Car Preservation & Restoration
Here are some images of our car acquisition, preservation and restoration activities. Choose different cars from the drop-down list to see a particular car's restoration photos. Most of the time, clicking on an image will result in a larger version being displayed.
 Before starting the retrucking process, the carbody looked like this, sitting on jackstands. |
 Jacks were moved to the other end of the car and it was raised an equal amount. The jacking had to be carefully coordinated to prevent wracking (twisting) the car frame, which is relatively flexible. |
 With only a few hours work, the carbody seemed to be levitating more than 3 feet off the ground In actuality, it was securely supported on two lengths of 4x4 steel tubing. The height allowed plenty of clearance to easily move the trucks into place |
 In this view, the far truck was already in place as our skid loader towed the second under the car. In the distance, a volunteer guides chains pulling the truck into place. |
 With the trucks in place, the tough work began when the center bearings of the car and truck were found to be considerably out of line sideways. Here the wisest volunteers puzzle over strategy for shifting the second truck from outside the truck... |
 A filthier volunteer coaxes and pries from under the car. Using wedges, chains, lining bars, a skid loader, and a selection of choice words, the truck was finally beaten into submission, and the car settled comfortably onto its trucks. |
 The retrucking crew took a few minutes for a photo break and to consider a job well done. |
 Pulled by the Brookville locomotive, Johnstown 355 then departed Buehler Shop for the first time in many years! The car was relocated to Carbarn 2, where it will be stored until early next year when it will go to a contractor for the next phase of its restoration. |
 Needless to say, all our volunteers are eager for the day 355 can run to Carbarn 2 under its own power. While progress is slow, that day is unquestionably drawing closer with each volunteer hour put into the car! The retrucking is certainly a milestone in the process. |
 Oporto #172 wheelwork update October 4, 2003: An RTM volunteer models two shiny new wheelsets ready to go under #172 when truck and motor work is completed in the near future. The contractor's work on 172 is nearing completion, with the second motor finished, the wheelsets complete, and much of the truck frame repair complete. |