General Blog Entries

The exceptional weather on this fall day energized everyone and a lot went on, as usual for a Wednesday which is becoming a very popular day for volunteer work.

D 13

Work has continued on the TMER&T D 13, which is work car dump motor.  In recent weeks most of the roof structure over one of the 'telephone booth' cabs has been replaced and restored.  New saddles have been made and are fitted, ready to install.  Today, Gerry Dettloff, John Faulhaber, and Henry Vincent applied a new canvas fabric to the roof.

What Is Next

As they work their way along the side, it almost seems that democracy is in action.  "What should we do next on this side?"  Note that the car is in one of our storage barns and access is difficult, the crew resorting to creative staging and ladders.  Except for Gerry who quickly scampered up on top.

In the Shop

In the shop Pete Galayda (shown) and John Nelligan continue work on the Charles City Western steeple cab locomotive.  Here, a 'box' of resistance grids has been disassembled, a myriad of rusty and sometimes damaged parts in array on the work table.  Each is carefully cleaned or replaced and the parts reassembled into a box arrangement.  This is Number 3 of seven to be done.

Along Central Avenue

In recent weeks the Wednesday Special Projects Team have also been working on baggage car MILW 1309.  Some ten (or more?) years ago this was completely restored but years outdoors in the weather have resulted in a shabby and worn appearance.  That should not come as a surprise to any of your readers, but points out that the long term preservation of equipment, and best use of volunteer resources is NOT to do work over again, but work to fund and build the next Barn.  But it is looking very nice indeed.