Entries by Roger Kramer

    

                  Our volunteers are coming out more frequently now that the coach is almost finished. We have installed all the brass window frames on one side and have now ordered more glass panes to complete the other side. I have installed 15 shades as well as all the newly polished walkover seat handles. Dan Bixler is almost done painting the brass window splines while Loraine continues sanding around the window frames. Ray, Austin, Shelly and Jane have been assisting John Mckelvey in the upholsterying of new seat cushions and backs. Gary is now on vacation so we won't see him for about 2 weeks. Not to be outdone, Austin, Brian, and Dave, Mark and Andy have been working in the 2602. Please see my Blog concerning that project.

                        On the exterior, Mary and Howard Geier continue their great work. Mary is needlechiping the vestibule and Howie is sanding the southern exterior. We have also found the original lettering, C.R.I.P. on the vestibule wall, upper left hand corner on the door side and I have talked to Buzz about duplicating the style, color and height.

Here's Loraine and Miguel needle chipping further on the exterior.   By the time Saturday's activities were finished all window frames were installed on the South side.    That's a large accomplishment in itself!   I wonder when was the last time the  2612 had any windows in it.  

                        The next big project is hiring a welder to install stairs and decking on the  western end.    Stay tuned!  I'll have some important info on that subject in my next blog.          Thanks Roger

                                      As a team we again accomplished so much this last week that it really looks like the interior of a Rock Island coach.   Most importantly, we are winding down the painting phase and beginning the installation of window frames, seats, walkover handles and window shades.

                  Thanks to Dan for painting the brass strips at home in his garage.   Painting the strips are an important part of the "Puzzle" in returning the 2612 to service.   His wife, Loraine, has been cleaning and sanding the brass frames which the windows side up and down in.   BTY she likes to bake and recently brought some delicious homemade brownies to our crew, last Saturday.  The homemade treats were, of course devoured in no time!!   Thanks Loraine, they were very tasty.  Joining our  Rock Island crew does have its benefits.   I am sure Loraine  will make more treats.   She loves baking w/ real butter!          Digressing a little from our  work format gives our crew time to relax and enjoy the museums activities.     From left to right,  Howard, Gary, myself, Loraine, Dan and Dave.      It is possible we will paint the exterior, Pullman green this fall!     A before and after image.   Everyone likes to see progress!     This project is by no means complete but it certainly shows the membership what can be accomplished in a short period of time.    Focus, focus  focus.            

             As Pauline said in her last blog, the department needs your continue support.   Please consider a donation to any of the ongoing projects mentioned in the last few blogs.  We the volunteers, would greatly appreciate your supporting any of our projects.    Thank You          Roger  Kramer

                               A great week for the 2612!      We sanded the last of the panels below the windows, then primed and finally painted the last 25 feet.    While Dan, Dave and I were busy working towards that goal, Gary continued installing the newly manufactured "nickel seat" frames on the eastern end of the car.   This first picture show Gary and I installing the seat cushion after first installing the back.   Pretty neat! Yes!

 

If you can remember, the area that Gary is working on in the above picture was the space where the toilet once occupied.           NO FLUSHING,  PLEASE!!               As you can see, the coach is really taking shape.     Next comes the installation of more seats, windows and shades.  

               Please consider helping us with a donation to our fund, RI 2612.       Thanks   Roger  

                                     We have now reached a point where some of the team members can begin working on the interior of the 2602.   It certainly needs it.

                                     This car has the worst interior so it is only fitting that we start the repainting process. The first four pictures were taken April, 21, 2014 and were posted to a previous blog but considering the work that has to be done, I have posted them again.

Remember, if you would like to help your museum get this job done, please volunteer on any Tues, Wed, Thur and Sat. We will be working on these two coaches and can you get started on a project. Also, Thomas is less than two months away. Three more coaches will be moved into yard 3, behind barn 3, for interior inspections and minor upgrades. We need more assistence on these projects as well. Won't you help! Thanks Roger

                                              This last Saturday was a busy day.   We had five people working hard on two projects.   2612, of course, is our main   focus but now we have decided to do something about the peeling paint in the 2602.    Austin has started chipping/removing the worst of the old paint on the  southern  wall.   At this time he has removed about half the problem areas.   We need more people to help chip, sand, prime, and paint this  huge problem  before Thomas.   If it doesn't get done it might not be in use for the Thomas Event.    It does not project a good public image when the coach looks this bad.  Hopefully, the crew from the "Silver cars" can help us.   This is where team work really counts!                                                                                                            Please come out and join us!    

 

 

 

                          

       We still have the eastern door and 25 feet of panels below windows to paint.   Then we are done with the walls.

              

        This last week Gary and I finally installed the last replacement panel in the area that once was the temporary "Potty."    We are also installing the last two long bench seat frames. Now the interior is looking like the coach should have looked in the 40's and 50's.

                                                                                                               Have you noticed I am describing the "LAST" of a number of tasks!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       We are still in need of brass oval head wood screws for our reupholstering project.  Number 10's and 12's are the size we need.    Any amount will be helpful!                                          Thanks   Roger              

                      

              This last week we were again out working on the 2612, but this time the weather was so beautiful Gary and Austin and I decided to work for five days.

We didn't sit around much but put in a decent days work. Our efforts are finally paying off! John Mckelvey is busy and productive at reupholstering seat cushions and backs for the coach.                                    6-19   activities        I would like to thank Austin for all his hard work. He has chipped most of the exterior south side and done a great job as well!    Jane  also was a big  help volunteering on her day off.

   The last picture here shows the chippers hard at work.   Meanwhile, Gary was measuring and readying the next replacement panel to be installed.   He will be drilling holes in the new steel.    That's part of  next weeks project.   Stay tuned.                               Thanks    Roger