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More News from Commonwealth Coach & Trolley Museum, Inc.
Summer/Fall 2003

OCTOBER

Fall is starting off well at the CC&T. We have received another coach, a 1973 AM General that was formerly used by the Greater Richmond Transit Company. It was painted differently for some kind of promotion before getting the tan livery with the orange stripe and we are looking into the possibility of restoring it to the unusual scheme. Thanks to A.D. Weddle for the contribution and to Bruce Korusek and Freddy Donaher for the research effort so far.
 
We have also received a Volvo White Expeditor tractor thanks to Board Member Jerry Ayers. It runs well and is ready to assist us in moving equipment in the yard. It is a wonderful addition to the fleet. It is likely to become Recovery 1.
 
We have made an entrance ramp to  the third door at the Buseum and cleaned all the trash up that was piled in front of that door. This will enable us to move another coach inside and plans are to have the Roanoke City Lines GM oldlook 102 in that area. On that workday we had the able assistance of Lewis Hopkins whose brother Bill gave us use of his backhoe. We got some donated stone and have graded the yard so we have eliminated some of the mosquito pits! It really looks good and we are making progress.
 
In the last several weeks, we have removed the wheels from the 1976 Flx number 179. Freddy Donaher is restoring this coach and has done a masterful job on the interior. It is now time to look at the drivetrain and electrical components and ultimately get some roadworthy tires. The bus has been started again and went into gear both in forward and reverse.
 
We also got 3 wheels off the 1947 Mack to see what challenges we face on a potential long term restoration of this unit. It is tough getting these off as you might guess. Lewis is the expert and we are moving forward.
 
Speaking of 102, we have had the two front wheels sand blasted and they are back at Charlie Brown's for epoxy coating and installation on the bus. We will then try to get the other four wheels off and sand blasted before moving the coach to the new bay.
 
We have installed Museum logos on the RTS. It is in good running condition. We have had one seat redone, have new Charlottesville Transit Service logos on one side and it should be in service for all Fall functions.
 
As you can see, this is a busy time for us and we are making good progress. I want to thank our wonderful volunteers who show up regularly to work and give of their time. These are really special folks who want to make a difference in the Valley by using these old coaches to serve others. They are an inspiration to all who see them work to keep us going.
 

AUGUST

The 1958 GM old look was started August 2. When we got the new injectors in it started and sounded great. Thanks to an all day donation by Charlie Brown (pictured above) of Brown and Sons. Bev Fitzpatrick and Eric Alexie worked on the 58 all day as well. The front tires were removed so the wheels can be sandblasted and ready for better tires. When the batteries were hooked up, we discovered that the inside lights and marker lights outside are functional.

JULY

The 1982 GMC - RTS coach has made the trip from Charlottesville to the CC&T Museum. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this trip a success. A special thanks to Kenny, Ed, Bev and BT for making the trip. After a long wait, it's great to have it on board, and to find out that it's in such wonderful condition.