W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on June 29, 2022, 05:49:11 AM
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Anticipated work for July 2, 2022:
* Tail track prep - shape the stone north of the Rt 218 turntable and put down ties.
* Trout Brook Station - continued construction.
* Lavender trains - the first Saturday of Lavender trains.
* Engine house construction?
* Boxcar 56
* Machine shop?
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 28-29 June 2022
Tuesday:
* Track crew with Harsco tamper works down the mountain extension
(Steve Lx, Joe Fox, Steve Lt, Brian W, Leon, Jarred, James P)
Passenger truck rebuild continues (Jerry, Carlos)
Engine House build continues (Brendan, Stewart)
Coach #9 build/assembly (Eric, Ron Harold, Lou G)
SS clean up and trash run (Stewart)
Vehicle repair (Jay Barta)
Wednesday:
* Track crew completes over 250 feet of tamping the mountain extension
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian, Paul R, Elijah, Leon, Jarred, James P)
* Coach #9 assembly continues (Eric)
* Gift shop/ Mail on going (Cindy R)
* Engine House (Brendan)
Note: As we left early to work on track I am sure I have missed some volunteers, I do believe Fred stopped in to make sure we were all working, Phil B may have been oiling and several others Steve P and Ed working on and off campus. Joseph assisting in various areas)
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1450 feet in 2 days? That is awesome.
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No Mike, my mistake, 950 to 1000 feet in the 2 days to include repairing a hydraulic leak and repairing a clevis which is attached to the vibrator
tamping tool (paddle) putting the Harsco back in service.
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All Elijah did was hang around....trying to jack the track.
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No Mike, my mistake, 950 to 1000 feet in the 2 days to include repairing a hydraulic leak and repairing a clevis which is attached to the vibrator
tamping tool (paddle) putting the Harsco back in service.
That is still impressive.
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Work done on Saturday July 2:
* Tie layout - Dave, me, and a friend of Dave's (Allan?) raked out the stone at end of track and put down the loose ties.
* Trout Brook Station - Zack didn't work on it but did do some measuring.
* Alna Center - site of the ice cream social, things were happening there in preparation.
* Boxcar 56 - Marcel was working on it.
* Coach 9 - Harold was doing some work.
* Engine house - Brendan moved a large piece of lumber into the enginehouse.
* Upside-down trailer - Dave and I did some spot painting on it. Hopefully our work didn't get washed away in the late afternoon thunder shower!
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Zack said he put up staging brackets Steve Zuppa loaned us.
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Also Saturday while in Columbus, Georgia, I visited a vary large narrow gauge book collection that has been donated to us to get to know the size of it. About 7 medium boxes that weigh about 75 pounds each.
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 5-6 July 2022
* TBS tail track prep and install
* TBS ballasting main line
* Vacuum brakes design/build/test
* Passenger car truck rebuild
* Coach #9 build /assembly
* Locomotive #11 build session
* Engine House build
* SS clean up
* SS-AC mowing (pending)
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Anticipated work for Saturday July 9:
* Board meeting - at 9 because of Lavender trains
* Spiking - the tail track at the end needs spiking.
* Ballasting? - certain spots on The Mountain need ballast (as does the tail track).
* Lavender trains (nearly sold out) plus a Trail hike train at 2 (sold out); the Sheepscot Valley Steam Trains have plenty of space.
* Machine shop?
* Engine house construction?
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 5-6 July 2022
Tuesday:
* Track crew preps and installs the TBS tail track.
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian W, James P, Randy, Johnathan, Jason)
* Coach #9 assembly/build continues (Eric, Ron, Harold, Lou)
* Vehicle/small engine repair various machines (Jay B)
* Passenger car truck rebuild continues (Carlos, Jerry)
* Main line communication wire repairs (John M, Joseph G)
* General clean up/maintenance in SS (Stewart R)
* Rolling stock greasing/oiling (Phil B)
* Rail car repairs continue (Paul)
* Marketing/Admin (Steve P)
* Weed whacking TBS (Randy)
Wednesday:
* Track crew: ballast”s TBS and Mountain Ext. areas (Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Paul R, Elijah, James P))
Spiking begins on the TBS tail track (Dan, Nick)
* Coach #9 assembly/build continues (Eric, Ron)
* Locomotive work session (Gordan C, Harold, Jason)
* Weed Whacking TBS continues (Randy)
* SS clean up, trash run (Stewart R)
Notes: There is always something going around the railroad all week.
