Having a dreadful time -- wish you were here!
I astutely managed to schedule inspection of the 308 on the hottest possible day. Fortunately, I wasn't alone: Al Reinschmidt and Frank were there too, and with three people the work went quickly. And it really wasn't quite as bad as I had feared. We could at least retreat to the air-conditioned shop once in a while, and we were careful to drink plenty of fluids.
(Two photos by Al R.)
Most of the visitors were smarter than we, they stayed away. In the afternoon we had two cars in the parking lot. By the end of the day I was pretty exhausted, I must admit. "I am counted with them that go down into the pit, I am as a man that hath no strength."
Typical activities in the inspection pit:
(L) checking that the axle cap bolts are tight; (R) inspecting a traction motor for brush holders, commutator, etc. It's enough to make you lose your head!
(L) checking that the axle cap bolts are tight; (R) inspecting a traction motor for brush holders, commutator, etc. It's enough to make you lose your head!
(Two photos by Al R.)
Most of the visitors were smarter than we, they stayed away. In the afternoon we had two cars in the parking lot. By the end of the day I was pretty exhausted, I must admit. "I am counted with them that go down into the pit, I am as a man that hath no strength."
Be that as it may, we kept at it. Here Frank is sanding down the bottom edge of a side door; it had been rubbing on the floor ever since I rebuilt the end of the car.
And here Al and Frank pretend to enjoy adjusting the brakes.
The good news is that no major problems were found; there are a few minor issues we'll have to address later.
The good news is that no major problems were found; there are a few minor issues we'll have to address later.
After inspection and lubrication were finished, we switched the cars around. The 319 and 308 will be in revenue service for the next few weeks, and we will have all three cars operating for the Pageant on July 7th. You won't want to miss it!
By the way, we still need people to sign up for this weekend. On Saturday, we need another trainman, and on Sunday, a conductor. Let Jim know if you can help. Thanks!
By the way, we still need people to sign up for this weekend. On Saturday, we need another trainman, and on Sunday, a conductor. Let Jim know if you can help. Thanks!
