W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on February 01, 2017, 07:06:05 AM

Title: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 01, 2017, 07:06:05 AM
Anticipated work for February 4, 2017

* Boxcar 67
* Work flat 1015
* Tree cutting at TOM
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 03, 2017, 06:32:13 PM
I will be late in the morning, so will be staying at Sheepscot.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 03, 2017, 06:34:44 PM
I'd like the journal boxes for 67's trucks to be cleared of gunk.  Followed by the other metal truck components.  I've conveyed to Mike the details of the job, and asked him to look for volunteers like Jay Barta, or others who don't mind some general work.

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 04, 2017, 05:12:22 PM
Work done Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2017

* Bulldozer - Mike worked on the dozer, installing the repaired radiator and fixing the bracket that holds the radiator and hood.

* Archives - Linda worked on the catalog system.

* Boxcar #67 - Zack installed the rest of the diagonal braces while Carlos and Gerry cleaned truck frame parts. The floor around the car was cleaned of scrap wood and the pieces taken to AC for the depot stove.

* Coach #8 - The south end was cleaned where the new combine door will be installed. 

* Campus - Cash bottles were collected from all the buildings and we have 3 full bags to redeem.

* Kitchen - The crew served a nice lasagna lunch and made preperations to feed the train crews for next Saturday's Mass Bay RRE Charter.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 04, 2017, 05:43:04 PM
While I was at it, I replaced the lower radiator hose and fan belt. The belt proved to be a bit of a challenge. I had to remove the hydraulic pump that mounts to the front of the motor to get the belt off. It was an original belt, with a Case number, so it served it's time, 43+ years.

Also, I fixed a bolt that had broken off in the alternator, and repaired the wire to the headlights, because it had rubbed through.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Ira Schreiber on February 04, 2017, 06:17:12 PM
After only 43 years on the belt, I would contact Case to inquire about a warranty replacement as it should have lasted at least 50 years.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on February 05, 2017, 05:28:47 PM
After only 43 years on the belt, I would contact Case to inquire about a warranty replacement as it should have lasted at least 50 years.
None of us has a belt that has lasted that long. ;D
-John
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 05, 2017, 07:50:11 PM
Well the belt was still whole, so I tagged it and hung it on the wall.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 05, 2017, 08:45:08 PM
Well, I still wear a belt I've had since high school, although not in the same hole. That was 1965. You do the math!
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 05, 2017, 08:49:51 PM
Eric made a time lapse video of the Coach 3 siding re-installation

https://youtu.be/1YCKajV-eU4 (https://youtu.be/1YCKajV-eU4)
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Tom Casper on February 06, 2017, 10:29:49 AM
Thats a nice video Eric,  thanks

Tom C.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Gordon Cook on February 06, 2017, 04:33:36 PM
Wow!...Now I know how so much gets done in such a short time at the WW&F!  ;)
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 07, 2017, 02:55:19 PM
Work prep for Mass Bay Charter Saturday Feb 11:

Tuesday: let it snow.
Wednesday:  Plow, flange main line  (Plow Crew Help is welcome!).  Move crane to ToM.  Prep 9 for boiler fill. 
Thursday:  let it snow.
Friday:  Plow, flange main line (Plow Crew Help is welcome!).  Fill and fire 3 (MNG crew).   If time:  fill and fire 9. 
Saturday:  Charter is from 12:30 till 3:30.  Prep will begin around 9.

Other work:
Coach 8's door addition project is being paused and cleaned up so the car can be in service this week.
We are preparing parts to assemble trucks for box 67.

