I wanted to continue making new third-rail beams for the 319 in our well-equipped factory. So the first thing to do was to go over to 8 and get exact measurements of the two beams on the south side that we need to replace. And on the way:
Contractors are continuing to work on Barn 7, and it looks like replacement of the south wall is almost complete. I hope they don't scare the horses.
I really think these beams need to be made before the car is used in service again. I purchased the wood last time, and mortised out the slots and glued the four halves together. Here's what they look like after removing the clamps.
I then used the measurements I'd taken to mark everything on the beams that needs to be done. I cut them to length, cut out the diagonal notches, marked all the holes, and then drilled them. After you do this often enough it's like clockwork, and mistakes are a thing of the past.
Tim was the only other person there today, and he was working out in the barn on the 268. He's accomplishing a lot, but I didn't want to spend any time getting in his way. But the vestibules of the car are lighted, and they look a lot better than when I saw them last, I think:
This is the west vestibule. With nice mood lighting, it looks quite sophisticated.
And here's the east end. In any case, this car is going to be the envy of the rest of us when it gets done.
Meanwhile, by early afternoon all of the woodwork on the two beams was finished, and I was able to put a first coat of primer on eight of the nine sides of each beam. (Each beam is an irregular nonahedron with several holes. Not up to Euclidean standards, but historically accurate.)
Once the beams currently mounted on the 319 are brought over to 4, I will be able to reassemble the parts on the new ones, and we'll be ready for service.
