Dear Pioneer,
Wow! I had no idea that U-505’s Christmas story would be so… fragrant. Most Christmas stories I’ve ever heard have been about being together, but not usually so literally! It took a long time for our volunteer letter reader to get through it. When he himself wasn’t struggling to continue with a straight face, the Goddesses were making all kind of noise about it. From shrieks and gasps to stifled giggling, I think they enjoyed the story most of all. I guess passenger cars, similar to children, like it when things are a little gross. As for myself, I’m just happy U-505 was willing to share it with us. Please tell him “thank you” and if he wants to share any more stories (smelly or otherwise) my train and I would be delighted to hear them!
As usual, the winter months are an odd time for us. With no visitors, it’s a good time to get work done, but of course the weather never cooperates so it’s usually slow-going. The Steam Department wants to get Frisco working properly by the summer season, so there’s been a lot of noise from that side of the property. I’ve been told they’re entirely replacing her sheet metal jacket, so she’s going to look absolutely wonderful when the museum reopens in March. She’s still undergoing restoration, technically, but in the meantime she at least looks as operational as the steam department wants her to be.
I feel as though I’ve mentioned her ongoing restoration in all of my previous letters, but I’ve been assured that progress is being made, slowly but surely. I suppose it’s difficult with so many pieces of stock on the property to accomplish everything you want in a timely manner. She didn’t seem discouraged at all when we talked during Member’s Day, which is a good sign. She has a great disposition for preservation, so I’m hopeful this will be her year. I think the visitors would love being able to ride her train more often!
There have also been rumblings about getting some more streetcars running for 1975, including the Green Hornet who joined us in 1973 along with her sisters from the other museum. Just like the Steam Department though, the Car Department has been juggling multiple projects at once, so I can only remain hopeful for her.
All this, alongside the plans for a new barn which is due to begin construction this spring, makes it feel like everything at the museum is on standby. It feels a bit like idling at the platform, waiting for the moment we can finally start moving again. Venus says I’m being impatient, which isn’t something I’ve ever been told before. Silver Speed was always the impatient sort, not me!
That said, I am looking forward to your response, as always. Any engine would be impatient for that.
Your friend,
Pilot