Fred has been in and out insuring we are on the job and checking on mowing needs.
Zack and Sonja stops by TBS to check on the station building.
Brendan has been in and out and loaded ballast 2 flats for the track crew.
Roger was in doing a variety of work.
Dave B checked in on TBS work.
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Work done on Saturday July 9:
* Board meeting - started at 9, was a quick meeting as our meetings go.
* Machine shop - Alan worked to arrange the air compressor in the annex and get the feet on it.
* Trail & Lavender trains - the 2 PM train was well attended.
* Fred mowed.
* Joseph walked the Mountain to test the phone line.
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 12-13 July 2022
* Tamping Mountain Extension and TBS main line
* Vacuum brakes design/build/test
* Passenger trucks rebuild
* TBS, various projects (Station-Kiosk) (pending)
* SS clean up/maintenance
* Mowing AC-SS (pending)
* Equipment repairs
* Coach #9 assembly/build
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Anticipated work for Saturday July16:
* Mountain Extension clean up - a crew led by Mike with a chipper will work to do some clean up on the Mountain Extension before the grand opening.
* Trout Brook Station construction
* Machine shop
* Lavender trains
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 12-13 July 2022
Tuesday:
* Track crew continues lifting, leveling and tamping TBS track
(Steve Lx, Brian W, Steve Lt, JB, Joe Fox, Dan, Nick)
* TBS work: Station building roof rafters started (Brendan, Fred, Stewart)
Trail, ROW weed whacking (Randy)
Kiosk set up (Randy, Steve Lt, Brian W, Steve Lx, Dan)
Turn table work (Jason, Randy Jay Barta)
* Vacuum brakes design/build/test continues (Jonathan)
* Passenger truck rebuild continues (Carlos, Jerry)
* Coach #9 assembly/build continues (Eric, Ron, Lou)
Wednesday:
* Track crew continues lift, level, tamp TBS main track, jacks set for next week tamping
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Paul, Elijah, Chuck, Jason, Randy, Jay Barta)
* TBS build continues on roof rafters (Brendan, Stewart, Fred campus clean up and trash run (Ste)
* Coach #9 assembly, build continues (Eric, Ron)
* SS Campus clean up and trash run (Stewart)
* Gift shop on going weekly (Cindy R)
Notes: I’m sure I have missed someone or a project but work around the railroad is continual and busy
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Work done on Saturday July 16:
* Trout Brook Station - in the morning Brendan, Stewart, Fred and myself worked on the station building, finishing the north and south walls. In the afternoon they (minus me) worked on the roof boards. I understand they finished the east (road side) wall.
* Clean the Mountain - Mike had a good crew to clean up the wood left trackside from prior clearing efforts. They did all they set out to do and more.
* Boxcar 56 - Marcel was working on it.
* Lavender trains - well patronized.
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The "Tickets ->" sign has been replaced, and a "Gift Shop" sign has been added. I understand Brendan Barry, Eric Schade and Stewart Rhine worked on the signs, with lettering by Eric. July 16 photo.
(https://i.imgur.com/KIlFpFo.jpg)
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 19-20 July 2022
* Ballast and tamping TBS main line
* TBS, station build
* Coach #9 build
* Vacuum brakes design/build/test
* Passenger truck rebuild
* Locomotive prep.
* SS campus clean up
* SS/AC mowing (pending)
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Excellent signs. "Gift Shop" especially needed!
Bob
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Anticipated work for Saturday July 23:
* Trout Brook station construction
* Sutter's Crossing work - Mike is moving the Kubota to Sutter's for drainage improvement work
* Machine shop
* Last Saturday of Lavender trains
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Sunday the 24th is Alna Day with trains to ToM running at 10, 12 and 2. This is one of only a few times this year we run on a Sunday.
