Hicks Car Works: 1995 IRM Journal

1995

Sunday, January 8
1. 309:
  1. Finished tacking (for now) on north side. (#1 end is facing west.)
  2. First coat of canvas paint on south side.
Sunday, January 22
1. 309:
  1. First coat of canvas paint on north side.
Sunday, February 5
1. 309:
  1. Second coat of canvas paint on west half of south side.
2. Misc.: Watch removal of generator from C&LE box motor.
Sunday, February 19 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Second coat of canvas paint on east half of south side (Frank), entire north side; now complete.
Sunday, February 26 (with Frank)
1. 309/321:
  1. Visit of Old Thresher people (320 restoration) Steve & Diana Burden, Steve Conry. I showed them the 309’s roof job and various parts of the 321.
Sunday, March 5
1. 309:
  1. Spent all day boiling water in a 55-gallon drum, using the propane “flame thrower” as recommended by Roger Hewett et al. Steamed the end pieces for the roof.
  2. Rebuilt tool box was permanently installed with better screws (8 3” #12 FH). Refurbished tools installed; axe is held in place with three loops of 20 lb. picture wire as well as the original leather straps.
Saturday, March 19 (with Frank)
1. 309:
Worked on fitting curved end pieces to roof. Both fit reasonably well, although some planing will be required, of course. Applied Penta to rear and sides of both pieces. Dome light at #1 end was removed to allow access to attic. Location of ribs determines placing of screws in the new pieces. Seems to work well. Pieces are being held with #14 FH screws (2½” and 4”).
1. Misc.: Visit 9020 interior. AT&SF 2903 move to start tomorrow.
(Saturday, March 25, 1995, with Frank)

Went to Hyde Park to watch the move of the 2903.
Friday, March 31
1. 309:
  1. Started caulking under the flashing along the south side of car (toilet side) with a brand of “siliconized” caulk which says “for best results, apply between -35oF and +140oF” (!) (lower-priced brands had a lower limit of +40oF, and the current temperature seemed to be about +35.) Nailed down flashing with #8 carpet tacks (mostly). Finished west half of south side.
2. Misc.: Arrival of the 2903.
Sunday, April 2 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Toilet ventilator was brought out and installed; finished caulking and nailing the flashing on the south side of the car. Installed the two end pieces, but permanent installation will require some 3” and 3½” FH screws (#14 or larger). Started planing a little to match the curves at the corners, etc.
  2. Frank opened the car and gave tours to visitors.
2. Misc.: First day of revenue operation. Museum much busier than expected, due partly to 2903 publicity. Rode the 229 and 431; 250 has been scrapped.
Sunday, April 9
1. 309:
  1. Brought out six ventilators; three cleaned by John Houk. He also helped with preparing the cover plates for the clerestory, miscellaneous tasks. I cut up the stock for the metal cap pieces which go over the steel carlines (stock was provided by a friend of Howard Weege in about 1978). Sixteen pieces; still quite a bit of stock left over. Wood parts for the clerestory removed from the container. Brought out some more wood from home to put into container. Worked on installing the end pieces more securely. Some pictures taken of progress.
2. Misc.: Got to keep pot boiling on 308. Reimbursement check $48.60.
Sunday, April 23 (with John Houk)
1. 309:
  1. Wood pieces for the clerestory exterior painted by John. Meanwhile, I scraped some more tar from the clerestory sides.
  2. We put the metal end sheet into place to mark location of all holes exactly. Then remaining screw holes were drilled out. Mixed up some epoxy and glued wood dowels into the holes. Worked well.
  3. Started caulking and nailing down the flashing on the north side of the car. Finished sectors 15-18.
  4. Scheduled for operation May 28, need to plan ahead.
2. Misc.:
  1. John Houk talked to various members of IMOTAC: 308 is “protected,” not for sale. Meanwhile, EBT is running, so Shade Gap presumably will not be disbanded.
  2. Need for 309: Round head wood screws for end plate, #8 (or larger?) carpet tacks, large brads/small finishing nails, new rasp plate, wood dowels for Bruneau.
Monday, May 8
1. 309:
  1. Sorting of parts in 321, and sweeping.
  2. Deck pieces for the clerestory exterior nailed and caulked in place.
  3. Shaping of end pieces - should be ready for attaching the metal plate. Also, I applied Penta to the end pieces.
  4. More caulking and nailing on north side of car. Sectors 28-26 (due to the way the various sections of flashing overlap, it was necessary to start at other end.)
2. Misc.: Still need wood dowels for Bruneau.
Sunday, May 14
1. 309:
  1. Wire-brushed and primed back of metal plate for end.
  2. Planed down end pieces. Primed all unpainted deck parts on south side of car and #1 end pieces.
  3. Trimmed two pieces of curved tack molding for end, drilled for dowels. Not yet installed.
  4. More caulking and nailing on north side of car. Sectors 24-26.
  5. After primer was dry, installed metal plate (helped by Ken Tendick). Started installing screws.
NOTE: Back of metal plate had some stencilled lettering, nearly effaced. Two lines in block capitals, approximately ¾”. Much of the top line was illegible, but easy to guess:

