2007
Frank:
Monday, January 1, 2007
309:
1. I removed both of the step wells at the #2 end; they are both in good condition and need no repair work. I needle-chipped, wire brushed and primed them (portions judged to be readily visible only). Bruneau will try and get Joel Ahrendt to paint them black tomorrow.
2. With the help of Ben Teeters, we removed all but one of the bolts holding up the pilot. I also took apart the union on the trip cock pipe. The last bolt had to be torched off but Ben had to leave before the job was finished; Bruneau will have Gerry Dettloff finish this tomorrow and they will leave the pilot on the ground under the end of the car.
Saturday, January 6
309:
The pilot has been removed and is sitting on blocks. The step wells have been painted black and are sitting beside the car on the north side. A brush holder was left on the step; I put it inside the car.
I cut out and sanded down six new arched trim pieces for the clerestory windows, as well as the vertical pieces. New wood was then installed in sectors 7-8, 9-10, and 19-20. 21-22 still to go. Stain on all new parts.
First coat of black on the lower half of the inside door trim in the toilet compartment. I couldn’t find the gloss white.
I sanded down and primed the inside surface of the lower sash from the #2 end door.
Misc.:
Fan trip: Dick Lukin, who also mentioned seeing me on TV.
Saturday, January 13
309:
I worked on installing 3/8” quarter round strips which I had made at home. Sectors 7-8, 9-10, and 21-22 (quadrangles only). Need some longer brads for sectors 19-20.
Trimmed and installed the arched trim pieces from last week in sector 21-22.
Stain on all new wood. A second coat is needed for the new wood to match the clerestory sash in these sectors (which are “new” as in 1980s).
First coat of gloss white on the inside toilet trim pieces that had white primer from a couple of weeks ago.
I noticed that the drop sash on the #2 vestibule door of the 321 still had its sash lift bracket, so I removed it and took it to the 309. It will work just dandy if I drill new holes.
Blue on the parts of the two drop sash frames primed last week.
I wanted to put varnish on the windows in the shop, but there’s nowhere to work.
The trim pieces around the toilet oval window should probably be painted white.
Misc.:
Fan trips: Les Ascher, Frank Sirinek.
Dropped off three copies of Frank’s book for Bruneau to distribute.
Saturday, January 20
309:
I worked on installing 3/8” quarter round strips which I had made at home. Sector 19-20, plus a vertical piece for triangle 8. More stain.
I worked on trimming the threaded rods which hold the squirt gun to the wall.
After some work, I removed the buzzer cord hanger at sector 10-T, and removed the veneer from the patch piece.
I brought the two sash frames from the #2 vestibule door back to the car. I disassembled the #1 door, but the upper (drop) sash could not be removed because the trim pieces don’t come loose easily, as they did at the #2 end. I sanded down the previously covered parts, and put a coat of stain on all surfaces as needed (also for the #2 door).
Sanded down the window sill at sectors 23 and 24, and more touch sanding in sectors 25-26.
Misc.:
Jeff Brady visited.
Sunday, January 28
309:
I sanded down and varnished the inside surfaces of three exterior windows in the shop; also the drop sash for the #2 vestibule door.
Sanded down the window sill at sector 22, and completed touch sanding in sectors 23-26.
More sanding on the ceiling. I did the patch pieces which had been stripped of veneer, and then the curved corners. I believe sectors 9-10 and 19-20 are ready for test installation of trim strips. 7-8 and 21-22 need more work.
Sanded down the upper panels on the #1 bulkhead in the smoker.
Misc.:
I dropped off a box of magazines for the library, and gave the model of the 4001 to Barb.
Friday, February 2
309:
I sanded down and varnished the inside surfaces of three exterior windows in the shop.
I took the three windows varnished previously to the car and installed two of them in sectors 22 and 27. Since the interior window for sector 22 appeared fine as is, I installed it also.
Sunday, February 18 (with Frank)
308:
We examined the ventilator which had been received from the metal shop in Woodstock. Basically it looks very good, but Bruneau was afraid that the lower plate was not convex enough, and gosh, he was right. We took it over to the 308 and checked it on the car. Needs to be let in about ¼” at the center line.
309:
Frank and I worked on plugging up screw holes in the arm rests which had been widened out over the years. Frank did the work of drilling the holes, cutting and beveling the plugs, and installing them. He finished 13 arm rests: 5-10 and 19-25.
Archaeology: The arm rest for sector 22 has the following inscription:
Adam Fippinger R. Reinhardt
4216 Beloit ave 228 Marengo st.
Illinois Forest Park
Ill.
Sep 24 1912 June-17-1920
7- 1919
Frank also started on stripping black paint from one of them.
I worked on the ceiling, mostly sector 7-8. I finally decided the Swedish offset saw works best for removing excess parts of the door skins. I also started removing the veneer in the central section of sector 7-8-21-22.
I installed 310E #4 at sector 18.
Tuesday, February 27
308:
I worked on the ventilator a little: I used the air-powered cutoff wheel to break the three welds between the vertical pipe and the bottom plate to the front of the ventilator. I also used the punch to put holes in the bottom plate for the mounting screws. Further work will probably have to wait for spring.
309:
Varnished the next three windows in the shop.
More work on the ceiling, center section 7-8-21-22. I removed all veneer in this section and sanded it down. Installed some more screws to hold the skins firmly in place; could use some more. I finished trimming the corners of the alcove 7-8, and did most of 21-22, and sanded them also. All veneer in alcove 7-8 removed.
I removed baggage rack #4 (sector 21-22) so I could put finish nails in the 80” molding at sector 21 and get it lined up properly with its neighbor. Something else that had never quite been finished.
Tuesday, March 6
309:
More work on the ceiling, center section 7-8-21-22. I finally finished the center ceiling corners in this sector.
I removed baggage racks 1-3 (and 5) for painting. And then put brown primer on racks 1-4.
I ordered several hundred brass oval head screws from Bruneau. Among other things, I went to the 321 to check on what size we will need for the baggage racks. Also dropped off the 308 toilet ventilator there.
Wednesday, March 14
309:
I started by cutting out two test strips for the corner moldings from 1/8” Masonite. Seems to work OK; the strips twist more in the installed position than I had realized.
Removed baggage racks 6 to 9.
More stripping on the window sills, using chemical stripper. Even after a lot of work, stain brings out all the imperfections in the wood – sort of discouraging. I worked on sectors 21-22; also did most of sector 20, which is ‘new’ wood (c. 1980).
As a test, I also put some stain on part of baggage rack #1, to make sure this will look OK. So far so good.
I disconnected the bell cord at the #2 end and stored it in the toilet compartment.
First varnish on the clerestory windows sectors 1-2 and 3-4, and the 92” and 89” moldings at 1-3.
I noticed that the 80” molding in sector 26-28 was bowed out from the wall. Two more nails helped, but not enough; will need some more work.
Started looking at the wood to which seat frame #27 was attached; it’s pretty punky. Ugh.
I noticed that there’s a machine screw missing from the link for the door closer at the #2 end; ran out of time.
Misc.:
I received the new supply of wood screws from Bruneau. We talked about rearranging cars with the 28, etc. Need to call Norm.
Saturday, March 31
309:
More work on the window sills. After more sanding and a thick coat of stain, I achieved what I believe to be good results in sectors 23-26. Need to let it dry for at least two weeks.
As a test, I put a first coat of varnish on the part of baggage rack #1 stained last time. Looks good!
Power was off most of the day due to substation work.
Talked to Rod about the container motor project. I went to the container and moved all of the trolley bus stuff from the left side of the container alongside the motors. I determined that old #2 is the farthest from the door. Perfect.
Saturday, April 14 (with Frank)
309:
Rod Turner, Frank, and I removed old motor #2 from the container using the fork lift. Went easier than I expected. It was placed next to the door at the east end of track 42. We removed the side and top plates and blew it out with compressed air.
The commutator was very dirty and covered with grease and gunk. I slotted it, then Rod helped me degrease it with Carbo-Sol; he then polished it off. We also meggered it, but the results were not good. Armature to ground is about 150K, fields to ground about 100K. Good news: armature turns easily. I removed the waste from the pinion end and cleaned it as best I could.
Just to be sure, I went back to the container and checked the other 309 motor. It appears to be a dead short to commutator, so it must be old #1. I rotated it to look for any evidence of commutator damage, but there is none. Must be an internal short to the windings.
I put stain on the four baggage racks already primed – helped by Frank.
Frank repainted three 309I’s with Fleet Grey. I went to the 308 and brought back another 309E, but it has Bondo that needs to be sanded and smoothed first.
205:
1. I nailed down the edges of the tarpaper sheets on the roof
where it was buckled.
2. Rod Turner removed a broken-off screw
from one of the "hinge blanks" from the inside of the old
door leaves using the torch.
Sunday, April 15 (with Frank)
309:
Meggered the commutator again; results were the same. I got a can and started soaking the waste in compressor oil.