Near future: 
Trucks under 67 so it's mobile.
Move 67 to access bay 2 crane.
Use bay 2 crane to re-arrange boiler steel on flat 126
Begin prepping boiler barrels for welding.
Fill flanging machine with oil, commence testing.

see ya
Jason
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Paul Uhland on February 07, 2017, 08:30:54 PM
Alrighty then...some serious work ahead!  ;)
Please share lots of project pics with us, the "away crowd".  :D
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 08, 2017, 07:13:27 AM
Anticipated work for weekend of Feb 11:

* Plow crew on Friday.
* Steam loco fire-ups Friday
* Board meeting Friday evening
* Saturday is the Mass Bay RRE photo charter.  80 people expected mid day.  #9 and #3 will be the star attractions.
* Boxcar 67
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Fred Morse on February 09, 2017, 08:28:06 AM
Well... We'll have plenty of snow if Mass Bay makes it. When will we know?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 09, 2017, 08:31:27 AM
There was no cancellation clause, so we'll proceed as planned.  If we hear otherwise we'll get the word out asap.

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 09, 2017, 08:55:56 AM
Mass Bay is coming.  We can do this, just like 1910...
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on February 09, 2017, 01:02:42 PM
How much snow is expected?

Jeff S.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 09, 2017, 01:18:42 PM
8-12", light and fluffy.  Not too bad, but it's on top of tuesday's very crunchy 3-5".  We only had yesterday to work that storm, and couldn't get too all the yard tracks. 

Saturday morning another 3" is expected- again not bad but another plow extra may be necessitated, based on how well flanging goes tomorrow. 

Flanger clears the track wonderfully; the actuator is a little stiff.  We're considering some modifications, or may just let it work in.  No time for mods before tomorrow anyway.

16" expected Sunday/Monday.  Not currently planning on clearing that.

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on February 09, 2017, 02:32:57 PM
Hope some video of the plow extra is being shot.  Love to see what the flanger can do!
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 09, 2017, 05:25:14 PM
Jason's picture of the flanger in action. Notice the snow coming out under the plow.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/IMG_2999_zpsejmt5qku.jpg)

And here is the track after one pass. A lot less snow than we used to leave.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/IMG_3003_zpsjtfd4ksr.jpg)

Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on February 09, 2017, 05:30:37 PM
Did the WW&F used to have the "lift-the-flanger" warning signs that were diagonal yellow bars with black dots?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on February 09, 2017, 06:22:00 PM
Looks great guys!  Should cut down on the amount fill-in on the rails afterwards.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Keith Taylor on February 10, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
Did the WW&F used to have the "lift-the-flanger" warning signs that were diagonal yellow bars with black dots?
John...who used that style "Flanger Pathway Obstructed" signs. On the Lehigh Valley there was just a diagonal metal plate on a pole.....no yellow paint or dots. The black showed up well in the snow.
A Jordon spreader did a good job.
Keith
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Benjamin Campbell on February 10, 2017, 10:27:01 AM
The B&MRR used the angled flanger signs in the latter 3/4 of the 20thc. Before that they used horizontally mounted rectangular boards with cut corners and two large black dots painted on a yellow background. The flanger signs on the local New Haven line are rectangular heavy sheet steel horizontally mounted to posts made of old rail or pipe which is flattened at the mounting point. I'm sure they were painted when section crews were still attentive to such things. I don't recall seeing flanger signs in vintage photos of the WW&F?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 10, 2017, 12:33:31 PM
Did the WW&F used to have the "lift-the-flanger" warning signs that were diagonal yellow bars with black dots?

The WW&F had flanger signs that were horizontal boards nailed to a post prior to a switch or grade crossing.  The only ones that show up in photos are weathered boards about 8" wide X approx. 24" long.  There is no marking or holes in the board.  There may have been red or black indicators painted on the boards when they were new but without photos, plans or information there's no way to confirm it.   
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on February 10, 2017, 01:54:11 PM
How's the yard clearing going today?

