Paint Matching

We are just about ready to finalize our paint formulas for the Aurora Gray color that will be applied to most of the Trolleyville cars. We learned that there was more than one version of this color over the years, so that makes it a challenge. The later version will be applied to the 319, 409, and 460, and the as-delivered version to the 451. Let's see what they look like.

For the 319, we're using as a guide this inner window sash from the 318. The upper half was always protected from the weather and never painted after it left Wheaton, so it's in good condition. (Red arrows) New paint for the later version. Note how well it matches the unpainted parts of the window. (Yellow) Our current match to a metal plate from the 451 (not shown). Charlie wants to make a slight adjustment, and it will be finished. (Blue) Earlier attempts at matching. (Orange) Orange paint in two different shades applied to the 318 while it was at Westport, Ind.

Charlie asked me to remove the remaining window shade tracks so all windows could be removed and masked, so I did that. The bent step was falling apart, and I was afraid somebody (including me) might get hurt, so I decided to remove it, with help from Charlie. A good replacement is in Barn 4, and the next time Frank is out, he plans to clean it up and apply primer.

Then I went over to the shop. Mike Alterio had the torch out for some other project, so I asked him to heat up the trolley base so I could remove the frozen set screw. Once that was done, it was easy to disassemble. Here we see the two parts; on the right is the upper half, upside down. Between the two parts is about three dozen 1/4" rods to act as roller bearings. This base had taken on water while it was out in the field, so I dumped it out and cleaned it all up. With some work, it could then be put back together. It needs to be packed with fresh grease, but none of us were completely sure what I should use. It has a removable screw on the top by which grease can be packed into it. I also started disassembling the other base; on this one, both set screws came out easily, so it won't be so hard. Gerry and Henry also helped me with this project.

Finally, by the time I had to leave, Charlie was starting to apply primer to the north side of the 319. It's going to look good!