There will be special displays at Sheepscot as well as open house at a number of farms and historic buildings in town.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 19-20 July 2022
Tuesday:
* Track continues at TBS shoveling 2 flats of ballast in the morning and tamping the main line.
Crew continues on the run around with prep for lifting an leveling.
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Paul R, Leon, Steve Ellsworth, Stewart R, Brendan, Jay Barta, Fred)
* TBS turntable work continues with leveling and adjustments. (Jason, Randy, Jay Barta)
* Passenger truck rebuild continues (Jerry, Carlos)
* Coach #9 build/assembly continues (Eric, Lou, Harold)
* SS campus bathrooms, plumbing work (Zack)
* SS campus has a new telephone pole set up in the parking lot. (Brendan)
Wednesday:
* Track crew continues leveling/tamping runaround track and TBS switch. (Steve Lt, Steve Lx)
* TBS turntable work continues (Jason, Randy)
* TBS station building, roof closed in. (Brendan, Fred)
* SS campus mowing Fred
* Archive work (Linda)
* Gift shop, mail, continual through the week (Cindy R)
Notes: A new volunteer was working this week, Steve Ellsworth, thank you Steve.
Steve Zuppa stopped by the TBS.
This was one of the hottest work days this summer.
If your bored and need something to do, two train days Sat & Sun sign up for crew.
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I would like to lead a small spiking crew for a couple hours on Saturday from 8:30-10:30 if anyone is interested. The goal is to set some start spiking the tail track at TBS near 218. A work party will also take place on Sunday July 31st to complete this work, and maybe do some ballast work if time permits.
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Work done on Saturday July 23:
* Trout Brook/218 tail track: Joe, and I spiked a few ties, with Fred holding the nipper. When we ran out of shade we stopped, because even at 9:30/10:00 it was too hot.
* Trout Brook Station: Zack was measuring and cutting, and they must have done some work there after I left. Brendan will be doing more work in the late afternoon after the site is in the shade.
* Drainage work: Mike worked on drainage improvements at Sutter's and Brook Crossings.
* Trailer painting: Before it got too hot out in the morning I finished painting the underside of the trailer.
* Truck work: Jerry was pondering reassembly of a coach truck.
* Coach 9: I think Harold was doing something with it.
* Archives: Linda and I tried scanning negatives with a fluid layer, with OK results (but it's a lot of work).
* Lavender trains - kudos to the steam crew for doing it in this weather.
The day was somewhere around 90 degrees and humidity in the 70s (oppressive).
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Well Joe, it was a small spiking crew.
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But it was a good effort that you guys made.
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Sutters.. This is something I had in mind for Janes Way for years but have not done it there because the crossing was supposed to get rebuilt.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wMB0CC9G/0723220858.jpg)
Rubber belting (acquired some used stuff from work) attached to the uphill side of the timbers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8kyyRzHQ/0723220913a.jpg)
Made quick work out of it
(https://i.postimg.cc/90NJCLMF/0723220947.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3x0bJQ2M/0723220948.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNyZJZFJ/0723220948a.jpg)
Brook Crossing I laid the timbers on what I had installed a number of years ago. Attached rubber belting to the uphill side.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLvRBKd0/0723221043.jpg)
I then hauled the Kubota north again to the middle of Davis Grade. I would like to improve the ditches on the west side next.
Explosion proof cabinet arrived
(https://i.postimg.cc/15CL3KTF/0723221448.jpg)
4pm headed north..Full..
(https://i.postimg.cc/Cx9XjxwL/0723221603.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/26DtK9qs/0723221603a.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/26DtK9qs/0723221603b.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4dQ0kvVm/0723221603c.jpg)
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It looks great Mike. Let's hope it works as well as we talked about.
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Me too.
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Small spiking crew, but our efforts today were enough to help gain more headway for next weekend or
I hope to lead a spiking crew, and possibly a ballast crew on Sunday 7/31 if enough help arrives.
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 26-27 July 2022
* TBS: Various track projects
Turntable work
Station build
Turntable test (Wed)
* Passenger truck rebuild
* Vacuum brakes design/build/test
* Coach #9 assembly/build
* AC and SS mowing (pending)
* SS campus clean up
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Sunday 7/24
Alna Day and Open Farm Day!