CHICAGO AURORA & ELGIN

????????????????????WHEATON

Probably means the plate was replaced at Wheaton, since the car was built for the AE&C.
Sunday, May 21 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Frank primed the backs of the two tack molding pieces for the end.
  2. Nailed the final deck piece on south side of car, primed bare spots.
  3. Frank opened the car and gave tours to visitors.
  4. Attached the two pieces of curved tack molding with all screws installed. Planed to shape.
  5. Started on corners; one nearly finished. Both curved metal corners installed.
2. Misc.: Norm later moved his and Bruneau’s boards into their respective containers. Cab ride on E-5.
Friday, May 26 (with John Houk)
1. 309:
  1. Bondo applied to #1 end of roof. Followed by primer.
  2. Started to tack down canvas at #1L corner. (Tacks not driven completely in.)
  3. John filed down the new trap at #1R corner, so it now works OK. Checked other doors and traps.
  4. Tightened bolts holding the third rail beams.
  5. Lubrication: all axle caps and motor bearings; checked gears, crater OK. Compressor topped off. Helped by John. (Still need to check main journals.)
2. Misc.: Helped unload planks for the Woodstock.
Sunday, May 28 (with Frank, John Houk)
1. 309:
  1. Car could not be operated, due to difficulties with moving 749.
  2. John helped me reinstall the dome light at the #1 end.
2. Misc.: Operated 4410/4412. Visited the GG-1. Gave Bruneau a handful of dowels.
Monday, May 29 (with Esther, Mary Ellen)
1. 309:

Esther and Mary Ellen washed all outside windows on both sides.
Detached canvas from #2 end. Also unhooked trolley rope.
Reset nails, made measurements for one small patch piece to serve as a nailing strip to hold down the ends of the center roof boards.

Misc.:
1. Found tube for stretcher, put it beside 321.
2. Rode 714, 1374, Zephyr. Visited 4001. Gave some 309 tours to visitors.

