Rock Island 2612

    

                  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