3 trains to ToM and return with connecting service to SeaLyon Farm who was participating in Maine Open Farm Day. Gave the chance to showcase the railroad to mostly local families and their friends. While laid back (in the style of pre-Covid weekend operations), the trains were full and everyone had a great time.
Marcel was working on car 56. I think Zack was working a little on the Trout Brook Station.
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Anticipated work for Saturday July 30:
* Rules class in the morning (9am start)
* Mountain Extension Qualification run in the afternoon
* Concert train in the evening
* Trout Brook station construction
* Drainage work
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Also looking for volunteers to help spike 56’ of track at Trout Brook Station on SUNDAY 7/31. Any and ALL help is appreciated and welcome.
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*Edit, Sunday 7/31 will be ballasting and tamping the tail track off the TBS turntable. ALL help is still welcome.
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Regarding the special Sunday 8/31 work session -
We need to get the tail track in service so to use it during switching operations during the August 6th grand opening. So this is not just a "nice to have done" issue, we are counting on it being completed. Thanks Joe for taking this on, and I encourage anyone who is available to join in this last trackwork push.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 26-27 July 2022
Tuesday:
* Track crew lift level tamping TBS runaround track and TT leads. Prep for MP 8, spiking tail track
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian, Leon, Randy,)
* TBS station build, roof shingling started, (Brendan, Fred, Stewart)
* TBS turn table leveling continues, (Jason, Randy, Jay Barta)
* Passenger truck rebuild continues, (Jerry, Carlos)
* Coach #9 assembly/build continues (Eric, Ron, Harold, Lou)
* Archives work (Linda)
* Gift shop, mail (Cindy R)
* SS campus clean up, trash run (Stewart)
Wednesday:
* Track crew completes spiking tail track, assist with turntable test.
(Steve Lx, Brian W, Steve Lt, Paul, Elijah, Randy, Jay Barta, Jason)
* TBS station build, roof shingling completed, (Brendan, Fred, Stewart)
* TBS turntable work and test w/locomotive #9 (Jason, Randy Jay Barta, Mark C, Track Crew)
* Locomotive #9 boiler wash, fill and fire, turn table test, (Roger, Dan, JB)
* MP 8 signage completed (Eric)
* Archive work continues (Linda)
* Gift shop/mail continues (Cindy R)
NOTES: The turn table worked well with #9 on it, there are a great many events and projects being worked on off site. Project sites have regular visits from members like Zack W, Steve Z, and Dave B.
The railroad continues to be a busy place 7 days a week.
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Continuing Steves Report -
Thursday:
* Sheepscot campus - (1) Fred mowed most of the grass areas. (2) Clean up, (since the trash crew was working on TBS Tues - Weds) trash was collected from all buildings and a dump run was made. (3) Paul worked on RC4.
* Trout Brook Station - With the roof now complete, Brendan and crew installed the windows and door so the building is more weather tight. Some clean up of the depot area was done but more is needed before August 6th.
* Alna Center - Brendan & Jason were going to load two flatcars with ballast for TBS tail track work this weekend.
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Work completed today at the WW&F Virginia Division Shops. Ten new skates with new left or right had capabilities. These are also suitable for placement under the brake hangers on either side.
The plan is to try and collect all the old skates and return them to the Virginia Division Shops for modification to eliminate interference with brake hangers and make them useable on either side.
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Thanks, Bill. Greatly appreciated!
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Nice work Bill. Nothing would make me happier than to see that everlasting note about skates and brake rigging (from 2017!) disappear from bulletin orders.
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They look great Bill, Thank you.
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Awesome work Bill! These will be a great addition.
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Nice work, Bill.
Jeff S.
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Update for Saturday. Stone cars will be loaded in the morning (loader has to go to AC first thing) and a couple buckets put on the 1 ton for TOM. Backhoe needs a transmission line repaired and mowing around the Pavilion after lunch.
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Tomorrows work for 7/31/22 is cancelled due to not enough interest. Steve’s and his crew will take care of it sometime during the week.
