Archive for Volunteers
Department Update 2011-12-22
Posted by: | CommentsTo open this holiday report, I first want to once again extend our thanks to all of the supporters of the Passenger Dept. Several of you have made donations to the department and we appreciate the help.
Again and again, I am astonished and honored that so many folks seem to think our efforts are worthy of their support. We hope to continue as proper stewards of this part of the world.
We also need more support to keep these many projects moving forward. As we approach the end of the year, please think about your favorite passenger car.
There are several individual online donations possible:
http://www3.irm.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_7
If you wish to donate to a piece not listed, feel free to call the office and identify your wishes. Every piece of equipment has an account and, if a donation is targeted, we are legally required to use the money for the intended item.
Merry Christmas
Happy Chanukah
Happy New Year
GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS
Winter for the Passenger Dept usually means a time to get some messy work done, and this year is no different. Since we do not have heated facilities, we begin by setting up local heat in work spaces around the Barn, and planning indoor work for days the weather is not cooperative.
The majority of the damages related to the Terror event have been repaired, and the final work will be time consuming only because we need to locate a source to reproduce the broken lamp globe.
EQUIPMENT REPORTS
Inbound Acquisitions
Incoming acquisitions have been sidetracked for the short term, but NEWS is in as recently as this week!!!
PROGRESS!!
YAY!
The UP transport approvals are not yet forthcoming, and we continue to await the resolution via the Executive Director.
Number One
The baggage car Silver Beaver has been put into work at Gateway in preparation for its trip to us. We now know that the wheels are approved, and the brakes are being inspected. It is expected that the car may be ready to come in, ON ITS OWN WHEELS, sometime in mid to late January.
The car will be coming in as RCPX 801 (its original number) for those of you that follow that kind of stuff. The great news is that, if the car comes in on wheels, the only costs will be to make it roadworthy at Gateway. In addition, the track space for this car is already paid, as it will absorb the track space released by the sale of the Glen Alta.
Number Two
Next on the good news info, is that the wheels from Olympus have been offered to us for Silver Pony. This is, as many of you know, HUGE!!!!!
The down side is, since they are now a separate acquisition, they will need to be purchased. The cost at this point appears to be about $10-12,000. Whatever the cost, they will also incur about $1000 to get them here.
They are not perfect, as we have discussed in the past, but they are the correct design, and it will allow us to get the car on wheels and work on the mechanics as time goes on. Also, while not cheap, they are the only solution we have heard until now.
It also means that the Silver Pony fund will need help in a significant way, to absorb the costs. There have been a couple of wonderful donations recently toward the car, and we are extremely grateful.
Number Three
Lake City donor request is on the webstore, and photos have been posted in the department gallery. Milwaukee Rd Historical Society has been apprised of the acquisition, and plan to run a special notice in their upcoming publication. This move also awaits planning information from the Executive Director
Number Four
The new owner of Glen Alta arranged an inspection this past week, and the expectation is to have the car prepped on site and shipped out in early spring.
Number Five
The newly acquired CRIP coach in Iowa awaits movement to IRM. Brake work has been done and the car is now mechanically ready to transport.
Number Six
CBQ 1309 baggage car in Denver awaits transport completion by the Executive Director
No changes to equipment.
567, is in service.
561 is in service as well, following significant repairs to brake structure and attachments
556, with the end of operating season, work has begun again, with interior cleaning a priority.
We have continued the process of grinding old paint surfaces in the car.
The single window damaged during Terror has not yet been repaired, but the car is safe in Barn 9, so there is no risk.
Rock Island Coaches (6)
The repair of the roof of CRIP 2571 remains a project planned for winter and spring, but since much of the work will be needed outdoors on scaffold, the plan is to perform the work in later winter /early spring.
B&M 3288/1094
Continued interior work.
Exterior painting has also continued following the end of public days.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/BM1094
Dover Strait
Underbody finishing was completed . The interior is making progress.
Barricades are being developed for the bedrooms to allow public viewing of the car, and lounge carpeting has been identified.
We await information from the supplier to complete the process.
This car is slated next for conversion to 120vac lamps.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/DoverStrait
IC 3345
No progress at this time
CZ Silver Pony
http://www.irm.org/gallery/CZ-Silver-Pony
With the end of public season, we have been able to renew some work inside the car.
Seats are in process, and the missing seat mount pedestals are also being fabricated.
Lenses for the dome lights have been acquired
We know the windows are a priority, but a major stalling point was locating the gasket material for the windows.
