Now that the IT meet is over, the main project is to get the 319 ready for revenue service in about three weeks. We need to do inspections, and there are a few minor things that need to be addressed, but the main task is to repaint the #1 vestibule.
I got a new can of red paint, which appears to match the exterior color very well. The guys at Diamond Paint in Des Plaines do a very meticulous job of paint matching. I basically spent all day painting. By the end of the day, I had finished about half of the compartment, as seen at right. 
The picture probably makes it look better than it really is; at least one more finish coat will be needed, since red generally does not cover very well in our experience. So the masking will be left in place. The dark spot in the upper left corner is where the flag box will be installed. I also started putting some primer on the floor, since I now have a quart of the pumpkin color for the floor of the vestibule. In any case, compare the exterior door on the left, which was sprayed with the rest of the car, with the new paint on the other surfaces. Nice match, isn't it? The old red paint in the vestibule is darker, and may be hard to cover.I also collected all of the antimacassars from the 277, so I can work on getting them lettered.
In other news, work is progressing on the Schroeder store. Today the contractors nearly finished the east wall (L); the west and south walls are already done (R). It's looking good!
6 comments:
Randall,
What is going to be the ffinal use of the store when it is done? New gift shop or a display area for things?
Thanks,
Keith Ziolkowski, recently new track dept volunteer.
What does the front side look like? Is the contractor going to do work there?
That red really just pops out in the photograph. What a difference. A thought occurred to me via post "IT Day" ..I know all of you have your hands full, but is there any current plans or simply discussion to bring the heavyweight interurban Interstate Public Service sleeper # 167 back to the Midwest? What a rare, beautiful car. The last time I saw it it was rotting away up in Washington state. Just curious,
Bruce,
I think the IPS sleeping car is now stored indoors. The carss owner, the West Coast Railway Historical Association has leased a former BC Rail shop facility, and it's one of the cars stored inside.
PTM Member Bruce Wells visited the car as part of the 2009 ARM convention. You can see a photo of the car here:
http://web.me.com/cuzinbrucie
If you go to "Weakly Report Archives" and you can see it on the September 27, 2009 report.
I have seen other photos of the car, including the interior, and other than the roof, the car generally looks to be in good shape.
While I do not speak for the car's current owners or IRM, I think for there to be plans or discussion, one party has to be willing to part with the artifact. So far, it looks like the WCRHA is committed to keeping the artifact stored in a safe location, under cover.
Another relatively current photo of IPS 167 here: http://transit.nerail.org/s/?p=154466
I'm actually a little disappointed Randy didn't name this post "Red Menace" or somthing along those lines.
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