|
Kelley Park Trolley Service Has Resumed! |
|
The trolleys are now operational following an extensive effort to repair damage from a rare lightening strike on January 19th. |
|
SP2479 & 1215 Restoration Highlights - February 2010 |
|
J Ezovski
Despite the many rainy days during the month, there has been progress
on both locomotives and improvements at the fairgrounds restoration site.
An evaluation of 2479's valve linkage is complete. Several of the system's
bronze bushings must be replaced, several pins require truing, the link blocks
must be built up with braze and valve rod crosshead needs babiting. The
main and front set of side rods are at Oakland Machine Works for boring
of the main pin holes and work should be completed soon.
All removed parts belonging to 1215 have been cleaned and painted. One
section of the fireman's side cab floor has been fabricated and welded into
place. A second section has also been fabricated and fitted. Welding
of the section into place will occur on the next rain free day.
Access to materials stored in both passenger cars has been improved.
Stairs were constructed from excess steel and boiler tubes removed from
2479. |
|
Kelley Park Trolley Service Temporarily Curtailed |
|
On January 19 the area in and around History San Jose
took a number of lightning strikes that include the Power Substation.
PG&E repaired their damage quickly and confirmed that we have 480 VAC to the substation.
After two visits from Cupertino Electric (pro bono), we have identified and repaired several blown components.
The next item that is suspect is a âType 76 DC Overcurrentâ.
It has been returned to the manufacturer for repair.
Expected return will not be known until they test it on 2/8 (or so).
The area we are focusing on is the controls, which are not well protected from incoming AC problems.
The substation was installed in 1987.
Challenging us is the fact that most electricians have limited skill in the area of DC controls.
Some Historic Transportation Experience (HTE) classes are being held without the trolley operating,
but until we have power, that is the best we can do.
The present outlook for return of service is early March and that is just a guess at this time. |
|
Update SP 2479 & 1215 - January 30, 2010 |
|
J Ezovski
There has been some progress on 2479 the past several months. All components of the
valve gear have been removed from the locomotive and a close inspection of these
components is under way. A bushing was removed from the front coupler. Measurements
indicated that the coupler's pin hole had to be bored before a new bushing could
be inserted. Boring of the coupler is complete, and a bushing has been machined.
A new front coupler pin has also been machined.
All bushings in the main and side rods have been removed. Measurements showed
that the bore's were round but the bore's for the main driver pin in the main and front side
rods have significant pitting. Boring of these holes is necessary but is outside of our
machining capabilities. Oakland Machine Works has been contacted and
has agreed to perform this work. The rods will be delivered to Oakland Machine Works
this coming week.
Weather has also slowed work on 1215. Painting of the tender was completed only days
before the season's first rain. A few parts have been returned to the locomotive but inclement
weather has stopped additional work. Parts are still being cleaned, painted and stored until
weather improves. The severely corroded cab floor on the fireman's side of the locomotive has
been cut out. The first replacement section has been cut and fitted, but again poor weather
has prevented further progress. |
|
Museum Update - January 25, 2010 |
|
On Monday January 25, 2010, CTRC leadership met with San Jose District 7 Councilwoman Madison Nguyen
to discuss a potential museum location near Kelley Park.
Click here for more information about the museum location.
Situated between two city owned parcels, Municipal Stadium and the main city corporation yard,
the privately owned 5 acre site is located across Senter Road from History San Jose
at the south end of Kelley Park.
Because of their importance to San Joseâs industrial heritage, both the roundhouse and turntable
had been previously designated city historical landmarks.
This selected museum location would enable complimentary programming activities with existing relocated
city landmarks at History San Jose.
Plans are underway to enlist the fiscal and political support to protect the property and eventually
fund the project.
Click here to read the museum proposal.
(note, it is a 5Mbyte, file that could take a few moments to download.) |
|
SP2479 & SP1215 - As 2009 Falls Away |
|
J Ezovski
Progress on 2479 has been slowed the past several months because of the magnitude of the
tasks ahead that are outside our machine's capabilities and funds, but it has been a very busy
year.
Below are listed most of our major accomplishments.
Many of these "one line" items
were the cause of a good number of sore arms and backs.
Restoration Site Move
- Repair and level three 30 foot sections of track for 2479 to rest upon during
remainder of repairs.
- Roll locomotive from old site to new.
- Relocate, install and repair the 24 X 28 outdoor shop cover.
- Move third of three containers.
- Relocate air compressor shed.
- Place double wide trailer on concrete piers and remove tires.
- Repair damaged Clark forklift drop gear shaft.
- Connect electrical to all containers, outdoor shop equipment, double wide and track side
electrical panel.
- Connect compressed air lines to outdoor shop and track side electrical panel.
- Construct new secure enclosure to replace lost storage space at old site.
- Repair stairs used to access locomotive cab deck.
SP2479
- Paint and install all brake components from brake cylinders to brake shoes.
- Make two brake rod safety supports to replace missing components.
- Remove and install both brake cylinders for purpose of replacing rubber brake cylinder seal.
- Remove both steam distribution valves for inspection and repair.
- Remove damaged left steam distribution valve cage.
- Begin re-bushing front coupler pin hole.