With the help of the Executive Director, we have located a possible source, and hope to make progress soon.
Currently, we have gotten one of the vestibule traps working. It needs a bit of adjusting yet, but the mechanism is all back together and working.
We also have begun to work on the blower system, to try and ventilate the car this spring.
We have the fans back in place, so now we have to fabricate a blower motor mount.
It appears similar to the one we built for Silver Ridge, so maybe we will get lucky.
We also are beginning to repair the ceiling lights, new ballasts and starters.
CNW RDC 9933
We have received the missing interior baggage rack lights, rewired them and are currently installing them.
Construction of baggage racks will follow in time for 2012 season.
We also hope to improve the electrical feed to this car, enhancing ventilation for next year.
CBQ Silver Ridge
Some interior restoration remains planned.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/UP1432
Steady progress is being made in backdating interior wall surfaces.
Carpet removal in a double bedroom with exposure of original wall surfaces.
Mike hopes to complete this space over the winter.
We have located original color scheme information through the UP Historical Society, so if time and resources permit, we will be able to make the restoration accurate.
ACL Birmingham
The car has once again been winterized to provide a place for all volunteers to use during the winter. We plan to spend some time improving ventilation in the kitchen area this winter.
NP Loch Sloy
With completion of repairs, current plans to work on this car will be on hold until later in the off season. With limited manpower resources, we try to maintain realistic timetables to ensure the cars readiness for Spring season.
NP 230 Baggage Car
http://www.irm.org/gallery/NP230
The exterior painting of the car is complete.
YARD 5 DISPLAYS
Special Exhibit cars
http://www.irm.org/gallery/Special-Exhibit-Cars
The exit vestibule has been cleaned of obstructions and the center sill and coupler pocket are exposed.
Welding repairs have begun as we build a new vestibule platform for the exit end of the cars.
The video security system has arrived, and installation will be done by Les and Wally after the interior is finished.
A malfunction of the AC unit in the car late in the season has been assessed and Jerry Lynn is preparing an estimate to repair the system for next year.
We still await the completion of the second car power supply, with some of the repair and display ideas waiting for electricity.
Mid week update 2011-10-12
Posted by: | Commentsafter a ton of time, now all of a sudden, I have the opportunity to write twice in three days…..
Mostly I just want to brag on folks that have been making progress on their own work lately.
First, the ballast is in place in Barn 3. Dropped off last week and laid on track Tuesday!
YAAAY!
Thanks to Nick and all the folks that pitched in and helped. A huge step forward, making the track crew work much much easier this weekend!
I think its the first time that track has been ballasted in about 50 years, and it should make it drain better, and be a much more stable platform for the equipment.
Everyone needs to remember that Barn 3, the first barn built, had rail that was small and old when built.
This track should next need maintenance in my grandchildrens time or later…..
NEXT another piece of equipment that is quietly being brought back to life in style is Jack Biesterfields BM 1094 project.
He stopped on the exterior in spring to avoid issues with the visitors, but he is right back to it again , and all along he has worked on the interior.
Needless to say the car is becoming gorgeous
I put this image in specifically to show the before and after work he is accomplishing
Finally, the Wednesday folks are moving forward on the NP baggage car 230.
They hope to have it done this year, and so far the weather has cooperated.
Once again I remind everyone that these projects are done all from donations, and using all volunteer crew (even the track work)
so any help form our readers out there is most appreciated.
The track work donations can go to RTRACK
The B&M car can go to R1094
the baggage car itself (for all you NP fans out there) can go to R230
and the Wednesday Projects group can get donations through R6166
As the end of the year approaches, please keep us in mind and help all you can.
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.
Department update August 2011
Posted by: | CommentsI know its been a while. My fault.
Simply put, the time to put down info has been hard to find.
For now as always at least here is the monthly department report.
Feel free to ask questions, posting comments, i will do my best to answer them.
Its Thomas time, so the next two weeks are still kind of busy.
GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS
We await repairs to the #1 track in Barn 3, identified previously.
Preparation work has begun, and we hope the work can be completed in a timely fashion during
the next three to four weeks, while six pieces of equipment are out of the barn.
Inside displays in Barn 3 now include 14 of 16 cars lit
Barn 3 and Yard 5 were both reviewed for safety issues in anticipation of Thomas.
Safety kits were accounted for, and distribution plans were made for the event.