Sunday, June 4
1. 309:
  1. Finished tacking down canvas (side) at #1L corner, including cutting and folding. First coat of canvas paint on side.
  2. New arched tack molding for the center canvas on #1L side was adjusted to fit, painted with primer (Rustoleum), and installed with screws. Center canvas was then tacked to the new molding. Also, center canvas was tacked to the end tack molding most of the way across the car towards the #1R side.
  3. Located drip rail (#1L) and short rope guard section in 321, tried wire brushing them without success. Will need to use a heat gun to loosen the tar.
2. Misc.: Helped with move of 2903 around west wye to steam yard.
Sunday, June 11 (with Joe McMillan)
1. 309:
  1. Cut out a piece of canvas to cover the #1R corner.
  2. Corner tack molding pieces was trimmed to fit #1R corner, primer on back.
  3. Joe McMillan helped with stripping paint from the metal rope guards and #1L drip rail with a heat gun. Later, he painted them with primer.
  4. Installed corner tack molding piece, and rasped to fit curve of roof. The metal flashing under the center section at this end had never been lifted up, and I pried up all the tacks and nails, and removed the old canvas.
NOTE: During paint stripping, I noticed that the rope guards seemed to have been painted blue at one point, with red over that, followed by the black tar. This makes no sense, as any picture seems to show the entire roof as grey or black, including these rope guards.
Monday, June 19
1. 309:
  1. First coat of canvas paint on the center section, as high up as I could reach. After it was dry, the long rope guard was caulked and put into place. This included some more tacks along the end tack molding. [The rope guard on this end was in two pieces when we got the car; the shorter piece is 24” long.] I still need some 1½” #12 FH wood screws to complete the attachment properly.
  2. The drip rail for the #1L corner was installed with caulk and screws. Second coat of canvas paint on this corner.
  3. I started to install the new piece of canvas over the #1R corner; it remains loose over the corner tack molding, which needs some more adjustment, plus filling in with Bondo. First coat of paint under the copper flashing, and over the lap joint. The joint between the two pieces of canvas was well filled with caulk. Then the center canvas was tacked down over the new side piece.
  4. At #2 end, shaped and installed a wood nailing block to attach the roof boards more securely. Also, the backs of the two end moldings for this end were painted with primer.
2. Misc.:
  1. Need for 309: 1½” #12 FH screws. Rode the 415.
  2. NOTE: Glen Guerra thinks I should record the following observation, so for what it’s worth, here it is: the attics over the vestibules still have piles of wood shavings, evidently from when the car was built. It would appear that the builders installed the ceilings first, and shavings from planing the roof ribs fell on the ceilings during construction.
Sunday, June 25 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Frank primed the two remaining seat frame arms (2 & 27), and painted four more gloss black (9, 10, 19, & 20). Miscellaneous assistance with the roof.
  2. Reshaped the #1R corner tack molding, and filled all gaps in the roof surface with Bondo. Once it was set, all bare surfaces were primed.
  3. Fitted and nailed down side canvas over #1R corner, first canvas paint.
  4. Frank helped strip the #1R drip rail; caulked and attached in place. Still needs primer.
  5. Long rope guard had all screws installed. Short rope guard was caulked and installed.
  6. Nailed down center canvas over #1R corner. Canvas paint on rest of center section (working from on top of the trolley boards).
Note: #1 end is now mechanically complete, but needs several more coats of paint and some more caulk.
1. Misc.:
  1. Plan to work with John Houk on July 3^rd. May be able to switch places with the 749 that day.
  2. I promised to call Nick about donation box and tour guide duty for Frank.
  3. Took home grab iron (for center section of roof, #1 end) for repainting.
Monday, July 3 (with Frank, John Houk)
1. 309:
  1. Frank painted all of the remaining seat frame arms gloss black.
  2. John Houk put primer on all wood clerestory surfaces on south (R) side.
  3. I installed the tack moldings across the #2 end. Bondo over various gaps in the roof boards at this end. Planed to shape and primed.
  4. Rope guard for #2 end was bent to remove most of the kinks, and most of the tar was scraped off. Then the center canvas was pulled down and tacked in the middle. Temporary installation of rope guard to hold center canvas and both sides in place for operation.
  5. First canvas paint on center canvas at #2 end, partly working from on top of the trolley boards.
  6. Switched out 749, and 309 was moved temporarily to track 63 at the door (due to coupler problems with 757). Helped by Norm Krentel, Ben Rohling.
2. Misc.:
  1. Frank opened the 309 to visitors for a while, and later worked as a tour guide in the Santa Fe lounge car in Barn 3. Took some progress photos of roof.
  2. John Houk tried out his LSE whistle a little. Sounds terrible.
Tuesday, July 4 (with Frank, John Houk, Ben Rohling)
1. 309:
  1. Before revenue service started, due to heavy rain, we opened the 309 in Barn 6 to visitors.
  2. Operated for Trolley Pageant and mainline revenue service. 3 loop trips, 2 mainline trips. No problems were noted (the center canvas at #2 end pulled out from under the rope guard slightly after the first main line trip, but no harm done).
  3. Car was stored back on track 73. #1 end faces east. Have enough room to erect platform at either end of car. Current arrangement from east to west: 415, 4391, 309,144,321, 9020, 460, 4021.
2. Misc.:
  1. Frank visited South Shore cars with Andy, videotaped parade, etc.
  2. John tested and adjusted his LSE whistle again, finally got it just right.
Sunday, July 9 (with Esther, Mary Ellen)
1. 309:
  1. Retrieved almost all remaining tools and miscellaneous parts from Barn 4, helped by Esther and Mary Ellen. Switched the free-standing signs with the 431, which is now on Track 42 at the west end. Got some yellow rope to string between 309 and 144.
  2. Got a metal ladder from the field and started work on the roof. Removed rope guard from #2 end and started to fit corner block to side #2R.
  3. Opened car to visitors for a while.
Monday, July 17
1. 309:
  1. Started fitting corner block at #2L.
  2. Removed both headlight brackets, taken home (along with one spare) for repainting.
2. 321: Removal of workbench!
  1. Everything on the old workbench, or attached to it, was removed. The AC light fixtures were attached to the wall of the smoker. Then I removed the workbench. The plywood top had to be detached from the frame underneath. Part of the frame is a 2x4 attached to the body posts with screws, some of which I was unable to remove, so it is still in place. The cabinet which supported the workbench was moved back against the wall, under windows 16-17. Plywood and frame were placed outside in the barn aisle. Some parts were moved to the container.
3. Misc.:
  1. Submitted new Rail & Wire articles, Northrop Community Service donation.
While visiting North Freedom on Sunday, July 23, I left a note for Don Ginter, the curator, about arranging a visit so I could look at the Hicks car there. It is still boarded up and not accessible. His address:

