Latest Activity
2Q-3Q 2015
During this six month period we added a new project - resurrecting an ALCO RS3 from retirement. While taking on that project Tom Jankovich continued his focus on renovating the Bradenton, spending a ton of time removing paint, patching bad spots in the interior, and priming for new paint around the Porter's area. This is easily summarized into a one-liner here but trust us - Tom has spent many hours in a hot, dusty, railroad car moving this project forward while assisting Dave with the RS3 and freeing Dave up to focus more on the RS3 without seeing the Bradenton project come to stop. Tom has not only dedicated a lot of hard work but has been generous in willingness to provide his own supplies in many cases. Thanks Tom!
We have made some changes to the website to focus less on detailed text and more on pictures and graphics. Please click on the links and pictures to see more.
March - April 2015 Update 4/18/15
We made great progress in a number of areas during the time since the last update.
Tom Jankovich and Dave continued to work on the Bradenton ventilation system and electrical projects. The air ducts have been cleaned, filters installed and (relatively) clean air is moving throughout the car --- sure helps when working inside in the hot Florida days coming soon. Tom has done an outstanding job getting more lighting working in roomettes and bedrooms. In early April we got the Porter Call System working, well - about 85%. It's very cool to hear the chimes and room access buzzers working and to see the room numbers drop down in the service annunciator panel.
Thanks to Bob Bachman for building new window-sills for the windows in the Bradenton - a great improvement over the badly deteriorated particle board & laminate sills that were falling apart or missing. Bob got five done before he headed north. We hope there will be more to come next year.
Pete Curtis and Gene Hughey got a lot of painting done at the Parrish Depot. Dave and Pete get a bunch of pressure washing done on several of the cars ---- much left to do.
And then there was Rusty, aka Russell Demastus.
Rusty stopped by to visit in mid-February and worked like a demon until leaving in mid-March to head back up north. Rusty, a semi-retired Navy Sr. Chief, is in Florida only part of the year. He asked if he could work on our 1911 Baldwin steam locomotive #3749 --- badly in need of repair - and he sure did. The former Frisco locomotive had last served as an animated display, named the Orange Blossom Special, at Church Street Station in Orlando before coming to FRRM. Somewhere along it's life it had been heavily bondo-ed. Those familiar with metal know this can lead to short-term appearance improvement but in some cases long-term deterioration as a result of moisture retained under the bondo (type) filler. Rusty spent an enormous amount of time grinding, sanding and priming much of the locomotive - not an easy task under the hot Florida sun. He also removed much rotted lumber from the cab and will be working to restore that as time permits. Check out some of the pictures. Besides providing us the benefit of his considerable knowledge of metal and heavy equipment, when Rusty discovered our portable air-compressor, which he needed for metal-working tools, was out of service due to a failed engine, he stepped up and donated and installed a new motor on the compressor. Volunteers like Rusty are why the Florida Railroad Museum is able to continue, with minimum funding, to do great work to preserve railroad history!
We look forward to his return to Florida and the FRRM later this year.
All this while Thomas was in town and the Museum was hosting it's Cottontail Express --- a very busy time indeed.
January - February 2015 Update 2/14/15
January 2015 was a very busy month, mostly with outside Parrish activities. Pete, Gene and Dave spent a lot of time pressure washing and general cleanup of the Parrish Depot, two steam locomotives, portions of other cars and portions of the Ticket Office (baggage car). We will be working hard through February to complete pressure washing of all static and rolling stock at Parrish - an enormous task. We also will be working on re-painting the Parrish Depot ---- phew!
Maybe not the biggest but certainly the most exciting project in this period was getting the Bradenton HVAC blower motor working. This is a 1 HP horse of a motor used to push air throughout the rooms. We had to drop the (80 lb.) motor, get it re-wired and re-install it in the ceiling of the vestibule -- quite a job. Thanks a bunch to Gene Hughey, Tom Jankovich, our newest volunteer, and Glenn Miley for pitching in to get this done. It sure sounded sweet to hear that big blower start up and feel the fresh air moving throughout the car, probably the first time in at least 17 - 18 years, if not more. Check out the pictures of our activity and look for more to be added by the end of February. A special thanks to Tom for diving right in and helping so much with the blower project. He just joined the museum within the early part of February and was a major part of getting the motor properly wired and re-installed.
