March 2024 Update

As of the last update, Car 16’s roof has been completed. This has been an absolute race to the finish line, with the cold fighting us all the way, but the car now sports a brilliant new white roof, with roof vents and running boards picked out in satin black. The car made its first revenue runs with the new roof on March 2nd. More work is planned for the car in the future, including a complete repaint below the roof, replacement of undercar wiring, and at least one motor needing to be rebuilt. While this motor work will keep her in limited service for the time being, expect to see 16 out and about this summer and fall. 

16 in the Shop

16's first test run with new the roof

16's first test run with the new roof

16's first trip to the end of the line with the new roof

New canvas along the side of the car

New Canvas before getting tacked into place

With 16 done, we can now turn our attention to going through the service fleet and give them a full annual inspection and service to keep them in as good as possible condition for the upcoming season.

836 is the first up into the shop, and work is ongoing. All main journal bearings have been re-packed with new wool wasting, and the brake rigging has been gone through and thoroughly lubricated. Controllers are also being overhauled, with some new pieces being machined from raw stock to replace burned-up contact elements. Before the car could be brought into the shop, the Air Governor was replaced after a series of successive failures over Winterfest. Signs are currently positive that this has broken her "bad air governor curse". 

Old and worn 836 controller finger on the left. Newly manufactured finger on the right

Old and worn 836 controller finger on the left. Newly manufactured finger on the right

Over the Winter, it was discovered that Diesel 1 had a water pump leak. This is causing the majority of the radiator fluid to leak out during normal operation. This repair is coming along nicely. The water pump assembly was removed, and we discovered the sealing surface had been painted and not properly cleaned the last time it was installed. This surface has since been cleaned. Finding a replacement pump gasket also proved to be somewhat of a challenge; however, one was sourced and installed. During this process, the shop has also manufactured two new gaskets for the radiator into the engine block.

The crew removing the hood from the carbody of the diesel

Setting the hood on the ground

Just prior to removing the radiator

In other news, if anyone has a Metal Cutting Bandsaw Blade they would be willing to part with, we are in need of one! Reach out to us at wgambardella@ct-trolley.org

Winter 2023-2024 Update

Over the course of the past few months, the Shop has carried out extensive repair and rebuild work on both trucks of Springfield Terminal Railways Car 16. It was discovered that the trucks had deteriorated over time and were in need of repair. Repairs included new Leaf spring retainers, New bushings in all pivoting elements of the suspension, new bolster link plates, and a full round of brand new grade 8 hardware. The trucks are now clear for operation, and as a bonus, much, much smoother riding. With the safety critical work complete, we are now free to dedicate full effort into the new roof. 

Gio Inspecting the truck just pulled from under 16

Bolster removed from the truck

Newly reassembled leaf spring

First view of 16's roof prior to work

Jayden and David beginning to sand down 16's roof

Work has also been done on Locomotive 18, being put back into temporary service last November in order to move CN 6714 to the end of the line for its return to Canada. The locomotive was able to complete its task, but unfortunately suffered a minor electrical failure afterwards. As of writing, it is sitting on North Road layup, awaiting time to free up in order to put it back into service once again. 

18 leading the way for CN 6714 on the move to the end of the line

Car 3001 has had the last of its carlins installed, and work is underway to begin the sub flooring. 

Mike and Phil planning the new subfloor. See the new Carlins on the roof ribs of the car

Equipment has made its way through Winterfest, though not without a few minor hiccups along the way. 65 developed a brake stand problem, which was able to be rectified within a night.

The biggest issue coming out has been 836’s air governor developing a string of issues. It is able to operate at the moment, but not without a significant air leak from the governor. As a result, the car is being kept in reserve awaiting a properly rebuilt governor once 16’s roof work is complete.

The shop is always looking for new volunteers for all different skills such as woodworking, metalworking, electrical, etc. However, we welcome everyone of any skill level! We will teach you! Reach out to us at office@ct-trolley.org for more information!

The Wiring Begins

 This past weekend officially began the rerunning of wires in car 16.

Wire runs now begin through the terminal block in the cargo compartment of the car and run through the side panels to the auxiliary systems

Wires for auxiliary systems now running through the terminal block

Phil created wire organizers out of wood in the shop to further help make the wire runs clean and organized for later maintenance/inspection. 

New wire runs down the length of the car

A New Terminal Block and Knife Switch

 This weekend began the process of rewiring 16. It took a long time but all of years of cloth and sheathing has been removed from the main 600 VDC bus wire to make ready for a replacement wire dropping in from the roof. To ensure easy repairs in the future, the shop is routing the main 600 volt wire from the roof of the car into a Terminal Block and Knife switch. The terminal block will be able to control power to auxiliary systems of the car such as the lights and heat. The knife switch is going to be the cutoff for the main propulsion system of the car. There is still a lot of wiring to be done, but this is a large step in the right direction. 

Beginning to construct the box to house the knife switch and terminal block

The box with the terminal block and knife switch mounted

The finished product. The door to the terminal block will be screwed in once the wiring is complete

Tracing the Wires

 As with most equipment from the 1900's, it is very difficult to find any sources of documentation about the equipment. That is no exception for trolley cars. 

This weekend was spent tracing various auxiliary system wires from the main 600 VDC Feeder on car 16. At this point, all the wires for the heating, lighting, and line switch circuits have been traced. This means that in the coming weeks, 16 will begin getting  rewired to make repair work easier in the future and ensure the safe operation of the car. 

Ceiling Panels and Trim have been taken off to trace wires

16's Wiring Work

 With 1326 back in regular service, car 16 was brought into the shop. 16 is due for work on the trucks of the car as well as a general inspection of the condition of the car. The Connecticut Trolley Museum also received a donation from the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts for a new roof for the car.

During the general inspection of the car, Gio and Wil inspected the Line Switch of the car to ensure proper operation. The line switch is an important component of any car that has it, as the part prevents most controller arching. It also acts as a safety to where the car will not operate under 40 pounds of air pressure.

16's Line Switch

During the inspection of the wiring from the main 600 VDC feeder to the auxiliary systems of the car (Lights, heat, Line Switch, etc) a few inconsistencies were found in how the car was wired. Out of an abundance of caution, the shop will be replacing the wiring to these auxiliary systems.

This starts with creating an insulated box on the interior of the car with a copper bar inside to where 600 VDC can safely and cleanly be routed to the auxiliary systems.

The new machined Copper Bar

The box which will be insulated and house the copper bar and wiring