But track work wasn't the only thing happening at the MCRR. For example, the "green" coach which has been in the shop undergoing an overhaul had some attention. Joan M., Dylan D., Jerry C. and Joan's two sons continued to pick away at the repair list.
Joan's son (why did I forget his name!) and Micah M. removed nearly all of the metal shavings from the various machine tools.
Matt C. was forging forward on the Vulcan gasoline switcher (the "Squirt"). Most of the wiring is complete and as the picture shows, the engine and transmission are in the frame, the cab is in place (even the original lettering is in place), and the hood supports and radiator is in place. It is almost time to hear the replacement engine run.
The electric pickup truck had sat unused all winter. It is going to get more use this year but needs to run under its own power (that is, not be pushed by three or four volunteers). The batteries were low on electrolyte and nearly or completely discharged. A quick cleanup of the cables, addition of water, and time on the charger likely will resolve the no-go issues.
The South Station pallet shelve project was completed. There is a portion of the June 2016 shop blog describing the first phase of the shelve installation. The next few pictures show the last phase. David M., Roger R., Ryan F., Rex F., Matt W., Brian B. and Elliot H. were climbing all over the shelves to finish the wall anchors and wooden shelve surface.
...and there was track work.
The professional track crew had started the South Station east side renovation. The goal is to have the South Station's center track be a through track, switched off of the mainline track. At the present time, only the south track is a through track.
The installation of the mainline switch freed a large section of track to be moved west toward the South Station. The professional track crew built the switch but has not installed it.
The MCRR gang replaced and relocated numerous ties on the track plus made some gauge changes to the switch. Depending on the picture, Paul C., Jim B., Evan P., Kendall O., Micah M., and Randy can be seen doing various tasks on the panel track or the switch.
-Photos courtesy Joan M and Elliot H.
-Steam.airman