I put primer on three more baggage racks – helped a little by Frank.
Misc.:
Talked to Wally Weart.
Sunday,
15 April 2007
205:
1. I caulked up the seams of the
tarpaper roof to give it a slightly smoother appearance.
2.
Randy Hicks and Ray Schmid planed a piece of wood to 7/8" which
was then cut in half and face glued together, so that we have a
1-3/4" piece we can use for the wood block that the MU jumper
receptacle is attached to. Bob Kutella said he would bring out
a hole cutter to aid with this work.
3. I painted a couple of
cigar carton lids Indiana Railroad Dark Green from paint supplied by
John Fenlaciki. This will be used to match paint for the 205.
Misc:.
1. I gathered some promotional materials for
"welcome wagon" baskets to give to the first new arrivals
in the Railway Estates subdivision.
Tuesday, April 17
309:
Bruneau found a spare stinger I could use, so I wired it up so I can have lights in the car again.
I sanded down the panel over the vestibule door in the smoker, then filled the gaps with plastic wood. Sanded again.
I put a coat of varnish on the aisle side surfaces of the six arm rests which had been varnished earlier. They look much better. I’m starting to believe most of them were stained but never varnished at all. (!)
I talked to Jack Biesterfeld, who was working on the B&M diner. I found the parts of the old wall-to-wall clamp system from the 309, and loaned them to him.
Wednesday, April 18
309:
I drove to Diamond Paints in Des Plaines to have the ceiling paint matched. Also dropped off a sample of the IRR green paint for the roof of the 205.
309 Ceiling Color: Base Coronado 31-1-1T
OY1X8, BK10, GY4, OG6, BR2
Saturday, 21 April 2007:
309:
1. I spoke with Rod about the car, and it was made clear that
Norm doesn't want the 28 moved twice so we may not be able to use the
309 for the anniversary celebration. Rod's previous plans had
been predicated on the idea that the 309 was going to leave Barn 4
for good in June; I will talk to Norm tomorrow.
205:
1. I primed about 2/3 of the roof, leaving the side towards the
wall un-primed because I couldn't access it from the scaffold.
2.
Tim Peters made the wooden "donut" that the west end MU
jumper receptacle will sit on, using a fly-cutter loaned by Bob
Kutella. I primed it.
3. I test-fitted the first door
leaf (the center-right one), marked hole locations, drilled the
holes, tapped them using the bolts we'll use, and mounted the door to
the car. It seems to fit OK however the righthand doors scrape
the floor when opened all the way; I need to figure out whether this
is the new leaf or the old (outer) one. Kutella says that the
Berlin sander will need to be oiled, but that we can run the doors
through it soon. Once I can get the new leaf to open all the
way without scraping the floor, I can test-fit and then mount the
overhead bearing and the other non-essential hardware.
Sunday,
22 April 2007:
309:
1. I got out late but talked to Norm, who made it clear that
the 28 can't be moved more than once. So... it looks like we
won't be using the 309 on July 1st. The only other way around
this would be to throw a different car out of the barn (or swap the
309 with a long-term project like the Baldy) but I don't see this
happening.
2.
I bolted the covers back onto the motor so that Rod can put it back
into the container when he arrives at the museum on Friday, per his
request.
3. I got a call from Greg Heier, who asked me to
e-mail him some information about CA&E Day for inclusion in the
next "Rail & Wire."
205:
1.
I primed the remainder of the roof.
2. I sanded the MU receptacle "donut" to fit the curvature of the dash panel, drilled holes for the through bolts that will attach the receptacle itself to the dash, and temporarily mounted it with the assistance of Gwyn Stupar. The only thing that remains to be done is drilling holes to screw the "donut" to the dash from the back, and reassembling and installing the MU receptacle.
Tuesday, April 24
309:
Talked to Bruneau about plans for moving the car, changing the motor, etc.
I installed baggage racks 1 and 2 in the smoker, and painted the screws with brown primer.
I stripped the rest of the black paint from the window sills in sectors 19-20, and finished up 19-22 and 27-28. I started stripping paint from the sill along the vestibule wall at 28, but not finished.
I put a thick coat of stain on sills in sectors 19-22 and 27-28.
I put a coat of varnish on the other side of the six arm rests which had been varnished earlier. They look much better.
Sanding on the smoker ceiling.
Played with adjusting the door closer at the #2 end, but the valve doesn’t seem to have any effect. May need to be replaced.
Misc.:
Took a couple of pictures of the N&W car being scrapped; also the 309 interior.
Saturday, April 28 (with Frank)
205:
Frank and I worked on fitting the new door panels I had made to the old ones.
309:
Talked to Norm, Bruneau, and Rod about plans for moving the car, changing the motor, etc.
I brought out six inner arched trim pieces which I made at home and sanded them down on the disk sander. Stored in the #2 vestibule.
I installed baggage racks 3 and 4 in the main compartment.
I installed 1” #6 OH screws in the 87” molding, sectors 1-4. This is the only part of the 87” molding that has them.
I put brown primer on the screws installed above, and the corner moldings under the window sill in sectors 21-22 and 27-28. I also measured the molding: it’s ½” x 5/8”.
Sanding on the smoker ceiling.
I checked in the 321, but none of the door closers installed there work correctly.
I worked some more on stripping the window sill at the vestibule wall at 28. Almost ready for stain.
Misc.:
We both went to the safety meeting.
Saturday, April 28, 2007 (Frank):
308:
1. I discussed dates for inspecting the 308 with Bruneau, but
the only available Saturdays prior to Memorial Day are May 19th (I
have a wedding to attend on this day) and the 26th (Memorial Day
weekend).
2.
I was asked by Frank DeVries of the Track Department whether we could
supply a CA&E car sometime in the next few weekends for the
purpose of testing track height on the 50th Avenue East Track.
I said yes, assuming that we could use the 431 if the 308 weren't
accessible.
205:
1. I drilled the holes necessary to
test-mount the second new door leaf, including some "six-sided
holes" for the shoulder nuts on the second door leaf.
2.
Both new door leafs were test-mounted with bearings clamped to check
positioning.
Sunday, April 29, 2007:
308:
1.
Using the 308 to help the Track Department gauge the 50th Avenue East
track could be interesting, not only because it's behind the 101 but
because Max may be taking down the overhead on both the Station Track
1 west lead (i.e. from the Station 1/2 switch to west of Olson Road)
and the West Wye for replacement. This may necessitate towing
the 308 over there with the Joy engine if we decide it's worth the
effort.
309:
1. The newest development in the "Barn 4 shuffle" saga is that Norm is apparently completely unwilling to have the 28 pushed into Barn 4, even once. He wants it pulled, which is impossible because an operating car can't be buried behind it. So anyway... among other things, the general feeling has turned towards moving the scaffolding one berth to the east and putting the 28 where the 309 is now, which would have the additional benefit of allowing the 309 to stay in Barn 4 for the next year but also be operated sometimes in the meantime. Next weekend Rod will discuss the possibility of moving the scaffold with Norm. This may be an "everybody pitch in" project.
205:
1. With the help of Bob Kutella and David Wilkins, we ran both new door leafs through the Berlin sander. They still require some touch-sanding. The leaf that was too wide was also trimmed on the table saw.
2. I drilled some of the holes for the bearings in both doors and mounted the bearings, so the doors are now mounted on the car. I also installed the grab-iron on one of the doors.
3. Rod Turner and I bolted the west end MU jumper receptacle to the car.
Monday, April 30
309:
I brought my woodworking tools out and made three of the outer arched trim pieces, using my router and the museum’s big band saw, table saw, and disk sander. Went well; I need more 5/4 wood. I then trimmed and glued the inner pieces to these three, and stained them.
I finished stripping the window sill at the vestibule wall at 28, and put on a coat of stain.
Misc.:
I went over to barn 8 to put the signs on the 308 and 321, and looked at the new doors on the 205.
Saturday, May 5
308:
I moved all of the 309 windows from the 308 to the #1 vestibule of the 321, and put the miscellaneous parts inside the 321. The interior of the 308 is now ready for service.
I checked the compressor oil. Rod and I swapped positions between the 101 and 308, so the 308 is now at the door. Everything went well. I qualified Rod for shop moves on the 308, which is all he wanted. I never heard or saw anything from the track guys, so no action about clearances at 50th Avenue.
309:
I worked on fitting the arched trim pieces in sectors 19-20. Need some more trimming on the disk sander, etc.
I cut out three pieces of oak veneer, 6” x 64”, for the three patch plates in the main compartment ceiling. (Material was left over from the 308.) I then used the new contact cement to install two of them, at sectors 10-T-O-19 and 4-5-24-25. Went well.
I attached a ground strap from the old #2 motor case to the rail. I also meggered the motor again; this time the readings appeared to be 300K for armature to ground, and 5Meg or more for fields to ground. This is a huge change; not sure how much I can trust the megger.
