W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on January 01, 2014, 07:38:23 AM

Title: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 01, 2014, 07:38:23 AM
Anticipated work for January 4, 2014:

* #9
* Garage
* #10 winterizing
* Gift shop inventory.  Cindy will not be around to help with this, if anyone would like to help, I'll gladly welcome it.  Dress warmly!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 04, 2014, 05:41:39 PM
Work done on Jan 4:

It was -17 at the railroad this morning (according to my car's thermometer) when I arrived at 7 AM.

* Garage - The crew fired up the salamander and lined the back wall with plywood.
* #10 - Jason wants to do a hydro on it this coming week, so he instructed me to instruct others to clean out the tender area and take the door off the firebox.  Wes did that.
* Gift shop inventory - Did I mention -17?  We searched around and found a propane tank and heater head, and installed it and started it up.  An hour later I didn't notice any difference.  We found another propane tank (Fred filled it) and looked for the extra heater head, but it turned out it was Zack's.  Steve bought another one, set it up, tried to start it, brought in Zack who determined it had a problem and Steve took it back.  After lunch he and Zack set up the second one and I put them side by side on one end of the gift shop.  It quickly made a sizeable difference.  Before lunch I was working on a table in front of the one heater with a pair of gloves plus all my coats and hat; after lunch I quickly shed all my layers (well, not all my layers) and was quite comfortable.  JB and Gordon D stopped in to help, so currently most of it is done.

Temperature on my way home at 3:30: 23 above!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stephen Hussar on January 04, 2014, 06:42:51 PM
Whoa, that's colder there than I ever remember. Thanks to all for working through this ridiculous cold!!!!!!!
SH 
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 04, 2014, 07:34:06 PM
Also some leaks were repaired on the tractor (since the garage was heated) and engineered some blocking for the trailer.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/blocking_zps8a9a2b5c.jpg)

A little power saw carpentry did the trick

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/Powersawcarpentry_zps084eb870.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 05, 2014, 03:59:47 PM
Picked up a load of ties at Dean Copeland's sawmill for the Amherst show display track today. Dean cut them as 5" x 5" x 5' ties going by some of the 2ft gauge books we had.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/image_zps2ad838eb.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/f7ca8eb3-cdab-4d56-9b7d-a044da9acd51_zpsa1823278.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/b65e9851-06b4-4769-90bd-5f5401684888_zpsf40ecf95.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 05, 2014, 04:54:54 PM
Very nice, they are going to look great under car 65 at the Big E Show.   We should pre-drill the spike holes and find some short (4"?) spikes.  I think the ones we use now are around 5" and may be too long for those ties.  Also gotta get two sticks of rail for the display.  We could dig them out this weekend if the weather allows.

Start
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dylan Lambert on January 05, 2014, 05:06:14 PM
Brilliant... I can't wait to see 65 in that crowd. Maybe if this works as an attention-getter, it might be worth doing again with something else next year.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 05, 2014, 05:24:10 PM
Next Saturday is supposed to be sub tropical weather in Alna. Should make for good rail hunting and maybe the ties will thaw out.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 05, 2014, 05:54:05 PM
Ahh. One suspiciously larger "tie" on that load. I think they are waiting for that in Bay 4.

I had thought about the rail this weekend but with all the other work going on I was not sure how we could get them South. The track is buried and the crossings are ice covered. I thought about the tractor and dragging them down the side of the road...
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 05, 2014, 06:39:53 PM
Is there some reason why track must be built for No. 65's display at Springfield? Why not use a couple of sections of bog track? Curious minds want to know!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 05, 2014, 08:01:32 PM
Wayne,
 Simply put, Authenticity.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 05, 2014, 08:04:12 PM
I appreciate authenticity as much as the next guy, but it seems like an awful lot of work for a couple of days, and I can't imagine many people will be looking at the track. And then I gotta ask, are you all hauling ballast down there, too?
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 05, 2014, 09:19:47 PM
Wayne its a lot easier to stick 2 pieces of rail under the car and 16 pine ties in the back of the truck then try and stuff pieces of bog track under the car. If we pre drill the spike holes and only spike a quarter of the ties 30 ft of track should go together quickly. The extra the rail height also helps the ramp angle coming off the trailer.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 05, 2014, 09:40:10 PM
The car will be the center piece exhibit in the great hall of the Mallary Complex.  It will be located next to the center concourse with special lighting and story panels.  The ARS film crew will get stills and possibly video of the car on display.  The show draws 25,000 so it's good exposure for the museum.  Anyone who can help that weekend should contact John M. and advise if you can man the sales tables or the car 65 display.  

