The Silver Lining...

Some good news to report. FRRS member and friend of the project Bob Sims has offered to cover the 165 restorations outstanding debts, a very generous gesture on his part. In the mean time the Board of Directors continues to look for additional funding to get the project back on it's feet.

Some projects that are not cash-dependent will continue, such as fitting out the tool car, and general cleanup, etc. will continue. Future work days will be announced once funding is arranged and we are ready to get back to work. - Chris Allan

Work on hold.

Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I must suspend activity on the restoration of WP locomotive 165. This is for a number of reasons, chief among them the lack of funds at this time. As you know, these twice-yearly gatherings have been quite productive, but also incur a substantial cost to the organization. We could meet to socialize, and do a few minor things on the engine, but I do not wish to waste anyone's valuable time and money or the organizations for all to come up to Portola just for that. Also I really do not want to take another 10 years to finish this project up.

Past fundraising efforts have been good, but the "big money" never has come in for us. The current political situation with the Board election is taking up a great deal of time and cash at the moment. Hopefully when everything settles down, one way or the other, we can secure the funding necessary to take the locomotive to completion. 

My personal life is also in flux with family obligations, as well as getting ready to move back to Northern California next year. 

My apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. I appreciate the enormous effort put in by everyone, and I hope that soon we can get things moving again!

All the best,

Chris Allan