Illinois Railway Museum Blog

We had another remarkable clear day to work outside on the snow plow.  Maybe - the plow work and good turnout was because of the good weather - or the good weather was BECAUSE we were working on the plow.  Either way we will take it!  I counted ten volunteers contributing to this one project at one time or another throughout the day.  Here are some images of SOME of the work.

Rear Wall

Last Saturday Victor Humphreys fitted the missing wall panel in the back of the plow 'box'.  Here he is pushing and bracing it to hold it still and in position for welding.

Inside Job

With the steel plate in place, Mike Alterio welded in some clips and did some other set up work.  He then proceeded to stitch together the entire seam.

Welded

The panel is completely welded back in its position.  Next - grind down the weld beads and do the cosmetic work.

Cleaning Crew

Throughout the day volunteers rotated jobs cleaning the old paint and crud from the walls and left wing.  Jim Leonard, Fred Ash, and John Faulhaber are on the morning shift.

Progress

By the end of the day you can see a lot of area cleaned and ready for primer.  Dave Rogan, Jim Leonard, and Fred Ash should be pleased.  Sharp eyed viewers will notice a large are on the side of the 'box' has also been cleaned up.

In the Cab

Simon Harrison and Dick Cubbage seem to be having entirely too much fun up in the control cab.  They were working on windows.  Took some out for measurements for replacement sash, did some detective work on some of the loose pieces inside.

Windows

Sash that have been salvaged and removed are being measured and drawings made by our Engineering Department in the person of Rich Witt.  We are also cutting plywood blanks to close up any of the openings without sash or glazing.

There was also a lot of detective work, primarily on the mechanical and air systems.  We are preparing a pneumatic schematic and have gotten through many of the primary systems including air brakes, and the six cylinders to open or retract the two wings and the flanger blades.