Friday, May 11
205:
I went to Diamond Paints in Des Plaines to pick up the gallon of dark green which they had matched from last time, and to have the orange matched to the ring from the headlight.
Indiana Railroad Colors for 205
IRR Green: Base Coronado 31-37-1
LB9Y PB10Y36 PG2Y QVY YW22
IRR Orange: Base Coronado 31-37-1
YW9X BK16 RX2X12 MA4 OY24 RD12
Saturday, May 12 (with Frank)
205:
I helped Frank with the two new doors; they had to be narrowed slightly on the table saw, then we used the big jointer to rabbet them for the rubber strips. Later I helped him a little get started on staining the inside surfaces.
Frank:
1. I painted the entire roof dark green with the exception of a strip right over the end windows at the west end, which I had forgotten to prime previously. This will need to be primed and then painted green. I also suspect that I will want to put a second coat on both bonnets and the "good" side.
2. I drilled the remaining holes in the two new door leaves needed for the bearing castings and the grab-iron on one door. Dad and I shaved the width of the doors slightly to conform to the originals and then cut the rabbets for the rubber molding. Following this, I stained the inside faces of both door leaves.
3. On Dad's suggestion I took some leftover aluminum sheeting and made up a test piece for a window post "sleeve" for use on the 205. I believe this will work well and should provide a good solution that will require much less work than filling and Bondo-ing the badly deteriorated posts.
309:
I made a wooden frame for checking clearances of the wood cars at 50th Avenue, and gave it to Andy Chmura. We talked about what needs to be done.
I put stain on the trim pieces under the window sill in sectors 21-28, and on the screws attaching baggage racks 1-4.
I glued the third of the veneer strips to the ceiling patch piece 2-3-26-27.
I went to the 321 and found the last of the old green paint which I had used to paint the walls, and put some on a paint stick for Diamond to match eventually. I also got a better can of white primer.
First white primer on the new veneer pieces.
I cleaned the vistadome windows and frame and touch sanded the painted parts of the bulkhead in the main compartment, then painted all these surfaces with the new ceiling paint. Looks good.
I put stain on three arm rests stripped last time: 5, 9, and 25. 10 has a broken piece and was taken home for repair. I also put a first coat of varnish on three armrests: 6, 7, and 8. Left in the shop to dry.
Frank and I meggered the motor again and got similar results to last time: about 300K for the armature, very high for the fields. Rod looked at the spare brush holder; it’s had a hard life and is in bad shape. I need to go to the container tomorrow and remove some others from the spare motors.
Sunday, May 13
309:
I went to the container and removed the brush holder from the first 318 motor, which now has none. Rod looked at it later and was much more satisfied. He cleaned it up and installed it. He must have also polished the commutator while I was working in the car.
I tested the (old #2) motor again and it seemed to be fine. I attached the welder and started it running. Everything seems OK so the motor is approved as a replacement.
I trimmed the two arched streamer glass moldings on the disk sander (first, I had to find and replace a bad fuse for the dust collector system) and installed them. Also stain on the sanded parts.
I put a coat of varnish on all the window sills and trim pieces in sectors 19-28, plus the bulkhead. Looks good.
Also a first coat of varnish on baggage racks 3 and 4.
Started stripping paint from the window sill in sector 18 and bulkhead.
I trimmed and installed (as a test) the Masonite strips I had earlier cut out for the ceiling angle moldings in sector 9-10. One convenient thing is that nails driven in to twist the strip are all along the inside edge, where they should be covered up, more or less, by the half-round. No glue; I left it in place to see if it tries to pull itself out.
Misc.:
Submitted an expense report to Bruneau for the 205 paint and supplies.
Talked to Jeff Brady, who was working on the 28. I tried to discourage him, with little success. Jeff Obarek was working on the signal display with some other guys.
Saturday, May 19
308:
I ran the 308 from 84 to the pit and started inspection. I did all of the work on the motors and the #2 truck, including brake adjustment; also the contactors, reverser, and compressor. Mostly everything was fine, except:
The spacing between the upper brush holder and the commutator on motor #3 is about ¼” (should be 1/8”) but the mounting bolts for the upper brush holder are inaccessible while the motor is in the truck, so nothing can be done. Needs to be watched. Others are fine.
The compressor commutator is worn in strange ways, and there has been arcing to the coil windings. The compressor probably needs to be replaced; will operate it until it fails, I guess.
Did all of the lubrication. Helped briefly by Frank Sirinek. I left the car outside on the pit lead so it could drain; left it for Rod Turner to put away.
Misc.:
Jim Heinlein brought in a group of Boy Scouts, so I showed them what I was doing, and how traction motors work.
Helped the track department a little with track spacing at 50th Avenue.
Sunday, 20 May 2007: (Frank)
308:
1. I took care of some more items on the annual inspection
checklist, including controller work and roof work (except for the
shoes, which I didn't check). I pumped up the air but the feed
valve is really messed up. Every time I took an application and
released it the brake pipe reset to a different pressure, sometimes
around 72 but usually between 80 and 90#. Also, when the pump
started up, the pressure in the brake pipe and main reservoir
increased at about the same rate while the pump was going.
So... I decided not to tackle that. I did the truck work on the
#1 truck, which included removing entirely one of the slack adjusters
from the car because the locking nut was frozen (I freed it up and
reinstalled it). Afterwards I ran the car back over to 84 with
the help of Jon and Dan Fenlaciki and Joe Stupar.
205:
1. Jon Fenlaciki took a look at the roof of the 205 and thought
it looked awfully dark. I also talked to Bruneau about hiring
Charlie Strong to repaint the side of the car and he pointed out that
Nick is hiring Charlie to polish/wax coaches, so evidently there's no
political problem with hiring a volunteer to do car work like this.
That's good news. Charlie wasn't out but Bob said he'd have him
call me tomorrow if possible.
Monday, May 21
308:
I removed the feed valve from the 321 and tested it in the shop. It appeared to work perfectly, so I installed it in the 308. The old one was put on our shelf in the wood shop.
309:
Worked most of the day making the remaining three arched moldings for the inner windows; went well. Also two vertical moldings for sectors 19 and 20. I started fitting the arches for sectors 9-10; not yet done.
Misc.:
Bruneau gave me an expense report so I can submit charges for the 205 doors and then donate the money to the 309.
Saturday, May 26
308:
I pumped up the car and tested the air system. Everything seemed to work OK. Ready for service on Monday.
I trimmed the replacement window for sector 9 (#24) in the shop and installed it. Still missing the spring latch. The window slot is too narrow at the bottom, so the window is sort of stuck. Still needs work.
309:
I checked the compressor and the two motors in the #2 truck. In motor #4, both brush holders still have one brush which cannot be removed, but is not riding on the commutator, so it’s probably OK. I cleaned up around the car, disconnected the stinger, etc.
I cut out six more pieces of 1/8” Masonite for the ceiling trim strips, and sanded them down on the sander.
Misc.:
I went for a ride on the 68. Dropped off the composite brake shoe which Frank had borrowed a few years ago, and some other stuff.
Sunday, May 27 (with Frank)
309:
Before I arrived, Frank helped with the switch move, which went off very smoothly. The 309 was moved from track 42 to the east berth on 81. I dropped the adapter coupler.
I trimmed and installed the two vertical trim strips in sectors 19 and 20; they match the new arched trim pieces well.
I also cut to length and installed the molding pieces under the window sill in these sectors, then put a first coat of stain on the new wood.
I removed the old arched trim piece in sector 7; this had never before been removed. It came out nearly in one piece. It could have been preserved, but I thought it was better to have both halves of the arch as a matched set. The arched trim piece for sector 8 is no longer in existence.
Misc.:
Frank and I removed a C165 controller shell from the controller car and put it in the 321. It will be used for an IRM display table at a train show this November.
Monday, May 28 (with Frank)
308:
Frank and I moved the car over to the west wye.
We ran in revenue service, doing a short turn from the west wye to Jefferson and back. Worked pretty well. Unfortunately, it started to rain, so the car was put away after three or four trips.
309:
After the 308 was pulled out, we moved the 309 over to track 84, second berth, and put the 101 on 81. Helped by Henry Vincent.
Saturday, June 2
309:
I rearranged the extension cords, etc. to supply light and AC in the new configuration.
I did some fitting and cut out two pieces for the inner alcove trim strips for sector 9-10.
I cut out a piece of veneer for the alcove at 9-10 and attached it with contact cement, then installed the new trim strips. Went pretty well; the joint still needs to be trimmed.
I trimmed and installed the arched moldings at sector 9 and 10. Then a coat of stain on each. I also started on sectors 7 and 8, but the moldings need the slot to be widened slightly.
Misc.:
Spoke to Ralston Taylor, who was visiting. Trolley bus was operating, which caused frequent overvoltage spikes, very noticeable even with the resistor.
Wednesday, June 6
308:
I put a bag of crater in both gear pans.