Don Ginter, Curator

Mid-Continent Railway Museum

PO Box 55

North Freedom, Wisc. 93951
Sunday, July 30
1. 321:
  1. Removal of last workbench 2x4 from body posts. Cleaning up.
2. Misc.: 4 more gallons of canvas paint delivered. Newspaper photo of 309. Too hot to do very much.
Friday, August 4
1. 309:
  1. Revised corner block for #2L was brought out and installed. Bondo was applied to corner, followed by shaping, then painting with primer. Canvas was then tacked down over this corner, as well as final tacking over most of the center part of the #2 end. The hip canvas over #2L corner fit very well for some reason. The center canvas needs to be adjusted somewhat where it curves down over the end, but I cannot reach it from the ladder. Finally, the rope guard was installed. Permanent screws were installed over about 75% of its length, leaving it loose at the #2R end. Canvas paint on the center canvas and #2L corner.
  2. I started to install keystone pieces where they are still missing in the coach section, but the baggage racks need to be removed first, so this was postponed.
  3. Repainted headlight bracket installed at #2 end (with all 6 screws, finally). The correct bracket for #1 end turned out to be the one in the toilet used for storing the headlight; it was installed on the train door, and one of the extras attached to the toilet wall.
  4. Extra parts removed from the toilet, and toilet itself was cleaned.
Sunday, August 6 (with Frank, Esther, Mary Ellen, and Joe Campbell)
1. 309:
  1. Could not operate in revenue service for Transport Extravaganza, but 309 and 321 were recoupled. Checked oil in 321’s compressor; no operational problems. Now arranged on track 73 from east to west: 1374, 4391, 144, 309, 321, 9020, 460, 4021.
2. Misc.: Rode 144, 4391, etc.
Saturday, August 19
1. 309:
  1. Corner block for #2R was reshaped to fit better. Ready for primer and Bondo.
  2. Sections for scaffolding were carried from Yard 10 and stacked against the 321. Ready for assembly.
  3. Headlight bracket at #1 end removed and taken home for repair and repainting.
Sunday, September 3 (with Frank, Joe Campbell)
1. 309:
  1. Frank and Joe installed the repainted headlight bracket at #1 end.
  2. Frank and Joe also helped assemble the section of scaffolding, now along 309 at #2R corner.
  3. They then helped by removing three baggage racks so new keystone pieces could be installed; these were at sectors 7-8, 19-20, and 21-22, baggage racks 3, 4, and 11. Also, the lower parts of the keystones were nailed in at sectors 23-34 and 25-56, so that all lower parts are now installed. When we have more time, the baggage racks here need to be removed. Screws need to be retouched with black paint at some point, but it’s hardly noticeable.
  4. I reshaped the corner block at #2R corner and painted it with primer. Canvas was put back down over it for operation tomorrow.
2. Misc.: Cab ride in E-5. Spoke to prospective new helper, Steve Spinks(?). Rope break on 415.
Monday, September 4 (with Frank, Esther, Mary Ellen; John Houk and Ben Rohling)
1. 309:
  1. Main journals checked, oiled; uncoupled from 321.
  2. Operated for Labor Day; one trip around car line, six main line trips with all seats full, standees on most trips. Bob Rayunec was motorman for one trip. Great success.
2. Misc.: Spoke to Greg Heier about Rail & Wire articles.
Friday, September 8
1. 309:
  1. Bondo on corner #2R, plus a little more adjustment of the corner block. Canvas was then tacked down, including the center canvas on the curved tack molding. The rope guard was attached at this end with screws; a few more need to be installed where I couldn’t reach them. Also, the metal flashing was caulked and nailed down over the rest of the canvas on this side. #2 end is now (mechanically) complete, except for drip rails. Still need paint, perhaps more caulk.
  2. Two of the sheet metal channels were drilled and installed (the first ones!) at sectors 1 and 2-3.
2. 321:
  1. Installed the holder for the (modern) fire extinguisher. Screws help hold the various pieces of the wall to the body post.