Jeff S.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Benjamin Campbell on February 10, 2017, 10:49:42 PM
I took a quick look through Two Feet to Tidewater in search of flanger signs. On page 168 there is a photo of Weeks Mills and in the distant left there may be a flanger sign with a dark background and two light colored circles. It would be nice to see the original photo for more clarity.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 11, 2017, 08:34:28 AM
Thanks for pointing that out.  When Chris McChesney and Gary Kohler were writing the Narrow Gauge in the Sheepscot Valley series I had a chance to look through the information they had on line side signals.  One discussion was about flanger signs.  There was a 1930's era photo (not used in the books) that showed a very weathered flanger sign with no markings.  It may have been about the same size as the one at Weeks Mills but there was no confirmation that the post at WM was a railroad sign.  It would be nice to know what the flanger signs looked like around 1907 when Carson Peck purchased and fixed up the WW&F, then we could reproduce the signs. 
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Benjamin Campbell on February 11, 2017, 10:12:44 AM
In flipping through the book I’m pretty sure that weathered flanger signs are visible in multiple photographs. In many cases it is tough to tell definitively as the dot matrix of the printing process does not show small and distant objects with much clarity. I would love to see the original image of Weeks Mills. The sign in question appears to have two light colored circles on a dark background mounted to several inches of thin rod or pipe of the same color which in turn is mounted to a wood post. If true, I would have to conclude that it is a railroad sign. The use of two dots for flanger signs was common if not universal among New England railroads and possibly beyond. Hard to imagine that a trackside civilian sign would share the same motif.

I would also love to know how and why a switch lamp came to be used at Weeks Mills? I imagine that it was originally used there on account of the two lines diverging?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 11, 2017, 06:43:43 PM
Work done on Saturday Feb 11:

* Snow plow: The snow plow came off Friday after an issue, then was repaired and re-installed today.  It was not needed to plow, even though there was snow falling (usually lightly) all day.
* Boxcar 67: Zack, Fred and I were cutting down some oak for belt rails when the motor burned out on the saw.  Zack finished it on another saw.  Belt rails are getting ready to install, but needs to be notched.  Meanwhile Jay worked on truck parts.
* Photo trains: Mass Bay RRE showed up for some photo trains.  Due to the snow they arrived late.  Two trains, one pulled by 9 and the other 3.  There was a photo line at Alna Center, we then returned to Sheepscot where engines watered and then we headed back out - 9 to ToM and 3 to AC.  #3 got stuck on the crossing at AC, so after some chipping and sanding they got free.  On the way back after photos #3 got stuck on the Jayne's Way crossing, and was helped out by #9 coming up behind and pushing the train out. 
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on February 12, 2017, 07:54:14 PM

Any photos of #9 pushing #3 free?

Jeff S.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 12, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
Jason is the only one who got any pictures.  "This is one for the ages!" I heard him say.  Everyone else was aboard the train.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Joe Fox on February 13, 2017, 01:31:17 AM
Hey, we have proof of #52 rescuing 10 one Christmas because we couldn't push the train down hill, due to to much drag, and snow on the rails.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Philip Marshall on February 13, 2017, 04:10:55 AM
I took a quick look through Two Feet to Tidewater in search of flanger signs. On page 168 there is a photo of Weeks Mills and in the distant left there may be a flanger sign with a dark background and two light colored circles. It would be nice to see the original photo for more clarity.

I think you're absolutely correct that that's a flanger sign in the Weeks Mills photo. The design appears almost identical to the ones on the SR&RL but with the colors reversed: white dots on a black board instead of black dots on a white board. (See photo of the SR&RL type attached.)
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on February 13, 2017, 07:59:48 AM
Looks like another sign making project in the works.  Only have to decide whether its a black or white background.  Something someone could do during the spring work weekend;  I'd be happy to do if I don't have to work - retirement, can't come soon enough!
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 13, 2017, 08:00:21 AM
Work done on Sunday, Feb. 12th -  (The shop crew put in extra time before the storm hit.)

* Motive power - Jason and Brendan moved #9 and #3 outside with #52.  Engine #9 was checked over, drained and cleaned. #3's tank was drained as well.  The work took most of the morning. The machine shop was cleaned up a bit while the bay was open.  Both locomotives were brought back inside and will rest in the machine shop until Spring.

* Campus - Brendan pushed the growing snow banks back to make room for the 2+ feet of snow that started Sunday afternoon and is still falling today.  Extra fuel was purchased for the dozer and Dodge plow truck.  

