Entries by Phil Stepek

ok ok i know I have not posted anything for a while. I really apologize. With the two large events for the dept (Memorial day and RPO weekend) added to the ongoing maintenance and work in Barn 3 and Yard 5 i just havent had a lot of extra energy when I get near a computer.

I hope to add photos soon as well to document some of the work that has gone on

Progress on B&M car, ATSF 2544, DLW structural work and CRIP ceiling repairs are all going on

I have added the last report to the Board here as well. I hope it answers some of the questions. Feel free to ask if something else isnt covered .

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS 

Early season progress continues to take place  

We were able to support both the Memorial Day and RPO weekends with significant equipment, all inspected and repaired for season.

Mike and crew were able to not only provide a seven car train for Memorial Day but actually managed to perform some significant repairs along the way, and still made the deadline. two cars had defective brake valves, and both were repaired.   

An advantage of this early season inspection is that the routine testing will be completed, and should prevent any "surprises"  as we approach our annual visit from the Island of Sodor. 

We have been successful in completing conversion of  two more passenger cars, DMIR 84 and IC 2804,  from 32vdc to 120vac lighting.

The change has created a much more visible interior for the cars, as well as reducing the electrical load for display.

In addition, the blowers in 2804 have been routed through a transformer to allow for their use while the train is in revenue service if electricity is provided.

We now are in position to have 14 of the 16 cars inside Barn 3 lit for display, and eight of these are now operating on 120vac lighting.

Power demands are assessed for each car, and listed beside the breaker panel for information if needed. 

Besides the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars.

They were cleaned and prepped in time for their use by the WW2 display folks and they seemed to have enjoyed the space.

The first car is completely useable now, and the second car is lit as a passage, with expanded exhibit space now a very real possibility.

We are now supporting Ray Bellock in his attempt to install more exhibits for the remainder of the summer.

 The ideas have included a Chicago Railroad Fair display as well as a freight traffic exhibit, and a possible expanded Railroad Mail Service exhibit to enhance our annual RPO event.  

The next project is to complete ceiling repairs in CRIP 2555 and then complete the vestibule and entry on the third DLW coach. 

With the budget approved, the wheel switch on the CRIP coach also remains a plan for this season. 

Within the limits of Barn 3, we are also trying to make the space more visitor friendly, rearranging storage and making an effort to remove inactive equipment and supplies. 

Yard 5 visitor path signs are in place, and seem to be improving the traffic pattern there. 

We await the script information requested from Roger Kramer to add signage to other cars in Barn 3 as well as on exterior display 

          Standard safety equipment is now in place in all revenue units, including electric cars. Operating crews no longer need to locate and inspect safety equipment prior to use,

In addition, success of the program depends upon monthly inspection to ensure proper placement.

Further slight expansion of the system will be needed prior to Thomas but no problem with that goal is forseen.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS 

DLW coaches (3)

Changes are progressing , but not yet completed.

           Two cars are in service.

          Repainting of the roofs on the two cars in service was completed

          The third car is progressing in the repair of the vestibule, but is on hold until the car inspections are completed.

The platform is in place, and the door and frame have been remounted.  

CBQ RPO 1923

          The success of the RPO weekend leads to our intent to create a more active display within the car.

We have acquired permission to use a Living history DVD produced at EIU, and have planned a method of securing the doorways to allow interior views for our guests during periods when no docent is available.

 ATSF 2544

          The prep work for the second side of seats has continued.

 Seat frames are being prepared and the wall work nears completion, with paint work is completed, we now await the opportunity to complete the seat frames and reinstall them.  

Dover Strait

          Progress continues piecemeal, as reassembly of the lounge area continues.  Corridor painting continues, and hardware installation also continues.             

 B&M 3288/1094

          No significant changes, beyond the continued progress. Part of the plan for summer includes the possible move of the car to a location where exterior work can be done. 

