Where Did It Go?

Summer's almost over, but we still have plenty of time left for great activities at IRM.  More about that later.  Today the weather was perfect, and we had a good crowd of visitors.  I was busy on Car Dept. projects, but operations seemed to go well.  The caboose train was running, with the IT Geep on the head end.

And the 1630 was powering the coach train.

The old and the not-so-old.  Depending on how old you are.

And two CTA singles were running the mainline also.  Another one of those implausible pictures you'll only see at IRM.

The operating crews included a number of relatively new people.  That's great, because we can always use more help.  And here's one of our newest members, who joined just a few weeks ago.  Rob has been showing up regularly ever since.  He went to our storage locker and picked out a uniform jacket and pants, and even managed to find a cap that fit.  So he looks quite spiffy.  And best of all, it was free!

   And at the end of the day, he's getting ready to sweep out the cars.  So I guess the moral of the story is:  this could be you.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of activity as usual in the car shop.  Chuck and Ed were working on the PCC truck, and it's going together nicely.  I should have taken more pictures of the various projects.  Buzz was making a seat for the velocipede, John McKelvey and Jane Blackburn were doing upholstery,  Victor and Bill were working on the cabin car, Joel and his crew were doing inspection on the 714,  and so on.

Anyway, Tim Wills was out and worked on handrails for the 451.  He also helped me mount this bracket on the car.  It's heavy and hard to handle, but we managed to get it into place, and I was able to install some but not all of the bolts needed.  At least it won't fall off.  This bracket mounts under the stepwell and supports the pilot.

Nick is working on arranging the move for the 453.  He and I spent some time making measurements needed by Silk Road for moving the car.  We don't have a schedule yet, but when everything's in place we'll let you know.

And again, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the 453 Fund.  Your generosity keeps the Museum going and growing, and it's something we can all be proud of.

Now, in case you haven't noticed, next week is Labor Day Weekend, which features night-time operations.  The CA&E wood cars are scheduled to operate all three days, including night runs on Sunday evening, but we need crews!  In particular, I need a complete crew for Saturday, or it will have to be cancelled.  I plan to be there both Sunday and Monday, but we can still use help on those days also.  Have a talk with your conscience, and let us know what the conclusion was.  Thanks!