BTW - The nice thing about the ties is that we can probably use them for one of the tracks inside the car storage building.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bernie Perch on January 05, 2014, 10:56:41 PM
Guys,

If you are going to get this fussy, you should burn the surfaces and ends of the ties with a torch and lightly wire brush them to show the grain.  This really looks neat if done properly.  It also produces a brown color which is quite authentic looking.  Some ballast could be taken along and thrown around the ties.  It wouldn't take much, just a hint.  It is surprising how professional it would look.

Bernie
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Fred Morse on January 06, 2014, 06:35:55 AM
How about Two pieces of rail we have lying near the leach field in the North yard?
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 06, 2014, 07:26:09 AM
We talked about getting rail from the pile near the upper yard switch last weekend.  We could also get two sticks from the upper yard "string" since we can get the tractor near them to pull them over into the parking lot. That pair would have to be unbolted.  Jason said he would help us pick them out.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 06, 2014, 08:34:27 AM
Also -

When we've sellected rail we'll figure the height from the floor to the door sill so a set of steps can be built.  We'll have to take something to block the opposite door as well.  Doors on both sides will be open for light and the non-step side must be fenced.  Everything can be hauled inside the car.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 06, 2014, 09:55:53 PM
We can pre spike all the inside spikes. Leaving the outside for assembly. Just need to remember to take a spike puller with us.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on January 07, 2014, 04:16:20 PM
If the guys doing the Friday set-up should need extra help, remember that I live 15 minutes away and will be available. Contact me by email for a phone number.
Duncan
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on January 07, 2014, 05:44:41 PM
All,

I'm hoping for a solid day on no 9 & 10 Saturday. 

No 10 will get firebox cleaned, hydro tested and drained.

No 9 will get truck removed (if not yet done), grate shaker apparatus built, and some other odds and ends handled. 

Hoping for enough shop help to make it all happen!

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 08, 2014, 06:59:11 AM
Anticipated work for weekend of Jan 11:

* Board meeting on Friday @ 4:30
* Garage
* Inventory - there's still upstairs to count, plus a few minor things in the giftshop itself.
* #10 - hydro and cleanup
* #9 - rear end work

Weather looks to be above freezing, possibly rain all day.  The warm weather/rain storm on Monday eliminated a lot of snow.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 08, 2014, 06:06:11 PM
Show prep also (rail, blocking and possibly ties)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 08, 2014, 08:48:22 PM
I will be around Saturday. Hopefully we can dig a couple rails out and load them up. The ties were unloaded into the garage Monday night with some hope they might thaw out. We also need to get the piece of oak from the garage to bay 4.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 11, 2014, 08:15:55 PM
Work done on Saturday Jan 11, 2013:

Things have been melting, but there's a lot of ice on the ground from the storms around Christmas.  Today many places were skating rinks.
* Inventory - I finished counting things.
* #10 - The firebox was cleaned out, then the salamander was used to heat the water still in the boiler and after it was warm enough a hydro was done.  Then the boiler was drained and the engine was put back inside.
* #9 - The rear truck was removed and painted, as was the center pivot/springs.  Then it was all put back underneath.  Wes worked on the mock-up boiler jacket.  Eric built a pin for the center casting which was then put in.  Other stuff was done.
* Trailer/Creamery Car - Mike did more work to support it.  We then got two rails for the show.
* Garage - more work inside on windows, most of all the equipment was either started or used.
* Archives - Linda's back and did some work in the archives room.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 11, 2014, 08:53:41 PM
Also-

Due to the recent rain that likes to fall when it is below 32 degrees, the tire chains have also been installed on the tractor. Brendan suggested by doing this it almost guarantees that we won't need them.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 14, 2014, 10:06:37 PM
Mike working on the dairy car blocking on another beautiful sunny winter day at Sheepscot.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0033_zpsb9b0b31b.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0037_zpsda790fed.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0035_zps59da6cb6.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 15, 2014, 07:14:31 AM
Anticipated work weekend of Jan 18:

* Trailer/Creamery car - last days to prep before heading to Springfield, Mass.
* Garage - Not sure there's much left to do, but I'm sure the Garage Rats will find something
* #9 - Jason won't be at the Museum on Saturday, but should be there Friday and Monday.

