Over the past year, thanks to my dear friend Manley, I have started to dabble in yet another passion - trains. Thanks to the play-by-play I used to get about the fixing up of Engine #9, I finally decided to show up at the shop in St. Jacobs to take a look at this marvel that was being rebuilt for passenger service.
It's hard to believe that my mechanical inclinations were resurrected a year ago and that I now head over to the shop from time to time to help out with various tasks such as monthly health and safety inspections, as well as some maintenance work on the trains that are at the shop in St. Jacobs - including Engine #9.
My hands have gotten dirty, I have climbed great heights up to the top of the locomotive in order to work on the boiler of Engine #9 (much to the amusement of the old geezers who quickly realised that I have a serious fear of heights!), and I have learned and refreshed the mechanical and electronic skills required to keep the trains moving.
My rewards? Bragging rights among the friends who have no clue what trouble my shop buddies get me into. The chance to be of service. The chance to connect with the shop buddies and learn new things. Manley, Carl, Steve, Irvon, Jim, Norm, Charlie, Kaitlyn (15 years old!) - and numerous others who I have worked with over the year - have all added another dimension to my life. My trips to the shop may be few (due to obligations, and cost of gas) but I am proud to be one of the gang when I do show up.
And now to complete the making of the new safety inspection sheet that I have taken on :)
In the meantime, here are a select few photos that I have taken in the past year...
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| Yes! You can't take the YOGI out of this girl!! (Taken in St. Jacobs - Thanksgiving Day 2012) |
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| The Crew... Hard at work keeping the consist moving... |
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| Engine #9... Enjoying the Thanksgiving Day 2012 Excursion |
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| Family Day 2013 - Engine #9 celebrates 90 years! |
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