Hello, it is my great pleasure to announce that metal work has begun on Scranton Transit #505. The car body has been taken to AES LLC, a fabrication shop in Mertztown, Pennsylvania. Workers have squared the shell and are now replacing any damaged structural supports as they breathe new life into our 1929 Osgood Bradley. As we move into the start of 2016, new platforms will be constructed and the original side sheets will be repaired as necessary. All paint supplies have generously been donated by Sherwin-Williams, so expect to see her in color as soon as time allows.
In financial terms, we have raised 120k of our expected 350k restoration budget. We have been able to track very well financially with our progress on the car, and the response from the community has been encouraging. Our current goal is to maintain momentum so that we can contract for woodwork upon completion of the metal fab. We have launched our own t-shirt design which we are selling through a non-profit ebay account in a bid to reach more supporters who cannot visit our museum gift shop. Items not yet offered online include ornaments and art prints.
For those who have not heard of our mission, the 505 will be restored to operational condition and will be used regularly on the excursion track of the Electric City Trolley Museum. She will join car #324, the only other Scranton passenger car known to still exist. Our Association is registered as a 501(c)(3) educational non profit, and of course your donations are tax deductible. Please visit us at ectma.org
Thanks,
Rocco A. Genovese
Manager, Project 505 Capital Funds Committee