SP1215
In May, cosmetic restoration of the exterior of locomotive and tender began.
To the right is an image of the locomotive's appearance in May.
Below is an image is the locomotive today.
Over 800 hours has been placed into this effort and there is still much
to be accomplished.
Looking Forward
Without a major infusion of funds, there is little chance of 2479 seeing steam in 2010.
If we can have another good year, things might be very different in 2011. |
|
|
1215 Locomotive November 2009 Update |
|
Larry Murchison
The locomotive is starting to look pretty sharp.
The Tuesday volunteers have been cleaning and painting various parts and assemblies as well as adding print nomenclature to the cab and tender.
You would be surprised when comparing before and after photos.
Itâs amazing what three to five volunteers can do when they put their hearts into the project under the guidance of John Ezovski.
Since the last report the left side valve and running gear parts have been reassembled to the locomotive and have been cleaned and polished.
The tender is almost completely repainted and print information has been added to the rear and right side.
Various hand rails and the accent lines along the walkway edges have been painted white on the locomotive and tender.
Remaining work involves finish painting the top and left side of the tender above the walkway, creating new walking boards for the top of the tender, adding SOUTHERN PACIFIC LINES to the left side of the tender plus the tender weight information, cleaning and polishing all the running and valve gear on the right side of the locomotive.
There are a lot of parts that were removed from locomotive and tender before various moves that need to be cleaned, painted and replaced.
Please check out the "Photos/1215 Photos/Restoration Progress" for more photos of the volunteerâs efforts.
Also the article below shows some "BEFORE" pictures. |
|
SP2479 Status - September 15, 2009 |
|
J Ezovski
Work on SP 2479 is moving slowly forward.
Over the past several weeks, tire clips
for the new tire on #2 right driver were manufactured.
A rubber cup for the locomotive's left brake cylinder was received and installed.
The rubber cup that was in the cylinder
was damage as a result of water collecting on the non-pressure side of the cylinder.
The brake cylinder was installed back on to the locomotive and brake levers attached.
Precise measurements of the locomotives rods and pins are now being obtained.
Once complete, rod bushing material can be ordered. |
|
Restoration Progress - SP1215 - Sept 11-15, 2009 |
|
J Ezovski
This past week the crew completed cleaning and painting of cab interior,
boiler wrapper and backhead. Cab interior looks nice!
Cleaning and polishing of the various rods links is also ongoing.
Attached are images of progress made on 1215's tender.
Image 1 provides a good view as to the condition of the engineer's side of tender
prior to start of restoration.
Image 2 is a close up view of what remains of many layers of paint.
This stuff is nasty.
In some places paint comes off easily.
In other areas needle scalers beats on the stuff for some time before breaking loose.
Image 3 is appearance today.
Much work remains, but the appearance of SP 1215 is improving each passing week.
If you haven't visited the 1215's storage area in some time, stop in for a visit.
The work crew is usually there on Tuesdays.
The locomotive is accessible most every day from 8AM to 5 PM.
Update: September 15, 2009
The weekday crew is making progress on cleaning up of SP 1215.
Most of the
effort the past three weeks has been on the engineer's side of the tender.
The first photo above shows the tender on Aug 25, 2009.
The image to the right is the tender today.
Cleanup of the area below the running boards is in work.
Because of the amount of
work to be performed, it will be several weeks before this area sees paint.
|
|
Kelley Park Line Update August 11, 2009 |
 Due to debris build up within the flangeways, the final 750 feet of track has been unusable as the wheels were not able to make full contact with the rails.
Full contact is needed to complete the electrical circuit required for trolley operation.
Different techniques for cleaning the flangeways were explored with the final solution of dragging a pick axe through the dirt and then sweeping the dirt away.
Subsequent runs with car 124 were made to widen/deepen the grooves.
During one of these runs, a barn volunteer is pictured checking for wheel-to-rail arcing.
The second photo is of car 124's first successful trip to the Happy Hollow end of the line.
Motorman availability is our limiting factor to more frequent service over our new Kelley Park line.
Additional volunteer motormen are welcomed.
Contact the trolley barn for more information. 408-293-BARN. |
|
CTRC plays active role in granting a youngsterâs wish |
Eleven-year-old Henry Mulvey, who is battling mitochondrial disease, has a passion for trolleys.
Although he lives in Massachusetts his wish was to travel to the Bay Area âto ride as many trolleys as possible.â
To date, he has ridden nearly 100 cars across the United States.
With assistance from the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation®,
part of Henryâs wish came true in Kelley Park on Wednesday, July 8, 2009.
While visiting the Trolley Barn, Henry had the opportunity to ride two different trolleys, California car #124 and Birney car #143, over the museum line and the recently opened Happy Hollow extension.
Following the rides, everyone was treated by History San Jose to Obrien's ice cream, located on the museum grounds.
Henry finished his vanilla fudge sundae while keeping an eye on the âyellow carâ (Birney 143) ⦠his favorite.
 About the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation®:
The Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
In 2009 the Foundation celebrates 25 years of fulfilling magical wishes.
The goal of the Foundation is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory, and anyone can suggest a child for a wish.
For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415/982-9474 or visit www.makewish.org.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 5 of 10 |