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Work done on Saturday July 30:
* Stone and TBS switching: In the morning Steve Lx and I took 52 to AC to get 2 flatcars of stone, which we took to TOM. We then ran down the hill and retrieved the Harsco tamper from the tail track, and switched everything else onto the tail track, then took the Harsco back to TOM and returned lite to Sheepscot. In the afternoon the steam train took the flats down to TBS and left them there.
* TB station: Stewart and Zack put up the trim.
* Rules class: held in Coach 3 and then part of the train down to TBS.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/wjdVmHxD/0730220837a.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pV4kPzgG/0730220851.jpg)
I took off the leaking line from the Backhoe to go to Napa. But before I left I spotted another steel line that I wanted to replace. It had been kinked in 2 spots. And loaded the 1 ton with a bucket and a half of stone for TOM
(https://i.postimg.cc/GmJjPN9V/0730221007.jpg)
The leaker
(https://i.postimg.cc/tRY202mn/0730221054a.jpg)
And the kinked one. Not sure how the oil was getting through.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HsMznjmp/0730221057.jpg)
Got the backhoe together then it was time to mow..
(https://i.postimg.cc/j596dYkw/0730221344.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzxdHXrc/0730221502.jpg)
Now that we have a push mower, I won't let it get so tall..
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Some photos today, mainly from the perspective of being part of the 2022 Rules Class (https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,4280.msg54025.html#msg54025).
Jason Lamontagne led the morning rulebook study in W&Q coach No. 3 in the car barn.
(https://i.imgur.com/nCzjKt9.jpg)
In the afternoon, a trip to Trout Brook station and return was run for the Rules Class. At Top of Mountain, the train crew led by conductor Dan Malkowski picked up the two ballast cars Mike mentioned, while Jason discussed planned operations on the Mountain Extension which opens next Saturday. Just before we were ready to board the train down the Mountain, I took this very poor photo from a distance of the new north yard limit sign painted by Steve Piwowarski, which he installed today. I understand he has also replaced/repaired at least two other railway operations signs: the south whistle post sign for Trask's, and the milepost 8 sign. That's tamper Wilmar which has been put to good use on the extension, on the tail track.
(https://i.imgur.com/tMBymwf.jpg)
At Trout Brook, we see the progress on Trout Brook station, behind the Rules Class train. Mike has just posted better photos here (https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,43.msg54131.html#msg54131).
(https://i.imgur.com/skIjHri.jpg)
Attendees helped turned No. 9 on the Bridgton & Saco River turntable, with guidance from Jason. Here's No. 9 turned.
(https://i.imgur.com/RghsMe3.jpg)
Jason (right) explained that the B&SR turntable is balanced on the ring rail and the center pivot. He demonstrated how to adjust the center pivot screw, as Zack Wyllie looks on.
(https://i.imgur.com/WcB5y9k.jpg)
Some of the Rules Class attendees look on. Those whose face we can see are (left-to-right) J. B. Smith, Steve P. (almost hidden), Rick Sisson, Ben Richards and Ed Lecuyer.
(https://i.imgur.com/1BPJoeZ.jpg)
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On Sunday, July 31st, Eric Schade and Ed Lecuyer visited a railroad attraction elsewhere in New England (if you know, please don't publicly disclose) who is deconstructing a wooden standard gauge coach that is too forgone for practical restoration. After being declined by several other organizations for preservation in-tact, we were invited to have "first dibs" to salvage whatever we liked from the car for use in Coach 9 and other future restorations/reconstructions. Salvaged materials included clerestory window hardware, doorknobs and locks, and many small pieces of hardware. A future salvage trip (which will require additional tools, crew, and a truck) may be in the works.
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I want to point out that while I did install those new signs (and remove old ones), the new signs were actually made and painted by Eric Schade, who was kind enough to take them on. Earlier this year Nicole Orminski, Johnny and I built and 2 new station signs, one of which is for Top of Mountain- and will be installed at a later date.
Another new pedestrian crossing sign is underway for the trail crossing just inside of the Trout Brook S Yard Limit- to be installed later this week.
Best,
Steve