The Thomas train, as discussed earlier in the year, will be four CRIP coaches, two DLW coaches and the CNW 7700 combine.
This will place all commuter cars in the Thomas train, and place all
individual (restored) cars on the mainline train , where IRM operating dept staff will be able to better monitor the passengers.
EQUIPMENT REPORTS
Inbound Acquisitions
Incoming acquisitions are making progress, but each has become complicated by factors.
The CBQ 1309 baggage car in Denver has been visited by the Executive Director, and many of the transport questions have been answered.
We still await the planned return visit to finish the preparation for transport.
We await the action by the UP and the Executive Director to complete the plan for these moves, and we continue to hope for a completion of all tasks by the end of this year.
DLW coaches (3)
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
B&M 3288/1094
Continued interior work.
In addition, Jack has been successful in completing the exterior painting during season, with no compromise of public access to the Barn,
Congratulations are in order for the effort.
BLE 25
Ready for service on mainline train during Thomas weekend.
Dover Strait
Corridor shade frames have been finished and installation has begun.
Bob and Gene eagerly await the car movement outside during the 31 track repair to complete the painting of the undercarraige.
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
While no obvious progress has been made, there has been some forward motion nonetheless.
Light glass for all dome fixtures has been located and acquired.
The two missing lower level seat frames have also been located and thanks to an effort by Nick, Mike and Ray, moved into the car.
A dome seat frame has also been located complete with seats, so I now have a pattern to fabricate the dome seats themselves.
With the NZ project complete, the upholstery shop awaits the metal frame fabrication to begin
creating the missing downstairs seat cushions. The hope is to begin this work within the next two weeks.
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 OEM blower system in the car turned out to have been a custom design for Amtrak.
The company involved is still in business, but there is no alternative motor to adapt the system.
Therefore, we removed it completely, saved it for potential future use, and replaced it with a pair of single phase blowers similar to the system we created for Birmingham.
This has solved the issue, and we have noted that the car interior has become noticeably more comfortable for our guests,with better air movement and less humidity.
The current AC feed to the fans is temporary, and we hope to build a method similar to Silver Ridge for a more permanent solution.
YARD 5 DISPLAYS
The exit of the special exhibit cars has deteriorated significantly. Mike, Ray and Marc have begun to disassemble and repair the platform and exit stairway.
The work is similar in nature to the platform work done on the DLW coach so the technique is known, it is simply a matter of having the opportunity and time to perform the work.
In addition, the side panels repairs to the car are being planned.
The replacement metal panels have been fabricated and await the time.
The Chicago Railroad Fair display being developed by Ray Bellock has been making progress, and is nearing completion.
We have implemented a video presentation in the foyer area of the display, and will of course have Thomas video running there for the two weeks of our friends visit.
With the recent death of Jonn Cloos, i have mentioned to some that we would be happy to create a space for one of his exhibits as a way to remember him.
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.
Dept update 2011-06-29
Posted by: | CommentsI know I know
I have been less than chatty for a couple of weeks. The weather and the projects have taken their toll.
So for now heres a bit.
OK more than a bit. As I get this written, I remember more and more that i havent mentioned, so the report is lengthy.
I dont want to leave folks out. Several efforts are going on, and they all deserve recognition.
Of course, i have the most details about the work I am involved with, but i am far from alone within the department.
Perhaps others will someday be willing to provide info and photos so i can include them here.
On the Yard 5 /streamliner front…….
The AC units in Birmingham came out and i got new units to replace them.
Last week, one of the new units quit, so I got the pleasure of pulling the entire set apart again, but i knew I needed to get it done before the 4th, as it promises to be stinky hot this weekend, and without some ventilation, the silver steel greenhouses would be uninhabitable.
so down they came again.
The upside is that the failed unit was simply a structural issue, some of the units insulation had come loose and jammed the fan. Repair was easy, of course, after taking it apart.
So at least they both work and are back in place for this weekend.
In the middle of all this, the primary blower motor in Silver Ridge finally gave up the ghost, as the brushes wore down to the nubs.
Not bad for 50 years though, huh?
This motor, a low voltage DC motor with old technology is huge, and while the mechanics of the removal were easy, lowering 110 pounds of metal from overhead is always a bit of a challenge.
and so after arranging a rope pull and enlisting my sons help down it came, quite easily i must admit
I am continually amazed at how cooperative the car is. She really wants to be alive. Parts come apart just like they are supposed to, bolts come loose, hinges line up…you get the idea.
