running condition.
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The A-5E restoration project
is well underway. The chassis has been cleaned, straightened,
and repainted. All the bearings in the transmission and rear
end have been replaced. The radiator fan, fan belt, clutch,
and alternator are new. The old wheels were discarded and new
wheels installed along with new bonded brake shoes. The radiator
core was replaced and the inlet and outlet were moved to match
the engines specifications. The new decking, fuel system and
wiring completed the restoration. Eventually, I replaced the
engine injectors and injector lines, and upgraded the motorcar
with new cast steel wheels.
Fairmont MT-14L
Standard Gauge (Kubota Z-600 Diesel)
  
This car is an unrestored
example of an Ontario Northland MT-14L with the Kubota Z-600
diesel. I really didn't need another motorcar but I couldn't
resist buying a car just as it came from the railroad. This
will join my two other ONR cars with Kubota diesels once the
winter ends and the snow melts.
  
The motorcar was tricky to
load. We were on a busy highway and on a blind curve. I had
to back into a ditch and between a tree and large stone pillar.
Luckily, I was able to line the trailer up with the motorcar.
The 9,000 pound winch easily pulled the car onto the trailer.
The all that was left was the 2,162 mile drive home.
  
I decided to convert this
motorcar back to the original MT-14L configuration. After the
roof and front of the cab were removed, I had the radiator recored,
the alternator rebuilt and installed new radiator hoses. Luckily,
I have all the parts for the conversion in my parts I bought
at Browns.
  
I installed an original NOS
MT-14L front and used 8 ft. roof panels to make a peaked roof.
I did retain the original rear steel frame. The plexiglass rear
window will be replaced with safety glass and the frame covered
with an aluminum panel.
The railroad originally
had a modified instrument panel installed; however, it did
not fit correctly. That panel was scrapped and a correct NOS
panel installed. The drive chain, idler sprockets and gas
tank were also replaced. Next on the list will be new gauges,
new switches, a fuse panel (the railroad didn't have a fuse
anywhere in the car), new wiring and lights. A large piece
of 1/8" aluminum was purchased and used to replace the
corroded steel back. After the window was cut out, the LED
rear lights and the turntable controls were added.
The motorcar
assembly is almost complete. Now I have to fit the wood console
and engine cover and then disassemble the motorcar for painting.
The motorcar was brought up to NARCOA standards complete with
a turntable audible alarm and warning light.
Fairmont
MT-14L Narrow Gauge (Onan Engine)
  
 
This motorcar was originally
sold to the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1975.
It was subquently converted to narrow gauge several years later.
In the coming months the original gasoline powered Onan engine
will be replaced with a brand new Kubota diesel; thereby eliminating
the problems associated with running gasoline engines at high
altitudes. I have a setup for a hydrostatic drive but I have
decided to replace this drive with an Onan Manual transmission.
I recently received the clutch adapter and bellhouse ring for
the final conversion.
Fairmont MT-14
(Kubota Z-600 Diesel - Hydrostatic Drive)
  
This motorcar has a Kubota
diesel but the drive is fluid (hydrostatic). Not many of these
cars were produced and information about the drive system is
very limited. I bought the motorcar for the diesel engine; however,
my plans have changed and it will be my next restoration project.
  
The original cab was removed,
cut up and land-filled. The deck was stripped and repainted.
The control console was repainted and fitted with new switches
and gauges. The motorcar contains a myriad of hydraulic lines
that makes restoration a real challenge.
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The center wood console was
made from solid red oak and red oak 3/4" veneered plywood.
The wood was assembled with stainless steel screws and then
stained and coated with outdoor polyurethane. The front of the
motorcar was assembled from new old stock Fairmont parts which
will be disassembled. painted and then reassembled.
  
