[ Full info and photos at http://www.fec253.org ]

Restoration Log
for 18 Dec., 2004

Backshop Report

Steve, Bob, and Don mounted and tacked in place a replacement section of boiler plate on the engineer's sidesheet.

Ray continued to sandblast some more small components and fittings that will soon be needed.

John had commitments in the morning, but joined us after lunch to help out. He was helping Ray with preparing the sand dome and steam dome for sandblasting soon.

Woodshop Report

Matthew and Bote finished fitting the cap sections of tongue-in-groove on top of the rear window frames, then fitted wooden escutcheons for the cab framing to conceal the mounting bolts.

Diner Car

In another good sign of simultaneous progress, Bali and his sister Kim started some cleanup on the diner car. Kim was quite interested in the restoration effort, so yes, Virginia, ladies are more than welcome to help out on our project.

Happy Holidays!

This will be the last update before the New Year turns, and what a great way to end the season! Our next update will feature a gallery of photos, both historic and recent, of the #253 in all her glory. Here's a wish to all for a happy and safe holiday season with friends and family. Until next year, keep up the good steam!


Bote
F.E.C. milepost 337.5
Hams talk trains on I.R.L.P. reflector 9454 Sunday night 21:00 ET
http://members.trainorders.com/boteman/railhamnet.html
http://pages.prodigy.net/bote | http://www.fec253.org/