Can't think of much else to do, unless people want to clean house, shop, and gift shop.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 15, 2014, 03:03:28 PM
A bit more on car 65 prep -

* We need to get the two loose sticks of rail lying near Sheepscot station and load them on the trailer.

* A set of steps must be built, they will give access to the dairy car at the Big E Show.

* Spikes, track tools and a few other tools should be loaded into the car.

* Ties can be drilled and some spikes set.  The ties go in the back of the Yeti (check with Brendan on this).
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 15, 2014, 08:37:35 PM
HWMNBN and I plan to be at Sheepscot on Saturday to assist
KD
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 15, 2014, 10:31:16 PM
I would prefer no pre spiking the ties. Room is going to be tight in the truck between the ties and blocking needed for unloading. The track tools, spikes and screw jacks are in the garage and just need to be loaded up.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on January 16, 2014, 11:21:24 AM
Pre-drilling for the spikes would probably be good, however, as it would avoid the danger of flying spikes.
-John
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 17, 2014, 12:21:44 AM
Just a heads up for anyone coming to Sheepscot Saturday we are experiencing a premature mud season. Rubber boots recommended.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 17, 2014, 08:27:48 PM
Well your theory for the tire chains proves out so far
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 18, 2014, 08:32:41 PM
Work done on Saturday Jan 18:

* Car 65: Mike built a jig and predilled spike holes in the ties, and also retreived the rails from in front of the station and loaded them on the trailer.  Steve built a set of stairs.  Everything was loaded up into either the car or the back of the Yeti.  The trailer was moved to in front of the shop.
* Gift shop: Linda and I finished up inventory.  John loaded up for the show.
* Trees: Some trees to the west of the garage were cut and logs cut up for firewood for folks.
* Tractor: Mike took apart some front panels and was investigating the electrical system.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 18, 2014, 08:43:12 PM
Don't forget Stewart driving back and forth to his house with the same load of firewood in bucket of the tractor.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 18, 2014, 09:20:21 PM
I got the back light on the tractor to work, though I will still re-wire it, as well as the forward facing lights. Also some new warning lights were picked up this afternoon and will replace the broken ones on the fenders.

Then brought work home and listed a bunch of unwanted timetables on eBay, and have one selling already, within the first hour. All profit from the sale of these will go directly to the archives. This will enable the purchase of needed items such as white gloves or protective coverings.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 22, 2014, 07:04:19 AM
Anticipated work for the next week (Jan 22 - 28):

Wednesday
Brendan is departing in the evening for Springfield, MA with Car 65.

Thursday
Arrival of Car 65 at the Big E, Mallary Building.  I believe meet-up time is 10 AM for unloading of the car from the trailer.  Track needs to built and car unloaded ASAP (so other exhibits can get in), all the road grime washed off it, stairs assembled, and interior displays set up.

Friday
Set up of our booth in the Young Building

Saturday
* Amherst Railroad Hobby Show Day 1 - Big E, West Springfield MA.  Come visit our table in Young and Car 65 in Mallary
* #9 - Jason anticipates a #9 work day

Sunday
* Amherst Railroad Hobby Show Day 2.  Break down of our booth in Young in the evening.

Monday
Trailer returns to get Car 65.  Interior exhibit needs to be broken down, the stairs removed, the car loaded on the trailer, and the track dismantled.  I believe Brendan will leave after dark for home.

Tuesday
Arrival of Car 65 back in Maine.

Stewart, let me know if I got the end of the show events correct.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 22, 2014, 07:25:04 AM
Sounds good James.  The only change is that we may load 65 Sunday evening if the large layouts/displays around the car are gone in time.  If loading happens Sunday, everything you noted for Monday-Tuesday may occur one day earlier.

