June 2024 work reports

[Bill Piche]

Rotatable seats for 52?

I'd like those kind of seats you see on South African steam locomotives that allow you to sit half outside the cab.

[James Patten]

I'd like those kind of seats you see on South African steam locomotives that allow you to sit half outside the cab.

Not a bad idea considering how wide our rolling stock is compared to the width of 52, but then all the controls would need to be redone.

[Bill Baskerville]

Rotatable seats for 52?

The engineers seat is adjustable up/down, fore/aft and rotates.  There are no arm rests on these two seats so the engineer can slide across to the fireman’s side seat. This is sometimes necessary such as when shuffling cars into/from the car barn.

[Bill Baskerville]

I'd like those kind of seats you see on South African steam locomotives that allow you to sit half outside the cab.

Not a bad idea considering how wide our rolling stock is compared to the width of 52, but then all the controls would need to be redone.

Bill is right in the need for more visibility.  I have thought about how to widen the cab, but James is also correct in that the controls would need to be moved.
Hence, a major project requiring significant downtime.

[Jason M Lamontagne]

As some of you likely know we are making a little forward progress on 53, in particular making the project more practical and executable. 

At present we plan to retain 52 even with 53 available.  With that, a few of us have discussed an extended overhaul period for 52, including a full tear down to frames so multiple transmission leaks can be addressed.  We also discussed reinstalling the widened cab as envisioned some years ago.  The widened cab would require some rework of the control stand, to which we have given some thought; it isn’t fully thought out yet.

Timelines not determined of course..

See ya
Jason

[James Patten]

Work done on Saturday June 8:

* First train out of the rebuilt platform - the 11 AM.  All other trains arrived/left from it too.  As Bill commented, "it's now a long walk to the gift shop".  Today the Mason's also had their super secret meeting at Alna Center.
* Machine shop - Quentin was machining axles.
* Excavator car - Jason had me fit some pieces together for welding.
* Alna Center - Mike was delivering seats
* Board meeting

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Anticipated Work
Week of June 10, 2024

Monday:
Build11 full session, mainly focused on rear truck completion
The wheel and truck team, Jerry and Carlos, plan to join Build11 to mount rear truck wheels
XCart component machining will continue.
Platform work is expected.

Tuesday:
Vac Brake Meeting (pending confirmation of availabilities)
Build11 continues.
Platform work continues.
XCart continues.
Ops: Dan will likely be in for track inspection, switching and the like.
No truck work since J&C will be in on Monday instead
Coach 9 Siding

Wednesday:
Platform
XCart
Coach 9 Siding

Thursday:
Platform
XCart

[James Patten]

Anticipated work for Saturday, June 15:

* Fathers Day trains to TOM for a barbeque - train continues on to Trout Brook.
* Remaining touches on Sheepscot platform
* Loco 11
* Boxcar 56
* Grounds work

[James Patten]

Somebody else will need to give a report, as I was busy on engine crew today.  I did notice that Marcel was working on 56, and Dan was working on building crates for 56.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Work Accomplished, Saturday, June 15:
* BBQ Trains - two sold out trains for a BBQ at SeaLyon Farm. 11am train had 110 passengers (many not going to the BBQ.)
* Box Car 56 - Marcel is putting on the finishing touches, while Dan outfit it with freight crates.
* Food - Nancy made awesome beef and chicken kabobs.
* AC - Mike did some maintenance at Alna Center.
* Ties - Dave, Dan, and others picked up some ties that were donated.
* Platform - Stewart was touching up areas around Sheepscot station and the freight shed that needed a patching of paint.

[Bill Baskerville]

In the “other projects” department, Bullet Bob and I finished the Fire/Spray car. It is now ready for summer fire watch as needed.

Before someone asks. In the “trivia department” a cup holder was added. One also appeared in 52.

Mounting plates for the new seats for 51 and 52 were cut from stock and all reside above the shop until my return in July.

Bill

[Ed Lecuyer]

Work Accomplished, Sunday June 16:
Model T Railcar Ramble: 3 of 5 trips ran; two were annulled due to a problem ultimately diagnosed to the distributor. Handcar rides in the yard were offered instead.
Sheepscot Platform: Stewart continues to touch up areas needing paint.
Boxcar 56: Marcel is putting finishing touches on it, preparing for numbering.

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Anticipated Work
Week of June 17, 2024

Monday:
XCart Wheelset Machining
Prep for Enginehouse work

Tuesday:
Switching related to Enginehouse clearing for ceiling work
Truck brake work
Vacuum pot assembly
Coach 9 Siding
Build11 Truck Work
XCart continues

Wednesday:
Enginehouse ceiling work prep
Coach 9
Build11 truck
Loco 9 mainenance

Thursday:
Enginehouse ceiling
Loco 9 maintenance back-up
XCart

Friday:
Enginehouse ceiling
Loco 9 back up
XCart

This week should see the XCart on its own wheels.

Wherever you spend this week- please be careful outside with the extreme heat indices expected Wednesday through Friday.

Thanks
Jason

[Mike Fox]

My maintenance at the Pavilion was painting the seats of the benches. I had only intended to do a few but did most of them..they look very clean now. Just 2 left to do at some point. I had other things to get done so did not get to them. Plus my back was saying woah...

[Bruce Wilson]

Nice job Mike! Looks great!