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Sunday, December 29. 2013Steam Department Update 12-28-13
Saturday provided a brief respite from the recent frigid weather in which the Winter work plan could be continued steadily.
On 1630;
The large copper pipes were annealed. Dennis heated them to red heat with the acetylene torches and then Brian and I moved them into the water bath to quench them. They are now ready to be re-insulated and then re-installed when the painting under their positions has been completed;
Jane and Stu finished painting the backhead in the cab;
Jane, Ed and I were busy preparing the front and walkways of the locomotive for painting;
Brian, Jerry and Jim worked with Tom on the plans for painting. More advanced spray equipment is needed for the paint that has been donated for this repaint. This will hopefully be available in the next couple of weeks and the first test spraying can then be planned;
We took the opportunity to get out to the boxcar and measure the dome cover in order to determine how thick the insulation on the dome should be. With this information, Jerry will hopefully be able to complete the insulation. The dome is the last piece remaining to be insulated;
The small air tank that serves as the reservoir for the reverser was painted with conventional spray paint to allow it to be refitted. This is required to allow the reverser to be moved allowing measurements of the valve chambers for future fitting of replacement rings.
In other areas:
Phil put in a solid day with the air hammer caulking the tube sheet rivets on the Shay. This is hard and essential work ensuring that the head of the rivet is tightly sealed into the boiler barrel. With eight rivets to do, Phil was working with the air hammer for much of the day and most other people in the shop were wearing ear protectors!;
A team including Jim, Jerry, Matt and others fitted the wires to #428 that will be used to attach the insulation. This is not an indication of an immediate start to insulation but rather reflects the fact that, since the boiler is currently bare, it is easier to install these wires before pipe work is fitted along the boiler;
Work on the planer suffered a set-back. Having filled everything with oil, an initial attempt was made to test the hydraulic pump. The good news was that the pump certainly develops pressure. The bad news was that it was immediately sufficient to blow a gasket in the hydraulic control assembly. Investigation is now under way to determine why this is not sealing correctly.
So the work continues steadily at the end of another year. It is certainly good to be able to compare where we are now to where we were at the end of 2012.
Happy New Year,
Nigel
Friday, December 27. 2013Nevada Northern,"Ely", news update
This short but important progress report was sent to me by George [Buzz] Morsette. All the white wood pieces are new additions to the ceiling repair. They are hand crafted to fit each area. Buzz has produced each piece in Irm's own wood shop. Not an easy job! Not everyone has the talent to manufacture these parts. These pictures were taken about two weeks ago by Buzz. They show that the water damage and previous repairs are much worst than in the observation-lounge area. Those repairs were completed in late Spring of 2013. [See past blogs concerning the restoration efforts] The "obs" end is now complete with the reinstallation, by Mike Baksic, of the two restored ceiling light fixtures. Buzz is now repairing the wood car lines in this ceiling. No easy task! Thanks to Buzz and his associates for their efforts. The next few weeks, weather permitting, will show further progress. Keep watching for the developments. If you would like to help purchase wood for this ceiling project send your donation to......... Restricted Fund, Ely. Thank You. Roger
Monday, December 23. 2013
Ice Capades at IRM - Saturday, Dec. 21st Posted by Pauline Trabert
in Passenger Car Department at
17:32
Comments (0) Ice Capades at IRM - Saturday, Dec. 21stIce storm. When Shelly Vanderschaegen and Mike Baksic slid into the Museum grounds they noticed there weren't many other people around but still work progressed. Kevin Kriebs and Shelly applied the 3rd coat of tan on the walls of the 2nd Exhibit Car and then painted the first coat of chocolate brown on the display areas. Michael McCraren continued working on room dividers in the Pacific Peak Curator Mike Baksic, Ray Mormann, and Mark Gellman worked on the electrical wiring and put up a light fixture between the two exhibit cars. Mark Hoffman was working on the John McLoughlin. Lunch in the Birmingham, as usual, was a fun break from work. It was an early day because of the fog and the snow. From Mike Baksic and all the Passenger Car Department volunteers we'd like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Monday, December 23. 2013
