Milepost 212 Volume 5 Number 1 - Spring 2000                 Page 1

"Welcome Back My Friends, To The Show That Never Ends," Ladies and Gentlemen, is a borrowed progressive rock line, to usher in NCRL's Excursion Year 2000. I sincerely hope it is a safe and fun year for all that participate. It's here for all of us to enjoy.

Enjoy we must, but first, a little business is at hand. With this issue, once again the editorial duties have been passed on. I would like to thank Scott Janz for his effort in the past on putting the newsletter together. Apparently, he has better things to do on a vacant Friday night. Also, Pat Rock, has better things to do every night, with the restoration of his new estate near Amherst. He has helped with the mailing/postage aspect of this letter, and like it or not, will continue with it till I can get my feet running with this. Many thanks, to you both, Mike Paul, and for others, for putting the effort in on keeping us posted over the years.

The wrong place at the right time, is the best phrase on stating how I got here as editor. My name is Bob Schoneman, and I'm relatively new to the operational side of things. I've wanted to assist NCRL for some time now, and hopefully we're on the right track here.

First and foremost, the newsletter is here for YOUR benefit. Use it. Please feel free to contact me. Motorcars1@Juno.com is my E -mail address.

Pat Rock was the pioneer regarding the NCR web page. This is a media asset that we intend to grow with, and use as another informational tool. Thank you Pat for your efforts as past web master at large. Assuming Pat's duties is Jim Kalrath, who has been working hard to bring us the latest E-tech advances. The NCR web site address is as follows: http://www.whrc-wi.org/ncr . Jim's E-Mail address is: swrg@att.net . Make sure you update the site address. We both welcome your comments on our efforts in keeping members and readers alike, informed and entertained.

I apologize for errors and omissions, of which I'm going to make a few now. Those of you who have spent the time to make personal web pages, which have motorcar related specific material, please let us know. It is another way in seeing just what people have, outside the excursions. We would like to mention them here, and on the web site. I know there are a few of you out there. For example Scott Janz has made strides in his sight. Take a look and let us all know what you think.
His site address is www.homestead.com/puttnut/index.html. Follow the links.

On behalf the officers and general membership. I would like to take a minute to welcome all new members into NCRL. We had some new riders and visitors on our last excursion, and I hope this newsletter sheds some light on what NCR is about.

Not too many people have track maintenance equipment sitting in their garage, so learning about these things can be intimidating, but fun. NCRL's membership, in the past, has always been eager to assist in guiding new members toward a better understanding of motorcars. We have a mixed bag of individuals; from people who just like to reference line side, to those who knows their cars as good as, or better than Fairmont, the original manufacturer. Feel free to speak up, ask questions. I've only asked a million and one questions, and people still wonder if I've learned anything. Remember, there are no stupid questions.

Another goal of this Milepost 212 issue is to refresh, and further expand upon NCRL policies and principles. I have included along with the excursion announcements, a Policy Reference Book, Annual Mtg. Minutes, a Survey Sheet, and an article about meet fees. All these are geared to address questions and concerns heard from (the rails), so to speak. I urge members to take part of the survey, and read the minutes, (they are not as dry as one may think).

Excursions are just down the road, and it may pay to review your motorcar pre trip check list, and check the car over. Dust off and review the NARCOA Rulebook No. 4. Review and retest yourself occasionally on these to see if your up to standard. It may just save a accident; remember Safety First.

EXCURSION GUIDELINES

All motorcar operators on NORTH CENTRAL RAILCARS, LTD (NCRL) must be NARCOA members, have a NARCOA rulebook exam certification card, have a NARCOA approved insurance card, and must be in accordance with NARCOA Book of Rules No. 4

Additionally, all motorcars must be equipped with automatic brake lights, and the wheels should be locked when in the brake lever is in the first notch position. All motorcars may be subject to a complete inspection the day of the excursion. Double check your pre-trip checklist. Among items we can improve upon ( having them in cars ) in the past have been fire extinguishers, proper towbars, and first aid kits.

Persons registering Hy-Rails must comply with special insurance requirements as outlined in the article, " Hy-Rail Insurance Coverage" page 8, of the MARCH/APRIL issue of THE SETOFF.

The railroads do not sponsor the excursions that take place on their property. These railroads specifically disclaim any responsibility for injuries or damage sustained by anyone on account of such excursions. The standard NCR refund and cancellation policy will be in effect for all excursions ( enclosed ).

EXCURSION UPDATES!

The WSOR- Milton to Waukesha, WI trip scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2000 has been SOLD OUT!

Excursion information regarding the Wisconsin Central Railroad, National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, and EL&S is included in the Annual Meeting Minutes portion of this newsletter. As of press time, there is no information regarding LS&I. We'll keep you posted, through Milepost 212 Issues, or special announcements, and the web site respectively, on changes, if, and when they happen.

Excursion Announcements

Join us on Saturday, April 29th, 2000 as North Central Railcars along with the US Army Armament Munitions Command and Olin Corporation host what may well be the final motorcar excursion at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant near Baraboo, Wisconsin.

As recent news reports have indicated, the Department of the Army has officially retired the Badger facility and the property is now awaiting disposition by the Federal Government. Last year's motor car excursion was expected to be the last opportunity to ride at the plant, however since then the Federal Government has granted a one-year delay before disposition begins and plant management has graciously consented to operation of one more motorcar excursion. Take this opportunity to see this unique installation one more time by rail and to exercise those motorcars after a long winter's storage!

We'll assemble no later than 10:00 A.M. at the main parking area next to Highway 12 and then as a group pass through the main gate where plant security will check off each person entering against the pre-registration attendance list and ask each vehicle driver to sign in. After set-on and a brief safety check, we expect to begin our rail tour of the plant at approximately 11 A.M.. Total travel distance is expected to be 25 to 30 miles with a return to our starting point no later than 5 P.M.. Please note that safety regulations do not permit smoking materials of any kind within the plant limits. No additional fuel outside of the main tank can be carried on our motorcars. Lunch will be picnic style at a convenient stopping point.

• Due to lack of maintenance and deterioration of the rail plant in recent years, this trip will be limited to 20 motor cars so register early!

Cost will be $25.00 per motorcar. NCR refund/cancellation policy applies. Before registering for this excursion you must have your NARCOA insurance and operator's certification card! All motorcars must have automatic brake lights.

Please make checks payable to North Central Railcars.

All registrations must be in the meet coordinator's hands no later than April 22, 2000 (one week prior to the excursion) so that a finalized list of those attending can be forwarded to Badger plant security well before our arrival. Sorry, but there can be no exceptions to this requirement!

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Company

Spring Green to Prairie du Chien, WI Saturday, September 16, 2000

Once again we'll traverse the western reaches of the WSOR on this popular run to the Mississippi. This line has many rural scenic and historical qualities through the Wisconsin River valley and western farmland, that one does not want to miss. A must for those unable to ride last time, and still a real treat for return operators and visitors.

It is expected that this run will sell out quickly, so be sure to register early! NOTE THE REGISTRATION TIME GUIDELINES. Cost is $95.00 per motorcar, and this excursion will be limited to 25 cars. Approximately 120 miles round trip. NCRL refund/cancellation policy applies.

REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEGINNING JUNE 1ST. To register for these excursions, send name, full address, and telephone number to: Craig Bluschke 10916 Spring Creek Road Blue Mounds, WI 53517-9633.

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