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Monday, April 9. 2012Wood Shop Update - April 7, 2012 Mystery Car I saw this unknown car on Track 41 as I was preparing to leave the Museum. Do any of you sharp eyed readers notice some of the characteristic spotting features?  Lift Pockets Earlier, back in the woodshop, Victor Humphries and John Faulhaber did a lot to ensure that all of the lift pockets got routed out in the nine new IC 3996 windows. Using a combination of a purpose constructed jig, and many clamps, the task involved much less setup for each window.  Tapped Out Eric Lorenz was drilling and tapping threaded holes in the window posts to allow subsequent installation of the window track assemblies. Recent posts have shown other volunteers laboring over those tracks. Lorne Tweed was also active on this project, doing window frame work and several other tasks.  The End Bill Wulfert and Tim Peters were installing new sheet metal panels on Chicago Rapid Transit 1797. Last year some of the original panels had been quickly painted and placed there for cosmetic purposes only. Now the new panels have been installed. Back to the mystery car. It is Illinois Terminal 415, the first trolley to be operated at IRM. For many years it has been the stalwart backbone of service for the public, serving many more years than for any previous railroad owner. We had an aggressive and perhaps optimistic plan to have the car re-painted over the winter, but a lot of things had to fall into place. As in any volunteer program that does not always work out perfectly. So in the above picture Joel Arendt and Dan Fenlaciki are up on the roof and applying a new coat of sealing gray paint. It will help buy us more time until the day the 415 can retire to some much needed maintenance, painting, and repairs. Monday, April 9. 2012Bureau of Forestry - April 7, 2012Our Buildings and Grounds Department, led by Dave Diamond, is just like maintaining the many functions found in our towns, villages and cities. Today the Bureau of Forestry volunteers were recalled from unpaid leave to work around the campus. Actually, our volunteers are unpaid whether on furlough or actively engaged in the work.  Damaged Goods For decades many have enjoyed the shade from a tree just north of our office. During one of the severe storms of last summer about half of this tree split off and was removed. Now it was time to finish the job.  Removal The first operation was to trim off any branches and there was equipment on hand and willing volunteers to load it into one of our dump trucks.  The Grand Trunk Of course not the railroad, but the remaining trunk was the last to stand. I think that is Tom Opolony up in the bucket. The crew continued through the day trimming trees, for example in the Depot Street Shelter area, and also in Electric Park. Do not worry about the 'employees'. Throughout the year you will likely see them engaged maintaining the buildings, campus landscaping, or working in the Streets and Sanitation Department, for Snow Command, or in constructing improvements throughout the campus. And do not forget the fleet of special equipment needed to do this work - keep it in good repair and ready for use on what sometimes is a moments notice. |
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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!!!!!!!