David Stepek's Birthday Celebration ... Posted by Pauline Trabert
in Passenger Car Department at
17:22
Comments (0) David Stepek's Birthday Celebration - Sunday Dec. 8thDavid and Susan Stepek came for a visit so David could volunteer by crushing cans. Although it was a short visit because of the snow, we did get to celebrate his birthday - he turned 27! After cake in the Birmingham, David, Susan and Miss Shelly Vanderschaegen went to visit Santa! Sunday, December 22. 2013
Annual Wed Volunteer Christmas ... Posted by Roger Kramer
in Passenger Car Department at
16:07
Comments (4) Annual Wed Volunteer Christmas Party, Dec 18, 2013
This last Wednesday the annual weekday volunteer Christmas party was again held in the woodshop annex. All the pictures are credited to Buzz Morisette for which we are grateful that someone took time to "click the shutter." A delicious spread was created for all to see and EAT!!! There was ,of course, a lot of friendly conversation, some B.S. and a lot of "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." A number of people were missing. One person, I am sure, that came up in many a conversation was the name of Bob Kutella. He was uncharacteristically, absent. Bob, unfortunately, broke his right femur along with shattering his hip in a disastrous fall on home ice Dec 10. After many days in the hospital Bob is now home recuperating. His best friend, Barb, will be helping him thur this difficult time. His duties with Irm are greatly curtailed. He will be concentrating only on his rehabilitation and efforts to walk. At this time he has ask me to convey to his friends that phone calls be limited to him! Please keep him and other ill members in your prays! Thank You. If you haven't done so yet I would like to remind you to remember your Museum at this giving time of year. Please send in your year end donation and dues renewal!! All these folks in the above pictures, plus the men and women of other departments are volunteers that have spend many years working on museum projects. Why not support their efforts with a donation to your favorite piece of rolling stock? Keep Warm and stay healthy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from this Blogger. Roger Kramer |
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Comments
Fri, 01-15-2021 10:20
Hello Jason. Your comments are very much appreciated. Yes, there is much hard work that goes into all our restorations and maintenance here at the [...]
Fri, 01-15-2021 10:13
Hello Jack Yes, It will be one of our most impressive cars that we have at IRM when its completed. Thanks for the pat on the back! Roger.
Thu, 01-14-2021 21:05
Those cars look great so far guys! Man I wish I had the time to volunteer and become a member at IRM that looks like so much fun especially with how [...]
Tue, 01-12-2021 16:30
the pawnee is looking great a pat on the back to all involved
Wed, 01-06-2021 10:14
Good job on coach updates January 5, 2021. Sincerely, Ethan A.
Mon, 01-04-2021 12:31
Hello Jack Happy New Year from IRM. To my knowledge there was no damage from the minor ice storm that we had in late December, 2020. Some [...]
Sun, 01-03-2021 20:12
the museum area had lots of ice storms in area did the museum get a lot of damage
Thu, 12-24-2020 13:27
roger, Thank you to all of the Passenger car department volunteers. The #109 is going to be a great car when all done! Ted miles, [...]
Sun, 12-06-2020 08:46
Hello Ted We havenot finished lettering the 975 but we are well on the way. Look for a few blogs from me now that the wearther is colder and the [...]
Sat, 12-05-2020 18:36
i watched crew replace switch by diesel shop on dec 5. its good to see museum have equipment to do job and save money
Fri, 12-04-2020 14:56
It has been a long time with no news; have you finished lettering the Southern Pacific locomotive? Please post a picture. Ted Miles, IRM Member
Thu, 08-27-2020 09:53
I worked seasonally on the Cadillac & Lake City while the B-71 was in Lake City, MI, beginning in 1970. My primary job was steward/waiter/car cleaner [...]