Dear Pioneer,
It never occurred to me that people would need to learn how to write letters just the same as you or me. They take to lots of things so well, I just thought it was one of those things they were built knowing. It’s not that the volunteers here weren’t nice about it, they’re just busy with other important work that helps everyone at the museum, not just me. The days we write the letter together are always a highlight, but I also know that the days the volunteers inspect the interurban cars or work in the trolley garage are highlights for the other stock here too. It’s important that everyone gets the time and attention they deserve. And when it’s not my turn, I can always sleep.
It’s easy to take mine and the Goddesses’ abundance of free time for granted now. Remembering being in service with only as much downtime as the schedule allowed, I can’t think how we used to get by without sleeping for days at a time. If 2903’s trains were as frequent and tightly scheduled as the Zephyrs’ were towards the end, I can understand why he’d use your slow season to catch up. It’s nice of you to let him do that too. Can you at least whisper to U-505? What do you talk about?
You must have a lot of volunteers and guides to get fifty trees taken down so quickly! We can get wires hung and track laid as fast as you like, but it requires a lot of effort and everyone working together so we can’t do it all the time. The Art Fiesta sounds quite lively, especially if there’s singing and dancing! I expect your visitors will be surprised and delighted to find art at their science and industry museum. I would never have guessed that your exhibits change so frequently, but I suppose industry is also always changing, so it makes sense that the MSI has to keep pace.
As for being the only diesel here, I don’t mind it so much. That I’m here despite not being or doing anything particularly special means that there almost certainly will be more diesels preserved in the future, whether they end up here or at places like the MSI. Because it’s just me, the IRM can’t really show off how we’re different from steam or electric power right now. That might change if we were to get some new arrivals, especially if they just retired. It’s a little exciting to think about, if I’m being honest!
More immediately exciting is that March means we’re officially open for the season! Illinois Terminal 415 has been doing regular circuits on the loop since reopening. She’s an old hand at this (being the first car to actually run at the IRM all the way back in 1966!) and the visitors love her for it. I’m always amazed at the versatility of our interurban fleet. The cars are so small, but just as robust as any railroad engine. 415 didn’t even complain about the heat during her first run of the year when it was nearly 80 degrees out, which made her unique among the cars that I spoke to that day.
And with that I’ve started an argument on my own train, so I’ll leave it there. Hope it’s not so hot by you!
Your friend,
Pilot