Here is an update submitted by Roger Smessaert. It seems that the extent of the damage was far wider than we first noted, and there was additional storm related damage.
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Max T the IRM Electrical Czar called me tonight at 10pm from his motel in Dwight IL to give me a status report.
First, Max got the report that Tim Peters had checked voltage in barn 8 and found a nominal 600 VDC reading inside the barn (with the switch being blown open). Max felt that was alarming so he looked into it as soon as he could. The short story is.... yes the inside was alive at 600VDC. Max disconnected some tap wires and found the Track 82 NoBo section insulator had been punctured by lightning and was the source problem. To isolate the feed to the section insulator he removed the tip and tied the trolley wire back in the clear. If Track 82 is used you will have to hop the trolley wire past the insulator until it is fixed.
Max talked to Gerry Dettloff and they felt that a stinger could be used to liven any track needed to pull equipment in/out with caution of course.
Next the many transformer cutouts (fuses) were dealt with. Barn 6 & 7 are all closed and re-energized with service restored.
Barn 8 has several issues that require further repairs. Starting with the transformer bank, the lightning arrestor is shorted and needs to be replaced. The 3 phase transformer is burned out and requires being replaced. The transformer primary bushing was shattered (and scattered) by the lightning. The neutral conductor of the 3 phase service from the transformer to the lighting panel (via the service entrance cable) is annealed and requires replacement before service can be restored. The ground wire from the lighting panel to a driven ground will have to be replaced. It is also annealed and the diecast conduit connector to the panel board is burned.
See Jamie K's excellent selection of photos of the equipment damage at this link: http://www.irm.org/gallery/barn8damage-06232010 .
All in all a lot got done today. In addition to the above work on the barn outages. Max also restored the mainline signal system. A primary fuse on the mainline east of the sub was blown by the storm Saturday night. 65 amp fuse - possibly tree contact east of Karstens is the usual suspect.
And ALSO, the carline was reopened after the whacked steel pole on the S curve was straightened and anchored and the span wire re-attached.
Max reports he really enjoyed the day of troubleshooting the IRM multiple problems from the storm damage. He sure had a busy day and was very productive. He worked until 6pm then drove to his motel in Dwight, IL to prepare for a new week on his recent "real job" at Ransom, IL.
Roger Smessaert -reporter
Comments
Mon, 03-08-2021 13:33
Hey, as this concerns passenger cars, but what is the current status of the CBQ dome coach Silver Pony? It was last updated on in 2016, and is not [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 21:12
Hi Ethan The 428 has been worked on recently but the focus now is on the maintenance and repair on the 1630 and the Shay. This Spring we will [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 15:10
How is the UP 428 Steam locomotive engine is most done being fixed. OK Roger.
Sun, 02-21-2021 13:18
Hello Max The answer is Yes, the Dover will be used along with our other Pullman cars only in special event operations. When not in use [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:30
Hello Jim We will be operating the Dover this year depending upon its mechanical condition. I hope to use the car in display venue as well as in [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:24
Hello Kirk Hello, Yes the Dover is now in great shape. There are a couple of little projects to accomplish when the weather changes. I am [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 18:55
Will the DOVER STRAIT be operational for Museum trips
Sat, 02-20-2021 17:06
I’m really impressed with the wonderful job your volunteers are doing to restore this historic passenger car. Once the restoration is complete, does [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 14:02
It is great to see the work that Bob Hunter and Gene Macowiak started in the 1990’s. Great work done in finishing the two bedrooms and the buffet [...]
Fri, 02-19-2021 18:41
Very good article. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!
Tue, 02-02-2021 10:15
I know it is wintertime, and the Virus is making getting people in to do work is difficult, so in a few months, when it's warmer, would someone please [...]
Sun, 01-31-2021 14:37
Hello Jack Thank you very much We in the coach dept are working very hard to have these trains restored Thanks Roger