The fuel tank had to be mounted
near the front of the motorcar because there was no room under
the console at the back of the motorcar once the battery box
was installed. The oil cooler was mounted in front of the radiator.
Fairmont A-4
(2-Cylinder Mitsubishi Diesel)
  
This motorcar was purchased
as a standby only. It has a Mitsubishi 21.5 horsepower S2E2
diesel engine like the A-5E shown earlier. The cab has been
fitted with a massive structural support that allowed the railroad
to lift the motorcar with a crane. Fold down footrests were
utilized to increase the crew comfort and capacity of the motorcar.
The motorcar weighs 2800 pounds.
Fairmont A-4
(2-Cylinder Mitsubishi Diesel)
  
This motorcar was purchased
as a standby only. It has a Mitsubishi 21.5 horsepower S2E2
diesel engine like other Canadian Pacific motorcars. We had
to use a crane to extract the car from a closely packed line
of motorcars in storage. It was loaded on my trailer with four
A-4E motorcar roof frames, cast steel wheels, and two M-19 roofs
still in the original Fairmont wooden crates.
  
Although this motorcar was
purchased as a standby only, when it was moved to the storage
track I started its restoration. I spent the first day removing
the majority of the old wood, wiring, and lighting. My next
task will be removing the pressed wheels and replacing them
with cast steel wheels.
  
  
Like most restorations I
do, I removed the radiator to have it recored. The alternator
was rebuilt and a new cooling fan and fan belt are installed.
  
I finally replaced the bent
axle and installed a full set of cast steel wheels and new brakes.
I replaced all the wood on the car and installed a new exhaust
system before installing the floor on the right side of the
motorcar. All the metal surrounding the engine had to be replaced
or constructed from scratch.
  
Finally, the
Canadian Pacific open car is done. I had to totally rebuild
the engine compartment and control panels. The railroad simply
used whatever they had on hand to maintain the motorcar and
often the repairs were slipshod at best. It is amazing what
new paint, switches and gauges can do.
  
I removed the rearend cover,
transmission, and clutch access cover and found the the parts
were practically new with no corrosion or damage.
Fairmont A-4 (3-Cylinder
Mitsubishi Diesel)
  
This motorcar has a Mitsubishi
33 horsepower S3E2 diesel engine. The cab has been fitted with
a massive structural support that allowed the railroad to lift
the motorcar with a crane. Unlike the 2-cylinder version shown
earlier, this car is all steel and weighs 3200 pounds.
  
I had not planned on restoring
this motorcar, but since I completed my other restorations I
began to restore this car. I had the radiator recored, changed
all the fuel, air and oil filters, and started to remove all
the paint. The engine started quickly even after nine years
of sitting out in the weather. I recently replaced the stamped
wheels with new cast steel wheels and totally rebuilt all the
braking system with new parts. Luckily, the cab is all steel
so I won't have to do much work to get it ready for painting.
Fairmont A-4 (4-Cylinder
Ford Engine)
  
This is an A-4D that was
used on the Alaska Railroad. It is powered by a Ford 4-cylinder
engine. It has not been modified since it was purchased from
the railroad. The motorcar has cast steel wheels, 4-wheel chain
drive and rail sweeps that are made of heavy steel blades for
snow removal.
  
We had to use a crane to
lift the motorcar from a closely packed line of cars and place
it on my trailer. Both the rear end and transmission could not
be actuated, so rolling the motorcar off the trailer in Texas
was impossible. I had to take the top off the transmission (four
speed with a reverse) and carefully unlock the shifting mechanism.
I also cut the old floor out to access the rear end. After several
hours of work, both the transmission and reversing rear end
were in perfect working order and the unloading could commense.
  
  
The rear end and universal
joint were stripped and repainted. All the wheel bearings were
repacked and the oil in the differential changed. Most of the
chassis has been disassembled. The radiator has been recored,
the alternator has been rebuilt and a new starter, muffler,
and drive chain installed. Luckily, I kept my motorcycle lift;
it makes the removal and replacement of the heavy cast steel
wheels manageable. Always replace all filters. Over time serious
deterioration may have occurred. The motorcar is powered with
a Ford 4-cylinder 134 CID industrial engine.
Fairmont A-4E
(4-Cylinder Ford Engine)
  
While I was in Granite City,
I purchased this motorcar for two reasons. First, the car was
basically complete and second, it was equipped with the mounting
brackets for a Fairmont turntable which I had purchased two
years ago and never installed in any of my motorcars. I bought
the turntable for my A-4D with the Lister-Petter diesel engine,
but it was too dificult to make all the brackets necessary to
mount the unit. This motorcar is also unique because the chain
for the four-wheel drive is exterior to the wheels. The brakes
are foot actuated not hand actuated and it is equipped with
a parking brake like an automobile. The purchase also included
brand new side and end panels.
  
