Spring 2011 Work Weekend 4/29 - 5/1

[Pete "Cosmo" Barrington]

Ok, I will be on my way up, probably later on Friday, all the way thru Sunday.
I'll need a place to flop. I'll bring my sleeping bag and a tent (jic, but I fear it'll be a tad wet for tenting. )

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

So far so good ...

Today, 6 sticks of 50lb rail was cropped and drilled.  Ties and some of the rail were set out on the grade for the new spur.  The switch stand was cleaned, freed-up and set on the switch timbers for the spur turn out.  The switch itself got new parts including connecting rods.  Coach 8's old roof was pulled off and new wood sheathing was applied for underlayment.  Engine 9's smokebox got attention.  A number of other projects had progress.  

We had about 50 volunteers today.

Stewart  

[Stephen Hussar]

All, some photos from Friday...a great group, phenomenal weather... more to come!

[Dave Buczkowski]

Here's a few more photos from today.



Dave

[Craig "Red" Heun]

Sorry I crapped out on you all today... Allergy meds made me a Zombie so I left ...I hate being useless

[Dave Buczkowski]

All, some photos from today.



Fred just before he received his award for 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer service to the Museum.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Great photos Stephen and Dave.

     Much progress today with over 90 members working.  The rest of the 50lb rail was drilled this morning. We then set about laying track.  As you see from Dave's photos, the spur has been built south almost to the top of the grade.  The new upper yard switch is in service so work cars can be switched in and out.  Coach 8 has all the new roof sheathing installed with bondo filling in the seems.  It will spend the night in the shop since the overnight temps will be in the 30's.  Engine 9's smoke box got holes drilled and received other work.

     Tonight we had supper seated in the open car while the musical group The Roberts played for us. They were on the platform.  Fred Morse received a special award for having given 10,000 hours of work to the museum.  The award is a beautiful engraved plate.  Thanks Fred!!

     After the meal and award, we took a train ride to eot and back behind #10.  There was a special move during the return trip.  Our train was routed into the new spur and we got the whole consist (10, 320 & 103) on the new track.  It was odd being on the train and looking over to see the mainline.  Good times.  

Stewart

[Stephen Hussar]

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Stephens' nice photo is the group shot at AC that was taken during our Saturday evening trip. 

Today-

More work on the spur.  Two more sticks of 35lb rail were added (per side) so the spur is now close to the shed.  If I have it figured right, we put in 276 feet of new track.  Lining has been done.  Six loads of stone and gravel were put on the track which now has to be lifted, leveled and tamped.  Flat cars 118 and 126 were left at the south end of the spur at the end of the day.   It's great to walk out the north end of the house and see freight cars sitting straight ahead. 

Jason led a crew this morning that replaced the switch timbers at AC south switch.  Everything is complete and the switch has been oiled.     

Coach 8 has the new roof coating applied by Jonathan, Steve Z. and crew.  It will spend the week in the machine shop so everything sets up. 

The machine shop crew of Ed and Bruce worked on a number of things for #9 and the Model T railcar. 

The crew working on #9's smokebox made good progress.  Additional drilling was done and more parts put on.  I didn't get any photos but I'm sure someone will post a shot of the front. 

Mr. Lee Rainey, a WW&F member and leader of the Friends of the East Broad Top car restoration team made a detailed inspection of coach 3.  Jason provided info as Lee looked at various parts of the coach.  The inspection was done with an eye towards restoration of the historic car. 

Stewart

[Mike Fox]

Stewart, you forgot to mention Steve Z's speech Saturday night. Very nicely done. And what a surprise to Fred, right p to the point Steve mentioned something about the volunteer hour letters I did up. Then I heard Fred say Oh. He knew what was coming next. Well deserved.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

You're right Mike,    Steve's speech was heartfelt... along the lines of how there are so many talented volunteers in our organization.  He mentioned some of the skills that benefit the railroad such as; carpenters, electricians, lawyers, mechanics, computer technicians and others.  He stated that everyone "checks their ego at the door"  and we all work together for the good of the museum.  Fred was surprised.  Remember the look on his face?  Priceless.  When Fred received his award he just said "Thanks". He then said with modesty that there may be others who have worked that many hours. 

[Dave Buczkowski]

Was I the only one with moist eyes when Fred's were glistening? Fred is on of the 173 reasons I keep coming back. I want to be there when Fred gets his gold tray for 20,000 hours. I think that one should be solid gold like Fred's heart.
Dave

[Wayne Laepple]

And to illustrate what we were doing to No. 9, I submit this. We completed drilling the rivet holes to attach the smokebox to the front of the boiler. Then we tackled drilling out 14 holes to attach the smokebox front to the smokebox. We got a little over-enthusiastic and put the number plate on, then added the headlight and the stack for this photo. Eat your heart out, Steve.  

P.S. The headlight and stack were only there for effect. We took them off as soon as the photos were taken. Thanks to Dave Crow, Jon Chase and Stephen Hussar for assisting on this, as well as those who offered us moral support.

[Vincent "Lightning" LeRow]

Does anyone know what that large beam being carried across the yard is for?

[Dave Crow]

One of the replacement switch stand timbers for the south Alna Center switch.