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Monday, June 21. 2010
Passenger dept Update 2010-06-21 Posted by Phil Stepek
in Passenger Car Department at
17:58
Comments (8) Passenger dept Update 2010-06-21ok ok i know I have not posted anything for a while. I really apologize. With the two large events for the dept (Memorial day and RPO weekend) added to the ongoing maintenance and work in Barn 3 and Yard 5 i just havent had a lot of extra energy when I get near a computer. I hope to add photos soon as well to document some of the work that has gone on Progress on B&M car, ATSF 2544, DLW structural work and CRIP ceiling repairs are all going on I have added the last report to the Board here as well. I hope it answers some of the questions. Feel free to ask if something else isnt covered . GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS Early season progress continues to take place We were able to support both the Memorial Day and RPO weekends with significant equipment, all inspected and repaired for season. Mike and crew were able to not only provide a seven car train for Memorial Day but actually managed to perform some significant repairs along the way, and still made the deadline. two cars had defective brake valves, and both were repaired. An advantage of this early season inspection is that the routine testing will be completed, and should prevent any "surprises" as we approach our annual visit from the Island of Sodor. We have been successful in completing conversion of two more passenger cars, DMIR 84 and IC 2804, from 32vdc to 120vac lighting. The change has created a much more visible interior for the cars, as well as reducing the electrical load for display. In addition, the blowers in 2804 have been routed through a transformer to allow for their use while the train is in revenue service if electricity is provided. We now are in position to have 14 of the 16 cars inside Barn 3 lit for display, and eight of these are now operating on 120vac lighting. Power demands are assessed for each car, and listed beside the breaker panel for information if needed. Besides the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars. They were cleaned and prepped in time for their use by the WW2 display folks and they seemed to have enjoyed the space. The first car is completely useable now, and the second car is lit as a passage, with expanded exhibit space now a very real possibility. We are now supporting Ray Bellock in his attempt to install more exhibits for the remainder of the summer. The ideas have included a Chicago Railroad Fair display as well as a freight traffic exhibit, and a possible expanded Railroad Mail Service exhibit to enhance our annual RPO event. The next project is to complete ceiling repairs in CRIP 2555 and then complete the vestibule and entry on the third DLW coach. With the budget approved, the wheel switch on the CRIP coach also remains a plan for this season. Within the limits of Barn 3, we are also trying to make the space more visitor friendly, rearranging storage and making an effort to remove inactive equipment and supplies. Yard 5 visitor path signs are in place, and seem to be improving the traffic pattern there. We await the script information requested from Roger Kramer to add signage to other cars in Barn 3 as well as on exterior display Standard safety equipment is now in place in all revenue units, including electric cars. Operating crews no longer need to locate and inspect safety equipment prior to use, In addition, success of the program depends upon monthly inspection to ensure proper placement. Further slight expansion of the system will be needed prior to Thomas but no problem with that goal is forseen. INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS DLW coaches (3) Changes are progressing , but not yet completed. Two cars are in service. Repainting of the roofs on the two cars in service was completed The third car is progressing in the repair of the vestibule, but is on hold until the car inspections are completed. The platform is in place, and the door and frame have been remounted. CBQ RPO 1923 The success of the RPO weekend leads to our intent to create a more active display within the car. We have acquired permission to use a Living history DVD produced at EIU, and have planned a method of securing the doorways to allow interior views for our guests during periods when no docent is available. ATSF 2544
The prep work for the second side of seats has continued. Seat frames are being prepared and the wall work nears completion, with paint work is completed, we now await the opportunity to complete the seat frames and reinstall them. Dover Strait Progress continues piecemeal, as reassembly of the lounge area continues. Corridor painting continues, and hardware installation also continues. B&M 3288/1094 No significant changes, beyond the continued progress. Part of the plan for summer includes the possible move of the car to a location where exterior work can be done. Yard 5 display The sleeper display has been open as planned, and interior function has been successful. We have altered some of the videos to support events at the museum, having creating several WW2 displays for Memorial Day, and we hope to have North Shore videos running for Chicago weekend in honor of 749 rededication.
Sunday, June 20. 2010
URTX 26640 Update - June 19, 2010 Posted by Robert Kutella
in URTX 26640 Insulated Boxcar at
05:39
Comments (4) URTX 26640 Update - June 19, 2010Today it was the 'Buzz Morisette Show' as he worked to remove the masks and taping on the new MILW heralds. The above two images show the start of the removal process and the result. There is still a lot of touch up to be done, but doesn't that look NICE? On to the south side for the start of tape removal. And we end the photo documentary as Buzz removes the last bit of mask from the second herald completed this day. Saturday, June 19. 2010Trolley Bus Dept. - 06/19/2010
Another productive day. Richard Schauer and I started by pushing the SF 614 to the front door of the Hoffman Garage. This allowed the battery compartment door to clear the coach next to it and allowed us access to install the brand new battery. Once completed we moved upstairs. Several weeks ago, Richard and I replaced the trolley bases on the roof of the coach. Today, it was time to replace the poles, which had to be done outside. The three of us mustered up the strength once again to push the back half of the coach outside the garage. The poles went on without too much of a struggle. While I took a couple hours away to video the 749 dedication (Nice job Gwen – you put on a GREAT show!!! The 749 looks FANTASTIC!!!!), Richard found two good retrievers, installed rope on them, tied the ropes to the poles and it was ready for action. After the dedication, we used the stinger to put power to the coach. After the inevitable troubleshooting, we were able to run it back into the Hoffman Garage. Richard has been slowly but surely replacing trolley rope on many of the coaches. Today it was the 4020. We still have a few more to do, but he’s made a nice dent in that little project.
Thursday, June 17. 2010
URTX 26640 Update - June 16, 2010 Posted by Robert Kutella
in URTX 26640 Insulated Boxcar at
11:02
Comments (0) URTX 26640 Update - June 16, 2010Let's start this entry focusing on the plug door on the north side. Roger Hugg is back in the area and helped with placement of some of the patterns for the lettering on the plug door Of course we managed to paint all this black lettering. How does it look? Newly uncovered photo evidence made us decide to add a MILW herald to each side. Buzz Morisette and Victor Humphreys are laying out the masks for the north side. Buzz has started to apply the first coat of red for the herald on the north side. The masks are applied to the south side of the car and Victor is lightly sanding/scuffing the white area which will soon see red paint. It doesn't take long for Buzz to move to the south side and begin painting the red areas. Thursday, June 17. 2010
GN 70104 Update - June 16, 2010 Posted by Robert Kutella
in Great Northern 70104 Three Bay Hopper at
10:51
Comments (2) GN 70104 Update - June 16, 2010There was good weather yesterday so much of the work outdoors resumed, on several fronts. John Faulhaber is tracing data for the GN hopper before we remove all evidence of the existing with sandblasting. We are reviewing all data documented so far, and scouring through layers of existing paint and crud to reveal old paint and letterring. The first solid evidence of the reporting marks and numbers are starting to show through. Victor Humprheys and John Faulhaber stand proudly before the area defining GN and 70104. There was no trace of this before their hard work and careful sanding. You need to be part detective, part research specialist, and part archeologist to suceed here. |
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Comments
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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