Unexpected happenings at HVRM 6-2-12

Hello!   Arrived at Hoosier Valley at 8:45 a.m.  Went into the NKP kitchen car to sign in and found new wood window frames for coach 899 sitting in the car.  Unfortunately, no window glass had been installed so hauled them back over to Norwayne Lumber where Jim told me he could have them done next week.   Turns out that during recent switching, coach 899 and the rear end of METRA (ex-ICRR) bi-level Highligner coach # 1502 had been coupled together removing the space in between the cars.   I use a ladder to get up to 899 for entry, which was now impossible.  Still, if I could enter through the rear door of 1502, this might be okay and actually make for a bit easier entry.  So, I unlocked the front padlock on the inner door of 1502 and walked through the car to the rear, only to find that the door was locked.  After some attempts, including going back to the Shop, I found the key to the lock.  Unfortunately, the lock itself was jammed (the key worked fine on the FRONT door of the 1502 and both doors on sister car 1529 but not on  the door I would need to use).  So, I got out my crowbar and other tools and managed to pry the stubborn door open and then spent the entire morning into early afternoon, taking apart the faulty lock, realigning everything and finally managing to get everything back together again.  The good thing is...the lock now works!  Of course, I hadn't expected to spend most of my day at HVRM this way.   Another unexpected event, although certainly very welcome, is that Steve Newland, with help from Joe Baker, placed the two newly built windows in the second floor of Grasselli Tower.  This really improves the looks of the tower as viewed from the depot and from passersby on Mulberry Street.  In addition, Bob Jachim was able to locate a new door for the entrance to the first floor level of the tower that only needs to be trimmed slightly on the top and sides to make it fit.  Steve says that he can do the trimming and get the door installed, which will improve the looks of the east side of Grasselli even more.   Train ridership seemed good, although I don't have the actual numbers.   Weather most of the day was sunny, although clouds moved in at times and we had some very sporadic light rain showers.  Temps were in the upper 60's/low 70's with a very nice breeze all day.   It must be reported that the demolition of NKP wood tool car X50110 has begun.   Fred Boyer and his grandson worked on C&O 2789.   Bob Jachim rebuilt the set of wood steps that crews are using to unload the interior of C&EI tool car A-1054, the ex-U.S. Army kitchen car.   Have a good week folks!   Les