Doodlebug Progress

Gregg Wolfersheim reports on the UP doodlebug, currently being restored in Barn 2:

A few bits of progress on M-35 from last month. While rebuilding and installing the left side steps, I noticed the hinge bracket was missing something. Looking at the right side, there is a round piece with holes crosswise in it. This is for adjusting the tension on the spring which helps the trap to open. I made one (on the right) to match. A piece of one inch AAR pipe was used, with a square nut welded to one end.

 In this picture we see the hinge pin at the left supporting the trap door. This is the left side stepwell.

 The interior light circuit was completely rewired over the course of several weeks. The original wires were in rough shape. It was easier to pull new wire in now, rather than after the ceiling is back in. This photo shows a typical junction box with the pigtails hanging out. The light fixtures are attached to these boxes later. We've decided to rewire, then install the ceiling panels. Braces for insulation follow with the boxed frames over each ceiling vent next. After this is all in we will start with putting the roof boards on.

This is the  switch box located on the back wall of the coach section. The wiring ran from the engine room where the electrical cabinet is, to this box. The new wires went here, and then back through the conduit to each light fixture. These switches were cleaned up and checked out. Also, a knife switch with fuses was added in the main electrical cabinet for added protection.