Thursday, January 20, 2011

Inch by Inch

This would be a good job for a hermit. I only saw two people today, for a couple of minutes, and they aren't even members. I went over to the car shop to see Mr. Socks, though, and Joel was driving in as I was leaving, but that was it.

But it was a good day for more painting on the ceiling of the 319. I finished, more or less, putting filler around the section I had fixed, and more primer. Then sanding, filling, and painting on the other parts of this sector, as seen at the right. It takes a while, but the results are worth it.



Having done that, we could sit around and watch the paint dry. But let's go over to Barn 2 instead and see what has happened. Bill Greenhill and a helper were there eating lunch. He has finished putting primer on both sides of the PCC above the belt rail, and plans to start on the finish coat tomorrow, he says.




And then there was more paint removal in the vestibule. Several sections are ready for sanding and primer. Once I'm done in the smoker, I can move the space heater into the vestibule and start painting there.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Randall,
As you know; I am one of th elong distance members and so do not have detailed knowledge of the C,A & E fleet. But you must be thinking about if it is possible to back date any of the Cleveland auction Interurbans.

Take the 319; it appears that there is painted over art glass in the empire ceiling. Is it possible to remove the paint from it and show off the colored or decorated glass under there?

i just renewed my membership so there will be a few dollars in th e till to pay the light bill so you can see what you are doing!

Ted Miles, IRM member

Randall Hicks said...

Ted:
We have indeed thought about whether it would be possible to backdate any of the CA&E cars. But the answer was generally no.

The 319 was rebuilt in 1953 when it was painted red. The original double windows were replaced with single sash and different hardware, one oval window was rebuilt, and the interior was repainted, including painting over the stained glass. And removing every trace of paint from the grainy surface of the upper sash is quite difficult. These changes would be very difficult to undo, so it is being restored to its final paint scheme. Similar considerations dictated that the three steel cars also be painted red.

The 36 is a different case. We have not yet taken a decision on exactly how it will be restored. And of course we enjoy keeping everybody biting their nails, waiting for news.

In any case, thanks for your continuing support!