358 Update – 5/18/202

I took vacation this week to take advantage of the 765’s absence from the shop, so I could get 358 over the pit.  The first half of this week has been rather productive, but there’s still plenty to do.

Sunday:  Carson and I delivered the cab windows and new slider tracks for the side windows, this includes all new weather stripping and glazing all around.

Monday: ( half day after doctor appointment – gave me another year to live – Yay!)   I spent most of the day organizing parts and pieces, opening boxes, laying out tools and materials for other volunteers to come in and work on the locomotive.  Put some stuff no longer needed away, and got some stuff out of storage.  Assembled a “War Wagon” for the sanding of all things black that will be starting soon.

Tuesday:  Tom Nitza came in to help, he took care of building shims for the battery boxes so that the batteries stay where we want them while traveling at break-neck speeds!  Thanks Tom.   I worked on the rear truck brake cylinders, new rubber on the rods, and buttoned everything up on that job.  Both trucks now should be all set for brakes, with maybe only an adjustment or two in the slack adjustments once we get air.   The rebuilt air dryer was delivered by R&L Carriers today as well, and will be slated for installation soon.

Yet to come:

Wednesday: I was originally set to work on the LM&M, but that schedule changed, so I’m taking advantage of the extra day at the shop.  Likely will be pulling the last two brake valves off that were missed and getting them shipped out ASAP.  Then it’ll be on to things in the pit.  Brian Smith is planning to be here on Wednesday and Thursday to begin removing paint from all things black on the locomotive.

Thursday and Friday, pretty much more sanding, and wrapping up any remaining pit work.

Saturday I’m called for LM&M trains in the afternoon…but others will be at the shop most likely, much work yet needed on The Emery, and The Silver Diner.

If you’re looking for something to do, I have plenty of equipment that will remove paint from the broadest of areas, to the nooks and crannies.  If you want to work on the locomotive, shoot me an email, text or call and I’ll get you lined up.

“War Wagon”