Passenger Car Department

Since mid-June our team has been slowly working on  the goal of placing the ATSF combine back into service.  We first painted the floor and then installed the ATSF seat frames. Finally, after almost two months of upholstering,  preformed by  the team of John McKelvey and Jane Blackburn; all the newly upholstered seats cushions and backs were fitted into their seat frames.  This gives your museum another 46 seat coach and the opportunity to use it in next years revenue service.About mid August we started polishing and waxing the exterior sides of the combine.  It started out as a test and quickly grew into a full-fledged project.  It was amazing what a little elbow grease did in taking the old oxidation off of the old paint surface.  It brought back the  luster of the long ago paint job!  What a transformation!   You can see from these final pictures that the interior transformation is almost complete!  Yet to be completed is a repainting of part of a wall in the "smoking" section and the repainting of some floor sections.  Paul and I would like to thank the following people for their hard work and perseverance without which this project would not have been completed.  John McKelvey and his assistant Jane Blackburn were instrumental in reupholstering all the seat cushions and backs.  Thanks to Ray Erickson and Dale Steichen  for stripping off all the old fabric from the cushions and backs. Loraine painted the wood floor and husband, Dan Bixler, sandblasted all the heater covers. Thanks also to  Dave Cook, Loraine Bixler, Robert Olsen, Dale Steichen and Howard Geirer for polishing and waxing the exterior.   After a twelve year hiatus from service this coach will, hopefully, be again in limited service next year.   Yet to be completed is a brake test which will involve replacement of the brake valve[COTS], inspection of the trucks and running gear, and installation of new journal pads.  Estimated costs run upwards of $3500.00  Would you like to help defray the costs?   Please send a donation to the Steam Passenger Coach Fund.   The next blog on the ATSF 2544 combine will be devoted to the upgrade of exterior.    Thanks      Roger  

Yes, we have begun a ritual that has never taken place before in the coach dept. These unusual activities consist of washing and then polishing the car sides of a number of our painted equipment.   This has never happened before partly because of the lack of man power and partly because no one was interested and motivated in doing the work. That attitude has changed and we are now bring back that beautiful luster  these coaches once had.  The past dull surfaces are now more colorful and shinny in appearance.   Here is some of the work that has been done and hopefully you see the results this coming Labor day Weekend when a number of the coaches are being operated again. Its really amazing the difference. Be sure to bring your sunglasses for they will shine in the sunlight!!  Would you like to help?  Please stop by any Wed or Saturday and we will supply the polish and buffing rags!   Thanks  Roger