The new steel for 3001 has finally arrived and John has been working on the west end framing. Fred continues to work on cleaning up components, including the lightening arrestor and more roof domes.

New steel in 3001

Bruce and Rex have been at work on the motor hatches in 65. They are being leveled to give a safe walking surface inside the car. The car has been cleaned out some more and most of the grab irons have been reinstalled.

Kelly is working on rebuilding some trolley catchers that she and Galen came across while seeking parts for 65. Having a few working spares on hand will make things easier if one of the operating cars needs a replacement.

Disassembled Wilson trolley catcher

Cleaning up and Windows in

Car 65 received some further cleaning up inside. Most of the items that were being stored in the car have been moved to their proper homes. All of the clerestory windows are now installed. The power line to the east end is in place and the car is now movable from both ends. Some further investigation is required, as only two of the four motors are being engaged by the east end controller.

Progress inside of 65

S193 is also receiving some attention courtesy of Tim Baisley and his daughter Lily. They have replaced a few windows and have begun preparing the car for a fresh coat of paint.

Lily works on S193's window (photo by Tim Baisley)

Fall maintenance began, a bit late this year, and good progress was made. Cars 16, 836, and 1326 were completed. 355's trolley catcher was changed out when it became jammed and 65's catcher, which jammed last weekend, was repaired.

TJ watches while Jayden works on a motor in 1326

(Photo Credit: Wil Gambardella)

65 Moves

Today was an eventful day. Car 355 returned to service after having its compressor replaced. 836 is now in the shop for line switch repair. Adam began diesel locomotive operating lessons.

Adam, Kelly, and Harrison Bissonnette, from SC&ET, put polls on car 65. After some interior clean up, and a round of general lubrication maintenance, the car was put under power for the first time in over twenty years. It was quickly discovered that a main power wire was missing to the east end, rendering that controller inoperable, but the car received some light testing using the west end controller. Galen and Kelly were able to move it under its own power from the shop to Kelly Barn, where it will reside while 836 is repaired. Both brake stands exhibit air leaks that need investigation before the car enters service. Once the missing wire is installed, the car will receive full testing. The crew thanks Harrison for taking time away from his home department to help out today.

Poles installed on 65

65 testing

Under and On Top

65's pole bases were placed on its roof yesterday afternoon. The emergency brake rigging has been hooked up and clerestory window installation has begun. There are still a multitude of things that need to be done before the car is ready for service. We encourage anyone who is interested in helping to please reach out to us.

65 got a breath of fresh air while its pole bases were lifted into place

3001's west end framing is now fully assembled. It received a coat of Connecticut Company red yesterday.

3001's painted west end frame

Trolley Boards

Trolley board installation has begun on car 65. Roughly fifty percent of the work was completed before it became too warm to work safely atop the car.

Trolley boards installed at 65 east and west ends

Work continues on the assembly of 3001's west end frame

Progress on 3001's frame

5645's floor has been painted

New paint on 5645's floor

A roof, a floor, and a frame

Car 65 now sports a rubber membrane roof on its main section. Roof cleats were positioned and installation has begun. Trolley boards received a coat of primer and will be installed next weekend. At this point, the car will not be receiving a roof canvas. Canvas will wait until the car undergoes restoration. Both trolley catchers have been cleaned and rebuilt.

Cleats being spaced out on 65's new roof

Thanks to motormen Aiden Nies and Ryan Trombly, operating fleet cars will be receiving fresh floor paint. Car 16 is complete and they are targeting 5645 next.

16's floor looking east

16's floor looking west

The west end frame for 3001 is being assembled. A former shop member had created most of a kit to complete this work and the remaining pieces are being fabricated.

West end frame being assembled for 3001