Midweek Memo

For today's news, we'll start with a two-car train of 4000's, which were brought out to handle a couple of charter groups.  We should mention that IRM can easily handle mid-week charter groups with a little advance planning.  So think about it!

And then, an unexpected visitor was seen blocking Central Ave.  At least I didn't expect him to arrive so early.  I believe he will be in hiding somewhere on the property for nearly a month.

Among other things, I did some switching to make up the 36 and 309 as a train for use on Traction Weekend, probably on Saturday, June 30.   Not a lot to take a picture of, but the work includes making a static test of both the control and brake systems.  After that, we will mostly be using the 308 and 319 for public service.

One of the third rail beams on the 308 needed some attention; I tightened up some bolts and replaced a missing wooden cover on top of the beam.

The cover is there to prevent arcing over from the third rail, I suppose.  That's not a problem at IRM, of course, but we need things to look right.

Speaking of looking right, you need to look closely at the professional-quality diagrams our Drafting Department (aka Rich Witt) turns out on a regular basis.  Here he is working out the specs for new bolts to be installed on the Michigan Electric car.

In the Electroliner, John is very excited about the start of painting inside the motorman's compartment.

Getting paint (in this case, primer) on the wall is difficult because of all the piping and equipment in front of it.

Ceiling panels ready for installation.

Finally, I went over to Barn 11.  Jack Biesterfeld wasn't around, but he left the lights on and we can see how much paint stripping he has managed to accomplish.

This looks much better than I expected.  

The false ceiling in the west end of the car has been removed, showing the planks that supported it.

I also visited the Mt. Harvard, but I'll let Roger tell you about that project.