Archive for News
Update 2011-10-09
Posted by: | CommentsFor the past week or so the computer has been arguing with me, and twice I began writing an update and twice somehow I managed to delete them.
Soooo, we will try again.
First I want to take a moment to thank all our friends , who have been so loyal in their support.
Many many folks have made donations to their favorite passenger car project over the past couple of months
Included in this list are Henry Auchstetter, Richard Ralston, Jeff Fryman, Kevin Brown, George Forslin, John Bender, David Brown, David Cook, and John Wilke
In addition, all of our visitors and friends that were able to make donations in the displays during the season.
Your faith in us is much appreciated, and we hope to put your contributions to worthy use.
Now on to the progress reports.
The Barn 3 track project is making good progress. All the rail is in, and the ballast has been delivered.
The track guys think they will be able to finish over the next two weeks or so, which would have it done before November, which is great!
They deserve our thanks as they keep on "track" to get it finished.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/Track-31-repair?page=1
While the cars remain out of the barn, Gene and Bob have gotten the underside of Dover Strait finished, so we can finally say the exterior painting is DONE!
http://www.irm.org/gallery/album71
Over in Yard 5 a couple of things are moving along
First, Mike Ray and Marc have really moved along on the Exhibit cars. All the rusted lower edge has been removed and the inner structure has been rustoleumed
Next they will begin to replace with new metal and seal things up.
In addition, Shelly has begun to strip the window frames to solve what appears to be a water leak issue around the frames.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/Exhibit-Cars-repairs-2011
Elsewhere in Yard 5, the Wednesday Special Project group just keeps plugging along.
The CGW combine is getting patched plugged and primed
http://www.irm.org/gallery/CGW4061
next to it The NP baggage car is really looking great, and they hope to have it done this year
http://www.irm.org/gallery/NP230
The streamliner sleeper set is of course out for the Terror event, so not a lot of active work going on right now, but I realized I hadn't taken any interior pictures of the cars for a while, so I have added some now.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/PPeak-2011
http://www.irm.org/gallery/NP325
just some pics for our distant friends that dont get out to see the cars in person much.
Mike McCraren has expressed an interest in Pacific Peak this winter, so perhaps with a little luck we will make progress in the car after November 1.
I know I have been thinking about tackling the existing heater system, and maybe i will be able to track down the circuitry and crank them up this year, and eliminate the use of external heaters quitre as much. It would be nice to make the car more and more self sufficient.
Out on the steam leads, patiently awaiting her wheels, Silver Pony makes more progress
As we have mentioned earlier, we found the last two seat frames needed for the downstairs areas, and we have now gotten them apart and off to the upholstery shop for repair.
The other thing we have moved on is the pedestal frames, as we will need several of them as well.
I still hope to have all the downstairs seats done by the time we get the car on wheels and in line with the others.
As some of you know, the car came in with some mechanical items half apart. The ventilation blowers are one example.
During its life as a parts car, the main blower motor was stripped out, but the squirrel cages were left dangling from the ceiling, to the point that we couldnt even close the ceiling panels in the foyer when we began.
Well that little problem is now solved. Last week we got them reinstalled and attached in their original spots.
At least now they seem to also be free and functional. Next item will be to pla the replacement of the motor, which is missing.
The system appears to be very similar in design to the one in Silver ridge, so armed with that knowledge, we may just be able to make it right soon.
The blower for the dome is still in place and still works, so I know the circuitry is intact
The ceiling lights will have to wait until i can plug the car into a power supply not connected to a GFCI plug. .
I had a similar issue with Silver Ridge at first, as the car is built with a body ground that trips the breaker when energized.
I can avoid the problem using the 32v circuits of the DC rectifier.
My immediate concern with the car is the fact that I need to keep it heated to prevent freezing in the windows.
Because of the delay in setting the car down, I havent been able to fix the windows yet.
Soon I hope, but since they must be installed from the outsoide, i dont hold much hope to get them done for winter.
This car has not been exposed to rain much in its recent life, and right now I am accumulating water between panes of glass.
If I let them freeze, they will of course crack and make an awful mess.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/CZ-Silver-Pony
So there you have it for now folks
Of course, continued donations will be most appreciated as we approach the work season.
Specifically
Dover Strait is RDOVER
The Wednesday Projects team has an account at R6166 (the number of their shop car)
The NP Baggage car is R230
The Silver Pony is R1108DRGW
The streamliner sleeper set is collectively RSILVR
Any and all support will help move things along.
Department update Sep 2011
Posted by: | Comments
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.