December 2014 Update
It's been awhile since we updated the page but we have not been idle. Since the late September update we have:
- completed additional paint removal
- ordered and installed (thanks to Gene Hughey for installation) stainless steel panels where plumbing access panels were missing in the Bradenton passageway
- powered the Bradenton - yes, we now have two AC circuits properly cabled into the Bradenton - single phase 120 VAC and 3-phase 220 VAC, proper umbilical cords installed to plug into the Ticket Office (TO) car or other 120/220 volt sources. Yes, we are no longer powering the car from an extension cord running in through the toilet of the public restroom --- YAHOO! Much thanks to Gene Hughey who did the bulk of the electrical work in installing the two circuits from the TO car
- completed some minor work on windows and researched next steps for window re-conditioning
- started work to make the air-handler functional - the main reason for the new 3-phase feed
And of course there is more going on in Parrish than just renovating the Bradenton. Pete Curtis has spent a lot of time working around the site, installing/removing Christmas and North Pole Express decorations, signs, etc. along with unloading and spreading 15 yards of mulch and painting - with help from Gene Hughey and the Geek. Thanks Pete!
Check out some of the pictures of our October to December activity.
You can click through the picture gallery of the wall-stripping/re-finishing project below or check out some of the videos on the YouTube links below for some of the actual work. You might find the additional pictures on our Picture page interesting.
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Project Plans and Activities
In general work will proceed in phases at a pace driven by available volunteer resources and funding - both currently limited but growing.
Project Plans - Outline (Steps not necessarily in order of priority or precedence)
1. Cleaning all surfaces - primarily stainless steel and painted metal.
2. Removal of all moldy material - replacement where possible.
3. Completion of the passageway lighting project. (Mid-August 2014, all ceiling fixtures functional; minor tweaking only remaining.
4. Analysis of other lighting systems such as those in the cabins/roomettes along with room fan systems.
5. In-depth analysis and documentation of the electrical wiring with emphasis on the power control room near the porter area, where all circuit breakers, regulators, etc. are located. Determination will be made as to which systems can be adapted to operate from single-phase 120/220 VAC power or from low-voltage supplies that are powered from 120 VAC.
6. Stripping old, hardened glue from wood panels formerly covered with carpeting in the passageway walls. Initially, once stripped & sanded, these surfaces will be painted in the traditional beige/brown color scheme.
7. Repair or replacement of window sills as needed.
8. Covering passageway floors. Initially this might be a simple coat of deck-paint. Another early option might be to cover the wood with a vinyl hall-runner material. Ultimately carpeting or a high quality vinyl floor product would most accurately reflect the original floor treatment.
9. Re-wiring AC supply circuit(s) used to power the Bradenton to accommodate additional loads of cabin lighting, fans, etc. Improve ventilation.
10. Replacement of the existing extension cord with a more permanent and code-compliant solution.
11. Development of detailed documentation including whatever can be found or located through research as well as what needs to be developed locally is a critical function throughout this project. This function will not be overlooked or put off in the interest of speeding up the project.
12. An early goal would be to return the passageway and at least two roomettes to full functionality of lighting, fans, beds, wash-bowls (stowing/lowering - not running water), etc. At a minimum it would be most desirable for all lighting to be functional and all surfaces, materials, mattresses, etc. to be cleaned. Staging items such as travelers bedding, suit, shoes, briefcase, etc. will be replaced with suitable articles as they are all heavily mildewed and moldy. Some sort of flooring or covering for the bare plywood floors would be highly desirable in these two rooms.