Start
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on January 22, 2014, 10:14:46 AM
It always amazes me how quickly the show displays are broken down. Two hours after the show closes, there's very little left.
-John
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on January 22, 2014, 10:35:59 AM
No 9 work day Saturday (as listed) and Monday (per usual).

Sorry to miss the show!

Jason
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 22, 2014, 11:21:16 AM
Car 65 travel schedule. The plan is to get the car this afternoon and go by my work ( heated garage) to check the tires and fix a couple minor electrical issues with the trailer. I'm planning on departing around 5:30 from the Brunswick area. I will put up a post upon departure for Springfield and try to give updates from the road.
probably going to go I95s to the Mass Pike. Less hills and bumps than I495. Probably swinging onto the rt 128 portion around 8:30pm  Send me pm if you want my phone number to find out where I'm at.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on January 22, 2014, 12:44:28 PM
Do you have enough folks committed to help with the unloading and setup of car 65?
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dylan Lambert on January 22, 2014, 03:26:56 PM
Brendan, if the trailer electrics starts acting up along the way just put the word out. I got a few associates in the area who might be able to help if something goes south...
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 22, 2014, 05:31:16 PM
ROWMOW Mfg. has packed up and is ready for deployment in Western Mass. Candid Courtney the camera toting assistant is unable to make the journey so the president will have to rely on a tri-pod and a timer for the photos...
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 23, 2014, 04:02:58 AM
Car 65 made it to Springfield. Loaded gross weight was 32,700 lbs which equaled an average speed of 45 mph at 4 mpg.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 23, 2014, 04:20:19 AM
Good to know I don't need to look for you on the side of the road...
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 23, 2014, 06:51:19 AM
Duncan the more the merrier.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 23, 2014, 07:04:00 AM
But you promised us 5 miles per gallon!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on January 23, 2014, 10:20:58 AM
Wow! This whole project is outstanding. A lot of people have put a lot of work into making this happen.
-John
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on January 23, 2014, 10:28:55 AM
But you promised us 5 miles per gallon!
We should have shipped it via CSX.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Gordon Cook on January 23, 2014, 10:57:11 AM
This was a tremendous effort by all, especially Mike and Brendan. Thank you. 
While this isn't on the scale of restoring a Big Boy, the publicity this will generate is priceless for the museum.

Brendan,  I hope you slept in this morning.

The WW&F reaches yet another milepost!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on January 23, 2014, 01:32:43 PM
Ed,

if CSX were shipping it, it would be derailed or rolled over somewhere in route.  Done here in Philly it's one accident after another.  It's now becoming a weekly if not daily event.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 23, 2014, 02:51:03 PM
Car 65 is off the trailer and setup in the Mallary Building.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/image_zpsb8a10282.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0248_zps4695e785.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0253_zps788db678.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0258_zpsdafd6ee2.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0259_zps613bba48.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0261_zps0acd3f79.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0269_zps9443129a.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0270_zps2c1d9ca1.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0272_zpsda34c3e9.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0274_zps52162ead.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0278_zps851a81cb.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0280_zpsdc55771a.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0283_zps4e4dbb1a.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0286_zpsd3a34df6.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0292_zpsbed62faa.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0297_zpsfe55c932.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0300_zpsee41f86f.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0304_zpsc84630cd.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0305_zps6f409e6f.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0307_zpsd7bb5f6d.jpg)

Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John McNamara on January 23, 2014, 08:13:20 PM
Wonderful! Who are the culprits? I recognize Stewart R, Dawn F, Mike F, Stephen H, and of course photographer Brendan B. However, there's another person there....

-John
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 23, 2014, 08:34:01 PM
Looks great, folks. I know it was a lot of work, but it's going to be the star of the show!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bernie Perch on January 23, 2014, 08:52:24 PM
Congratulations, the little two footer always does things in a big way.  The WW&F people are just amazing.

Bernie
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:13:55 PM
SH had one of his partners in crime there with him today. He shares a love of the lens, and his contributions will show up eventually, including time lapse photos and a neat little video trick he did.

