Entries by Robert Kutella

Here is a quick report on some of the shop activity yesterday, more to follow in a separate report on work for our snowplow.

Thomas

Rich Witt was diverted from the shop work he was planning for the day as he responded to a request from Nick Kallas for some much needed last minute work to support the Thomas Event.

Saw Frame

We have been working on a new table saw for the wood shop for some time.  New to the shop, in real time nearly a century old.  Part of that work was to design and fabricate a steel base to hold the saw, and yet make it relatively portable.  Here it is, ready to weld.

How Things Fit

The base has been welded and Jim Foraker is very happy that everything fits as planned.  Here it is with the saw sitting on it and the motor and guard in place.

Name That Game

Here is an action shot of a new band saw blade uncoiling itself after being tossed out of harm's way.  I bet we could script a lame tv show for this type activity.  And if you did not get hurt - you might advance to the next round where you could fold it up again into three coils.  Here, Tim Peters is safe and sound.  This is a new heavy duty resaw blade that Tim will use to cut massive timbers for new end sills for Chicago Rapid Transit 1024.

Roof Scrubbing

It is hard to shoot a pic upward into a clear sky, but that is Bill Peterson finishing off removal of old paint on the front roof of Chicago Great Western X 38, our Russell Plow.

Marooned

Victor Humphreys is applying the maroon finish paint to the primed north side of the plow.  It makes a huge difference, but remember, we will apply a second coat.  I find it interesting that the code string for this image came up "CIA" but do not know what that means, or if we are in trouble with the government.

Unhinged

Buzz Morisette is working to let in new mortises for hinges to allow a last new door to be hung on the north side of the plow.  For now it remains unhinged.

The Nose

Every day we try to make some more progress on the the parts of the plow remaining painted in the ever popular 'rust' and 'yellow' colors.  Soon all traces of the C&NW yellow will be gone.  Victor is ready to prime more of the ramp, while Bill Peterson and Paul Cronin stand by.  They largely did the paint removal.

Take a Seat

Randall Hicks is taking a break and is sitting on the replacement compressor for Chicago Aurora & Elgin 36 wood interurban.  They hooked up a 600 volt stinger cable to it and ran it for a while to check it out and it passed the test.  If something unexpected comes up and this is not needed, I think this would make a stylish and chic conversation piece in the living room.

In the Shade

Bill Wulfert is removing paint (many layers) from some 'pie pan' light shades.  They are destined for the 50th Avenue high level platform lighting.

Carlines

Bob Sundelin is routing new carlines using a template and pattern routing bit.  These are to be installed as part of an all new set in Union Pacific M 35.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AL!

Party Time

Yes, Al Reinschmidt celebrated his birthday by coming out to volunteer and work at IRM.  Al is in the center of the photo, while Henry Vincent and John Faulhaber offer their congratulations.  Thanks, Al  -  -  and many more!

In the Bucket

There was rain forecast on and off all day but it never materialized at IRM, so we made best use of time outdoors working on the Chicago Great Western X 38 snowplow.  We need to again thank Dave Diamond of the Buildings and Grounds Department for loaning us the use of a bucket truck.  Dave Rogan is priming the channel which forms the edge of the roof at the front of the plow, and you can see what an aid for safety and timesaver that truck is.

Last New Window

Over the winter the shop crew made eleven new windows for the X 38, and we hoped the work would allow them to be installed over the summer.  Here it is, the last one mounted and in place.

More Priming

Victor Humphreys was up on a scaffold as we were striving to complete large sections of priming on the north side of the plow.  Who knows, finish paint cannot be far in the future.

Door Parts

Buss Morisette was making new custom drip caps for the two new X 38 doors, helped on the saw here by John Faulhaber.

Jigs

We want to welcome Lorne Tweed back from a few weeks of vacation absence at IRM.  Here he continues efforts on the interior of Cleveland Transit System 4223 by making some custom jigs from masonite to aid in supporting interior parts while drilling for fasteners.

Steam

John F also made some progress on a custom cabinet we are making for the Steam Department.  This will store and protect rare gauges from accidental damage.