Page 1 of 1

DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 6:35 pm
by Ted Smith
...AND THE END OF OUR REGULAR SUMMER WORK SEASON! Some 350-400 Friends' volunteers have come to Chama, Antonito, Cumbres, and our Colorado Springs site to work on a large variety of restoration and support projects which have visibly improved the railroad and its surroundings. The volunteer work doesn't stop at the end of the formal work sessions - but we all look forward to May when we can come together and renew and enjoy friendships while accomplishing the work!

OUR THANKS TO JASON ROSE, RICH MURRAY AND JOE KANOCZ FOR GIVING US THE FORUM - A GREAT WAY TO SHARE THESE WORK ACTIVITIES ON THE DAY THEY ARE ACTUALLY OCCURRING!

Today, we have some unique photos, taken by Chronicler Gabrielle LaFargue and John Sutkus, inside the coal tipple. Here's some background from John Cole:
"John Sutkus has cleaned out the coal bunker for the second time now, the first time was about 5 years ago when he first started on the tipple to remove all the coal that had been in there for about 30 years or so. This is the second time cleaning out the old bird nests. The next step is to rebuild the tracks that the coal buckets ride on as they are worn out and bent and the two coal buckets need some welding as well." Thanks, John, for the context!

We are also uploading some additional photos of the wonderful work that Team Leader Don Bayer and his team are accomplishing on the restoration of RPO 054 - one of our high priority projects!

GREAT WORK, VOLUNTEERS!
1 - Gabrielle LaFargue - Copy.JPG
Team Leader John Sutkus inside the coal tipple bunker - he has attached a rope to lower the old ladder out of the bottom of the coal chute some time later
2 - Gabrielle LaFargue - Copy.JPG
John climbs the new coal bunker ladder for the first time...
3 - Gabrielle LaFargue - Copy.JPG
The ladder is firmly attached to the side of the coal bunker; four angle-iron brackets were used, along with two blocks built into the ladder
6 - Gabrielle LaFargue - Copy.JPG
Photo shows the deteriorated ladder inside of the coal bunker; the sheet metal over the wood has really deteriorated!
10 - Gabrielle LaFargue - Copy.JPG
Photo shows one of the four-angle brackets used to fasten the ladder to the coal bunker wall
056.JPG
The west side of the coal tipple has been re-sided, primed and painted!
046.JPG
Team Leader Don Bayer, 054 Restoration, fastens safety goggles before starting to apply PUllman Green paint
048.JPG
Don Bayer applies the Pullman Green paint
052.JPG
Three beautiful Scotch pines have been planted by Naomi's landscaping team - a reminder of the Friends' contributions to the railroad!

Re: DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:36 pm
by Rich Murray
Ted, thank you again! And thank you Chronicler Gabrielle LaFargue. The tipple photos are real interesting. I don't think I've ever seen interior shots before.
If the tipple shots on the last day are dessert, seeing the RPO getting green paint is the cherry on top!

Re: DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 6:55 am
by Tom Casper
Rich, you have a way with words on this thread. I concur with your obsevations about the tipple and green. Nice to See it happening.

Tom C.

Re: DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:02 am
by Roger Hogan
I also agree with Rich.

Re: DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 2:50 pm
by Fred Kuhns
Ted, Thanks for all the pictures of the work session. One question, did Don finish painting the out side of the RPO car in pullman green? Fred L.Kuhns

Re: DAY FIVE - WORK SESSION 'F'

Unread postPosted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 3:03 pm
by Ted Smith
Fred, he only painted the clerestory windows and frames and the exterior of the four doors in Pullman Green. They got doors reinstalled for the winter. He had problems with the two-part epoxy paint and the sprayers. So they will have to get the right equipment to finish the job next year. It's a beautiful piece of work! Cheers, Ted