Sunday, September 10
1. 309:
  1. Improvements to scaffold: another set of diagonals, square base plates.
  2. Paint on the canvas at corner #2R, including the center section.
  3. The other six sheet metal channels on this side were drilled and installed.
  4. The buzzer wire was attached to the eaves with insulate staples for about half the length of the car (from center to #1 end).
2. Misc.:
  1. Large number of spare window shades and material brought out; heater cover for 431 from the container was given to ??? who was working with Jeff Obarek.
Sunday, September 24
1. 309:
  1. Started painting the deck surfaces with a darker grey paint (Pittsburgh’s Pewter Grey) to match the canvas. Did approximately sectors 12-14. Still need primer on the sheet metal parts.
  2. Reconnected the car to 321 (brake hoses and jumpers), and rechecked the electrical system.
2. 321:
  1. Lubricated all main journals and axle caps. Three of the main journals have ordinary waste, and these were all nearly dry.
  2. Frank painted grey around the oval window and window posts on the north (R) side of the car.
  3. Frank then painted the strip under the belt rail red. He also cleaned the windows at the #2 end, and cleaned off much of the dust and dirt on the anticlimber, etc. and did some sweeping.
  4. The one seat frame still in the car was fastened to the floor; although it is not properly attached to the bracket on the wall, it is probably sturdy enough for temporary use. A seat cushion was obtained from the container and installed.
3. Misc.:
  1. Several window shades brought out; also, the stretcher and the can it came in were moved to the 321.
  2. Spoke to a man from Trolleyville about third rail parts, etc. Dan Francis (?).
  3. Spoke to Bruneau about projects for Frank: 9020, etc. Requested more trolley wire on track 73.
Friday, September 29
1. 309:
  1. Applied a zinc chromate primer (spray) to all of the sheet metal channels on side R, as well as the first two clerestory ventilators and the toilet ventilator, starting at corner #1R.
  2. Finished attaching the buzzer wire to the eaves, but could use some more insulated staples.
  3. Continued painting the deck surfaces with Pewter Grey; completed the previous sections, and got as far as sector 10.
  4. Checked both compressors and topped off.
2. 321:
  1. The trap door at #2R corner was reinstalled on a temporary basis (again); cannot be opened, but supports the motorman’s weight.
Saturday, September 30 (with Frank; John Houk, Ben Rohling, and Ed Rosenau)
1. 309:
  1. Operated for Members’ Day; one trip around the car line and two mainline trips with 321 as a control trailer. No operational problems (apart from trolley pole). John Houk was the conductor, with Ed Rosenau as assistant conductor; we used his radio.
  2. After putting the 321 back in the barn, it was discovered that the shoe at #1 end was badly worn, and the insert was partly melted. Pole was replaced with one from Bob Bruneau. Both poles on this car are 12’ long (actually 147”). The one removed was bent when it dewired on the way into Barn 2 several years ago, and had burn marks along much of its length. The new one needs to be repainted, and may also need to be straightened slightly. Helped by Ben and John.
  3. Made one more carline and one mainline trip as a single unit. Ed Rosenau, John Houk, and Jeff Brady were guest motormen. Did not operate after dark due to threat of rain.
2. 321:
  1. Operated as control trailer for one car line and two mainline trips. No problems, other than one window falling into the car; wasn’t damaged because it landed on a seat.
3. Misc.: Frank rode the dump car (TM D13).
Sunday, October 1 (with Esther and Mary Ellen)
1. 309:
  1. Started painting clerestory with Pewter Grey at #2R corner. Meanwhile, Esther and Mary Ellen had the car open for visitors. Put markers back in storage, etc.
2. Misc.:
  1. Rode the Galt House and Zephyr, etc. Talked to Glen Guerra about research and documentation on the 504 (now thought to be the Talisman).
