I thought I would update progress on RI coaches for Lincoln's birthday. The Steam Passenger Coach Department has been upgrading the interiors of the cars as time and dollars permits. The progress has been happening slowly over the last few years.
First, couple of pics show Shelly and Wayne repairing the ceiling in 2582. Mike and Ray assisted. The old ceiling panels were removed and new ones installed because of a constant roof leak that had developed years ago. That project happened in May 2009. The following year I repaired a number of loose screws from the seat brackets. Mark Hoffman took the pics.
That same year I decided to scrape off loose paint in one of the cars. Peeling paint does not create a good impression especially for the Thomas customers. I sanded the questionable areas, primed then painted them.
That same year I installed advertising car cards on both sides of the car. They were given to me by the late Julie Johnson.
April 20 2011 found myself again working on RI 2571. This time I was sanding, priming and topcoating the exterior window sills. I painted the entire length of the car. The last pic shows the finished product. The coach was ready for service. The last project has taken a long time to complete. It was started in the middle 80's by the late Jim Blower. He began scraping and priming the standee grabs but never finished painting them. The 2571 was placed in service before a coat of paint could be applied . I finally decided to take the time resand the 4 grabs and paint them. After replacing some screws and sandblasting a few small parts the results are pictured!
Other accomplishments on the Thomas coaches are left to Mike and Ray who diligently, every Spring, inspect and test the running gear, ie the brake system to make sure they are functioning properly. If you would like to help us just drop by some Saturday or Sunday for a chat. We will be glad to show you around.
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