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.
 Oporto #172 takes a trip by superhighway April 14, 2003: After several delays due to winter weather and mechanical difficulties, #172 has finally been moved to Lyons Repair of Ebensburg, where it will receive new wheels and axles, and have its rebuilt traction motor installed. Expect to see this neat single-truck, semi-convertible car back in service this summer. Chuck K supplied the pic, but notice he did not get an NS train descending to Horseshoe Curve into the background... |
 #172 pole base overhaul March 8, 2003: As part of expanded work on #172, the pole base was removed for an overhaul, as its bearings are badly worn. Here, a volunteer learns about the inner workings of a pole base, and what happens when a pole base is not properly maintained for many years. |
 #172 project expanded January 25, 2003: The project to replace one wheelset of Oporto car #172 has been expanded so that both wheelsets will be replaced by a contractor, and other truck and motor work may be done at the same time. Volunteers are braving the cold weather, preparing the car by removing steps, the people catcher, and other items. |
 The tie rods are being tightened, insulation cut and foam insulation applied, prior to installing the firs sheet of plywood. |
 Two sheets of plywood have been installed on the side of the caboose. We’re looking for additional volunteers to help with this project. Contact us if you are available. |
 Removing the hundreds of nails from the second side of the caboose has begun. |
 Wooden Interurban Sees New Steel November 21, 2004 As mentioned back in October, our Chicago, Aurora & Elgin wooden interurban has been getting repairs to badly corroded steel frame members at one end of the car. New I-beam pieces have been welded onto 3 of the 4 longitudinal supports for the car's platform. The woodworkers are now ready to get back into gear on their part of the process. A volunteer uses a whole bunch of moving electrons to glue new steel to old on 315. (photo by C. Kumpas) |
 Spooky! October 31, 2004 It's not a Halloween prank. Progress is actually being made on the letterboard replacement of Johnstown 311. All sections of the letterboard have been test fitted and predrilled, the back has been painted, and we are preparing for hot riveting to install the new metal. |
 A close-up gives an idea of what the new letterboard joints will look like once round-head rivets replace the wingnuts temporarily holding the letterboard. |
 Who's cutting up CA&E 315??? October 27, 2004 Our volunteers have recently been seen attacking one end of our Chicago, Aurora & Elgin wooden interurban car with a Sawzall! Their intention is not to eliminate this power-hungry car from our roster; rather they are removing badly rusted portions of steel I-beams exposed during repairs to the wood damaged in a minor fire several years ago. Three structural members of the car's platform have been lopped off in this view, while the nearest I-beam remains in place. The end of the car is supported on jacks. |