M-1892 Fund
Over the years, the Rappahannock Chapter has been restoring many, many
items in their collection. A few years ago, work was started on
the four Maintenance of Way vehicles. The ex C&O motorcar M-1892 (ex-Chessie number 69681) was only cosmetically cosmetically.
During the partial restoration of ex-C&O M-1892, the car body was
stripped down, cleaned, lubricated, primed, painted, etc. All of
the wood was replaced and painted. What was not completed was the
replacement of the sheet metal front, roof and associated
framework The sheet metal front and roof are rusted beyond
repair. What prevented the operational restoration was that the
Lister diesel motor was seized. The parts for the Lister engine
are available but the funding is not.
It has become apparent that additional power is required. This is
especially apparent if we have problems along Deep Run Spur. This is
the spur off of the CSX (ex RF&P) mainline into the Spotsylvania
Industrial Park.
Because of the need for an additional operational power unit, the Board
of Directors voted to establish a special fund to improve the
operational capabilities of the Chapter’s “Little Yellow
Train”. These funds will be dedicated to the completion of
the restoration of the M-1892 motorcar and the construction of a
transfer table.
This transfer table will be utilized to move these heavy individual
units between the display track in front of the container and the
adjacent running track. The current method of moving equipment is
very labor intensive, time consuming and, needless to say, is not the
safest means for our members or for the restored equipment.
It is estimated that this project will cost the Chapter well over
$1,500.00. Since one of the main items to be worked on is the
M-1982 motorcar, this special fund is named the M-1892 FUND.
All moneys donated for these efforts will be documented
separately. Some funds have been received to date but they are
not enough to even order the required motor parts.
Please keep the Rappahannock Chapter in mind to assist with its endeavors. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
The Chapter was granted tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 status by the IRS and any
donation will be considered as a tax deduction. A letter for
tax-deductible contributions will be issued to each donor upon request.
Donations can be mailed to:
Rappahannock Chapter NRHS
P.O. Box 9088
Fredericksburg, VA 22403-9088
Please make sure to mark your donation as supporting M-1892.
