Saturday saw some work continuing on several smallish aspects of the restoration project and one much larger effort.
The day started by taping up a sheet of mylar to the south side to trace and document some of the lettering. Who knows what future generations will want with this equipment? It is important to document and preserve its history at any stage.
In the woodshop, Buzz Morisette volunteered to help me out with both of us fabricating several new pieces of millwork for the project, and Buzz prime painting some of them. This view shows the remaining stop jambs needed for the south door, and three pieces of drip caps that Buzz made for his work on Milwaukee Road equipment. We also made two small stop blocks for window framing and two large nailing timbers for the rear two inside corners of the plow.
A big thank you to Fred Ash who spent virtually all day on the rear wall, on the business end of a needlechipper. Almost all of the remaining old paint is gone as we race the calendar to get this wall primed and finish painted.
This project is an interesting study in volunteerism at IRM. In just four short months of summer work, a new crew has made remarkable progress in preserving and restoring this plow. They have developed new skills, a strong sense of ownership and pride in their work, and made new and lasting friendships. It shows what can be done with limited financial resources but with a willing and ample supply of volunteer labor. Wouldn't you like to part of such an effort?
Come on out and join this TEAM, or if you rather, see me about putting together a few of your friends to start work on your favorite car in our collection. We have plenty to go around! And do not let the approaching cold weather stop you. We plan to work indoors throughout the winter fabricating new doors and windows for the plow, and there are several other varied and diverse projects waiting in line.
Comments
Wed, 04-11-2018 11:28
You mention in the header that you would like to have the Electroliner operational by its birthday. Was it?
Sun, 04-08-2018 20:03
As a child, IRM was always my favorite place to visit. Well, other than grandma's house next to the Geneva Sub. It's been many years since I now [...]
Wed, 04-04-2018 16:01
Those temporary walls could be constructed in a way that allows their reuse after the phase is done to close off the new phases.
Tue, 03-27-2018 03:08
Why did the smoke box cover on the shay need to be replace Do?
Mon, 03-26-2018 16:29
It never ceases to amaze me of the diligence and passion of the current mix of volunteers associated with IRM in 2018. Back when I was a active [...]
Mon, 03-26-2018 11:10
Awesome paint job Jamie!!! I never would of thought with the Rock Island history this locomotive in this scheme would of been preserved. Thanks for [...]
Sun, 03-25-2018 23:56
The Hick's blog lists it as Fruit Grower's Express FGEX #55407. Arrived in Union June 2016.
Sun, 03-25-2018 20:51
Good job on the diesel update 2018. Sincere, Ethan A.
Sun, 03-25-2018 20:45
Good job on the steam update 2018. Sincere, Ethan A.
Sun, 03-25-2018 00:12
Bill, The 1990 Roster has the PFE #68428; this may be the reefer that we saw moved. It is a rare car and deserves a paint job. Ted Miles, [...]
Fri, 03-16-2018 11:10
It would be rather difficult to operate an 11,000 Volt AC locomotive on our 600 Volt DC wire.
Thu, 03-15-2018 05:57
Good job steam update. Sincerely, Ethan A.