Busy Saturday

Today was especially busy at IRM, so explanations will be brief.  And I'm deliberately leaving out several things that don't have any photographs attached.

Today was a new event: the Fire Department Muster.  A lot of both old and new fire engines of various sorts were on hand.  Sirens were going off all day, and a good time was had by all.  There was a good crowd of visitors.

They were providing fire engine rides.

Car Department projects continue as usual.  Tim Wills was working on parts for the 451.

Keith Letsche was working nearby on parts for the 1754:

And the Cleveland PCC group put another wheel on the truck. 

L to R: Ed Woytula, Chuck Meter, Lorne Tweed.  They are really doing a thorough job!

I worked on cleaning up the wood cars, checking the oil, and replaced the defective window wiper on the 319.  Among other things.

The 1630 was running, as well as a Diesel train, and Greg Ceurvorst was running the 4000s.

But the big project for today was switching out track 42, to accomplish several goals, including getting the Baldy out to a position where it can be put into operation.

Switching these cars out around the tight curves in front of Barn 4 is not easy.  Here Nick Espevik brings up the Charles City engine.

 And I had to leave before the action really started.  From here on, all photos are by our correspondent Bill Wulfert.  Thanks!!!

CRT 1754 runs under its own power.  Note the new siding.

Tim proudly shows off his latest accomplishments.

Next, Michigan Electric 28.

CRT 4146.

The motorman has to reconnect part of the overhead inside the barn before going any farther.

Finally, the Toledo Edison engine is pulled out.  

And track 42 is empty for the first time in many years.  Bill had to leave before they started putting everything back.

But this was certainly a job well done!