Archive for September, 2011
Department update Sep 2011
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GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS
Repairs to the #1 track in Barn 3 are well underway, with most of the track in place. The estimate for completion, depending on the alignment of the sections and arrival of ballast is a month or so.
With Thomas and Labor Day past, we now turn our attention to preparation for Showcase Weekend and the Terror event.
We await notice of the planning meeting for Terror to eliminate the technical issues encountered last year, and hopefully the damage as well.
EQUIPMENT REPORTS
Inbound Acquisitions
Incoming acquisitions are making progress, but each has become complicated by factors.
Much of the delay is currently caused by the lack of UP permissions.
Nick is pursuing and we continue to inquire on a regular basis, but we understand there are factors we cannot directly control.
DLW coaches (3)
No changes to equipment.
The two in service DLW coaches have been serving with the Leviathan locomotive.
567, is in service.
561 is in service as well, following significant repairs to brake structure and attachments
556 continues to have its interior cleaned and finishing work performed on the rebuilt vestibule.
Rock Island Coaches (5)
As noted earlier, four revenue Rock Island coaches are now in service. The fifth remains awaiting restoration
No updates on the arrival of the latest unit from Iowa.
B&M 3288/1094
Continued interior work.
Corridor shade frames have been finished and installation has begun.
With the location of the car outdoors while the 31 track is repaired, they have been working to complete the underside cleaning and painting as the final exterior step.
IC 3345
This project is also ongoing. Masking of the second side of the car has begun, and the final window frame is nearing completion.
CZ Silver Pony
No real work has been completed this month as we focused our efforts on Thomas and his many friends.
With the NZ project complete, the upholstery shop awaits the metal frame fabrication to begin creating the missing downstairs seat cushions. Upholstery is in hand in preparation The project is delayed while we solve a technical problem with the metal fabrication for the missing seats.
ACL Birmingham
Ongoing work has solved many ventilation issues in this car, and while the hot weather has strained the system, it appears that we have succeeded in creating a reasonable environment for our guests.
UP Pacific Peak
The ventilation modifications explained last month have worked admirably well, providing a significant improvement in the interior temperature and humidity. Some final work to the vestibule area is still needed to make the system durable, but we anticipate it being functional for the future.
NP 230 Baggage Car
While this unit was not deteriorated, The Wednesday Special Projects Group has generously been working on a cosmetic restoration of the car to its original NP Loewy Green pattern. The first side is nearing completion, and we hope to turn the car around soon for them to complete the other side this year.
Special Exhibit cars
The exit vestibule has been cleaned of obstructions and the center sill and coupler pocket are exposed.
The side panels have been removed and initial work to remove the rusted side sheets has begun. New metal panels have been acquired for installation once the sub surface is prepared.
The Chicago Railroad Fair display developed by Ray Bellock is complete, and we are exploring other displays for the exhibit area.
With the recent death of John Cloos, we mentioned that we would be happy to create a space for one of his exhibits as a way to remember him. At this time, we have heard no response
Jon Habeggers long term plans continue to take shape as he prepares for the anniversary exhibit
While we still await the completion of the second car power supply, we continue our plans to add the second car to become part of the show as soon as possible.
While we prepare the monthly summary
Posted by: | Commentsa quick couple of notes…..
first the work on Barn 3 is moving along.
The track guys have managed to strip out the old 31 track, Dave Diamond got it graded, and already the track is almost completely laid in.
One more panel to go, with all the levelling, bolting and lining.
Ballast is supposedly being arranged, and the rough guess to complete the work is another month or so.
Congratulations (and the thanks from the passenger dept) to everyone helping this project along!!!
for more photos…. http://www.irm.org/gallery/Track-31-repair
Another project that is not high profile but very important is the structural repairs to the outside of the second exhibit car.
The lower panels were modified whie the car was elsewhere, and the wall panels have been water traps, and automatic rust manufacturing spots.
Another one of theose icky places in Yard 5 that we hate because the kids love to pick at the authentic antique rust, and make the holes bigger and BIGGER and BIGGER……
Because Mike and Ray were so efficient in getting all the cars tested this year, they actually had time to plan more work, and so they have begun to remove the old panels in anticipation of replacement.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/Special-Exhibit-Cars
The hope is to have it done for winter. A great thing if we can!
Max is helping out somewhere in the east so the electrical work is on hold a bit. Folks trying to rebuild their lives comes first of course.
Jerry Lynn is also planning to inspect and refurbish the AC system on the cars, especailly since they took such a beating this summer.
Our thaks to him in advance for helping out.
As we finish Labor Day, the next plan is for Showcase Weekend.
The plan includes taking the streamliner set out for the weekend, so y'all come out and take a ride, huh?
More details to follow later in the week.