There was also another member there who Stewart is going to have to name, or he can say so on here. He was the one that donated the Lathe between bays 2 and 3...

Everything went well, and the show we put on for the on lookers was great. Slight modification to the trailer is needed, and I may do it Sunday before we reload. It will only take a few minutes.

Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Skip Breyfogle on January 24, 2014, 06:57:52 AM
Absolutely awesome!  Can't wait to see it.  Great job, folks.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on January 24, 2014, 08:43:45 AM
Great job guys. The car looks a bit lost in that building in those pictures but I suspect it will look like a crown jewel once the other displays arrive later today. It was great to read the write up about the car and the museum that the show organizers put into the local Thursday newspaper. There is an insert that announces weekend events and the railroad show was, obviously, included. Great free press for the museum.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 24, 2014, 10:07:33 AM
The link for the article that Duncan mentions is http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/railroad_hobby_show_chugs_into.html (http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/railroad_hobby_show_chugs_into.html).

Somebody got a few details wrong (like selling milk from the window of the car), but good publicity none-the-less.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dylan Lambert on January 24, 2014, 12:02:56 PM
It would be good publicity if they got the museum right! It's the Waterville, Wiscassett and Farmington Railway Museum!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Reidy on January 24, 2014, 01:09:44 PM
Nice touch wiping the outside of the car down to get rid of the road grime -- big improvement.  For a brief moment when I saw the photo I thought Mike was repainting the end of the car, the way the red popped out!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 24, 2014, 01:17:31 PM
Bill, it was Water based paint. Applied thin, looks almost non existant. LOL. The only thing that got dirty was the ends.

Here are a few pictures I took, including the lighting job by SH.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/Springfield65_zps79d7b5b9.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/Springfield65interioropen_zpscd054edf.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/Springfield65interiorice_zps63909451.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 24, 2014, 02:59:47 PM
More interior shots.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0315_zps186e2c88.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0313_zps57bb9021.jpg)

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/DSC_0310_zpscba731f6.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Reidy on January 24, 2014, 03:36:37 PM
Very, very nice.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on January 24, 2014, 05:43:03 PM
Indeed it is.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 25, 2014, 05:36:49 PM
Work done in Sheepscot on 1/25:

* Tree cutting: Fred cut down the big pine west of the garage, then cut off a 14+ foot log which Mike hauled off with the tractor.  Brendan watch out for the log when you return Car 65.
* #9: Wes and Greg worked on fitting the plastic sheets on #9, which will become the templates for the iron sheets.
* Electrical work: Mike worked on the electrics for the tractor, getting the blinkers and spotlights going.
* Gift shop: Linda worked to clean it up a little bit.
* We all looked over the Mitsubishi tractor and the backhoe.
* Fred, Zack and Steve worked to put batten on the rear of the garage.

Looking forward to the Springfield crew report.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 25, 2014, 09:13:04 PM
We had a good day at the Big E. Lots of foot traffic into the car and positive comments. There was no place in the car to display newsletter copies and the 2014 event leaflets, so Stewart and I did some quick carpentry to add a counter in the blocked off doorway before the show opened. We also added a track gauge to the counter which was a source of much amusement among the standard gauge crowd. Quite few museum members came through including one that shocked us. I didn't venture over to the museum tables in the Young Building so no report from there. Quite a few people thought the car was a really large scale model.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 25, 2014, 09:20:20 PM
I forgot about the film crew this morning. Stewart did the interview and will have to tell you where the crew was from. The crew was there for about 45 mins and seemed to shoot a lot of footage.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 26, 2014, 08:24:48 AM
Fred got tired of thinking about the tree, and with the Dairy car in a safe spot, he started cutting.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/2014-01-25083121_zps3d107664.jpg)


Here he pauses for Zack to set the wedges

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/2014-01-25083201_zpsdf30b9e2.jpg)


