Weekend update May 18 2008

another weekend of steady progress.

All diaphragm joints in streamliner sleeper train have been closed up so when we get AC we should be able to control the space fairly well.

RDC paint removal continues, and we hope to have the interior cleared enough to at least let railfans in for Memorial Day weekend. It wont even be close to clean, but it will not be dangerous, so we will provide two entrances; one for the fans, one for folks that want to bypass it.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/CNW9933/aal

In the current configuration, we even got the side curtains between the cars to work, so another real railroad device will be out for view.

The single missing counter light in Birminghams kitchen finally got fabricated, (dont blame anyone else but me, i was trying to find one before making one) and now its installed. Kudos to R&B Metal, as they turned out a great unit, better than i expected.

The one project not completed this weekend was to track down the electrical circuit feeding the outlets in Silver Ridge. i want to connect the DVD video displays in the car itself, and eliminate the “extension cords through the corridor” syndrome and the “cords down the potty hole” syndrome. The car works as designed, it just has this one quirk i havent figured out yet.

On the Barn 3 side, Mike found a CRIP coach with bad wheels, so its OOS until the board can arrange wheels. Two other coaches were tested and cleared, and so Memorial Day will have a four car coach train. The fifth and sixth cars will be along shortly, one needs a valve, one needs testing and a ceiling panel.

Kind of a drag, but Mike seems to end up with coach work all year long now. I am sure he would love to do some restoration work but he takes his responsibility seriously and needs to be appreciated for the effort. If he ever get sout from under the coaches, he will need to work on the open coach, “known as the Vista Kallas”  and work will be needed on the Glen Springs.

Dave got the prep work done to open the walkway to allow access to the Susan Marie, and we hope to have a second set of cars open for view soon. He also got the roof replaced and new side light panels installed before the Barn 11 project begins. Thanks Dave!

On Monday May 19, Operation Lifesaver made a stop at IRM  for lunch and brief tours. It seemed to go well, and lots of folks seemed to enjoy the visit.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album75

 now we have a youtube video of the train on pulling out of the museum after their visit as well

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=TL43-c-MyIQ

If the switch crew gets the two coaches out on the train, we may be able to get the Barn 3 moves done, and get Galt House in position to open for visits as well. We would then have two sets open for passage, and a total of 12 of 15 cars inside the barn lit.

We have a need for more docents if anyone is interested in “sitting” with one of our parlor cars. Shelly is working hard to get Ely ready, and if we open Susan Marie, it will require another volunteer. Friendly atmosphere and light workload, meet neat folks that want to enjoy the cars. If you have time please let Mike or I know, and we will be happy to have cars open based on availability.