Getting Ready

 

 Today was Scout Day, among other things, so there were lots of Boy Scouts around, along with their scoutmasters and families, and a good number of other visitors.  I worked on fixing various issues with doors and windows on the 36, and checked the roof hardware on the 308 and 309.  Nothing to see here, people, move along.  But look, the 409 is over the inspection pit, so the two-car steel train can be in service tomorrow.

These grids are a much better design than the ones used on the wood cars.  Among other things, the shunts are mounted underneath and don't have the drooping, jerry-rigged look that the earlier types do.  

Here's a view of the brake rigging and one of the motors. 

Joel is now the Pit Czar, and here we see him inspecting the traction motors.  This one evidently had mice nests inside.   

 

Among other things, I checked brake operation on the 36 and lubricated all the walkover seats.  They now all work fairly easily, which is good news.  I would still like to be able to run the car in revenue service a few times this year.

And the pot is still boiling on the Dodge inspection car.  Your donations to Milwaukee Rd. 30 will help pay for track space, transportation, and repainting.  It'll be a very interesting display piece.

And as usual, this is only a small sample of all the things that were happening at the Museum today.  Memorial Day weekend is only a week away.  The big news is that the 1630 should be running.  We're planning to have the wood cars running on Monday, although I'm not yet sure which two it will be.  Don't miss it!