Yard 5 display 

The sleeper display has been open as planned, and interior function has been successful. We have altered some of the videos to support events at the museum, having creating several WW2 displays for Memorial Day, and we hope to have North Shore videos running for Chicago weekend in honor of 749 rededication.  

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS

Much of the past few weeks has been spent on housekeeping and organizing. Mike, Ray and Marc spent last Sunday clearing up the east end of Barn 3 to make it presentable for the public in two weeks.

With the Villa Falls and Floyd River indoors finally, we have begun to actually get our parts collection organized as well.

Signage is being created and installed on all passenger cars not open for visits.

New information is being compiled to request info signs for equipment now in public areas.

Support for early season special event days is being planned. 

We continue to spend time performing bench repairs on some spare parts for the collection, and further organizing our parts inventory for the future.

With the budget approved, the wheel switch on the CRIP coach remains a plan for spring.

CBQ 1309, a baggage car owned by IRM at least since 2001, (and the baggage mate to our CBQ1923 RPO),  remains an intended project.

We await progress. The Executive Director has related a stop during the current road trip, and perhaps an inquiry of the information necessary to get this car home.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS

DLW coaches (3)

          No changes as of yet

           Two cars are in service.

The third car is still undergoing required structural welding, but finally nearing completion. The platform is in place, and the door and frame have been remounted.

CBQ RPO 1923

          Progress is being made towards an enhanced event. We also hope to have the car participate in the Memorial Day train, as part of the WWII reenactment.

ATSF 2544

          The prep work for the second side of seats has continued.

 Seat frames are being prepared and the wall work nears completion, with paint work being done now.

Dover Strait

          Progress continues piecemeal, as reassembly of the lounge area continues.  Corridor painting continues, and hardware installation also continues.  The plan is to utilize exterior time during May/June switching in Barn 3 to get the undercarraige  painted, and then have it placed in a position to offer interior inspections as well as enhanced exterior visibility.

 B&M 3288/1094

          No significant changes, beyond the continued progress. Part of the plan for spring includes the possible move of the car to a location where exterior work can be done.

DMIR 84

          Window Frame repairs continue

Yard 5 display

RDC 9933

Brake cylinders are being disassembled and rebuilt to ensure long term function of the car.

Seat frame repairs are nearing completion.

Final baggage rack area has been reinstalled, and lights rewired. 

CBQ Silver Ridge

 While we have not had a lot of time in this car, some backdating has been accomplished, and we still hope to have more done for the 2010 season.

Roomette sink hardware has been located and installed.

light fixtures are being explored to possibly replace more missing pieces.

Hi folks a short note

First, please consider a donation to Olympus, to try and cover the cost of acquiring the car. We have not formally applied to the board yet, but I want to make sure we can pay the bills before we move forward. It truly is a unique one of a kind piece and fits very well with both streamliner sets on property.

Any help at all will be most appreciated. I think folks know that the department is more than willing to put the sweat equity into the car, but our funds are really depleted with the new barn.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album237

ATSF 2544 is making interior progress second side of seating area is prepped and getting painted, seats are getting ready for installation soon

http://www.irm.org/gallery/ATSF2544

DLW 556 after 3 years is almost done with the steel work on the vestibule. I know Mike and Ray are really ready to be done with this car and move onto something different. Great work takes time, and this has been a really good repair job that most folks will never see, but will make the car safer for revenue service for years to come. Thanks to them.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album133

With the new Barn open, we have spent a lot of time getting the Villa Falls set up and organized. We have storage space INDOORS for the first time! Yay!

This means we can light and hopefully dehumidify the interior and make it into a decent space for storage until we get a shop and storage area. Every little move forward is good.

March means April is just around the corner, and that means prep for public show.

Cars need to be tested and ready for service, Barn 3 needs to be set up and all the cars checked for lights and displays, Yard 5 needs to be set up for display, and along the way all the winter restoration work needs to be cleaned up and put away. Now, we will also be getting parts of Barn 11 ready for display. The barn may not be open for public right away, but its a project that will still take time. Everyone have a good spring and we hope to see you soon.