I estimate these initial activities will extend through the remainder of 2014, at least. Additional activities, objectives, etc. will be added to this plan as the project and processes unfold and information is collected or developed -- and as additional volunteer resources and sources of funding materialize.
Other long-term goals include creating a historical display area in one of the full-size rooms, once it has working lighting, is fully cleaned and has a floor treatment.
Phase One Projects
In Phase One of our projects we are looking for maximum improvement in the visitor experience in the least amount of time for the least amount of expense. There will be a Phase Two where bigger, long-term projects will be taken on such as re-painting and carpeting and probably a Phase Three where really big and typically very expensive projects are tackled like air-conditioning the car. Adjustments will be made as plans evolve and support increases or decreases.
Here are some of the projects under-way or planned in Phase One.
Lighting/Electrical
Passageway Lighting
Less than 50% of the lamps worked initially and some that worked were dim or intermittent. This is an active project and is considered a priority due to the visual impact it will have on visitors.
Status: As of 8/20/14 all 15 ceiling fixtures were working and most at full brightness. Two fixtures need additional tweaking and some hardware that was missing needs to be replaced. Expected completion: 8/28/14
Room Lighting
Less of a priority than Passageway but fairly high due to potential visitor impact.
Phase Two electrical projects will include installing more robust electrical circuits to feed The Bradenton.
General Cleaning
A top priority but impacted by electrical projects due to dirt created working in ceilings.
Ceilings and upper Passageway painted surfaces were cleaned once but need additional cleaning after Passageway lighting is working.
Floors
In Phase One we would like to perform light sanding, maybe just wire-brushing, and then paint the entire Passageway floor with a sturdy floor or deck paint - similar to that used in the Ticket Office. This should be relatively inexpensive and should make a slight improvement in smell and a major visual improvement. In Phase Two we will want to cover the Passageway floor either with a vinyl runner or with indoor/outdoor carpeting.
Treating the room/cabin floors is probably a Phase Three project but could be moved up to Phase Two depending on interest and support from others.
Bedding (and other materials)
Thorough cleaning, disinfecting and, where necessary replacing bedding and related cloth items.
Passenger Seating
All the seats need to be thoroughly cleaned with some form of upholstery cleaner and a good vacuum. I have vacuumed many of the seats but much left to do in this area.
Light General Mechanical Repair
Phase One projects in this category include such as replacing a few wooden window-sills, replacing cracked mirrors and repairing sinks & toilets to the extent they can all be stowed and opened without issue, including the public toilet across from the Porters area. There are also a number of doors that won’t open, or close - these should have at least minimal functionality.
Project Plans - Outline (Steps not necessarily in order of priority or precedence)
1. Cleaning all surfaces - primarily stainless steel and painted metal.
2. Removal of all moldy material - replacement where possible.
3. Completion of the passageway lighting project. (Mid-August 2014, all ceiling fixtures functional; minor tweaking only remaining.
4. Analysis of other lighting systems such as those in the cabins/roomettes along with room fan systems.
5. In-depth analysis and documentation of the electrical wiring with emphasis on the power control room near the porter area, where all circuit breakers, regulators, etc. are located. Determination will be made as to which systems can be adapted to operate from single-phase 120/220 VAC power or from low-voltage supplies that are powered from 120 VAC.
6. Stripping old, hardened glue from wood panels formerly covered with carpeting in the passageway walls. Initially, once stripped & sanded, these surfaces will be painted in the traditional beige/brown color scheme.
7. Repair or replacement of window sills as needed.
8. Covering passageway floors. Initially this might be a simple coat of deck-paint. Another early option might be to cover the wood with a vinyl hall-runner material. Ultimately carpeting or a high quality vinyl floor product would most accurately reflect the original floor treatment.
9. Re-wiring AC supply circuit(s) used to power the Bradenton to accommodate additional loads of cabin lighting, fans, etc. Improve ventilation.
