CTM-ONLINE   NEWSLETTER

   Oct. 1st Edition    

 

Web-Stats for Sept. '08 - 6094 visitors downloaded 30,299 pages - (431,588 hits) - [definition of statistics here]

(stats quoted for the combined; ct-trolley - ceraweb - ceraonline)

SEPTEMBER's TOP ELEVEN

VIEWING COUNTRIES

United States - 5gb

Canada - 292mb

Great Britain - 25.15mb

Australia - 22.6mb

European Union - 22.03mb

Netherlands - 9.29mb

Italy - 5.68mb

Japan - 3.29mb

Chile - 2.55mb

Belgium - 2.37mb

Malaysia - 1.50mb

 

 

NEWS ON THE ON-LINE

Select the article - or scroll down

 

 

 

 

 

TEAMWORK AND A LITTLE HUSTLE AT THE CTM

 

As a result of excellent planning and support from our Members, the
Substation now has two new Safety Switch power panels for the "West
Domestic" and "East Domestic" 120V/240V power feeds throughout the
Museum. These are the critical parts of the substation power network
that feeds our buildings, snack bar, fire museum, alarms, etc. This
"fix" also solved the problem of the 2 track circuits at North Road
showing "occupied" even when there were no trolleys present.

We completed the removal of the antique power panels and installation
of the new power panels in 3 hours as we had promised to minimize
impacts to Museum Operations on a very busy day. The power was back on
around 10AM for the Snack Bar, etc. to handle multiple bus group
charters. (When I looked in the Snack Bar coach, there were NO
available seats and people were in-line waiting.)

We also repaired the ceiling lights inside the substation. Ben will
order some spare special 30V 6W panel light bulbs for the main panel
(for the Traction and Signal Power), and a few 240V indicator bulbs to
be used in the Green and Red power indicators above the substation
building entrance door on the outside.

In addition, we replaced the defective pushbutton on Track 2 keystation
(Tim L. -- you lucked out... Ben found a good used one), and we fixed
the problem causing the Red signal at 19E, which was due to a bad
aerial cable conductor; not an easy problem to fix.

Ben had to climb several poles after we figured out exactly which one
of the many cable conductors had failed. (I remember when I was the one
who did the pole climbing and Walter used the meter, did the testing,
and the yelling. hmmmm...)

Thanks to Carol and the Operations staff for working around the various
problems while we diagnosed them and got the parts to make the repairs.

Also, Thanks to Bert Johanson, John Arel, and Ben Wallace for good
planning and for sticking to our game plan so we had the job done and
the power back by 10 AM as promised. Today reminded me of many other
well planned and well executed projects that our volunteers have been
doing during my 38 years as a Member.

Today, many of us were impressed and glad to see a group of 8+
Hallmark volunteers painting the windows and doors (green) outside the
VC building, working on gardening, etc.

Despite difficult problems, the Museum IS moving ahead fixing,
cleaning, painting and RUNNING.

Well done!

Al Goff

 

 

WELCOME ABOARD

A warm welcome and a sincere thank you are extended to these new volunteers - however long they may wish to lend their talents!

 

(alphabetical order)

 

            Michelle Burnham

             

            Duanne Gallo

             

            Sarah Moreau

             

            Theresa Regan

             

            Connor Spain

             

            Melinda Williams

             

            Shanice Williams

             

STUDENTS

We offer an interesting and satisfying way to collect those Community Service Hours

that are required for your graduation. Serious “players” only…

 

Contact “The Carol” for more info;

czenczak@ceraweb.org

 

 

 

 

 

Got the urge to be at the controls of a "time machine"?

 

Guest Operator Program

 

Cost: $55.00

 

As "Guest Operator" you will experience two, hands-on (YOU are the exclusive motorman), round trips between North Road Station (Isle of Safety) and Wells Road with some preliminary time given to verbal instruction and safety considerations.

 

Included is a one year “Individual Membership” in the Connecticut Trolley Museum. If you wish to upgrade to a “Family Membership”, the cost would be $70.00.

 

If you desire, you may include, at no additional costs, a limited number of family/guests (4 total) in a ride-along so that they may share in your unique Motorman experience.

 

Payment should be made in the CTM Giftshop where the pertinent information will be taken. You will then be contacted by one of the CTM's Certified Instructors and a compatible date and time can be arranged.

 

Interested?

 

Please contact the Museum for additional information...

Tel;   (860) 627 6540

Gift Shop; giftshop@ceraweb.org

 

 How about a gift certificate - a great idea and so easily done

 

 

 

 

 

 TRACKLESS TROLLEYS and BOSTON’S ARBORWAY LINE

 

An in-depth look into the history of one of the prime movers

of the Massachusett Transit Authority (MTA).

 

Mr. Paul Joyce has put together a terrific article along with a few

“oldies” photographs for our “on-line newsletter” readers.

 

The CTM has three of these critters discussed; #8483, 8488 & 8494 on the back '40 lot, at the moment, in somewhat less than pristine condition, awaiting restoration.

 

Click on the header for some interesting reading

 

 

The WW&F Narrow Gauge RailRoad

 

We recently asked Mr. James Patten, webmaster of the WW&F web site, if he would care to put together a synopsis of his (favorite) RR for our CTM "online-newsletter" visitors. He has graciously done so on very short notice.

 

This is a Maine (USA) narrow gauge railroad that is growing each year in length and membership. I believe that you will enjoy his narrative and the many great photographs. Select any photo on the WW&F page to view the enlargement.

 

Joe S /CTM online editor

 

Click on the header to view the article

 

 

 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO SELL

 The Connecticut Electric Railway Association, Inc. will make available for sale

on the Internet's E-Bay, selected items of significance with the proceeds to be used for the continued operation and maintenance of the Connecticut Trolley Museum.

[Special E-Bay location found here]

 

  

Their new schedule should be online very soon. Check them out Click here for directed email