Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Ray Schmid Photo

I did not get a chance to snap any pics Sunday but here is shot shared by Ray Schmid.  Bob Sundelin is removing some new batten molding from the shaper while I am at the power feeder controls.  Sunday was spent fine tuning the fences and guides for producing this stock as one of the next shop projects.

Next, here are some photos submitted by Gwyn Stupar.

Batten

Here is a side by side comparison of the new molding manufactured in our wood shop compared to the circa late 1800's stock found on our depot.

Fencing

We have an amazing collection of restored and working machines in the wood shop.  But the key is to 'outsmart' them using fences, jigs, and other aids.  We ran off some test battens on Saturday and decided we could do better.  So, here I am hoveling out some wood on the back of the shaper fence (also made by us) to be able to tweak it just a bit.

Hardware

Not exactly a picture of anyone making sawdust, but Tim Peters is continuing the restoration work on CRT 1268.  Here, he is cleaning some hardware and linkage for operating the clerestory windows.

Fitting the Beading

To start this entry, here is Rich Witt with the woodwork about done for the new sash for CA&E 409, the frame in primer, and a slew of new window beading to retain the glazing.

Getting in Shape

Next a shot of Victor Humphreys  removing molded stock from the shaper.  This is the test piece for new battens for our depot, the east end.  Custom knives were produced to be able to accurately reproduce the profile of these pieces.  Needless to say, nothing today is commercially available, even close, so it is the Wood Shop to the rescue.  We spent much of the day on set up to run this stock, and were fairly successful - one more revision to the fence today is needed.  When the lumber arrives, we will be off to the races.

It Is a Pane

Finally, here is Bill Moran taking a turn on window work for the CA&E 319.  A good man who is ready and willing to take on almost any task.