When SF Fageol-Twin 614 arrived at IRM last year, every one of its windows was calked shut. During these hot days, this made it uncomfortable to work inside the coach to say the least. Yesterday, Richard Schauer and I rectified that situation. Using a knife and a small screwdriver, we spent the day working on removing the caulk. We were able to get all but two of the windows open. Those two stubborn ones have minor damage to their window tracks that should be easy to address in the near future. This allows us to move forward with the cleaning out of the coach. In the afternoon we spent a couple hours over at the Diesel Parade – I shot video for the August episode of IRM-TV and Richard took stills for the September issue of Rail & Wire. I’ve got to hand it to the Diesel guys yet again – GREAT SHOW!!!! Hats off to Jamie and all the guys who work year-round on the locomotives to get them in the shape that they are in.
This weekend was dedicated to cleaning out the interior of LA Brill 8002. Richard Schauer, Wally Unglaub and I worked a makeshift fireman’s line, lugging the stuff to the front of the coach, then moving it all out the front door to the staging area beside the coach, finally to the final storage place to await reinstallation onto the coach. As with the other coaches from OERM, there was dust EVERYWHERE!!! We not only battled this when removing the parts, but sweeping the coach out afterward was a new adventure in dustiness.
Another very productive weekend in the TB Dept. Richard Schauer and I started yesterday (07/03) by pulling out the LA Brill. We cleaned and organized the area around the coach’s spot, including some of the big components that are destined for it. We then wyed the coach and pushed it back into the garage. This will allow us easier access to work inside. Today (07/04), Richard and I pulled out 4 coaches to be included in the annual Trolley Pageant and lined them up on Central Avenue just east of Depot St. This year the pageant moved back to the carline, so we were able to be included. Nick Kallas inserted the coaches in logical breaking points in the pageant – between rapid transit cars and work equipment, between electric locomotives and interurbans, etc. We arranged the coaches in ascending age order. Richard started us off by operating the Seattle M-A-N 4020. After Nick’s dissertation about the coach, Richard went to Railroad Avenue, turned north, then parked the coach diagonally near the end of wire. The coaches stayed there on display until the parade was over. I followed with the Edmonton BBC 181, Wally Unglaub was next with the Chicago Marmon 9553, then Richard returned to finish up with the Chicago Brill-American 84. We then returned the coaches to the Andersen Garage. All in all, a good weekend!
Comments
Sun, 05-19-2013 22:13
Hello again. I had an idea that was (somewhat rudely, mid-sentence) dismissed in talking to a museum volunteer a few years back, but here it goes [...]
Thu, 05-16-2013 21:52
Looking good Bob! I hope to come out soon once I'm done with school.
Wed, 05-15-2013 21:28
I was not around at the time. General discussion suggests that it was "pretty marginal" in a number of areas. Nigel
Mon, 05-13-2013 11:08
"THUMBS UP!"
Fri, 05-10-2013 02:15
No, it will not be necessary to hold any of the work waiting for the plow to be turned, end for end. Weather will be the major factor, but there will [...]
Thu, 05-09-2013 19:54
The CGW X-38 plow is really coming to life. Bob Kutella and Vic and crew need to be very proud of your collective efforts. I am very appreciative of [...]
Thu, 05-09-2013 15:20
The snowplow looks great! Are you going to apply the door and upper windows befor it is turned to continue work?
Thu, 05-09-2013 09:09
Max, Is there any progress to report yet, in regards to the installation of the poles and overhead wires? Have a good day, sir.
Wed, 05-08-2013 18:40
Thanks for the update! I still don't understand why Commonwealth #5 was removed from service. Do you know why?
Tue, 05-07-2013 09:28
Mr. Kolanowski.....I was just wondering if the Spaulding webcam will be up and running soon for us stay-at-homes. Thanks!2FP
Mon, 05-06-2013 23:04
Max, Has work begun yet on the construction phase of erecting the poles and putting up the wire? Wish I could be there to watch it happen.
Mon, 05-06-2013 23:02
Keep up the good work, Bob. Wish I could be there to help!!!!!!!