WORK SESSION D - June 27, 2013 - Part I

[Ted Smith]

Progress is visible everywhere today! Work on the new tool car, Derrick OP, RPO 54, restoration of display engine 483, and the stock pen continues, with visible improvements on all fronts. In Antonito, the volunteers are focused on the Gramps tank cars, restoration of the high-side gondola, Cook Car 053, and fabricating sign standards for the Osier interpretive signage program. We also have some good photos of Team Leader Bob Conry's work on the Car Inspector's house at Cumbres.

Thursday's at noon is always special for Friends' volunteers and our special guests, the railroad workers: Mary Jane Smith and her dedicated food preparation team serve barbecue hamburgers with all of the trimmings. When the lunch bell rings, most of the folks have lined up already!

John Weiss primes tongue and groove siding for Derrick OP project.

A new door and hinges are in place for what will become a cabinet, once the outside siding is nailed in place. Tools for items in the hoist house were stored in this cabinet by those who maintained OP.

This photo shows what is left of one of the doors on Stock Car #5553.

Fred Kuhns works with the new door that he and Cletus Wander built this week.

Team Leader Craig McMullen checks a perfect fit he has just notched in a column to support the check-in and check-out counter in the new tool car. Several years ago, Craig made some columns that were installed in the "Hinman" car to support display panels; however, the panels were never used. He checked the Hinman car and - sure enough - there was a column that he figured he could use and it worked well. It looks a LOT better than just a plain old 2x4!

Team Leader Craig McMullen (Tool Car) explains to Team Leader Dan Sandt (Engine #483) what he will need to install the roof walk on the new tool car. Dan and his team finished what they intended to do this work session on display Engine #483 and offered to help Craig! Friends are NEVER finished!

Team Leader Dan Sandt explains to Bob Hayes who they should proceed with the tool car roof walk.

Food Preparation Team Leader Mary Jane Smith and team member Debbie Craine- plus the rest of the crew - get set up for Thursday's hamburger feed!

Todd Frazier and Team Leader Don Bayer (RPO 54 restoration) cover where two pieces of protective sheeting come together with a four-inch-wide piece of the same protective sheeting. Don says the railroad did not use the protective sheeting, but he is using it because it will help keep moisture from getting behind the sheeting which could cause rapid deterioration.

Volunteer Evan Martinez caulks cracks before RPO 54 is painted.