The Birney car continues to draw closer to the day when it can once again move proudly under it’s own. The effort is now concentrated on the electrical work. Wayne Russert has completed wiring the interior lights, call buttons, the primary power and lightning arrestor wiring on the roof, and two electrical boxes for the interior. These boxes have controls and indicators for items not included in the car originally such as low pressure air alarm and turn signals. Wayne gave them a black crackle finish which makes them look like they belonged in the car all along. Jeff Smith polished the rest of the window hand pieces that Harry Nichols from Dallas acquired for us. Now installed, they make the windows look great.
Parts From Wisconsin
East Troy Electric Railroad had two former Boston transit cars headed for scrap. Contacting them enabled us to get a number of parts at a good price. They were happy to see the items saved as well. Wayne Russert was going to be in the area for a vacation and graciously volunteered to supervise loading of everything in Troy.
In addition to the two Taylor trucks similar to those being refurbished for No. 59 came a single truck with dates from the 1880s. It may be a horse drawn car truck converted to electric, probably for some piece of work equipment. Two Westinghouse DH16 street car air compressors and other parts were included.
Track Work
Rebuild of the pneumatic spike driver and tamping tools, traded to us by the Pueblo Railway Museum, was recently completed. Sue Kircher, our track supervisor, with some help, tamped track #1 where the PCC car operates. The car now runs without any wobble.
G-Gauge Garden Railway
Thanks to the efforts of Steve Pelles, Vince Morris, Paul Feibing, and Wayne Russert, the G-scale now operates. Of course we can’t forget Irene Bones created the garden. Like any full scale line multiple improvements will no doubt be coming.
Greg Roberts
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