Two Milwaukee Streetcars

A lot has happened on this project in just the last two short months.  A few of these pics have appeared in the BLOG previously, but some of you may have missed them, so I will review the milestones now.

New Wheelsets

The wheelsets returned with new tires mounted upon them in the first week of May.  They are beautiful.

Second Truck

The second truck was steam cleaned and restored and repainted in our shop space as shown here.  Those who have been following this project know that a substantial amount of time and money were expended in what amounted to a total disassembly and rebuild of the thoroughly worn out first truck for the TM 972.

Assembly Area

All of the restored parts for the first truck were moved to the east end of Barn 4 where the assembly is being done.

Spring Forward

The first assembly steps included installation of these new leaf spring assemblies.

Bolster

This past week saw the other set of leaf springs installed and the truck bolster inserted into the frame, along with all the bars, nuts, bolts and other parts in this area.  Everything from the spring plank to the side bearings are ready for the next step.

But now for the real excitement.  DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE, DOUBLE YOUR FUN!!  I bet there might be an ad card in the car from Wrigley's but we received pledges for new MATCHING DONATION money this week amounting to several thousand dollars.  There is no doubt this money is needed, as there are always new discoveries and items needing repair on any restoration project.  SO PLEASE, consider a donation to fund RTMS and each dollar you send will become two for moving the work closer to completion!