I grabbed the 4 pound sledge and helped Zack keep the wedges going. Really did not want this to go the wrong way. JB counted the rings, and said the tree was as old as the person cutting.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/WWandF%20Ry/2014-01-25083254_zps24362557.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Fred Morse on January 26, 2014, 08:30:04 AM
Using my logging scale I found the log has 440 board feet in it.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on January 26, 2014, 08:33:16 AM
Looks like some nice clear wood there.  Hope its going to be sectioned and taken to a mill, (if only we had our own), and prepped for bldg material for our future carbarn.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Steve Smith on January 26, 2014, 03:46:10 PM
Great work, guys! Congratulations.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 26, 2014, 06:02:52 PM
Tear down is underway.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/image_zps7f7aa63b.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dylan Lambert on January 26, 2014, 08:09:23 PM
Looks like some nice clear wood there.  Hope its going to be sectioned and taken to a mill, (if only we had our own), and prepped for bldg material for our future carbarn.
Maybe some sort of mill should be a priority for a future acquisition... Or a small mill could be made in-house.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 26, 2014, 08:28:56 PM
We have a saw mill kit, sitting in pieces, all over the property.  Setting it up and using it hasn't been a priority yet.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 26, 2014, 09:15:07 PM
We need to concentrate on our primary mission, building and running the railroad, at least until we have enough members to peel off into ancillary activities.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 26, 2014, 09:27:28 PM
We were loaded up and out of the building by 8:30 tonight. The biggest delay was waiting for enough layouts and vendors to leave so we could get the trailer in the building. Thank you to everybody who stayed late and helped out.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/image_zpsf735b20a.jpg)
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 27, 2014, 03:16:39 AM
NUmber 65 made it back to Maine. The car just needs to go from Bath to Alna tomorrow.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Reidy on January 27, 2014, 07:37:51 AM
Thanks Brendan, for everything you did to get the car to the Big E and back.  A big effort, along with the work Mike and others did to get the trailer and displays ready, get the car secured on the trailer, and man both the car and the sales tables at the show.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 27, 2014, 07:41:48 AM
Kudoes to everyone who had a part in making this happen. What a great achievement!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bernie Perch on January 27, 2014, 09:39:06 AM
Brendan,

Thank you for your extraordinary efforts in recording and posting all the work involved in the whole train show presentation.  For the last week, I checked the computer every hour or so to see what your next step was going to be.  I really enjoyed what was a step by step process and you made us feel like we were there every moment of the way.   Keep up all the good work.  I know you feel it was worth all the effort.  Also, thank you Stewart, Mike and all the others involved in the set up, manning the displays, tearing the whole thing down, and making it home safely.  It is going to take a mighty effort for anyone to top this one.

Bernie
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 27, 2014, 09:43:52 AM
I'm still overwhelmed at the successful appearance of No. 65 at the Big E. The efforts of Brendan, Mike, Stewart, Cindy, Joe, Dawn, Steve H, Dwight, Bill R, Steve Z, John M, John R and others continue to make me proud to be a part of the magic happening in Sheepscot. All of these people gave not only their time but also paid their own way and took time off from work. Brendan deserves a special shout out for driving the 4 mpg Yeti with trailer under cover of darkness at 45 mph over 250 miles each way.
I realized last night that No. 65 has travelled more miles on rubber tires than on its steel wheels.
Keep tuned for another appearance of No. 65 off campus.
KD
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Gordon Cook on January 27, 2014, 01:59:31 PM
An additional bonus from the show was the Heritage Award from the Amherst Railway Society to the WW&F for renovations to the Percival House.
Zack Wyllie was our official representative receiving the award from the president of the society and I'm sure pictures will follow shortly.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Ira Schreiber on January 27, 2014, 02:42:53 PM
I am so proud to be a member of the WW&F family. You pulled off what what many have dreamed of and never did. This will go down as one of the high points of the WW&F story.
My sincere thanks to all who made it possible.
Ira Schreiber
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Mike Fox on January 27, 2014, 05:20:01 PM
You are correct Ira. I am so proud to have taken part in such a successful venture. I do think that trailer is going to get some more mileage on it. Very good investment.

And Brendan, thank you for pulling the red eye again. We saw you pull away from the yard there in Springfield so know there must be a picture in the works there someplace.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Brendan Barry on January 27, 2014, 05:49:04 PM
Sorry Mike I was just using the atm machine. The car is back at Sheepscot.