* Storm - Some trash was collected while it was easy to get between buildings.  The trash crew hopes to make the regular dump run on Tuesday.  Much snow clearing will be needed on the driveway and the section of parking lot near the house with work starting today.  With snow continuing through Monday afternoon and high winds, plowing will extend well into Tuesday.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 13, 2017, 05:26:49 PM
Two feet of snow at my house, 5 miles from Sheepscot.  The snow is up to my knees where it had previously been cleared (walkway, driveway) and up to my waist where there was snow from before (my yard).

Sheepscot plow crews are going to have grand old time of it tomorrow.  Glad that we had those photo events already.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 13, 2017, 05:37:42 PM
The Monday crew (Brendan worked the most) spent hours plowing and shoveling the driveway and parking lot.  It's hard to say how much snow fell in Alna due to the high wind gusts that kept blowing everything around but it was probably about 20".  Towards sunset the truck and bull dozer were both at it and most of the regular driveway and parking area is all set. The WW&F can be open for business when the weekday regulars to show up on Tuesday. 
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Steve Smith on February 13, 2017, 08:33:53 PM
Bravo snow crew!

Stewart, your post led me to open Two  Feet to Tidewater to pages 150 & 151 and read again about the terrible time WW&F crews had fighting the blizzards in 1920.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Ira Schreiber on February 13, 2017, 10:54:29 PM
Does Two Feet to Tidewater represent the snow depth?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 14, 2017, 07:58:58 AM
Does Two Feet to Tidewater represent the snow depth?

Just about ... but there's another storm coming so the total snow in the woods will be much more.  This means that the tree clearing at Tom is on hold for now.  Sorry Fred!
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 15, 2017, 07:05:35 AM
Anticipated work for Saturday, Feb 18

This is the start of Winter Work Weekend, if anyone is planning on it.

* Train show: The Whitefield Lions Club has a train & dollhouse show at the Augusta (ME) Armory Saturday 10 -3.  Manned by John R, myself, and usually Marcel.
* Boxcar 67: trucks, rails, siding.
* Equipment carrier 1015
* Snow moving (although I suspect the railroad is shut down until we have much less snow on the ground)
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on February 15, 2017, 01:22:57 PM
52 is out of service for maintenance so no plowing to worry about.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 18, 2017, 04:43:53 PM
Work done Saturday, Feb. 18th, 2017 -  A very productive day.

* Train Show - The Away Team worked the Lions Club show in Augusta, James may have a report.

* Campus - Much work done with machines, the plow truck, bulldozer, tractor and excavator all got worked moving snow.  Most of the work was leading to and around the site where the storage container will be placed west of the woods track.  Mike and Fred put in many hours clearing the site which included moving a tie pile and then moving earth material in to be leveled for the pad. Another crew shoveled parts of the woods track to move Big Joe and the smaller cars out of the way so a path could be made for the container delivery truck.

* Boxcar #67 - Zack installed the first belt rails and Jay worked on the wooden truck parts.

* Archives - Linda worked on identifying photos, some from the early days of the museum.

* Kitchen - A dozen volunteers enjoyed a nice lasagna lunch while Fred entertained with stories of telephone company operations years ago.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 18, 2017, 06:18:32 PM
Train show report: John R, Marcel and myself manned the table.  Attendance was fairly decent, at least 3000 people.  We took in a little under $300, including a membership.  SR&RL was next door to us, 470 Club was on the other side, and B&ML was further down our row.  The show has lots of vendors with old metal Lionel and other gauge model trains.

I did not buy anything.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Keith Taylor on February 18, 2017, 06:20:44 PM

I did not buy anything.
That's no fun!

