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Thursday, July 21. 2011B&O Boxcar Update - July 20, 2011Boy it was hot - triple digit on the thermometer (in the shade) and there was no SHADE! Heat index topping 110.  North Door So what did our intrepid team of volunteers choose to do? Work with the acetylene torch on repairs to the B&O boxcar. The north door opened reluctantly and had suffered decades of use and some bent areas, causing binding. By getting an early start, Gerry Dettloff, John Faulhaber and Victor Humphreys tried to beat the worst of the heat.  Guide Gerry is heating a door guide on the right side which had been knocked inward at some time in the past. Then John and Victor would attack the cherry red steel with tools to straighten and reposition the offending items. Several small adjustments were made, and the door can easily be opened and closed by one person now!  Rivets Since the torch, tools, and crew were already out, they were convinced to start on some of the needed carbody repairs. Deteriorated steel sheeting will be replaced and in this case it was riveted to the car frame. Gerry is heating a rivet head to burn it off. Then the rivet stub is pounded out to allow for cutting away of the steel sheet. Did I say it was hot? Tuesday, July 19. 2011Nebraska Zephyr schedule to Rock Island, IllinoisNebraska Zephyr Schedule from Union, IL to Rock Island, IL: Depart Illinois Railway Museum at 7:45am, west to Rockford, arrival approximately 9:45am. Depart Rockford, IL at 10:00am, South to Davis Junction, arrival approximately 11:10am. Depart Davis Junction at 11:20am, West to Savanna, no ETA after this point as other rail traffic is unknown. Track the progress of the Nebraska Zephyr via GPS. All schedules subject to change without notice. Tuesday, July 19. 2011Monday, July 18. 2011Steam Report - July 16, 2011Work on the 1630, our Frisco 2-10-0, started before 9:00 AM on Saturday. We began by removing two nuts from the threaded rod, at the front of the petticoat, that helps to hold it in place under the smoke stack. After looking at the two side rods on the petticoat, and the one behind it, near the tube sheet, we determined that we would need to cut the threaded rods. It was decided that attempting to remove the nuts from the rods would be too difficult and time consuming. To cut the rods, straps were dropped through the smoke stack, looped, and attached to the boom on Glenn's truck. A four by four piece of white oak was pushed through the loops in the straps to hold the weight of the petticoat once the threaded rods were cut. After this was finished, the petticoat was lowered onto a wooden platform we placed over the blower nozzle. Wood was used as cribbing so that the straps and four by four could be removed. At this time, the top portion of the petticoat, which is separate, was removed. Once all this was done, the boom was moved to the front of the smoke box and reattached to the petticoat which was lifted out of the smoke box and stored. +++++++++++++++++ The bottom of the smoke box was cleaned up. This was done so that
junk would not fall down the opening once the blower nozzle was
removed. Again, the boom on Glenn's truck did the job nicely and we
stored the blower. A wooden cover was made for the hole in the floor of
the smokebox so no one would put his foot in it or drop tools down it.
In front of the tube sheet were three sections of metal plate acting as
a baffle, to protect the superheaters from cinders. Once again, it was
determined that cutting the nuts off would make the job a lot easier.
Once this was done the sheets were removed, tagged, and stored. Work
then began a numbering the superheaters so they can be removed for
testing. +++++++++++++++++++++ While all this was going on, Cameron and Phil removed the brick
from the firebox of the 1630. The bricks were taken to a boxcar for
safekeeping. ++++++++++++++++++++++ In the coming weeks, we must remove the lagging and jewelry items form the 1630. We are a few weeks away form pulling tubes. Work will also restart on removing rivets and staybolts form the portion of the firebox that must be repaired. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Work also was done on the Shay since not everyone could work on the
1630. The plan is to remove the trucks so new springs can be put on
them. Mike and Jim separated the u-joint between the water tender and coal bunker. Bob G. crawled between the two and disconnected the draw bar and brake rigging. An attempt was made to separate the tender from the engine, but it wouldn't budge. At this time, we are looking at ideas to
accomplish this. Next week, the u-joint at the front of the locomotive will also be taken apart. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In addition, Bob R. and Stu continued working on the brake rigging
for the Lackawana car. This task, of course, done at the request of the
Passenger Department. A fine example what can be accomplished with inter departmental cooperation.
NOTE: Sorry for the odd formatting but I must have made this entry ten times and for an unknown reason the software will not accept carriage returns or formatting for paragraphs.
Monday, July 18. 201145 Years of Operations - July 16, 2011 Tom Sharratt Photo Yes, it has been 45 years since the first operating cars appeared at IRM. This Tom Sharratt Photo from September 1967 depicted nice late afternoon tranquility, surely an artsy mood shot. We ran from a small side platform west of Olson Road, complete with flower bed, and sold transfer like tickets on the car. This evokes fond memories, when life was in many respects simpler and the future lay before us. The car is TM 972, and yes, we are underway with a plan to return the car to operation. Many restoration tasks have been completed, with the next big project to replace the wheels. Donations are needed and appreciated to Fund RTMS. Please help. Sunday, July 17. 2011News and Views - July16, 2011 Its an ALCO We will start with a few views of diesels being moved and exercised to the staged area for the diesel Parade of Power. Wow - this 1959 locomotive has been restored to operation after 15 years on the property! No wonder ALCO's were often referred to as honorary steam locomotives as this unit demonstrates the belching black smoke typical of an ALCO with turbocharger 'lag'.  Trolley Favorite Illinois Terminal 1605 was also seen moving for the first time in many years after substantial repairs to the electrical system.  North Shore Line 757 John McKelvey was again at work inside Barn 4 doing more reupholstery for this electric car.  Wagon Top Victor Humphreys adds more primer to the 'A' end of the car. I helped some by cleaning more roof areas for primer before the sun came out and the heat was too brutal to continue up there.  West Towns 141 Frank Sirinek hands Mike Stauber a wrench as Mike is prone below the car end. They are hanging the fender (people catcher) in that cramped space.  More Step Stools Jim Windmeier was inside the shop with his son, Tom, as they near completion of the second batch of six new replica step stools to be used on our railroad.  CRT 1797 Tim Peters continues to show amazing progress on this wood el car. The roof areas are about done, prepared and ready for new canvas. The letterboards have been repaired and see the first coat of finish orange paint. Most of the car side windows have been removed as repairs are made to the posts and car sides.  New Old Wood We continue to pursue obtaining salvaged and recycled wood for use in our restorations. Tim is examining a recent pile of boards on this cart. Pricing is very reasonable at about a buck a board foot for wood that is many times more expensive - if you can find it all.  What Is It What type and specie of wood is it? This load of timbers came from a barn in southern Indiana and likely were locally grown and harvested varieties. Are any of you near IRM and have some expertise in identifying these samples? We have a pretty good idea on two of the species, but would like to get more input before committing funds for purchase. Friday, July 15. 2011 |
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Comments
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!!!!!!!
Sun, 05-05-2013 18:53
Ah yes, I have made such Jibs myself. If it were me, I would add in each corner an angled piece from the base to the Jib to act as sway bracing. [...]