Greetings to all. Warm day at North Judson, over 90. Clear sky for the most part. Some humidity, but not real
uncomfortable.
After breakfast at Fingerhut, meeting of the local hams,
with Jim Liedkey WA9JMU from New Mexico. Former resident of La Crosse IN, gave up the good life and moved to the land of rocks and cactus for front lawns.
1. Cory B was on buildings 1&2 at the gap fixing the leaks in the roof. Arrived at 6am, but by 10am had to stop due to heat. Cory has got a sealant for the overlapping seams of the tin sheets, but taking out the screws to put the sealant tape in between. Very difficult work on a slippery roof.
2. REA EXPRESS trailer had a message spray painted on
"Drink Blatz Beer" A popular beer years ago, very appropriate for that period. More grinding, more painting, progress was made. I did grind off one section
of the side REA signage. Am going to us some NU Finish
polish to see if it will shine up. Discovered that pop rivets were used, no bolts thru the wall.
3. Membership meeting at 12:30. Mark K has completed
grinding and priming N&W boxcar. A small area of the
final coat was put on, looked good.
4. GE Loco, Jason A gave a report that windows to be
installed on the 21st of July, 29th some electrical work,
blue card, horn tested, waiver to use the engine . Installation of new rods for couplers were being fabricated today. Oil needs to be changed, 2 barrels worth, filters, and some other things. ALCO prime
mover and generator are coming from Pontiac IL for spare parts. Engine to be stripped and the block left for
scrapping instead of hauling it all the way back to NJ.
5. Grasseli Tower. Some painting, 2 windows are out and being sent to be rebuilt. Steve is a one man operation, lets see if we can get a local carpenter to
help get the stairs done. I know of a couple who in 4 hours could complete a lot. Most charge resonable rates per hour. Some help with the payloader to move the
turntable equipment, to get at the south side and west
side to fix some areas not accesable by the manlift.
6. GTW 75072. Some problems still exist that were not
taken care of during its time in the shop. Just ran out of
time to fix it all. Last saturday an afternoon shower came up fairly quickly and rained buckets. The wheels
threw up water thru the grating, causing a problem.
Inside the water leaked in thru the window so bad that
the train had to be stopped and passengers transfered
to a enclosed caboose. I suggest that on inclement days, passenger are advised prior to loading that some
water will be thrown up thru the grates. RIDE AT YOUR
OWN RISK. Water coming in the window, some caulking
need to be done and replacing the rain awnings need
replacing. The GTW is not Titantic, it will not sink if a
little water is on the floor. Safety chains still need to be
installed, as a temporary fix is in place.
7. Starting August, only 2 trains a day, check web for
times. I believe if the train consist is not heavy, run only the B&LE and the open air car. If the EJ&E manlift
is needed it could be easily switched into the train or
another caboose added if needed. Undue wear on the
wheels is not needed. Changing cabooses in a rotation
would keep a even wear on all the equipment. During the month of August/September it would be nice to see
one or two pieces of freight equipment in the consist.
Mint harvesting is starting, saw a field being cut on IN39. Richard is cutting, raking, baling hay before it rains. Corn/beans are looking good, prices look good
too.
Have a good week, will be hot, drive safe. I will be traveling next 3 or 4 weeks, St Louis, Ottawa ONT, EH
you say, and Dallas TX.
Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox.
Learn more.
