Sunday, January 28, 2018

Trolley Care Program Returns

We're happy to announce the return of the Trolley Care program this year for those who are interested in the mechanical side of the trolley cars and want to help maintain, repair, and restore the trolleys. The idea behind the program is to provide a fun, hands-on learning experience working on the trolleys. All facets of the operation of the trolley cars and how they work will be explored as part of the experience.

The Trolley Care program will be held one Saturday of every other month from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. All ages are welcome. Youth 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For those under the age of 12 who are interested, please contact the coordinators in advance. Please wear work clothes. Lunch will be provided.

The first session of the program will be held on March 17, 2018 (weather permitting). At this session, we will be exploring the general maintenance of trolleys, covering lubrication of the cars, controller maintenance, motor and compressor inspection, and other general maintenance activities.

To register, please contact us using the "Do you have a question for the shop?" feature on the side of the page or by emailing the museum office. We're also happy to answer any questions you may have about the program.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Aftermarket Flooring is Gone

The shop was delighted to have a record size winter crew of eight in yesterday. While Fred and John continued cleaning parts for 3001 up in the loft, Galen, Kelly, Wil, Bruce, Rex, and Larry made great progress in 1500. A large portion of the varnish has been removed from the bedroom walls. Additionally, the linoleum that had been put down in the kitchen, bath, and bedroom areas has been taken up, revealing the original wood flooring beneath. Torn and stained oriental carpeting was removed from half of the car's hallway. The stubborn ice box door was removed. Bruce took it home to be cleaned up and slightly trimmed so it will no longer stick. Wil also started cleaning up seat bases for 3001 so they can be repainted.

This half of the hallway is now carpet free. The ice box door has been removed for repair

Aftermarket flooring has been removed in the kitchen and bath areas 

The bedroom walls are starting to look a lot better without a lot of their old, peeling varnish

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Kicking Off 2018

After a cold, snowy, and icy end to 2017 and beginning of 2018, the shop is happy to be back to work. Fred continues work on cleaning up detailed components for 3001. Galen has cleaned the old varnish and paint form 169's clerestory windows. John is working to repair a leaking brake stand in car 16. Bruce, Rex, and Kelly have begun the shop's traditional winter work on the restoration of car 1500. This year, work continues in the kitchen and dinning room. Work has also begun in the bedroom.

Bedroom in 1500

Bedroom of 1500, looking into the bathroom and kitchen

Bedroom in 1500

Varnish removal has begun in the bedroom of 1500