309:
I disconnected and removed the third rail beams from the #2 truck. I also disconnected the motor leads, the third rail connection, and the ground strap.
The insulating sleeves on the #4 motor leads were still some sort of old composite material which is disintegrating and needs to be replaced.
I removed the plates over the king pins, but the pins are not accessible and will need to be removed over the pit.
I ran the arched moldings for 7 and 8 through the table saw, and started fitting them. Sector 7 is OK, but #8 fell to the floor and the inner arch piece broke, so it was taken back home for repair.
I brought out the dome light fixture for the smoker, which I received from Johnson, and tried stripping more paint using the wire wheel in the shop, but it didn’t work very well.
First varnish on baggage racks 1 and 2 in the smoker; also the trim in sectors 9-10 and 19-20.
Misc.:
A movie was being filmed. Brought some parts from home for storage: headlight bracket from car 427, and an unusable window frame from the 308.
On Saturday or Sunday Rod Turner and Stan W. switched the 309 and 308, and wyed the 309, so the #2 end is facing east.
Wednesday, June 13
309:
In conjunction with switch moves involving Joy #2 and Com Ed #4, I was able to run the 309 under its own power from track 84 over to the pit.
I removed both king pins, helped briefly by Jerry Detloff. The #2 pin required the use of the big hydraulic jack.
I disconnected the brake rigging at the #2 truck.
I removed three bolts holding the gear pans to #4 motor, and loosened one bolt which holds the two halves together. The inside bolt I could not loosen, but it will be much more accessible when the truck is out from under the car. I also loosened all of the bolts holding the axle caps on #4, at least so an extender bar is not needed.
I brought the adapter coupler over from barn 8.
Misc.:
Bruneau gave me two controller handles for Frank to take to Rush.
I used the 308 to push the 321 a few feet farther west, so the side door on the car isn’t blocked by the electrical boxes on the wall, recently installed by Max.
On Friday, June 15, Rod Turner and Stan W. somehow jacked up the car and swapped motors, then put the old #4 in the container. (I still don’t understand how they managed to accomplish this.)
Saturday, June 16
309:
I reconnected the brake rigging and the wiring to the #2 truck.
I repacked the axle caps for the #4 motor, then pulled the car outside (using the #1 truck motors) for lubrication of all axle caps; also checked main journals.
We tested the motors in the #2 truck and ran the car back and forth on the pit lead track, then with all four running. Everything seemed OK, so the 309 was put back over the pit.
I put a first coat of varnish on five or six arm rests (#s 5-10).
I replaced the plates over the king pins.
I installed the varnished arm rests 19-24.
For seat frame #22, the end casting had been replaced with the new casting I got from Glenn Guerra, but this has a different pattern of holes from the original. Since arm rest #22 has the interesting writing on it (v.s. for Feb. 18), I changed the end casting with the one across the aisle, #7.
We took the car for a test trip on the main line down to the river and back. Everything seemed to be fine.
On Wednesday, I guess, the pilot (but not the steps) was reattached while the 309 was over the pit. This was done mostly by Jerry, helped by George Clark.
Saturday, June 23
309:
I started by moving the car from the pit over to Barn 8. I had wanted to switch the positions of the 308 and 309, but since it started to drizzle (very lightly), I just put the 309 in the east berth.
Since the steps had not been attached, I moved them over to Barn 8. Later, Norm Krentel and X helped me mount them in place.
One bolt on the #2R step cannot be aligned. I don’t understand how it could ever have worked. Luckily, this is now on the north side of the car and will not be used in revenue service.
I tightened bolts on the pilot and reconnected the union to the trip cock.
I cleaned up, swept out, and installed seat cushions in the smoker.
I removed the remaining two black baggage racks in the main compartment, #10 and #12.
I installed the varnished arm rests in positions 5, 6, 8, and 9.
I opened the contactor boxes and inspected the contactors. Some of the chutes should be cleaned; the worst is #1-3.
Misc.:
Spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Worthington from Calgary, and showed them the cars. Spoke to Ian about Thomas tickets.
I rearranged Max’s cables which were lying on the ground around the steps I use to get in and out of the 321.
Topped off oil in both compressors.
Wednesday, June 27
309:
I started by trying to move the third rail beams into position for reattaching them, but it was so hot and humid I gave up. Most of the rest of the work I did in the air-conditioned shop.
I put stain on the next two arm rests, 10 and 25.
A thick coat of stain on baggage racks 5, 6, 7, and 8. #8 had stain applied over the black paint as a test.
I sanded down and painted 309E #26 with primer.
I repacked one of the axle caps on the new #4 motor, and checked and filled the armature bearings. The armature bearings are much easier to deal with when the third rail beams aren’t installed.
Misc.:
I walked out onto the 50th Avenue platform; creosote sticks to your shoes, all right, but it’s not as much as I would have thought. We probably still don’t want people tracking it into the cars, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Friday, June 29
309:
I went to Diamond Paints in Des Plaines to have the interior green matched to my paint stick.
Misc.:
Went for a walk and saw the old Methodist Camp Ground, still in business.
#309 GREEN
Interior Green: Base Coronado 31-33-1
B28, C37 D2Y, R1, KXY24
Saturday, June 30 (with Frank and David Wilkins)
308/309:
I started by running the 309 out and back onto 81, then we moved the 308 down to the street and coupled the cars together so the #1 ends are facing out. The brake pipe glad hands leaked, so I got some new grommets which David Wilkins installed. Also we installed the bus and control jumpers.
Lubrication: I did the armature bearings and axle caps on all remaining 309 motors, plus all main bearings and both compressors.
Frank (helped by David) inspected both sets of contactor boxes on the 309 for tip wear, tightness, and wiring. He did not check interlock operation or do any lubrication in the contactor boxes (this is pretty tough to do anyway). He inspected both reversers and lubricated them. He did not check either contactor or reverser sequence. He also lubricated both controllers and checked operation but didn't test screw tightness or finger springs.
We then ran the train back to the barn, and the three of us installed the two third rail beams.
I did more cleaning and straightening, getting the cars ready for revenue service.
Misc.:
Frank spoke to various people about arranging the re-enactment tomorrow.
Sunday, July 1 (with Frank and David Wilkins)
308/309:
We operated the two-car train all day. Four trips on the main line; everything went very well. The re-enactment trip at noon was packed. For the other trips, there were no passengers in the 309.
Misc.:
Spoke to Dave Mewhinney, Dan Chamberlain from Seashore, Jack Franklin, several other people.
Tuesday, July 3
309:
I took two 318E windows over to the shop and modified the grooves for the sash springs.
First coat of Fleet Grey on 309E #26.
First varnish on arm rests 10 and 25.
Brown primer on all surfaces of two baggage racks, 9 and 11. Two of the ones stained last time were taken back to the car.
I removed the seat back at sector 13. I selected two 318E’s with sash springs that had been repainted and fit well, and installed them in sectors 13 and 14, followed by the appropriate 309I’s. The shade tracks were then installed, finishing these two sectors. Seat frame 13 needs to be fastened to the floor more securely.
I sanded down and finished stripping the window sill in sectors 17-18, plus under the bulkhead window at 18. This wood was then stained. The molding under the sill will need to be painted with brown primer at some point.
Misc.:
I rearranged the extension cords, so there are separate lines from the outlet box to the 321 and the 309. Put in a couple more thumbtacks to hold the 308 banner on the wall. Shortened the sticks on the resistor stinger.
Wednesday, July 4
308/309:
I refilled both compressors.
Operated both cars for the trolley pageant. Don Weege helped by hopping the pole. Everything went well.
Misc.:
I brought out the IRR headlight, but Jon Fenlaciki didn’t show up.
Saturday, July 7 (with Frank)
309:
I installed baggage racks 5, 7, 8, and 10. Stain on all of the screw heads.
Frank put more varnish on arm rests 10 and 25.
He removed paint from all of the brass window latch strips.
He also disassembled, cleaned, and tested the spare feed valve, which now works OK.
I put primer on the molding under the window sill at 17-18, plus the bulkhead at 18.
I cleaned up the floor of the #2 vestibule, then put on a first coat of primer.
Misc.:
I helped Frank with varnishing the new doors for the 205.
Wednesday, July 11
309:
I sanded down and stripped the window sills in sectors 13-14 and 15-16, also under the bulkhead window at 14. Stain on all these surfaces.
I removed the seat back at 12, and installed the repainted 309E at this location, plus the spacer sticks.
I installed arm rests 10 and 25.
I cleaned up the floor in sectors 1-2-27-28, then put on a first coat of primer. The #1 motor hatch was removed so I don’t paint it in place.
Wednesday, July 18
309:
I sanded down and stripped the window sills in sectors 11-12. Sector 11, at least, still doesn’t look quite right.
Primer on the molding strips and all unstripped surfaces in sectors 11-14.
Stain on all surfaces in 15-18.
Sanded the smoker ceiling some more (old filler in sector 15).
I replaced some screws to hold seat frame 13 fast to the floor.
