We interrupt our regularly scheduled report to bring you this late breaking news.
On May 27, 2013 the Chicago and West Towns 141 electric trolley car entered regular public service at the Illinois Railway Museum. The car ran well on our car line route, carrying capacity riders to the delight of our visitors and members alike. The car last ran under its own power in 1947 and represents decades of work by our volunteers and staff alike. FRANK SIRINEK led the project and ROD TURNER, the Electric Car Department Curator, invested time and money, the support of the crew of mechanics, electricians, and restorationists to make this possible. I am sure you will see more news and pics of this event in coming days.
Back to your regular programming.
The table saw being restored for use in the woodshop is making progress. Here is the restored quadrant - miter gauge mounted on the sliding table.
Rich Witt is carefully taking measurements and making a working drawing to construct a set of replica FIRST AID BOXES for our CA&E cars.
John Faulhaber is priming many new panels and parts made for our Cleveland Transit System 4223 PCC car.
Bill Peterson is using a new paint stripper to remove years of finish on the curved steel panels that once held ad cards in the 4223, while new Board member Norm Krentel looks on.
After the paint stripper is done, Bill Peterson cleaned the remnants down to bare steel with a power wire brush. It was not too cold so Bill moved outdoors for this messy step.
Paul Cronin, Bob Kutella, and Rich Witt are working on the last set of old ceiling light panels from the 4223. These old fixtures are well and truly mounted with very rusty hardware that fought well for every screw removed.
Eric Lorenz pulls out the old rubber gasket that runs along the bottom of each window sash. Amazing that we were able to source new material. It does not go in easily but many more were completed.
And the results speak for themselves in this view of the front half of the right side of the 4223.
Comments
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
Sat, 01-30-2021 18:45
pre oiler is a great idea saves lots of wear and tear on engines. a pat on the back for the diesel crew