July 2014

monvalleyadmin July 10, 2014President's Message

Wib Caldwell

The Presidents’ Message – July 2014

Greetings:    Jeri and I trust you had a good 4^th of July with your picnics and fireworks with family and friends.

 Last Saturday (June 28^th) we had good weather and a good time as we day toured through some rural areas and Mingo Park of Washington County and a visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The Museum has come a long way since its inception, preserving and restoring the trolley heritage.

 July is a quiet month for us with no tours having been planned. But August is much different with 3 activities scheduled. Please see our schedule for details on these activities. One tour which is being changed is the September 7^th Waffle Rock tour. It is going to be held on another future date and instead we are going to have a joint get together with the Northern Panhandle Region, this was suggested last spring and details will be coming shortly. Again check out the schedule from time to time for updates.

 The Board and I would like to encourage you to use our new website, if like me  you are not sure how to access something on the site, ask Dave Tomasic (our webmaster) [email protected];

 I think by now every one is aware that we (Jeri and I) are the proud owners of a 1919 Model “T” Touring Car. Well I had a driving (learning) lesson by the “T” Master Skip Seaton, and yes on the first time out ran out of gas. I wanted to get that out of the way early on, so now I can say I have run out all 3 cars of gas. Made the last two tours, several evening rides, and even took my uncle on a ride for his 92^nd birthday July 5^th.

Broken Reversing band

I was aware Saturday that the reverse band needed adjusted, I was having difficulty backing into the barn. That was okay, it was scheduled Monday to go to Skip’s for adjustment and check out prior to going to Boone N.C. Saturday for a week long “T” tour. On the way to Skips on Monday on US 40 and Rte 43 there was a loud bang, a lot of noise, we abruptly stopped. The trailer was sent for pick up. Later it was discovered the motor was locked up. Skip and Bill proceeded to pull the motor and it was found that I had blown up the reverse band (picture), but the motor was not locked up and appears to be okay. Tuesday we found a new transmission in the Columbus Ohio area and we left to pick it up as well as order a few parts from Snyder’s. We believe all the parts are in now and tomorrow (Thursday) we will start to reassemble (picture).

The “T” is powerless

Now we will see if it can be completed and useable and ready to leave Saturday on tour. To be continued.

 Safe Travels;

Wib