I trimmed the molding slightly so the window shade box (a 310) could be installed at 19-20. I also sanded down the bottom rail of the stained glass frame and restained it.
Misc.:
I made my own little brush cleaning station on the barn wall near the 4001. I also noticed somebody had left an old set of shelves near the dumpster, so I put it in the 4001.
Saturday, July 21
309:
I finally fitted and installed the molding piece on the exterior corner #2R. First primer.
More sanding on the smoker ceiling, near sectors 15, 16, and 18. I also applied some Bondo to improve the old filler which was installed about 1979, and sanded it down. Then white primer. Looks much better.
Sanding on the wall panel at sector 8 for eventual installation of the arched molding.
First varnish on the window sills and molding strips in sectors 15-18, including both bulkheads.
Another coat of varnish on the windows sills and bulkhead in sectors 19-28. Also the stained glass frame at 19-20.
First varnish on the baggage racks 5, 7, 8, and 10.
I may have noticed these things before, but they were never recorded: In sector 12, the seat frame is attached to a separate piece of wood patched into the original wainscot. This must be a Wheaton repair job. Something similar may be the best way to re-attach seat frame 27, where the wainscot wood is pretty rotten. Also, seat frame 13 was moved two inches or so from its original position closer to the #1 end, so it doesn’t line up exactly with #16. I can only hope this was done by Wheaton and not IRM. I looked at all the others, and the only other one which has been moved is 27. These are the two “railfan seats” – don’t know if that is significant somehow.
Misc.:
I sorted paint cans and threw out several which had hopeless paint residue in them.
Looked at the newly-arrived, revolting NY subway cars.
Wednesday, July 25
308:
I installed the toilet ventilator. White primer on all exposed surfaces, plus a good sealing with butyl rubber caulk.
309:
I put a second coat of (thicker) white primer on the filler parts of the smoker ceiling, also the upper end bulkhead.
I installed baggage racks 10 and 12, which were in brown primer, then stained them in place.
I removed the wood strip beneath the seat frame in sector 27, and put primer on the wood behind. This seat frame was attached in about three different locations at one time, so the wainscot is full of holes. Don’t know why. ¾” x 1½” x 17”.
I also sanded down and put primer on the baseboard next to the heaters at sectors 1 and 28, where it is exposed. This should evidently be painted the same color as the floor. Also primer on the nickel seat frames at 1 and 28.
I put some flat black latex on the original nickel seat upholstery for the smoker: two backs and one cushion.
After sanding some more, I decided the black paint in the window sill at sector 11 just can’t be sanded out for some reason, so it got a coat of brown primer.
Monday, July 30
308:
I put a first coat of Pewter Grey on the ventilator; it will need at least one more.
I installed the two drip rails on the 1-14 side, with caulk. After the caulk sets, they will both need some primer, then paint.
309:
I used a wire wheel to clean off the rest of the brass globe frame for the smoker, then painted it with primer.
I sanded down the middle section of the toilet wall veneer, using successively finer sandpaper, etc. There are two depressions in the veneer which could not quite be sanded out. However, once the wood was stained, it looks better than before.
I put another coat of varnish on all of the arm rests already installed.
Misc.:
Walked out to the bridge at Carpentersville.
Thursday, August 2
308:
I put primer on the two new drip rails.
309:
I installed a new piece of wood on the wainscot at sector 27 for the seat frame to rest on; first primer. Also, I put the two wood plates back around the governor under seat 28, and painted them with primer.
These pieces must be a retrofit. The nickel-type seats at 1, 11, 18, oval, and 28 all have a metal angle bracket to support them; the ones at 14 and 15 do not. They are supported by wood which covers up the heater controls and wiring. So these are probably original, or at least date to the installation of electric heat at Wheaton. The plates around the governor would be somewhat later.
At the #1 end there are beveled plates on the floor at the bottom of the bulkhead walls; these are missing at the #2 end, so it’s kind of ugly, but it appears they must have been there originally. 3” x ½” x 15” and 31”.
Stain on all window sills and moldings in the 11-14 plus bulkhead area.
I installed arm rest #7.
I went to the shop and made four ½” spacers out of some junk copper tubing, then installed the replacement ceiling fixture in the smoker.
Friday, August 10
309:
I put some more Bondo on the ceiling patch in the smoker at the sector 18 corner and sanded it down, then white primer.
I sanded down the upper half of the smoker bulkhead paneling, then painted it with primer.
I removed the arm rests in the smoker for stripping.
First varnish on all window sills and moldings in the 11-14 plus bulkhead area.
First varnish on baggage racks 10 and 12, plus arm rest #7.
I went to the shop and picked out some wood for the ½” floor pieces mentioned above.
I started putting the new ceiling finish color on the smoker ceiling; the end bulkhead and other places in the first section where there was white primer. Also started on the new globe fixture, not completed. Just too hot.
Monday, August 13
309:
I trimmed and installed the floor pieces at the #2 bulkhead, then painted them with primer.
I sanded down and stripped the window sills in the main compartment, sectors 5-10. These were then stained.
I also painted with primer the molding below the window sills in sectors 5-10, also on the bulkhead and behind the 40” seat below the oval window.
I cleaned all of the loose paint off the light fixture above seat 1, which had never been stripped or repainted. Then a coat of white primer.
Friday, August 17
Thomas:
I ran the 415 all day, 24 or more trips. No problems.
Saturday, August 18
Thomas:
I ran the 415 all day, 24 or more trips. No problems.
309:
I removed the globe fixture in the smoker and took it home to fit the new glass globe.
Monday, August 20
309:
I sanded down and used steel wool to clean off the coach side of the smoker bulkhead, then applied stain to all bare wood. Will need at least one coat of varnish before I can glue in the new inlay strips.
Varnish on the window sills in sectors 5-10.
I sanded down the floor across from the toilet, and up to the first seat frames in sectors 10-19. Then first primer.
All charred wood in the car is now covered over, painted, or fixed.
Ceiling finish color in the smoker, on the smoker bulkhead and the lower ceiling sectors 11-14.
Misc.:
Walked out a couple of times to view the flooded creek.
Wednesday, August 22
309:
I installed the globe light fixture in the smoker with the new replacement globe. Also white primer on the Masonite ring. Looks better than nothing, at least; we now have three globes installed for the first time since the fire.
Varnish on all parts of the coach side of the smoker bulkhead.
I cleaned off the entire floor of the smoker, and sanded the side pieces for seats 14 and 15. Then first primer on everything. This included removing both motor hatches and painting them separately.
Misc.:
I gave Bruneau an expense report for about $480 to be charged to the 205.
Friday, August 24
Thomas:
I ran the 3142 (perhaps for the first time) and 415 on and off. No problems.
309:
I used fine steel wool to prep the surface and put another coat of varnish on the lower part of the smoker bulkhead in the coach compartment, and the wall to the right of the smoker door, in preparation for installation of inlay strips.
Also varnish on the nickel seat frames at sectors 11, 14, 15, 18, and oval. I now think putting primer on the frames at 1 and 28 may have been a mistake.
Saturday, August 25
Thomas:
I was the conductor on the 4391 all day, with Paul Sprenger. Very busy, but no problems.
Monday, August 27
308:
Second coat of Pewter Grey on the roof ventilator, and first on the two drip rails.
309:
Started installing the new ¼” inlay strips. I first did the wall below the smoker window. After several attempts at clamping wood strips over the inlay, I decided that masking tape alone works fine and is much easier. I cut both the ¼” and 1/16” grooves for the lower rectangles on the smoker wall using the frame I brought from home; this worked very well. I then installed ¼” inlay strips here also. Using hide glue.
I removed the hardware from the smoker bulkhead wall: squirt gun, license plate, and pamphlet holder. These are now stored in the wall locker. I then prepped the surface and put another coat of varnish on the wall in preparation for inlay strips.
Cut to fit and installed ½” quarter round at the bottom of the walls of the toilet and smoker bulkhead.
Stain on the new inlay strips.
Misc.:
Tried Nick’s pizza for the first time – no ill effects yet. I followed Thomas out the gate as it was leaving the property.
Thursday, August 30
309:
Started installing the new ¼” inlay strips in the upper half of the front toilet wall.
Stain on the new inlay strips.
Misc.:
Walked out on the 50th Avenue platform to check on creosote. Should be OK.
Saturday, September 1 (with Frank)
308:
Checked lubrication and made a test run out to the street and back. Everything seems OK.
309:
I cut out the grooves for the upper rectangles on the toilet side wall. This included several sections that had to be done with a knife and chisel. I then installed the ¼” strips.
Another coat of varnish on the lower window bulkhead and the toilet side wall areas.
Finish paint on several sections of the smoker ceiling, including the ring around the new glass globe.
Misc.:
Talked to Kutella about arrangements for the charter trip next Sunday.
Frank ran the 3142 all day.
