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Friday, May 11. 2012B&O Boxcar Update - May 9, 2012Spring is here and that means on good weather days, the Freight Department crew is at work in our outdoor 'shop'. Here is a sort of photo essay (not much text) on work this week, lots of participants and onlookers encouraged to learn and get a 'feel' for this sort of blacksmith work and tools involved.  Rust Out Gerry Dettloff is getting ready with an acetylene torch with Dick Cubbage and Simon Harrison looking on.  Cutting Some sections of the side at the bottom were badly rusted out. The first step here is to use an acetylene torch to burn off the old rivet heads. Gerry is using the torch and Victor Humphreys ready to help as needed.  Peeling The metal is being peeled back by Victor, Gerry, and Dick.  Next After cutting the rivet heads form the outside, shards of old metal siding and layers of rust are removed. Some additional grinding of the torched off rivet stubs might need to be done. Then out with the small sledge hammer and a punch pin to poke the rivet out the back.  The Stubs Not much left after the torching, but some medallions of remaining metal sides need to be peeled away, pried away, or otherwise coaxed to leave.  Punching Then on to the satisfying part of punching out what remains of the rivets. Sort of like an 'aggression therapy' session. Jim Leonard takes a turn. That entire section is complete. The next step is to fit and cut a new metal patch, drill it for placing new rivets, weld it in, grind, fill, paint - you get the idea. Friday, May 11. 2012TMS Project Update - May 9, 2012STOP THE PRESSES!  Wheelsets THE WHEELSETS HAVE RETURNED TO IRM! Recall that the goal of this project is to restore two operating streetcars to service at IRM. As they say on TV, do it big or go home. The wheelsets are back at IRM with new steel tires applied, and they look spectacular. Here is a short summary of the project to date. New steel tires were ordered and custom made, enough to apply to both streetcars. The trucks were removed from the TM 972 and extensively rebuilt. One truck has had essentially a total rebuild as we found badly worn pins and bushings in the linkage, rods, levers and brake systems. This was not something anticipated and was discovered after the trucks were being dismantled. What is one to do, stop everything? In the true IRM spirit we had to repair these items while the truck was out and disassembled. Such is the life of a restorationist. We could have had the needed parts custom made and waited until September for delivery and another six weeks to install them. Instead we made these ourselves in the machine shop, and heat treated and hardened them on site. This saved us months on the timeline and saved us about $4000 in costs. See where this is going? It also added up to about $8000 in unanticipated expenses, so money in the fund is running very low, about non existent. We have spent money ahead on common parts for the CNS&M 354 to get the same treatment but need your support now to see the TM 972 running this season. We are ready to begin final re-assembly of the trucks NOW and will keep you updated of any 'new' discoveries. Please keep this major project on track and moving ahead with a donation to fund RTMS. We really need this and the money is not squandered. |
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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!!!!!!!