One of the more distinctive things about the CA&E was the massive design of the third-rail beams, which included a large air-powered sleet scraper mechanism. Of course, in preservation nobody is running cars on third rail, and we would avoid operating in sleet conditions, but the cars just wouldn't look right without this equipment.
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| 20 c. 1934 |
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| 431 - Today |
Pictures of cars in service show that sometimes the cars had no sleet scrapers. And we have concluded after examination that all of the wooden beams had holes and slots where the scraper cylinders were attached, and that during the summer the scrapers would be removed as needed and repaired in the shop.
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| 36 - 1937 |
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| 309 c. 1934 |
The alternate theory is that there were "summer beams" that had third rail shoes, of course, but no provision for sleet scrapers. And the entire beams would be changed out as necessary. I have now abandoned this theory -- Frank talked me out of it -- but I'd be glad to hear from anyone who wants to support it.
The serious, practical reason for arguing is this: we'll need to make a number of new wooden beams to equip all of our steel cars, and we don't have enough hardware, particularly the scrapers. One or two of the steels can be authentically restored without scrapers, since we generally run only during the summer. The question is whether we still need to drill holes and provide slots in the beams.
You've heard of "rivet counters", of course. We'll see you and raise!
3 comments:
I'm always in favor of authenticity. As the museum gains more docents, I think these small details are instructive. It starts a conversation about overhead wire versus third rail and how the cars actually operated. The summer / winter aspect adds authenticity as well. I'm a guy who looks at pole pockets (and then looks for the poles). I find that tidbit of information interesting for something that a lot of people probably overlook. So call me weird in that regard, but I think there will be people who will appreciate the detail, especially if it is added to the interpretive content.
I agree with the Hicks that no scraper is an authentic portrayal. It would be great to pair that with evidential photos of our cars, but not necessary. I would prefer to see the slots and holes for them, sorry Randy. Of course to me no third rail beam is fine if you have no third rail to run on. Therefore with so many third rail beams completed, a third rail must be completed somewhere for demonstration, with everything grounded. (for now). Its great to restore third rail beams and hardware. It will make a future snowflake special somewhere on CTA more feasible.
O. Anderson of course
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