Slats for the Mats

 Zach Ehlers recently located a number of lobster trap slat forms in the 213 and brought them over to Barn 4.  This is very exciting because I had been wondering how to make something that would bend the slats properly, and this will save me a lot of time and work.  We have about 15 of them; here's one on display.  It's made of two pieces of 3/4 plywood fastened together.  I don't even know who made these or whether they've ever been used.

First, of course, the slat has to be soaked and then steamed, and then it can be bent over the form.

You hold one end down with a bolt as seen here, then presumably a C clamp or something similar can be used to force the other end down.  As I mentioned, there are about 15 of them, and they have three different curvatures: 3", 3 1/2", and 4".  This one is labeled 4, which means each end has to bend down 4".  Having these devices on hand is a big step forward.

Zach also found some metal drip rails that can be used with the lobster traps, although they all need some body and fender work.  But I also realized I need to paint the saddles first, so these will be saved for later.

I then drove over to Woodstock and bought some more 4/4 ash for making slats at the new hardwood store there.  After an hour or so of work, we now have enough for one end.

And for soaking them, this holder for trolley wire protective insulators is just the right size.  It wasn't being used right now because the insulators are in place over the wire on track 2.  So with some work, I was able to fill it with water and slats, and we'll let the water soak in for a couple of weeks.  Of course, the water may need topping off once in a while.  This container is good because it takes up little room and can be kept in the shop area, where there's no danger of freezing.

Well, let's take a break and see what's happening over with the model railroad group.  Here the HO layout is all lit up and in operation.

I later painted the saddles at the #2 end, and then worked some more on fitting the saddles at the #1 end.

But let's see what the other guys were doing on Wednesday.   Pete and Fritz continued work on the 160, including these windows.

Tacking has started on the 306's canvas, as seen here.

Gerry was working on the interior, but I didn't get any pictures.

And the end of the 2872 is going together.

Finally, Bill Wulfert was working on a secret project, or so he says.  I guess I'm willing to play along with this for a few days.  But you'll see it here first!