Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Job Is Not Finished

Just because the 309 is back in revenue service doesn't mean we'll forget about it. There are several minor tasks we want to take care of on both the 308 and 309, and at least one major one. And you can help!

Several of the walkover seats have broken parts. The end castings on this model of Hale & Kilburn seats is particularly prone to breakage. Right now, I've fastened several pairs of seat backs in the 309 to each other with cable ties, so they can't be moved. This keeps them from getting out of adjustment, but it's not a good solution. We need replacement parts for a 100-year old mechanism.

Fortunately, parts can still be made, and Glenn Guerra has them available. The picture shows some recent samples of the correct parts. But they're not inexpensive. We'll need eight end castings at $120 apiece, and at least two actuating arms at $65 each. Please consider a generous donation to the 309 restricted fund for this purpose. Of course, all donations are tax-deductible.

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