I spent most of my time, though, helping with the North Shore cars being readied for the Trolley Pageant on the Fourth of July. Most work concentrated on the 251 and 757, our two Silverliners. The latter car has been stored in Barn 4 for several years now so this will be its first public operation in four or five years. Joe Stupar, Greg Kepka and Rod were able to repair a control resistor issue with the 757 (below left) so that it is again fully operational. Joel Ahrendt also worked on the car including locating a replacement air hose. Meanwhile Dan Mulvihill (below right) did motor inspection and lubrication on the 251 while I helped out by looking over the car's switch group and reverser.
The 757 isn't quite ready for revenue service, but a crew of people is working on the interior and there are plans to have it repainted at some point as well. Joe and Gwyn Stupar have been working on replacing some of the car's flooring and John McKelvey (below left) has been diligently going through and reupholstering all of the car's seats with specially-ordered material obtained several years ago. Below right, motorman Joel Ahrendt stands in the doorway of the three-car train after completion of work at the end of the day.
The Trolley Pageant will be quite a show - don't miss it!
And finally we have a couple of "around the grounds" photos. Below left, one of the Chicago City Railways manhole covers which were just installed on Central Avenue. Below right, the museum's latest acquisition. Please note that Hicks Car Works does not endorse or recommend bustitution or bussification.
Who is "Carmen" and why is the fact that she is working notable for a sign?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, the sign reminds me of an old comic from the United Railways of St. Louis Magazine. In it, a couple of panels are devoted to a pair of women who board a streetcar and are discussing opera. One of the women exclaims that she "just adores Carmen." In response, the conductor tells the ladies "Ladies I'm taken, but you should talk to the motorman!"
But we want to have certain standards around here. Carmen worked in a cigarette factory, and in her spare time consorted with smugglers, prostitutes, bullfighters, and various other lowlifes. Not a very good role model.
ReplyDeleteRandy, I question the "certain standards" of any blog that allows me to participate!
ReplyDeleteGreg and I were talking on Sunday, and decided that since work takes place so rarely, it apparently merits putting up a sign to advertise that carmen is / are working.
ReplyDeleteDear lord! I remember when the elgin buses first made the transition to pace from rta....identical bus right down to the livery...where'd they dig that up?
ReplyDeleteI remember those. The 8000's were a smaller version of the CTAs
ReplyDelete1000's. Rode the 834 route towards Joliet occasionally 1987 or 1988. Several times with a full load, I didn't think we were going to make it up the hills of Lemont. Also .. There was no leg room if you were tall. That made for a very uncomfortable ride for a LONG suburban route unless you chose the side seats.