Connecticut Electric Railway

Trolley Car Maintenance/Restoration/Preservation Department

Proposed Trolley Car Activities for 2008

Hi everyone. We had a great year this past year. We accomplished a lot and saw many new people get involved in car shop activities. Everyone should be congratulated on the part they played in our successes.

We have an exciting year planned out for 2008. Our goals will be ambitious. We will have many opportunities for people to get involved and learn new skills as we expand our operating and display fleet.

The following activities are planned for the 2008 calendar year. The order of work will depend upon available resources.

1. 355: Complete bearing work, running boards and other misc. work to return car to active service.

2. 1326: Rebuild 2 motors for installation. Other minor repairs as required.

3. 5645 (Type 5) Rebuild four motors for installation. Complete other repairs to allow car to be returned to active service.

4. 836; Once 1326 and 5645 are in service, remove from service and repair wheels with sharp flanges. In interim use only for emergencies.

5. 1850, 2600, 4, 451, 16: maintenance work as required.

6. 36: Clean up car for presentation and move to display in visitor center.

7. Private car “Northern”: Begin restoration program. This is to be an on-going effort to provide a on-view restoration and to provide an active display to the visitors as to what the museum is about.

8. Northern Barn: Complete rebuild of track 2 in barn and move 0309, 771 and 1739 to barn for preservation.

Other projects for 2008 if time and help permit include continuing work on 169, and painting and putting Corbin locomotive on display.

The car department is in desperate need of additional indoor storage space. In order to meet the needs, additional cars will need to be put on display within the visitor center main hall on a permanent basis. The following cars should be put within the visitor center on a permanent basis; Northern 1500 - 169 - 36

Up to 2 additional cars should be in the visitor center on a regular basis, moved out only for special events; Car10 - 1201 or 25,

All storage spaces under the visitor center car shed will need to be utilized for protection of trolley cars.

We will post a calendar online of planned shop work sessions. They will be usually every other week. We invite all who want to get involved to come out and join in.

It will be a great adventure and everyone should learn and have fun.


Car 36 Getting a good winter's cleaning...

We will continue to report on the work sessions and post pictures of the work and progress for everyone to keep up with the activities.

Hope to see you at the Museum

Chris Chestnut and Galen Semprebon

Jan.11, 2008

Next work sessions - Jan. 12th, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Jan. 26th, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Wish to contact Chris and Galen at the restoration shop?

restore@ct-trolley.org

Restoration website at:
http://www.ct-trolley.org/restore.htm