Revisiting 81528

[Tom Kepshire]

On my way to Indianapolis today, I stopped at the Indiana Transportation Museum to see an old friend, Caboose 81528. I was part of the second restoration crew that rehabbed it for the 2007 Convention. I found the caboose in great shape and it still rides good. 

[George Lortz]

Tom,

Good to hear that #81528 is still in good shape.

The original restoration of the caboose took over three years time.  Ray Stokes was our forman in charge and we worked exclusively on Saturdays over those years.  Some of the main folks involved in the original restoration were Ray, Terry Hand, Mike Albert, Steve Potrzebowski, Ed Lewnard, Del Forman, Bob Schultz, Don Brooks, Craig Presler and yours truly.  I probably have missed a few.

Every time we thought we were almost through, another major problem would be discovered.  The straw that almost broke the camel's back was when we realized that the roof at both ends of the caboose had to be replaced.  Bob Schultz came to the rescue and gave us on-the-job training in heavy-duty sheet metal work.

Craig Presler has taken over the on-going painting and lettering job of the caboose.  We have had some good and bad times doing that job.

We couldn't keep the momentum going after #81528 was finished.  We were hoping to start on transfer caboose #81515, but we ran out of enthusiasm.

George L.

[Tom Kepshire]

Craig and I spoke at length today and he did admit that 81528 is the best looking and riding caboose they operate. A testament to the Shops and our restoration efforts. I must get the plaque back from Chad Boas, who was supposed to mount it inside the caboose, that we had made to remember Ray and the original work done.  I will follow up on that.

[Ryan Rybarczyk]

I got some shots of #81515 today - will post them once I get them off the camera.