I recently found and purchased
the entire side chain drive and cover for an A-4E motorcar.
The drive is rather ugly, but my goal in restoring any motorcar
is to keep the car in its original configuration. I was also
able to find a complete original Fairmont turntable made specifically
for the A-4E cars. I will have the hydraulic rams overhauled
before I install the turntable. The other challenge was finding
a company that could manufacture new drive sprockets to fit
on the wheel pedestals. Froedge Machine & Supply Company
in Tompkinsville, Kentucky was able to machine the necessary
sprockets.
  
I recently removed the original
pressed wheels and installed NOS wheels. Once that was done,
I added the pedestals, new sprockets, new brake blocks and brake
shoes. I removed all the wiring and started disassembling the
cab, one side at a time. All the cab parts will be replaced
with new parts purchased at Browns.
  
Now that the cab is removed
the alternator has been rebuilt, the radiator recored and the
top removed from the transmission and rear end to check the
gearing.
Fairmont A-6 (6-Cylinder
Ford Engine)
  
I resisted the temptation
and bought this Fairmont A-6 which originally came from the
Alaska Railroad. The motorcar is powered by a Ford inline six
cylinder engine and rides on 20 inch cast steel wheels. During
the restoration I will remove and discard the plywood doors
and sides made by the railroad. I was able to find a new gas
tank, four new shock absorbers, four new axle boxes with installed
bearings, and new body panels for the A-6 in the motorcar parts
I purchased from Brown Railroad Equipment Company in Granite
City, IL.
 
I recently drove to Eugene,
Oregon to pick up an original Fairmont turntable made specifically
for the A-6F motorcar. I also had the original carburetor rebuilt.
Fairmont A-4D
(4-Cylinder Isuzu Diesel)
  
I bought this A-4D motorcar
at the Brown Rail auction on 22 March 2018. The car is powered
by a 4-cylinder Isuzu diesel engine. This is one of the few
cars that I don't have to totally restore before it hits the
rails.
  
The Isuzu motorcar needed
little work to make it completely NARCOA compliant. I had the
alternator rebuilt, changed all the air, fuel and oil filters,
installed a new fan belt and fuel lines, sanded all the decking
to ensure the wood was in good condition, and bought 1/2"
aircraft grade aluminum diamond plate for the center floor areas.
I still need to upgrade the lighting and straighten the four
rail sweeps.
  
The radiator was removed
to have a new copper core installed. While it was out I replaced
the radiator mounts and all the radiator hoses. The front grate
was also removed to straighten the bent frame. Four new tail/brake
lights were installed and the rail sweeps completely rebuilt.
The old rusted hardware was removed and renewed with stainless
steel hardware. The required NARCOA tow bar was added to the
front bumper.
  
The next part of the restoration
is the replacement of the wood decking. Once the pieces were
properly prepared, the wood was stained and covered with polyurethane
for weather resistence. A new 10-gallon stainless steel fuel
tank replaced the original tank. The brake blocks looked good
at a distance, but upon closer examination, were cracked and
rotting. All the brake blocks were replaced when the cast steel
wheels were installed.
Improved Brake
Blocks for A-Cars
  
Over the years I have bought
several sets of A-car brake blocks. I have been frustrated by
the carriage bolts used to secure the hook assembly in the center
of the block. The carriage bolt will turn in an old block or
in a new block if you over tighten the nut and then try to loosen
the nut. I recently ordered eight blocks from Thunderhill Services.
When I expressed my frustration with the carriage bolts they
modified the hole to accept a square headed bold. This bolt
will not turn in the block. They also include square headed
bolts to secure the brake shoe to the block. This was how Fairmont
secured the brakes. Other manufactures put hex head bolts in
the square holes. I have had several bolts rotate in the hole
when trying to tighten or loosen the nuts. Thunderhill Services
(found on the NARCOA site) also coats the blocks with polyurethane
to protect the blocks from the elements. They are the best blocks
I have found anywhere but due to a death in the family the business
is currently not selling brakes and blocks.
  