Keith
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 18, 2017, 07:02:16 PM
Fred and I moved quite a bit of dirt today. Still more to do next weekend if the weather stays good.(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171444a_zpsovfu8uys.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171445_zpsuufvovsr.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171447a_zpsyza0qzr7.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171448_zpseibac6sv.jpg)

I back bladed the area at the end of the day in case it freezes up.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171543_zps5txfljgd.jpg)

Zack has requested that the large Pine tree be cut down before the container is set, along with the two Fir trees on the right, leaving the Hemlock that is on the far right to help hide the container from the railroad. The front will be even with the pine tree, doors facing the tracks.
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0218171544_zpsnnsg9ffr.jpg)
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Philip Marshall on February 18, 2017, 08:22:23 PM
Zack has requested that the large Pine tree be cut down before the container is set

There's going to be a lot of usable lumber in that big pine. I would expect the tree is well over 100 years old.

I like the idea of the storage container. It should help to control the clutter a little bit, and also provide some security for smaller items that might otherwise "walk away".
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 18, 2017, 09:00:28 PM
I am pleased to know the container is coming. With some planning, it will be very useful. I'm sorry it's going to be so far away from everything. It will be difficult to convince folks of its usefulness. Too bad it couldn't go next to the garage. If its appearance is an issue, build a section of plank fence or plant some forsythia bushes to screen it.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 18, 2017, 10:15:21 PM
The container will or should I say be used for long term storage. Someplace to organize and store the items we don't want to part with. We have all of these wonderfull old tools and old parts that we can reuse at some point. But we can not move without tripping over the stuff.

I chose the location to keep the container in a spot it won't have to be moved should it be decided we need to add on to the garage (which has been planned before it was even finished) or add parking. It may be inconvenient to get to now, but I think we will appreciate it later.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 19, 2017, 09:20:29 AM
Understood. Nevertheless.....
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Fred Morse on February 19, 2017, 09:40:32 AM
I think the woods track is going to be moved a little closer to the box and maybe a couple of loads of gravel would make a little road to it. All in due time.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on February 19, 2017, 05:42:00 PM

* Kitchen - A dozen volunteers enjoyed a nice lasagna lunch while Fred entertained with stories of telephone company operations years ago.

I would loved to have heard those stories.

Jeff S.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Paul Uhland on February 19, 2017, 09:57:01 PM
I bet a few gallons of dark green paint could help the container "disappear".
Is the container 20 or 40 feet long?
2926 has used a half-dozen 40s, are fine for secure shop work, loco parts storage, tool organization/storage.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 20, 2017, 05:49:47 AM
40 foot, doors on one end. Doors on both ends almost doubles the price. Delivered and set for a decent price, and actually only $400 more than a 20 foot container.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Paul Uhland on February 21, 2017, 06:38:49 PM
Those rugged containers are piled up to eight high on ships rolling and pitching through rough ocean storms, are tough to burglarize. 
A padlock securing the doors  has a small steel box around it, bolt cutters can't reach it.
Corrugated steel walls would take a cutting torch to get in. So far, afaik, nobody has gotten into 2926's,
Did not know some containers  have doors at both ends.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Baskerville on February 21, 2017, 08:46:07 PM
There is a big market on "similar looking" Shipping (storage) Containers.  They can be bought as a kit which includes the base frame, the long walls, either an end wall, or a door wall (or two) and a roof.  The floor is 2 x 8's decked over the frame.  Unlike a "shipping container" these "storage containers" can only be moved when empty, and though they look like it, they cannot be stacked.  The companies that 'rent' storage containers have found it cheaper to make their own from kits than to buy used (usually rusted) or new containers.  I vaguely remember that they were not welded together, but bolted together within the inside.

Tomorrow I will try and find a contact for where my former employer obtained them.

Bill
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 21, 2017, 09:58:01 PM
I've seen two storage conntainers placed about 12' apart (side by side) with a roof built over the containers and the space in between.  With a wall across the back and doors on the front it makes a fairly nice building.  I don't think this idea has been discussed but it could happen at some point years from now.   That's why it's good that the container is going west of the Woods Track, allows room for expansion.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Baskerville on February 21, 2017, 10:49:20 PM
I like the idea of two containers with a joining roof/additional storage area.  There are steel roof kits that connect and/or cover two containers with up to 20 feet between the containers.  Note that the kits are for 20 foot lengths so two kits would be required to connect two 40 foot containers.

https://www.podroofusa.com/standard-kits/

Of course our several excellent carpenters could stick build a roof and end walls that would better match our existing campus and probably cost less.  But this provides an alternative.

