The photo does not do them justice compared to in person. I have suggested half joking that they would sell. But I doubt that we could set a price low enough, considering the many hours these two guys have spent on the project. True, a lot of that was working out the fit, etc, and the next six will go quicker, being able to use set up jigs that have already been constructed. What do you think an attractive price point would be??
Bob Kutella
The wooden replica railroad step boxes are very labor intensive. I have not kept track of the hours my son Tom and I have put in on them but we have been out nearly two Saturdays or Sundays a month beginning beginning back in March, 2010. Over $600.00 dollars have been spent on materials and special tools such as routers. Many hours were spent building the jigs and sleds needed to consistently turn out parts with their many angles angles and shapes.
I intend have the jigs etc. along with a drawing and some instructions saved and stored at IRM in the event more boxes can be built in the future. We will have 12 ready for the upcoming operating season.
The step box consists of 14 separate wood pieces, 4 rubber sheet squares for the feet, 3 non-skid strips for the top and two IRM logo decals for the sides. The paint color is a special mix Pullman Green.
The dimensions were taken from a Chicago & Alton Railroad step box from the Morton Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois. The design is what I believe to be a standard Morton style.
I really do not want to spend more time building step boxes preferring to lend a hand here and there on other projects and restorations in the Electric Car Shop. Plus I don't think many would want to pay $200 or so that all the labor and materials would demand.
For many years while operating at IRM I saw a need for step boxes. I think at one time we had some real ones but they disappeared. The money spent and labor that my son and I have put in are our contribution to the comfort and safety of our visitors.