The motorcar has been totally
restored and successfully tackled the 3.5% grades of LaVeta
Pass (9400 Feet) in Colorado. The railroad maintenance personnel
were so impressed with the performance of the motorcar that
they tried for two days to purchase the car from me.
Fairmont MT-14L
Tomah Cab (Onan Engine)
  
  
The MT-14L was originally
restored for the owner of Brown Railroad Equipment Company of
Granite City, IL. The restoration was performed by Steve Paluso,
the "Michelango of Motorcar Restorations". The entire
car was built with NOS Fairmont parts: new engine, transmission,
hydraulic turntable, floor and tunnel panels, console, wheels,
brakes, axles, gas tank, full vibration and sound isolation,
and other assorted parts. Everything was powder coated in dark
red, the owner's wife's favorite color. To ensure everything
was operational, the motorcar was taken on a twenty mile break
in run. That was the only time the car was ever operated. I
had tried unsuccessfully on many earlier trips to Granity City
to purchase the motorcar. With plenty of cash in hand, I was
able to strike a deal for the car and bring it back to Texas.
  
As you can see the entire
motorcar was built with NOS parts. I did have to relocate the
rail sweeps, add an electric fuel pump, and add a tow bar to
make the car NARCOA compliant.
Fairmont A-4D
(4-Cylinder Ford Engine)
THIS MOTORCAR
IS FOR SALE
  
On my 30th trip to Browns
in Granite City, Illinois I purchased three more A-4Ds and all
the belt car parts the company has. This car was used by the
British Columbia Railroad and has a unique full width front
window.
The BC Rail motorcars have
enormous twin fan heaters to keep the cabs warm. I bought two
of these cars from Browns because of this feature. The motorcars
also have large gas tanks which are filled from outside the
car and a battery storage compartment also accessed from the
back of the car.
Fairmont A-5
(4-Cylinder Waukeshaw Engine)
  
  
The BC Rail motorcars have
enormous twin fan heaters to keep the cabs warm. I bought two
of these cars from Browns because of this feature. The motorcars
also have large gas tanks which are filled from outside the
car. This motorcar has an outside and floor mounted battery
storage compartment. The motorcar has one windshield wiper motor
mounted in the center of the car. The engine is a Waukesha model
FC flathead.
A-4 Narrow
Gauge - (Diesel Engine)
I have decided to convert
a couple of my motorcars to narrow gauge. I am going to use
the chassis from the car above to begin the conversion. I have
already had two sets of front and rear axles machined. I am
using solid, one-piece front axles so I can make the motorcars
four wheel drive. All the steel hardware is being replaced with
stainless steel hardware.
  
Kalamazoo
Motorcar (4-Cylinder Ford Flathead)
  
  
This was another motorcar
that I purchased at the Brown Rail auction on 22 March 2018.
It is powered by a Ford industrial flathead engine. The car
has a unique drive system and both axles are secured to the
frame with a single leaf spring. The axle blocks allow about
1.5 inches of independent vertical travel. The motorcar was
parked at Brown's for about 20 years allowing a tree to grow
up through the frame.
Recently I started to restore
the Kalamazoo motorcar. The first task was to access the condition
of the drivetrain. The rearend had massive ring gears. The entire
unit had surface rust (easily removed) but nothing that would
degrade its operation. I was surprised to find out that the
main 3-speed transmission had curved teeth like the ring gears
in the rear end and was syncromeshed.
Fairmont M-5
Sickle Mower (Two Wisconsin ACN Engines)
  
Recently I purchased this
M-5 Series A Fairmont sickle mower to restore. The mower is
powered by two Wisconsin single cylinder engines. The mower
requires two operators, each operator controlling one sickle.
  
In May 2020 I drove to Tenneesee
to get the M-5 Series A mower. Unfortunately, the lower mower
assemblies hit the trailer ramps and after an hour of unsuccessful
attempts, we decided to lift the mower up and set it on the
trailer. On the way home I diverted to Granite City, IL to pick
up more parts from Browns. That was my 32nd trip there.
  
Many of the components of
the mower were beyond repair. The large center tank had to be
fabricated from scratch. The sickle arm braking system had to
be rebuild with all hardware stainless steel. The original wood
deck was totally absent and the replacement was made from weather
resistant Trex-deck.
  
The two Wisconsin ACN engines
required extensive rebuilding to make them operationsl. The
original engine on the left was restored to near mint running
condition as seen on the right. The engines have been installed
and now the final adjustment must be made.
  