Thursday, September 6
309:
I cut out the grooves for the lower rectangles on the toilet side wall. This included several sections that had to be done with a knife and chisel. I then installed the ¼” strips.
I also stained the upper ¼” inlay strips.
Misc.:
Jack Biesterfeld visited, along with Linda and his mother. Opened the 308 for them.
Saturday, September 8
309:
I started installing 1/16” bass wood strips in the 1/16” grooves. The two rectangles on the toilet front wall were completed, including a light stain and first varnish. I installed the upper rectangle on the side wall and started on the lower, but this is still incomplete.
Varnish on the ¼” inlay strips, both upper and lower, on the side wall.
I sanded down the toilet door, then another coat of varnish.
First coat of blue on the exterior panel strip at the #2R corner, installed in July.
Misc.:
Dropped off a videotape for Wes Lloyd, picked up two PCC books for Frank. Spoke to Les Ascher and Wally Osty at lunch.
Sunday, September 9
308:
I ran the 308 for the IRR 65 charter trip – one main line trip out to the east end, then back to the west end. Went well.
Misc.:
Met Jan Girardot and Bill Stewart.
Monday, September 10
309:
I continued installing 1/16” bass wood strips in the 1/16” grooves. The upper rectangle on the side wall is finished, the lower is still incomplete.
Varnish on the entire side wall.
I installed the 1/8” inlay strips on the right side of the bulkhead wall; the left half had been done in 1986, but I don’t remember why this was never finished.
It was raining, so I checked on the roof. No obvious leaks, but I put some plastic over the east trolley base to be sure.
321:
While waiting for glue to dry, I rechecked the width of the inlay strips over side and end arched windows. For the 309, it’s everywhere 1/8”. For the few remaining 321 panels, it’s 3/16”. Most of the 318 panels are ¼”, but one (temporarily installed at 321 sector 28) is 3/16”. Rather bizarre. These strips are very thin, no thicker than the outer veneer layer, so they must obviously be cut to shape and then installed.
Misc.:
I finally got rid of the Fenlaciki headlight by giving it to Bruneau. Talked to Jan and Bill some more.
Thursday, September 13
308:
The car has been missing the dummy coupling for the brake pipe at the #2 end since Day 1, I believe, but I found one from the 318 and installed it. Looked out in the material yard for more, without success.
309:
I worked more on the lower rectangle on the side wall, not quite done. First stain on most of the new inlay.
I reinstalled the hardware on the upper part of the side wall, except the squirt gun. Need better machine screws.
I sanded down and stained the 1/8” inlay strips on the upper part of the bulkhead. Later first varnish.
I started using the new green; I painted light fixture #1, and did wall panels 25-28 (after surface prep first, of course). Matches very well.
Misc.:
I took measurements of the C165 controller so I can make a stand for the display at the hobby show in November.
Saturday, September 15 (with Frank)
308:
Members’ Day: I ran the 308 out of 50th Avenue for the first time since the platform was rebuilt. Five trips to Jefferson and back; went well. David Wilkins was the conductor.
Misc.:
Rode the silver cars and the NY subway cars, watched the mail hook in action, talked with Pete Schmidt and others at supper. After dark, we rode the 65 and the four-car North Shore train.
Monday, September 17
309:
I installed the two newly-made brackets for the adjuster rod on the vistadome window frame.
I finished up the new inlay strips on the side wall, and stain.
More work on the windows. I installed a sash spring on 318E #7 and installed it at sector 11. Then 309I’s were installed at sectors 11 and 12. I also sorted out all of the window shade tracks, and installed them at 11, 12, 15, and 21. Sectors 11-15 and 21 are now complete. I also removed paint and stained the spacer sticks in these sectors.
Varnish on the window shade tracks, including the grooves, spacers, and the posts where the inside windows would drop down on these sectors. Also varnish on the lower rectangles on the toilet side wall.
Misc.:
Fan trips: Dan Secora (or something) was getting a tour from Nick; I opened the 308 as well as the 309, and he took lots of interior pictures. Later, a man from New Hampshire who had worked on the Flying Yankee at one time.
Friday, September 21
309:
I installed new brass machine screws to hold the squirt gun bracket, followed by the squirt gun itself, so the side wall has all its hardware.
More work on the windows. I installed sash springs on 318E #6 and ? and installed them at sectors 16 and 17. Then 309I’s were installed at sectors 16 and 18. I just need paint on two spare 309I’s. Sectors 16 and 18 are now complete. I also removed paint and stained the spacer sticks in these sectors.
Varnish on the window shade tracks, including the grooves, spacers, and the posts where the inside windows would drop down on sectors 16-18. Also varnish on the oval window trim.
Removed the last two black baggage racks, 13 and 14.
Saturday, September 22 (with Frank)
309:
I put a finish coat of grey on the two remaining spare 309I’s (in the 321).
Frank and I went to the container to get the spare steps for rebuilding the 309’s #1 end steps. Only parts of one spare could be found. We then removed the #1R step from the car and took it to barn 4, where Frank disassembled one end and needle-chipped and wire wheeled the replacement.
I worked on repairing the wood where the sector 27 seat frame was attached. I decided the best course was to chisel out rectangular holes and insert some spare pieces of mahogany. These were cut to 3½” length so they pass through the wainscot and press against the outer wall. Then glued in place.
I sanded down the upper walls in sectors 11-14. I filled a couple of cracks with Bondo (the rest of the Bondo was then applied at seat frame 27). Sanded down, and all bad sections got a coat of white primer.
I trimmed a little remaining old veneer from the ceiling sector 7-8-22-23 in preparation for applying new veneer.
The veneer had separated below the light fixture at 6-7, so I applied glue and used the wall-to-wall veneer clamp for its intended purpose for the first time in at least twenty years.
Cut out and taped plastic sheets over the two seat backs at 16 and 17, and most of the refinished arm rests in the coach.
Misc.:
Need to take my camera next time to take pictures of brass items I might want reproduced.
Received a Chrysler book from Bill Stewart, and took home a new Rail&Wire.
Monday, September 24
309:
I installed a repainted 309I at 17, followed by the hardware, thus completing the smoker.
I started setting up to make the curved 3/8” quarter-round mouldings for the clerestory triangles, but I forgot to bring the router guide, so it wasn’t completed. However, this method should work well.
I worked in the shop on stripping five more arm rests. I then took them to the 321 and stained them there.
I took down the wall-to-wall clamp; the veneer is now nice and flat. Gaps filled with Bondo and sanded, then primed.
I drilled holes for the non-existent coat hooks in all the “new” sections of paneling, then filled the holes with putty. When painted, they will look more like the original sections. White primer.
Misc.:
Bruneau and I went to the jewelry car to pick up a working floor gong for the train expo display.
I took pictures of the brass folding sign latch to send to Kutella.
Friday, September 28
309:
I removed the brass latch and weighed it: 7.5 oz.
The front part probably weighs only about 4 oz, but I couldn’t disassemble it (yet). The back plate is much bigger than I had remembered. Replacement parts could be simplified.
I installed arm rests at 4 and 26.
Rebuilt the wall-to-wall clamp: the old duct tape and paper were removed, replaced by rubber padding.
I cut to shape and installed the first section of new veneer in the central ceiling, sectors 8-21.
I worked on making new curved quarter-round moldings; six were completed but not yet installed.
Green paint on the white primer in the main compartment.
Varnish on arm rests 4 and 26, plus another coat on the trim around the oval window.
Misc.:
Looked at the Dover Strait.
Sunday,
September 30, 2007: (Frank)
309:
1. I removed the small
step brace from the original step side wall that is getting replaced,
and needle-chipped it and the piece of angle iron that attaches the
step to the underside of the platform. I also wire-wheeled the
parts of the step well that aren't getting replaced, and put a coat
of primer (I had to use Bruneau's) on all of the component parts of
the step well, including the replacement side wall which was cut to
length by Gerry Dettloff during the week. The original parts of
the step well are in the wood shop and will have to be moved before
next weekend because Kutella has a woodworkers' convention coming.
2. Rod spent the day disassembling brush holders from
industrial motors, so we don't need to worry about obtaining brass
for the parts we want to make. It has been provided.
3. I
looked for the latch we want replicated to show Kutella, but it had
already been removed.
4. I looked at the financial pages in the
office and got a start: sometime between mid-August and mid-September
the indebtedness of the 309 went from $1336 to $1936! Somebody
charged $600 to the car's account - exactly $600, by the looks of
it. This doesn't sound right.
205:
1. I compared the color chip for the IR Roof Green that we got matched at Diamond and it isn't anywhere close to what the roof of the 65 is; I don't know whether the error was ours, theirs, or some of both. We'll need to get this re-matched, but maybe I can get Fenlaciki to just take some part of the roof of the 65 and get that matched.
Monday, October 1
309:
I showed the latch to Bruneau and Rod. After applying Kroil, I was able to remove the machine screw, so all is well. They showed me the brush holders we can use for scrap brass.
