There was more steady progress on the 36 today, and the end of the paint removal process is in sight. I managed to finish stripping and sanding the letterboard and lower siding, six sectors in one day.
This picture makes the place look a lot gloomier than it really is. The Barn 8 aisle lights do a very good job of illuminating the equipment -- I just haven't figured out a way to photograph the work. And even when it's cold outside, our barns have an efficient solar heating system, at least when you're closer to the roof than to the ground. But by the time surface prep was complete, the sun was going down, so painting will have to wait until Saturday.

Taking a break, I checked out the work the shop guys have done so far on the third rail beams. You can see here the slot they have made. The sleet scraper is attached to a steel shaft about 1/2" x 2 1/2" that will run down through this slot. Now I just need to buy enough epoxy to glue all four beams together. Thanks to all those who have been helping with this project!

And
Tim is making quick work of the 4412 roof project, even as the seconds are ticking away on the contest clock. With a week to go before the Thanksgiving deadline, here we see him attaching the running boards to the saddles. He painted the poles earlier, and hopes to lift the bases into position on Saturday.