The three drive
belts on each sickle have been installed and the mower is now complete.
Fairmont W64-A-1
Hydraulic Derrick (Wisconsin Engine)
  
I purchased a very rare,
hydraulically-powered W64-A-1 derrick with a 13 foot boom from
the Smythville Texas Railroad Museum. Between exposure to the
elements and local vandals, the derrick was almost beyond restoration:
however, the brakes have been replaced, there is new decking,
all the boom cables were replaced, the Wisconsin 9 h.p. engine
has been totally overhauled and new hydraulic lines purchased.
I just have to add hydraulic oil and connect the gas tank and
the project will be completed.
  
Fairmont Rail Cart
(EJ & E Railroad)
THIS RAIL CART IS
FOR SALE
 
I purchased this rail cart
and two axles at an estate auction in Northern Missouri because
they had cast steel wheels. The cart was extremely heavy so
I removed the steel decking, winch, axle supports and wheels
(about 650 pounds). I also repaired one end of the cart where
it had been rammed and the steel structure distorted.
  
I replaced the cast steel
wheels, painted the steel structure, replaced the steel decking
with pressure treated lumber and fastened everything down with
stainless steel hardware.
MT-19
I purchased a very rare,
brand new complete MT-19 enclosed cab that has never been on
a motorcar. This was eventually converted to an operational
MT-19.
.jpg) .jpg) .jpg)
  
I purchased this ATSF for
the rolling chassis for the motorcar cab shown above. In the
coming months, when space is available, I will strip the motorcar
down to the bare chassis and begin a complete restoration.
  
I stripped the AT&SF
MT-19 chassis and removed the B48G engine from the MT-14M so
they can be combined with the NOS MT-19 cab purchased from Browns.
These and NOS parts needed to complete the restoration will
be transported to Steve Paluso in California. The result will
be a new MT-19 that is powder coated, fully sound insulated,
with a NOS hydraulic turntable and 110 watt radio.
 
After driving 1775 miles
in two days, I finally arrived in San Jose, California. Steve
Paluso will begin the transformation of this NOS cab and parts
into an operational MT-19 motorcar.
  
The MT-19 had
a NOS hydraulic turntable installed. Because the powder coating
process required the parts to be heated to over 350 degrees.
the roof and back panels were replaced with thicker aluminum
which would not warp during the heating process.
  
The builder,
Steve Paluso, took the completed motorcar to the Niles Canyon
Railway in Fremont, California for a quick test run. As expected,
the motorcar performed flawlessly. The motorcar was taken to
the Farmrail System in Oklahoma in 2021 where it again performed
flawlessly. This is a testament to Steve Paluso's attention
to detail in building some of the finest motorcars on the rail
today!
Retirement
Activities
P-51 Mustang
Ride
I decided to live each day
like it was my last. With this in mind, I recently took an hour
flight in the P-51 Mustang pictured here. The flight, costing
$2200.00 for 30 minutes, consisted of 360 degree rolls, four-point
rolls, flying inverted, flying in very close formation with
another aircraft and the pinnacle of the flight was two simulated
bombing and straffing runs over Calavaras and Braunig Lakes.
The flight gave me a great appreciation for stamina and courage
of the pilots who flew these fighters in WW II!!
B-29 Superfortress
Ride
  
  
In early September I had
a ride in the bombardier's position in the B-29 Fifi. The bombardier's
position is the favorite position because it is in the nose
of the aircraft just below and in the front of the pilot and
copilot. The view was spectacular but watching the landing from
this position had my heart racing! The $1450.00 cost of the
flight was minor in comparision to the cost of operating this
aircraft: $2,000,000.00 a year!
B-17 Flying
Fortress Ride
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In March 2019 I took a ride
in the B-17 Flying Fortress. The highlight of the flight was
looking out the top hatch while we were flying. I had to remove
my hat and glasses so the 180 mph air stream didn't rip everything
off.
Model Railroading
During inclement weather,
I can always continue my fascination with railroads by operating
my HO model railroad (now under construction). The railroad
is designed to represent the New Haven Railroad's mainline with
overhead electrification.
.jpg) .jpg) 
2024 Cruises
Eastern Carribean
  