Bill
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on February 21, 2017, 10:56:51 PM
I have some vague recollection that the 470 restoration folks were doing something involving containers. Jason?
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Ira Schreiber on February 21, 2017, 11:15:42 PM
Seashore museum in Kennebunkport has about 8-10 40' containers double stacked. Second level has walkways and they have lights. Very handy but well hidden from the public.

The 470 group is erecting a shop made up of storage containers with a permanent fabric roof enclosing them all. It is sold by a Canadian company.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 22, 2017, 06:57:21 AM
The first container has not even been delivered yet. Let's take a few breaths here and get this first one into service before we get more. It took several years to convince the Powers That Be of the need for one, much less a colony of them! The most important thing is to have the items stored within organized and inventoried so we know where things are.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 22, 2017, 07:14:30 AM
Anticipated work for Saturday Feb 25:

A whole bunch of melting going on this week.
* Boxcar 67
* Snow- and land-scaping
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 22, 2017, 10:01:33 AM
As stated in my original post, any further container purchase/placement is probably years away.  It's also a Board decision.  The reason for bringing up the idea of a second container is to show how much thought and planning went into staging the first one.  The area west of the Woods track was picked because of possible expansion at some point.  Having a "garage" type area between two containers would be a good fit for the dozer and excavator if we ever do it and the building would be hidden in the pines.

The second container idea comes from wanting our equipment under cover.  Mike, Brendan and others have many hours of repair and maintenance on the machines and inside storage is a big help in keeping them in good condition.  The first container will go a long way with clearing areas in the shop and garage, we hope to be able to keep Fred's truck in the garage when the first bay gets cleaned out.  The Dodge truck has saved us much time and $$$ with plowing.  The cost of a low mileage 4X4 3/4 ton plow truck is $14,000 or more so it's worth it to keep Fred's gift in good condition.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 22, 2017, 08:50:16 PM
I would rather hope we don't need a container village. I do think a lean-to style roof on one side may provide additional cover for items we want undercover, but don't need to secure.

One thing is for certain, buy or build, we have enough stuff to fill it. Probably have enough from the shingle mill to fill a 20 footer..
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on February 25, 2017, 06:47:43 PM
Work done on Saturday Feb 25:

* Boxcar 67: Zack was unable to work on the boxcar because of illness, but Jay was working on building the wooden part of the trucks.
* Grounds prep for container: Earlier in the week Fred and friends cut down some sizeable trees and hauled them out into the parking lot to be cut up; some ditchings from last year was used as fill for where the container will go.  Today Fred dropped the big pine tree, then cut up the trees pulled into the lot.  Mike and I dismantled a section of track on the woods track so that gravel can be put in the area to firm up the very muddy area, and later the container will be brought in that way.
* Archives: Linda's been working on Museum photos and I helped her with dating them.
* Loco 52: Brendan rewired from the battery to the starter, pulling out the old wiring and putting new wire in old air hose.  All a part of giving the engine a little makeover, I guess.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Baskerville on February 28, 2017, 01:55:16 PM
Thanks to the hard work of Ed Lecuyer and the editing skills of John McNamara and Jason Lamontage, and a tiny bit of final organization persistence by myself, Grant applications for our vacuum brake project and throttles for our new boilers were submitted to the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) and the Mystic Valley Railway Society (MVRS) respectively.

With a little luck, perhaps we will get funding to move these projects further along.

Bill
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Fred Morse on February 28, 2017, 05:29:56 PM
A couple of fires today. cleaning up some of the top of the big pine, it's a start.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 28, 2017, 08:03:45 PM
Fred, I'm glad you got us started on that clean up, it looks a lot better in there.
Title: Re: February 2017 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on February 28, 2017, 08:53:53 PM
If I knew you were going to do that Fred, I would have chopped it up a little finer for you when I cut it up on Saturday. Hoping we get the dozer running Saturday to finish that area.