Fall Cleaning

Today, we'll start with some progress on the Fox River 306.  This will certainly be a major project, and it will take quite a long time to complete, but at least we're starting to analyze what needs to be done.  Fred and Gerry and I spent some time sorting out parts and supplies stored inside the car.  We found a large number of steel channels of various sorts, for instance, which will be more than enough to replace parts that are rusted out.

One side of the smoker was cleared out, more or less, so that work on the windows can proceed.

Then we removed the ceiling panels that had been stored in the aisle, the steel channels, and other parts.  It's now possible to see much better what's still stored inside.

Fred and I worked on removing rusted out sheet metal from around the arched windows at the #1 end.  It's now ready for Gerry to do some welding.

And we also removed the rubber mats down the center of the aisle.  These must have been installed at Shaker along with the Mastapave on the floor.  The Mastapave comes up easily enough, and the wood floor underneath still looks pretty good, so we're left scratching our heads as to why it was ever paved over.  And we think the center aisle should have a strip of linoleum.

In other news, here's Pete Galayda working on a baggage rack.  In the foreground is the stove for the 300, which is pretty much done.   So Pete is planning to work on refurbishing the interior of North Shore 160.  We need to determine exactly what color the racks should be painted.  He and I went over to the car to scope out what needs to be done.  The mahogany needs to be stripped, stained, and varnished.  And the baggage racks need to be painted.

Jon Fenlaciki continues to work on the 65, and sends us a photo.  This shows the tongue and groove installed on 65’s roof today.  Pulling nails and replacing screws that have popped up continues.  

And lucky Buzz.   He got to spend much of the day on a Nick project -- making new trays to hold all the hot chocolate cups.  

At least the boss is happy.  Later they were painted a bright red.

These will be used, of course, for the Happy Holiday Railway trains.  I've heard rumors that this first Saturday is completely sold out.   So if you want to get some delicious hot chocolate on the train, you'll have to buy tickets soon.