I finished installing veneer in the center section 7-8-21-22; Bondo to smooth out the joints.
First primer on the new veneer.
I installed the three buzzer cord hangers in the coach compartment.
Misc.:
I looked at the roof of the B&M diner that Jack Biesterfeld is working on. He says the barn leaks badly. The roof has the original canvas coated with a very thick layer of tar in most places, but much of it is missing. The wood underneath looks and feels very solid, however. I recommended that for now he should just get some plastic sheeting and tape it down. Jack says he’s afraid of heights, however, so I don’t know how much will get done.
Thursday, October 4
309:
I assembled the new stand I made in Shelbyville and used it for working on the ceiling.
I cut out and installed veneer on the alcove 7-8. Then I trimmed two pieces of Masonite and installed them over the joint. Still need the alcove side sections.
First primer on the new veneer and on the trim in sectors 7-10.
Lots of cleaning up in the coach section in preparation for painting the floor.
Misc.:
I gave the brass latch to Bob Kutella for casting. And I checked on the location of the step that Frank is working on; it is now alongside the 757.
Saturday, October 6
309:
I spent quite some time watching the brass casting process. Only one new sign latch piece was produced, however. It should be fine once the surface imperfections are ground out.
I finished cleaning up the coach compartment, and dragged the loose linoleum into the 321. I then put a first coat of primer on the floor of sectors 3-26 to 10-19, completing the entire floor.
I trimmed and installed 3/8” moldings on the clerestory windows in sectors 15-16. Still need the top section for the quadrangle and a vertical piece for triangle 16. Stain.
Finish yellow on the central ceiling in the smoker, sectors 13-14-15-16.
I removed the sign latch from the #1 end. This has the same back plate as the good one, but the latch itself is different, evidently a CA&E repair.
Misc.:
Checked about the 309 motor fund; Barb says it’s been taken care of.
Sunday, October 7
309:
I painted the #2 motor hatch and all of the foot rests in the main compartment with primer.
I finished trimming and then installed the two arched trim pieces over the stained glass window at 7-8. First stain.
I sanded down to bare wood the remaining window sill, sectors 1-4. Then stain. Also brown primer on the trim strip beneath the window sill. Fortunately, for some reason the window sill extension under the electrical cabinet at the #2 end was never painted black, so it’s fine.
Misc.:
Spoke to Randy Anderson. Note to self: find Bob Hunter to get contact info for Glenn Guerra.
Friday, October 12
309:
Started installing the ½” half-round molding over the alcove in sector 9-10.
I installed the new piece of brass stock (1/32 x ½”) at window 21 to hold up the inside window. Since the spring steel would be very difficult/expensive to replace, brass with a spring behind it seems to work OK.
I sand-blasted all of the panic cord brackets for the main compartment (1-10) to bare brass, then reinstalled them and gave them a good coat of stain.
Misc.:
Gave the sign latch to Tim Peters to give to Bob Kutella.
Walked over to Barn 2 to see the 7525 running, and walked through the barn to see the 966, etc. Also the horror train, but I was too scared to walk through it all the way.
Monday, October 15
309:
Finished installing the ½” half-round molding over the alcove in sector 9-10, plus more acrylic caulk; later first coat of white primer.
Installed the outer two 1/8” Masonite strips at the alcove in sector 21-22. Later white primer.
I glued up some of the veneer which was exploding near the light fixture at 4-5, and used the wall-to-wall clamp.
I caulked around all the gaps in the end of the car at the #1R corner. Used most of a tube.
I put filler in all of the nail holes and other gaps in the 87”, 89”, and 92” moldings in sectors 1-10.
Misc.:
Helped Bob Bruneau and Dan Kerns a little with checking the 415 motor which was thought to have blown up.
Friday, October 19
309:
Sanded down the filler on the 1-10 moldings from last time, then stain. Also another coat of stain on the window sill and molding 1-4.
I cut out and installed the inner two Masonite pieces for the alcove 7-8. Then the half-round molding, using sections I had already bent at home. This worked much better. Then filled as necessary with caulk.
I glued up another seam on the veneer which was exploding near the light fixture at 4-5, and used the wall-to-wall clamp.
Painted the caulk at the #1R corner with brown primer. I then did the #1L corner.
Caulk as needed in the outer window sills, sectors 15-18.
Misc.:
Maggie and I toured the Halloween train.
Monday, October 22
309:
I made some templates, then cut out and trimmed all of the 1/8” trim strips for the short arches. They were then nailed and glued in place.
White primer on these new pieces for the short arches, and on the parts from last time in sector 7-8.
Saturday, October 27 (with Frank)
309:
I drove all of the nails holding the 87” molding in sectors 19-28 farther in, then filled the holes with putty. Later sanded down and stained.
Sanding on the half-round ceiling trim from last time.
Frank finished assembling the rebuilt step, then we drilled holes and installed it at the #1R corner. We also went to the container to look again for other replacement step parts, without success.
First finish green on all parts with white primer in sectors 11-14.
321:
Frank and I opened the Rock Island boxcar and started sorting out our 318 seat frames. We found at least 13, but this isn’t enough because there are only four in the container, plus one in the 321. Need to work on this because Nick may be removing coach seats and other parts from this boxcar to send to Portola, and we certainly don’t want him to send off our stuff by mistake.
Misc.:
I worked on security for Terror on the Rails, or whatever it is. Frank rode the 55.
Monday, October 29
309:
I put caulk in the gaps at the #2L corner, and painted the #1L corner with brown primer.
I used the jointer to prepare two more lengths of half round molding for bending.
Another coat of varnish on the 87”, 89”, and 93” moldings in sectors 1-10, including the panic cord hangers; also the window sills and moldings on this side.
Caulk on the exterior window sill 14.
321:
Yesterday, Frank moved a total of 20 318 seat frames from the boxcar to container 45. I went back to the boxcar, and picked up several loose parts and took them to container 12.
One thing that bothers me is that none of these 318 seat frames have the offset pedestal for the motor hatch covers.
Nick will be removing seats from another car, so there’s no hurry.
Friday, November 2
309:
I installed the inner Masonite strips for the alcove at 21-22 and trimmed them. Then two sections of curved half-round molding. Later white primer.
Lettering: I used Jack’s tracing from the 308 to letter “BC” in black on the wall at sector 10.
I also stripped off the lettering “FV” on the bulkhead by sector 1 and applied new stain, followed by varnish.
Varnish also on all of the panic cord hardware, and on the bulkhead wall by sector 18.
I sanded down and painted the outer window sill with brown primer at sectors 15-18.
I made diagrams for making new wood pieces to complete the window sill in sectors 11-13. The step up for the inner windows has never been completed.
Monday, November 5
309:
I trimmed and installed new wood pieces to complete the window sill in sectors 11-13.
Sanded down the outer window sills in sectors 19-26, and a first coat of white primer in sectors 19-25. Also some sanding on sectors 1-4.
In sectors 1-4 there’s some red paint which appears during sanding; don’t know why it should be there.
Repainted the letters “FV” on the bulkhead, in yellow.
I reinstalled the panic cord in the main compartment. Then I disconnected it in the smoker and removed the hardware.
Thursday, November 8
309:
I sanded down the outer window sills in sectors 27-28, and a first coat of white primer in sectors 26-28.
Also white primer on sectors 11-14.
I redrilled the holes and got the outer window at sector 27 to work correctly. Also removed the window shade and tightened it so it works better.
Installed the central half-round molding for the alcove 21-22; later painted with white primer.
I put more filler in the central ceiling, sectors 7-10-19-22, including the patch plates.
I drove in the nails and applied the mahogany wood filler to the trim around the smoker door and toilet door. Later sanded and stained.
Fairly precise measurements of the lengths of linoleum needed: 309: 27’ 2¼”. 321: Smoker: 11’ 2”, Coach: 32’.
Misc.:
I took home the C165 controller for the hobby show display, and a gallon of the obsolete 308 grey.
Looked at Relic (in the morning) and the new S105 (in the afternoon). Similar in many ways.
Monday, November 12
309:
I rasped the trim pieces and installed one half of the half-round molding for the toilet arch, installing it while still wet. Seemed to work well.
Patched in a gap and filler on the molding in sector 21-22.
I sanded down the filler and put white primer on the patch pieces in the center ceiling, sectors 7-10, 19-23.
I removed the Utility thermostat, sand-blasted it, and painted it with brown primer. The black paint was flaking off.
I also sand-blasted the panic cord hardware for the smoker, then installed them and applied a first coat of stain.
Varnish on window sills 1-4, 25-28, and around the letters “FV”. Also on the trim around the toilet and smoker doors, which had nail filler applied last time. Looks pretty accurate.
Misc.:
I got a couple of large carriage bolts for the hobby show display.
Monday, November 19
309:
I rasped the trim pieces and installed the other half of the half-round molding for the toilet arch. Installing the molding while wet certainly seems to be the way to go. The molding can be bent in two planes simultaneously. Of course, you then have to wait for it to dry before any painting or filling.