Anyone with mechanical experience understands. If a machine doesnt want to cooperate, it can make your life miserable. Frozen, rusted, bent.
Not Silver Ridge. A true pleasure to work on.
As part of my ongoing restoration, I have been converting the electrical system to 120/240vac all along. This item is no different.
The motor to replace ?
same HP rating, same speed , 240vac 4amp draw, instead of 25 amp draw, and only about 1/4 the weight.
A simple alignment, new mount holes on the mount plate for the car, and it dropped right in. Gotta love improvements in technology.
Some people make a bg deal about "authentic " restoration.
The simple truth is that the railroads were always looking for improvements, and would have changed the car over in a heartbeat if equipped with todays machinery.
Just look at Amtraks HEP program. Every Heritage passenger car that they had got HEP'd . Higher voltage AC makes motors run better, last longer and take less electricity, which also means less strain on the car electrical system.
By putting the new motor in, i not only will make the system more efficient, but it will also make it possible to run the blowers while operating on generator power in motion.
I agree , if the restoration is visible then a credible period device is the first choice, but this is not visible and will only help make our guests more comfortable.
But enough about my part of the world. Lets check in Barn 3 a bit too.
First, for those not in the neighborhood, we have a small structural issue in Barn 3……
OK NOT A SMALL ISSUE…rather a LARGE ISSUE
after several years of reporting the track conditions inside the Barn, and watching ties float out when we flood (for real!) the 31 track has finally begun to roll on itself.
It is, after all, some of the oldest track on the property, and it is spiked to mud, not ties, so I guess its not too unexpected.
Ther current plan is to have the track dept make panels and prep the site, pull everything out before Thomas and re-lay the entire track.
Of course, there are several sidebar issues involved.
Cost , time, and on and on.
For the moment, the 31 track is frozen. If we pull out of there, we will not be allowed to put anything in until the track is repaired.
Two of the four cars have weak leaky roofs, so we also need to plan for indoor storage on them during the work.
Elsewhere,
All the while, Bob Hunter moves along with finish work inside Dover Strait. For now, the project is window shade fabrication.
Mark Hoffman is making progress on the exterior of the John Mcloughlin, and we hope he will get back to the ceiling of the DLW coach soon.
Mike Prendergast and Roger Kramer have been masking the IC cafe car 3345, to prep for paint. Andy has one more window frame to finish welding and joining then the paint can fly
Mike, Ray and Marc have been making serious progress on this years brake inspections. They have already finished all the heavyweight coaches, and four of the five streamliner cars.
A bit of work on Birmingham's emergency valve is needed, but everything welse is done. Great work!
Since June 15, we have re-arranged the barn a bit.
The RPO and BLE 25 combine are now mated on the south (34) track, so they can be pulled out for service as a pair, like we do with DMIR 84 and IC 2804.
This layout sets the cars up in better display positions, and also makes it easier to pull cars for a "pretty" heavyweight train on special days. Twio pair out, add DLW coaches and Inglehome from Barn 9 and the train is complete. No more juggling or wyeing the pieces for the correct order.
a secondary advantage is that i was able to convert BLE 25 to 110vac power, and light it up for display. Fully lit, it draws a bit over 1 amp total
http://www.irm.org/gallery/BLE25
closer and closer is the possibility of running a heavyweight train at night .
Already up to six cars, RPO, combine BLE 25, coach IC 2804, coach DMIR 84, two coaches DLW.
Maybe, maybe.
Finally, in this report, i got some interior shots of the glen Alta for the photo fans.
Glen Alta is the sister car of the Glen Springs, and was heavily modified for use by a circus.
having never taken any interior shots, I took the opportunity to get a few.
The car was boarded, and dark inside, so i was never inspired to photograph it.
http://www.irm.org/gallery/GlenAlta
as a finale, once again remember that all of this work could use your support.
Two baggage cars still need to get home form their respective places.
Silver Pony, not in the news this month, but will still need lots of support and donations to move the car towards display and/or service.
The Yard 5 streamliners are under a fund called RSILVR, for folks interested in that
Galt House is a work in progress, and while i do not have intimate details, I know Gerry Boguse has been out a couple of times, and he could use donations as well.
ALL cars have separate funds, and if you have a favorite, you can do a phone donation to the office, OR
online donations can be made to some of the cars at
http://www3.irm.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_7
Stay cool this weekend, watch the show on webcams if you cant make it for the parade.