Sunday, October 15 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Primer on two ventilators and painting on clerestory; did approximately sectors 1 to 6.
  2. Frank painted the exterior of the two side doors at #2 end with a second coat of blue; also did the weather strips and edges of the door for the first time.
2. 321:
  1. Frank started priming the #2 end vestibule; did the electrical cabinet door, the panel below it, and the interior of the #2R side door.
3. Misc.:
  1. Looked at the 504, the 810, the pumpkin patch, the C&NW obs car, etc.
  2. Discussion with Frank Sirinek about painting, etc. Visited inside of 2843.
Sunday, October 22
1. 309:
  1. Primer on last ventilator on side “R”, then finished painting the clerestory on this side.
  2. Scrubbed down and repainted the center section of the canvas, working from the trolley boards; also as much of the ends as I could reach from there. I still need to clean and paint the trolley boards, saddles, etc. and the canvas underneath the boards. Used about 2/3 of a gallon.
  3. Started with another coat of canvas paint on the hip at corner #1R; did approximately sectors 13-14.
  4. Took home the two metal plates for the inside of the side doors for drilling and painting. Holes are spaced about 4” apart, and located 5/8” from the edge on each side.
  5. Noted that the shunt wire on the trolley base at #1 end is broken and needs replacement.
2. Misc.:
  1. Rail & Wire article on the 309 appears.
Tuesday, October 31
1. 309:
  1. Moved the car a foot or so by hand, so scaffold could be moved from center aisle to the sidewalk.
  2. Started working on the clerestory, side “L”. Noted that some more flashing needs to be tacked down; also started working on fastening the headlight conduit to the eaves.
  3. Bought a paint applicator, and completely repainted the center canvas, including under the trolley boards.
  4. Replaced the shunt wire on the #1 end trolley base.
2. Misc.: Arrival of the 3007 and 975.
Sunday, November 5 (with Frank)
1. 309:
  1. Frank installed the metal plate on the inside of the side door, #2R. He then repainted it and touched up several places in the vestibule.
  2. I finished tacking down the flashing at corner #1L, and thoroughly caulked between the two sections of canvas where they come together. This still needs to be done on the other corners.
  3. Worked on fastening the headlight conduit to the eaves; old holes for fastening the brackets cannot be reused. Bob Bruneau lent me a drill chuck with which to drill new holes by hand, since no ordinary drill can fit into the tight clearance between the lower deck and the eaves. Two brackets were moved about 1” and attached firmly to carlines. Also, painted ventilator #8 for sector 17-18 with spray primer.
2. Misc.: Viewed progress on IC cars and ME 28. Looked at tracks of the Fox River Electric and E&B.
Note: At corner #2L, an additional piece of copper flashing will be needed; I noted that when the canvas at this corner was fastened (Aug 4, 1995), it was pulled down slightly, and comes out from under the original copper flashing at the inside corner. The extra piece of copper here is a retrofit to cover up my mistake. The error occurred because I was working from the top of the metal ladder (which is considerably lower than the scaffolding) and couldn’t see this area clearly.
Tuesday, November 14
1. 309:
  1. Nailed the deck pieces for the two clerestory sections and 16-17 and 18-T; three sheet metal channels for these sectors were drilled and attached with screws. The ventilator for 17-18 was installed. All parts caulked.
  2. Finished refastening the headlight conduit to the eaves, using Bruneau’s drill chuck.
  3. I went to Barn 2 to look for ventilators. Found three 309 ventilators: one still missing. One of the three is badly rusted and probably unusable. Several 318 ventilators are available, still attached to their sash, but they were left in the barn for now.

Hicks Car Works

Saturday, January 1, 2022

1995 IRM Journal

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