We began by cleaning out the M1 simulator and fabricating a new staircase for visitors to enter.
Doug, Rich & Wayne began the job by cutting down a steel staircase that we had lying around and using the bottom 3 steps to go up to the back decks level.
They also started to open up cabinets and go over the actual controls to find out if there was still anything left from the simulation program or equipment. They found that there were still many parts remaining but that the actual M1 parts were never hooked up for any operation. After all, this was not an original LIRR engine that was cut down-there is absolutely nothing in it!
We did get a signal on the simulators screen, so we know that it still works and can process info.
The future will tell us what we can do with this stuff.
We also found out that this Thursday, we will be hosting a photo op & tour for the Oyster Bay supervisor John Venditto and members of the town board. They have been extremely supportive of our endeavors and wanted to see how we have been moving forward.
We started getting ready by staining the deck of the turntables motor frame and the staircase at the 25 ton switch engine #398.
John took care of this task while Mark, Gerard and Ronnie, took care of staining the staircase
These guys are still learning the ropes but do a very good job and really get excited about what we all are trying to do. I am sure that OBRM's future will be in good hands when they get older-assuming that girls don't interfere!!
As is the usual case, we traded off jobs, so Rich & Wayne ALSO painted the crossing shanty that was only in primer. They completed the 2 coats in 3 hours including the white trim. We matched the paint to our #12 caboose interior color-Terra Cotta red from Benjamin Moore. It turns out the "NEW" color is a bit lighter and a touch more towards the yellow end of the spectrum than the "OLD" color in the samples. But it works for us.
I took the forklift and moved the interlocking assembly away from the turntable and put it next to the parts trailer to open up the area around the turntable.
As we closed the display grounds for the day, we finished up staining the handrails and stair treads on the
staircase to the dinky #398 and got out of Oyster Bay at 5pm. Its nice to be leaving when the sun is still out.
I have to acknowledge a few people that are very important to us at OBRM, and say thank you.
DC Crane- Bob Hotine has been a huge help to us as has Bob Izzo and Lou D'Arpa with their heavy machinery.
Steve & Doug at Fifth Industrial corp who do our rigging, hoisting and movement of equipment when needed. Also, Baldwin Tool Rental who have been working with me since I moved into town. They offered us a tremendous opportunity to receive from them a huge discount on the sale of a used highway air compressor. This unit will allow us to utilize all of our air tools, so we can needlescale, cut, grind, drill and hammer everything we have to work on.
Don't forget to vote for us as the best Oyster Bay attraction.
Go to www.visitoysterbay.com
On tap next week :
Applying the finish coat of grey paint on the Worlds fair cab
Installing the piping for the wiring that was run under the turntable
Begin painting the turntables arch silver
Begin the teardown of the armstrong machine
Continued staining of the exhibit staircases
Gary
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