I sanded down all of the outer window sills in sectors 1-10, then white primer. Several sectors need to be caulked, also 13. It looks like they may never have worried about sealing this gap, which would allow water to get down inside the wall.
I trimmed the molding and installed the keystone piece for sector 7-8, the last one. Originally this one had been installed with nails that were too large, so I used a new outer piece (I had a couple on hand.) Filled with mahogany wood filler; I also set nails and filled several other ‘new’ ones that needed it.
I also went around and trimmed off any paint on the various keystones.
Installed two screws in one of the grab irons in the #1 vestibule.
Misc.:
I talked to Nick, got some packages of membership applications, and looked for brochures for the hobby show.
Wednesday, November 21
309:
I trimmed and installed the ½” quarter round trim on the #2 train door, finally. Need one more 27” piece. Not yet painted.
I caulked between the inner and outer window sills, sectors 1,2,3,5,7, and 13.
I sanded down and stained all of the keystones from last time.
There was always a gap between the side wall and the smoker bulkhead paneling at the 40” seat corner, across from the toilet compartment. You could see into the interior of the wall. I taped up the wall and filled it with white caulk. The object is not to make it water-tight, of course, but to have something I can paint. Looks good.
Trimmed and installed the 3/8” quarter round pieces over the triangles at 9 and 10.
Friday, November 23 (Schaumburg)
WGH Show:
I went to the hall, signed in, put together the controller/gong display, and mounted my new 20’ IRM banner.
Saturday, November 24 (Schaumburg)
WGH Show:
Spent all day setting up and running the show, helped by Kevin, Mark, and Joe.
Sunday, November 24 (Schaumburg)
WGH Show:
Spent most of the day running and then taking down the show, helped by Buzz, Paul Mayer, Mark, and Kevin.
Monday, November 25
309:
Mostly painting the smoker ceiling. I sanded down and filled the vertical sections of the #1 bulkhead, then painted with white primer. I also sanded down and painted the smoker bulkhead with a second (and final?) coat of finish yellow.
Put some more Bondo on bad parts of the center ceiling, mostly sector 12-17. Later sanded down and first white primer.
Installed the correct oval head screws for the inside of the #1 vestibule door.
Worked on the 87” moldings a little. These were never removed, so the bottom edge still has the original paint, which is in bad shape. On the 15-18 side, this was painted with one coat of finish yellow; on the 11-14 side, nothing was done. I started trying to apply chemical stripper, but it will be a long process.
Misc.:
Put the controller and the rest of the display back in the controller car; helped by Wes Lloyd. Also returned the replacement DVD to the book store manager.
Friday, December 7
309:
Mostly work in the smoker. The temperature got up to about 55 degrees at the level of the baggage racks. I painted most of the smoker center ceiling with finish yellow. This will be sufficient until I can pull the car out into sunlight.
Varnish on the 92” molding across the smoker bulkhead; 92” and 89” moldings and clerestory windows and trim in sectors 15-18, and all of the end bulkhead woodwork, including the door, the window, etc.
Put a coat of Penta on the floor of the #1 vestibule.
Misc.:
Measured the buzzer cord to be 50’ 8” long, ¼” diameter. Need to order more wire core rope from McMaster Carr.
Monday, December 10
309:
I applied stain to the four baggage racks Frank had painted two weeks ago.
Varnish on the 80” moldings and on all wooden trim around the windows and above the window sill in the smoker, sectors 11-14 and 15-18. Once again, about 55 degrees.
I taped up the ventilators in the main compartment as needed, but never got around to trying to heat it.
I installed the Masonite trim strips in sector 20. Only sector 19 remains to be done.
I removed (nearly) all of the extra attachments from the inside walls of the toilet compartment: first aid box, brackets for fire extinguishers that are no longer there, the headlight bracket that is no longer used, a hook for the dust pan. Then I applied Bondo to fill the holes. There were also several holes in the sheet metal that I’m not responsible for, so I have no idea why they were there. Three clips for holding broom handles were left in place for now.
Misc.:
I helped Wes Lloyd remove the “fireworks” grid box from the 714.
I ordered 200’ of wire core rope from McMaster Carr. Bruneau says it will arrive tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 12
309:
Kutella gave me the sign latch casting.
I sanded down the Bondo in the toilet compartment, and then painted it with white primer.
Also white primer on the half-round molding over the toilet arch.
Varnishing in the smoker, again: clerestory trim and 92” and 89” moldings in sectors 11-14, including the panic cord hardware, plus the entire smoker bulkhead. This leaves only the window sills and wainscot sections in the smoker.
First varnish on the last four baggage racks in the wood shop.
Arm rests need 27” clearance; seat frames are on 33” centers.
Misc.:
I received the order of wire core rope from McMaster Carr. For whatever reason, it turns out 300’ (or somewhat more) was ordered and delivered. I cut out three pieces, buzzer cords for each of the three cars. I then started soaking them in the fabric dye for a couple of hours each. However, for some reason there are still some bare spots. I experimented with applying ordinary mahogany wood stain to a spare piece of rope; this should do the trick.
Friday, December 14
308:
I replaced the old buzzer cord, which was just some clothes line, with one of the new ones.
309:
I reinstalled the panic cord in the smoker.
I sanded down all of the walls in the smoker and then painted them with a (final?) coat of green, sectors 11-18.
I installed one of the new pieces of wire core rope for a buzzer cord.
The 309’s interrupter is not working. Perfect.
The last four baggage racks were installed, 6, 11, 13, and 14. Stain on the screw heads for 13 and 14.
Monday, December 17
309:
I got a second space heater working. This brings the temperature in the smoker up to 60 or more.
I selected four 309E window frames, sanded them smooth, and put on new Fleet Grey.
Sorting of spare parts. Among other things, I found the flat springs for car cards and installed some where needed. Also, I found the other headlight receptacle tube for the 308.
Wednesday, December 19
309:
The paint on the four window frames from last time was still a little soft, so I selected anther four, used wire wool, and applied varnish to the inside surfaces.
I cut off 100’ of the remaining buzzer cord and gave it to Bruneau. The remaining 50’ piece is now soaking in the fabric dye.
Fixed the mounting of the 309E at 21 so it goes down all the way.
I sanded down and put another coat of green on the walls in sectors O-21.
Filler to cover most of the half-round molding over the toilet quadrangle.
Misc.:
Christmas party in the car shop. Talked to Ted Anderson for a while.
Friday, December 21
309:
I constructed a platform for working on the ceiling. I cut down a piece of ¾” plywood to 39” x 72” and framed it with 2x4s, and it is mounted on four plastic sawhorses. Works well, it’s stable and much safer than standing on a ladder. Also doubles as a work bench.
I put a coat of Fleet Grey on the four window frames varnished last time.
Working from the new platform, I installed the last two pieces of Masonite trim at sector 19. Then, after soaking two sections of half-round for no more than an hour, they were installed wet at sectors 19-20. Appears to have worked well.
Wednesday, December 26
309:
Moved the platform to the toilet-oval section.
I installed the four window frames finished last time in the main compartment, at sectors 2, 22, 25, and 26. The 309I at 22 was OK, so this was installed also (but I still need a new sash spring). The other insides are waiting for refinishing.
I put a coat of varnish on the other four window frames in the smoker.
Working from the new platform, I installed two sections of half-round at the oval sector. May need some more adjustment after it’s dried. Sector 19-20 appears to be completely dry.
I went to the shop and removed the piece of wire-core rope from the tub to let it drip dry.
308:
I trimmed the new buzzer cord in the 308, and also tested all of the windows. The following windows cannot be opened and need to be adjusted: 1, 5, 7, 10, 17, 18, and 28. (309 type numbering system) Also, #9 still needs a latch.
Friday, December 28
309:
I installed the next four window frames finished last time in the main compartment, at sectors 1, 3, 19, and 20. The 309I for sector 1 was OK, so this was installed also. The other insides are waiting for refinishing.
I selected another four 309E’s, sanded them down, and put a coat of Fleet Grey on them.
I put finish black on the Utility thermostat.
Misc.:
I dropped off my 2007 contribution with Phyllis. It was snowing steadily, so I left early.
Monday, December 31
309:
I found the correct 309I for sector 6 and installed it.
I sanded down the half-round mouldings on the toilet arch and sector 19-20.
I sanded down a couple of 309E’s which had Bondo that was still not flat.
321:
The DC was off most of the day while Max worked on the substation, so I removed all of the ¼” pieces from the center of the roof at the #2 end, back to the third carline from the end, and some more beyond. I also removed the first carline for replacement (will need 6/4 oak, at least 6” by 60”). For the next two, at least, I will probably sandwich in some 4/4 dutchmen.
At some point there was a small fire in the attic, over the motorman’s position.
It appears the roofing boards were only replaced once, assuming the carlines themselves are not replacements, which doesn’t appear likely.
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