(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/image_zps3d97f6ed.jpg)

Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Bill Sample on January 28, 2014, 02:49:23 PM
I heard a number of comments such as "Did you see that dairy car over at the Mallary building?  That was really something!" and these were comments mostly from people that didn't know of my ties with the WW&F.  IIRC this was the first freight car on display on the Exposition grounds since a New Haven Railroad display c. 1965 during the fair itself, located on the spur that once ran along the south side of the Young and Stroh buildings.  The final NHRR display I believe was 1966, Amtrak had brand spankin' new AmCoach and AmCafe on display c1976 and the only other full-size railroad equipment display was a German tank loco from Edaville sometime in the '80s on the front lawn of the Massachusetts building.  Duncan or Dave B might remember some of what I described.
Great seeing so many WW&F brothers and sisters there!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: john d Stone on January 28, 2014, 06:51:19 PM
This whole affair has been fascinating to watch unfold for a new comer, such as myself, from the comfort of the sunny south. (it's 15 and snowing outside in VA)
I have always been impressed/amazed by the work done by the WW&F members in creating the fine museum in Sheepscot, and now you guys have pulled (with a big truck) one of the classiest publicity stunts, ever!
Congratulations on a wonderful job, and thanks for the pictures depicting your efforts!

John
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: James Patten on January 28, 2014, 07:28:43 PM
I don't think of it as a publicity stunt.  The Amherst folks actually asked us to bring something down last year (maybe it was the creamery car, I forget), which we didn't think we'd be able to do until we got the trailer.  Then we had to fix up the trailer...go get the car from Wiscasset...etc.

I'm pretty impressed at the effort all the people involved went through to get this done.  Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 28, 2014, 08:19:55 PM
  The arrangement with the ARS was that we provide a real piece of Maine Two-Foot rolling stock for visitors to tour and enjoy.   We want to promote interest in Maine Two-Foot gauge railroads with emphasis on the WW&F, and the milk car is a perfect way to do it.   It was quite an experience with comments running the spectrum from funny to techincal.  One dealer came in and said "gee, I brought over a hundred box cars and you guys only brought one?"  Many visitors asked questions about the car's construction and use.  Often, people would come inside and review the displays, then go out and look under the car.  At times there were so many people in the car that those outside would look in through the open doors and then walk around taking photos of the car's exterior.  Some took detailed views of the trucks and truss rods.  Staffing the car at such a large event was a new experience made enjoyable by our gracious hosts and hundreds of interested visitors. 
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: John Kokas on January 28, 2014, 08:43:41 PM
Such a wonderful story and event!  Congratulations to all involved.  I openly wonder what would happen (theoretically), and possible benefit to the museum if a steam locomotive would happen to make an appearance at an event such as this.  Would it be worth the effort?
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: john d Stone on January 28, 2014, 09:29:28 PM
I didn't mean any disrespect when I used the term publicity stunt. Bad choice of words on my part.
The capabilities and industry of the individuals involved in this project amazes me!
I have difficulty packing my own lunch.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 28, 2014, 09:49:29 PM
Bill,
My memory agrees with yours. In fact, I mentioned the NH varnish to DB while we were at the Big E. I wasn't sure of the year but distinctly recall seeing them with my father. I seem to remember walking through them.
KD
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on January 29, 2014, 02:40:21 PM
Bill,
I will have to defer to Dave's superior powers of recollection. I have been attending the Big E fair for over 45 years but apparently missed the RR stuff. Must have been more concerned with the amusement area back then. Now the RR show is different. I started attending when the show moved to the Big E grounds over 20 years ago and I've watched it grow year by year. Having car 65 there this year has to be one of the best years so far.
Title: Re: January 2014 Work Planning
Post by: john d Stone on January 29, 2014, 09:16:05 PM
John Kokas post about sending a steam locomotive to such an event got me thinking about this video I stumbled across:
http://youtu.be/v4HYaOWDVlo
If you just get a few panels of snap track and move 'em down the highway, Next thing you know, you're there!
Tricky folks, those Frenchmen!
I'm not sure what the applicable rates would be at the toll booths on I95.