Monday, November 26, 2012

Just Like Downtown!

 One of the things that keep this restoration business interesting is that there's always something new to learn, something we didn't know before.  For instance, a few years ago I published an FAQ on Canvas Roofs.  But I'd never seen anything quite like this.  Tim has started removing the canvas from the 1024.  The roof was last repaired while it was still in service on the CTA.

The end of the upper roof was patched in two layers; the upper layer is later and appears to be made of egg crates.  When the illuminated sign boxes were removed the wires were left in place and just covered over, and there are patches at odd angles.  This I've really got to see in person.



So in the future we should probably try to emulate the best professional repair practices as shown here.  Just like they do it downtown!

2 comments:

JWG said...

Bill W if you see this: I hope the 1913 configuration includes the lighted sign boxes! Or was that a feature removed earlier when it was converted to an MU car?

Chris said...

The CTA repairs are hideous. How should "historical fabric" be judged in such a case? Removing wires, cutting fresh boards, and so forth or leaving the improvised material?