Electric Car Department

We have a lot of work going on year around at IRM, certainly more than I can observe and report.  This story is courtesy of Dave Fullarton - story and photos by Dave Fullarton - thanks, Dave.

Generally the work on these cars has been fixing many years of "sit-itis," the problems that crop up after years of inactivity. The cars saw a period of activity and actually ran a few trips on our mainline in the 1990s, but have remained mostly idle until late this past summer. So far they've had some cleaning done, and the lighting restored.

Lit Up

Ground Work

I happened to stop by our site in Union and found a lot of activity.  As mentioned previously, every day brings changes and progress on this project.  Mike Stauber was out early and began doing more cleanup and needlechipping on the disassembled number two truck, and was helped by Frank Sirinek.  (It was windy but certainly above normal temps for late November)

Moving Day

The sideframes for this truck are in the shop area and previously primed.  Here, Mike and Frank are moving them to a different area on the floor.

Like New

In short order, Mike and Frank had some finish paint on them, and they looked like new.  You might see the new steam cleaner sitting behind then in the shop, brand new, and kept out of the weather.