Dept short update 2011-08-31
Posted by: | CommentsFeast or Famine , right?
Well today I got some stuff done, AND have a bit of energy left, so why not jot down a little update…
For those of you that are aware of my ongoing "arguments" with the ventilation of the Streamliner set this summer, I managed to solve another part of it
I was able to locate and repair the condensation leak in Birmingham, so now it doesnt drip on our visitors….
PLUS today when the temps got near 90 with bright sun and much more humid (again!!!) The system kept the car around 80F.
Success!
Good for this month, and answers for next year in place…
I also keep being surprised at how the Pacific Peak is staying cooler with the new blower system.
After this weekend, we will be preparing the cars for use on Showcase weekend, so come on out and take a ride!
Next door, the Wednesday guys continue to make great progress in the sunny weather.
The painting of NP 230 is moving along, and the lettering is beginning
http://www.irm.org/gallery/NP230
In addition, another bunch of Joes guys are really going at the CGW combine
http://www.irm.org/gallery/CGW4061
both cars could use support to defray the cost of the restoration.
PLUS>>> if anyone wants to support the Special Projects group as a whole, they can make a donation to them as well.
Dept update 2011-08-25
Posted by: | Comments
A little time, and a little energy. A good time to write a few notes for our distant friends.
First, a bit of congratulations to the Wednesday special Projects Group.
They have been quietly making some really great progress on the restoration of several cars over the past two years, and they need to be applauded and thanked.
To begin, the CBQ Havelock Baggage car received for the Pullman Library is finished, and is on display as the third head end car of the Central Av display line.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/album205?page=1
While they were finishing that piece, a few of the guys began exterior work on the NP baggage car being used as a shop for the Passenger Dept.
The effort has really dressed up the car, painted in NP MOW brown until now
http://www.irm.org/gallery/NP230?page=1
Third..(yes third project in one year!)
The guys have agreed to make cosmetic repairs to the CGW combine that has been begging for attention for a while.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/CGW4061
Soooo, for the fans of specific pieces, they can always use donations
CBQ Havelock fans can donate to fund R993
NP fans can donate to fund R230
and CGW/CNW fans can donate as well I think R4061, although as i write this i cannot verify that. Hope to answer my own question this weekend.
As for the rest of the story….
Thomas is happening…
While that is going on, the track guys have managed to pull all the track from the bad siding in Barn 3 and we await B&G to clear and grade the space, so new track can be placed. The team has been building panel tracks so the installation should be a relatively straightforward process, once it starts.
Again, I apologize for a lack of photos right now, the time and energy have been on short supply for a while,
I hope to get some pix in the website gallery soon.
With the construction, Dover Strait is outside for a while, and Gene and Bob are making good use of the time. The underside painting is going forward, and we still hope to have it done this year.
In Yard 5, it seems that i have spent a lot of time this summer repairing, adjustung and tweaking the ventilation in the streamliner set.
The latest, is that i have continued to fiddle with the pacific peak blower. i have now adjusted the power feed for the blowers to make it internal, so i can use the system all the time, and perhaps even when the car is in motion.
Birminghams' primary AC system has been dripping condensation recently, and i think I may have found an answer.
I will know this weekend, with a long two day run for the system.
Silver Pony has not had a lot of attention lately, i know, buy with a but of luck, we may be approaching a change in that problem.
Seat plans are moving forward. Upholstery is in hand and we await frame fabrication.
I have located and purchased the lenses i need for the dome light fixtures, and I am actively seeking lenses for the downstairs lights.
I also have leads on a couple of other items for the car, but i dont want to chat about them until they are complete.
Rumors are sometimes negative.
I reported in the dept report that we had seats in stock, and they are in the car.
My HUGE hope is to get the car on wheels soon so i can get it in place for the winter.
After Thomas leaves, perhaps we can all get the "powers that be" to focus on the project of getting the three cars home yet this year.
Last but far from least
I want to thank all of our donors, large and small , who stick with us and support us on a regular basis.
Specifically, i want to thank Kevin Brown again and Al Reinschmidt for his unexpected gift.
Not to mention our casual visitors that make many small donations in the cars themselves.
i cannot tell you how much it means to us to keep us going.
Online donations can go via the web store in some ways
http://www3.irm.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_7
If someone wishes to make a specific donation to any other piece of equipment, whether one of the Wednesday projects or any other passenger car, thay can call the office at 1-800 BIG RAIL and they can take your credit card info on the phone.
Come out for Labor Day!
Enjoy the September event, Leviathan is running and the NZ set will be out
Stop in the Barn and see the construction, and then come over to Yard 5 and say Hi.