Thomas E. Scott Jr.
Dave Mann's work at the Monticello Railway Museum will be felt for a very long time. He joined the Museum in the early 1970's and hit the ground running. Dave was involved, among other things, in trackwork and helped MRM push construction of the Terminal trackage North to Blackers. He was also heavily involved in retrieving the 70# rail, ties, and other former Illinois Terminal track materials from Maroa. This material was used to build the Terminal Division track from Rankin to Blackers, including the passing track there. The material was also used to replace 56# rail from Camp Creek Yard to the Terminal side display track switch, as well as to construct both display tracks – all of which remain in daily service today.Dave Mann's timely loan to the Museum enabled it to purchase the adjacent ICRR branch line from Monticello to White Heath, the trackage we now call the Central Division. Purchase of the Central Division was a quantum leap in the development of the Museum.One thing I particularly recall is how meticulous Dave was about everything he did. Probably a result of his work as an aircraft mechanic at A.E. Staley. For obvious reasons, aircraft repairs have to be right the first time. He did a fantastic rebuild/restoration on the Museum's Ferguson tractor, which the Museum used for everything from grading the parking lot to loading coal in the steam locomotives. And he could crack a funny joke at almost anything. The Monticello Railway Museum has been very blessed with having the right people join as volunteers at just the right times. Dave Mann was one of those people.