Union Pacific M35 update

Thanks to Gregg Wolfersheim for sending along an update of progress he's been making on our doodlebug, Union Pacific M35. Gregg writes:

I managed to get #16 window back in place a few weeks ago. The adjoining openings are ready for their respective sash, too.

Here is sash number 15. Just like #17, the bottom piece is rotted out on the tenon. I'm in the process of making new pieces for these.

Here are the two pieces about 85% done. Tim Peters helped me set up the router for the one side. A little more adjusting and they will be ready for assembly.

Today I finished stripping varnish off the divider wall.

Awhile ago I took this picture of the floor. In several places it looks like this. It was caused by all the water damage the car got in the late '50's and '60's sitting outside.

Today I pulled a few floor boards up to see what's going on. Between the top boards and the perpendicular bottom boards there are 2inch high risers with horse hair insulation between them. Some of those risers are soft but, the cross pieces look solid so far. More exploration is needed before we know what will be involved in repairing this.

The museums very first steam locomotive, Public Service Corporation #7, was given a cosmetic restoration last year in the steam shop. However, it was only the outside and wasn't finished. I've been trying to finish it and include the cab interior. Since it's in Barn 3 at the head of the freight train, we would like to have a cab door open for our visitors to see inside. I put a floor back in on the engineers side that was missing. The seat was rebuilt and Jane redid the cushion. The ceiling is mostly missing so new "carlines" are being made. When bolted to the steel roof, tongue and groove siding will be applied underneath with the required green paint job. Here is a photo of some of the pieces being fabricated next to the blackened originals.