Switching and Steel Work

With 2600 out of service it has been placed into storage and the shop is currently hosting 1850, which is on its way to the Visitors' Center to be put on display. Car 65 will be coming out of the Visitors' Center to be repaired and placed into service. While we had 1850 with us, we took the opportunity to give the car a quick checkup so we know what we'll be facing when its turn comes for restoration. We've confirmed that the car will need major truck work. One truck is about two inches out of tram (think of tram as the equivalent to wheel alignment in your car). 1850 is also in need of some structural work due to how it rocks as it travels down the line and lots of cosmetic work. We hope to have the opportunity to work on the cosmetic issues over the winters. The car received a good dusting from Kelly and Wil so it'll be a bit more presentable once it gets inside.

1850 visits the shop

Galen and John have begun assessing the work 65 will need before it can return to service. Bruce and Rex have started making the roof brackets the car will need.

Galen worked on 18. While the brake stand is now fully reassembled, another rotted out pipe has been located and more work will be needed before the locomotive can see service.

John has been at work on 3001's structural steel. Some photos of his progress are below.

Patching at the east end of the south side

Patching at the west end of the south side

Structural reinforcing patches on the frame near the west end

Patching Up and a Special Trip

Work continued on 18 yesterday. Galen began reassembling the east end brake stand. Dave Coppola (Track Department Superintendent) and Brian worked on cleaning up and painting the west end. Kelly and Wil prepped three areas on the side for patch panels and cut the steel. One panel was partially installed. John had installed a second patch panel during the week and primed the two installed panels.

Brian and Dave at work painting 18. Photo by Mike Luzzi

Fresh paint on 18

18's west end catcher is now fully painted

Patching work in progress on 18's south side

Kelly works on welding in the newest patch panel. Photo by Mike Luzzi

John has been at work on 3001, installing reinforcing plates on the frame.

Support panels installed in 3001

303 came out to make a special trip for the Annual Meeting.

303 and Diesel 1 wait on the Northern Barn track

Lastly, we are saddened to report that 2600 has been removed from active service. The car has sustained damage to one of its wheel flanges and the metal is too brittle to repair to a safe operating state. The car will need new wheels pressed on all around to render it ready for active service again.