  
This was my third trip to the
Eastern Carribean. I went on the cruise to get my diamond bracelet
re-sized at the Rolex dealer in Nausau. The weather was perfect
with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. I look forward to my next
cruise during the holidays.
Panama Canal
  
  
The weather was perfect for
most of the trip; however on the last night we went through a
severe storm and all the passengers had to remain in their cabins.
On this trip I visited Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, Colombia, Panama,
Costa Rica and Mexico. The highlights of the trip were taking
a tour of Curacao by a bus converted to also cruise in the water
and riding both the Panama Canal Railroad and a narrow gauge railroad
in Costa Rica that was used to haul bananas to the port.
2023 Cruises
Eastern
Carribean
  
The weather was perfect and
the sunrises and sunsets throughout this cruise were gorgeous.
This trip we were able to stop at Half Moon Cay and enjoy the
sandy beaches and warm water. I did cross off another item from
my bucket list by going parasailing.
  
In Nausau I walked through
the streets and enjoyed the uniquely colored buildings. On board
everyone enjoyed the fabulous entertainment like the three lovely
ladies playing violins. I tried to resist buying another Rolex
watch but ended up purchasing my third watch with a black face
that made the numerous diamonds "pop"!
Western
Carribean
  
  
This was my
first cruise for 2023 and the first time on the Carnival Vista.
The interior of the ship had some unique features: the decore
of the dining areas and lighting displays in the gambling casino
and open "core" of the ship. Overall, the weather
was perfect with gorgeous sunrises and moonlit nights. The highlight
of the trip was visiting the turtle breeding center of the Caymon
Islands.
Faithful Companions
Unfortunately
I had to have Noel put to sleep because she had an incurable
neurological condition. I did have the pleasure of her companionship
for over ten years. She will be missed by all!
Life is great when you are
"owned" by a cat. This is Lovebug my faithful and
loving companion who
was rescued near Rosenberg Texas after being "dumped"
by the side of the road by some thoughtless person.
  
Lovebug is enjoying life
every chance she can! She spends the majority of her day sleeping.
  
Coyotes and wild hogs
living in the area pose a serious threat to domestic animals,
so Lovebug and Noel have an outdoor pen which they can access
through a elavated tunnel from the porch. I had to install a
custom made spiral ladder for Lovebug because of her advanced
age (17 years old). Lovebug
needed a companion so I adopted Noel from the Animal Defense
League of Texas. Life has definitely changed with two cats!
Trouble With
a Capital "T"
Early this summer a feral
cat decided to have a litter of kittens in my Ontario Northland
MT-14L motorcar. Originally, I only found four kittens. Several
days later I found another kitten inside my drained pool. I
put this kitten with the other four and continued to feed the
mother so she would stay with the five kittens. One night she
moved two kittens, then moved another the next morning. The
second night she moved the forth kitten but she would not take
the fifth kitten. I decided to bottle feed this kitten. I brought
it to the vet to get the feeding bottle and formula and make
sure the kitten was healthy. The kitten is so lovable and has
plenty of personality. The other cats are aware of her existence
but have ignored her for now. Life is certainly full of twists
and turns!!
  
Moose cuddles up to his moose
for comfort when she is in his travel box or relaxing in my
master bathroom tub. Unlike some of the people I know, Moose
appreciates my beard as a great spot to place her head for a
quick nap!
  
Like most cats, Moose spends
the majority of the day sleeping. How else can she get the energy
to totally destroy my bathroom?
  
For some reason all
three cats want to constantly lay in front of the computer to get some
attention.
 
Over the
years, everybody has learned to tolerated each other and get
along most of the time!
  
Noel loves to stick her
head in my slippers and take a quick nap if she can't find
a place on the furniture. Lovebug decides it is time to take
a nap after she is done inspecting my packing expertise in
preparation for a motorcar excursion.
  
Noel and Moose love to
sleep in the master bathroom sinks. If that doesn't work,
Noel can always take a nap on my office desk. It is often
difficult to work at the computer when Moose lounges on the
floor, Lovebug plops herself in front of the TV and Noel climbs
into my lap.
 
Trying to watch TV is always
a challenge when the cats are in the house. Luckily, Moose
can "chill out" by herself and not park herself
on my chest like Lovebug.
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