The Old Reliable

Today I started inspection on the 309. So far nothing unexpected has been found.

Part of air brake system testing is to check the setting of the feed valve and the readings on the air gauges. Here we see a calibrated gauge attached to the brake pipe glad hand. It reads 70 psi in release, as you can see if you look closely, which shows that the feed valve setting is correct.

I also gave the fare box to Frank Sirinek and helped him put into secure storage. I should also point out that Frank and Mike recently cleaned up the pit, making it a much better place to work. They deserve a lot of thanks for these civic-minded improvements!

I should also thank some friends who have helped with the 319. Joel Ahrendt installed new trolley shoes, since the old ones were badly worn, and has selected a new pole which we will install when we get a chance.

And Jamie Kolanowski generously agreed to paint the remaining eight windows for the car. They look great!

I drove over to Barn 2 to load up the windows. Jim Followell's helpers are hard at work finishing surface prep on the 714, so it can be painted soon. Not shown in these pictures is the noise level.

And speaking of noise, work on tearing up the old pavement on Depot St. continues at a steady pace.

Lake Shore Electric 150 was converted to a house in 1938, moved a couple of times, served as a store, etc. Almost the only electrical components remaining on the car are the jumper receptacles on the back. There are two on each side. The inner one is the 7-pin control receptacle for the control system, and the outer is the high-voltage bus jumper. The Lake Shore installed these bus jumpers so that they could run a multi-car train using a single pole, just as on the CA&E, the Illinois Terminal, and several other roads.

Long-time IRM member and old friend Dennis Daugherty was visiting today, and here he is (far right) with Frank and Nick.

Finally: we will fight to the death to protect our locomotives. That's why we have all these defensive positions set up. Actually, of course, this is in preparation for the WWII reenactment that will be taking place this weekend. This is going to be bigger and better than last year, so you won't want to miss it! See the Anzio Express website for more information.