10. Replacement of the existing extension cord with a more permanent and code-compliant solution.
11. Development of detailed documentation including whatever can be found or located through research as well as what needs to be developed locally is a critical function throughout this project. This function will not be overlooked or put off in the interest of speeding up the project.
12. An early goal would be to return the passageway and at least two roomettes to full functionality of lighting, fans, beds, wash-bowls (stowing/lowering - not running water), etc. At a minimum it would be most desirable for all lighting to be functional and all surfaces, materials, mattresses, etc. to be cleaned. Staging items such as travelers bedding, suit, shoes, briefcase, etc. will be replaced with suitable articles as they are all heavily mildewed and moldy. Some sort of flooring or covering for the bare plywood floors would be highly desirable in these two rooms.
I estimate these initial activities will extend through the remainder of 2014, at least. Additional activities, objectives, etc. will be added to this plan as the project and processes unfold and information is collected or developed -- and as additional volunteer resources and sources of funding materialize.
Other long-term goals include creating a historical display area in one of the full-size rooms, once it has working lighting, is fully cleaned and has a floor treatment.
Phase One Projects
In Phase One of our projects we are looking for maximum improvement in the visitor experience in the least amount of time for the least amount of expense. There will be a Phase Two where bigger, long-term projects will be taken on such as re-painting and carpeting and probably a Phase Three where really big and typically very expensive projects are tackled like air-conditioning the car. Adjustments will be made as plans evolve and support increases or decreases.
Here are some of the projects under-way or planned in Phase One.
Lighting/Electrical
Passageway Lighting
Less than 50% of the lamps worked initially and some that worked were dim or intermittent. This is an active project and is considered a priority due to the visual impact it will have on visitors.
Status: As of 8/20/14 all 15 ceiling fixtures were working and most at full brightness. Two fixtures need additional tweaking and some hardware that was missing needs to be replaced. Expected completion: 8/28/14
Room Lighting
Less of a priority than Passageway but fairly high due to potential visitor impact.
Phase Two electrical projects will include installing more robust electrical circuits to feed The Bradenton.
General Cleaning
A top priority but impacted by electrical projects due to dirt created working in ceilings.
Ceilings and upper Passageway painted surfaces were cleaned once but need additional cleaning after Passageway lighting is working.
- Lower Passageway walls not cleaned yet.
- Roomette/cabin surfaces all need a good cleaning - not started.
- All upholstery needs to be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized.
- All bedding needs to be either removed and cleaned or replaced due to odors and appearance; there is much mildew.
- Privacy curtains stored in Passageway locker need to be cleaned and if unable to clean need to be removed from the car due to mildew. Cleaning is preferable but would probably remain in storage anyway for a period - maybe in the bedding locker in Porter area. These are fairly large and of heavy material, such as a bed spread, and will probably require a large capacity washer - I guess.
- The public toilet needs a good cleaning but additional electrical work needs to be done to move the power cord out of the toilet bowl (on my list).
Floors
In Phase One we would like to perform light sanding, maybe just wire-brushing, and then paint the entire Passageway floor with a sturdy floor or deck paint - similar to that used in the Ticket Office. This should be relatively inexpensive and should make a slight improvement in smell and a major visual improvement. In Phase Two we will want to cover the Passageway floor either with a vinyl runner or with indoor/outdoor carpeting.
Treating the room/cabin floors is probably a Phase Three project but could be moved up to Phase Two depending on interest and support from others.
Bedding (and other materials)
Thorough cleaning, disinfecting and, where necessary replacing bedding and related cloth items.
Passenger Seating
All the seats need to be thoroughly cleaned with some form of upholstery cleaner and a good vacuum. I have vacuumed many of the seats but much left to do in this area.
Light General Mechanical Repair
Phase One projects in this category include such as replacing a few wooden window-sills, replacing cracked mirrors and repairing sinks & toilets to the extent they can all be stowed and opened without issue, including the public toilet across from the Porters area. There are also a number of doors that won’t open, or close - these should have at least minimal functionality.