Construction Update #43

But for some minor repairs, the contractor is now complete. The trim around the archives car door was installed as was the balance of the missing bracing along Line 1. Remaining, is one piece of door jamb around the mandoor on Line 9, and final cleanup. Overall, the work was completed 6 weeks late, due in large part to the permit & DC fiasco which delayed the start by nearly 4 weeks. But for the delay in receiving the Roxul for the firewall, they would have been complete 3 weeks ago.

With the third parts construction phase of the project now complete, the pace will change dramatically. In the short term I plan to bring in a small dozer to trim up the preballast and slab pads, and continue to stockpile track material. However, I do not anticipate any noticeable progress beyond that.

As noted previously, we have applied for grant money for the six track doors, the concrete slabs around the building, ties for the track, and concrete for walkways. The pace of completion of the project is entirely dependent on the level of support (if any) that we get through the grant. As always, we are cautiously optimistic, but we have been very fortunate to have many successful applications through the years, and there are a lot of other fiscal demands on the grant program.

Unrelated to the grant work, work has started on fabricated overhead bridges. The bridges open and close automatically, and permit overhead to be installed through an overhead door. We are grateful to the TTC for loaning us one to copy. In addition, we plan to fabricate trolley boards through the winter such that they are available for installation when we have the opportunity. Work is also underway on the electrical layout and design, although any further electrical installation is unlikely in the short term.

With this phase of the project complete, I'd like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped out along the way. Specifically, I'd like to thank Jim S. for taking a very active role in checking up on the property, and keeping the financial end of the project in line. Your assistance is very much appreciated.

Construction Update #42

We're almost there. Installation of the liner panel on the firewall was completed over the weekend, as was installation of the last mandoor. Remaining is one frame member next to the mandoor, and re-installation of the frame braces on Line 1. The contractor should be substantially complete on Monday. We also installed six more overhead lights over the weekend. Unlike the first four, these are temporarily installed with extension cords, and are only in place to facilitate the track work through the winter. They will be relocated and permanently wired in the future. The rate of progress for the balance of the project depends entirely on the outcome of our grant application - roughly two weeks to go until we know where we stand.

Construction Update #41

Work on the finishing touches is progressing well. The opening for the last mandoor was cut in the wall, and the door and frame will be installed on Friday. About 2/3 of the interior liner panel on the firewall was installed, and should be complete by Saturday.

Construction Update #40

Work by the contractor resumed on November 15, when the two small roll-up doors were installed. The Roxul was delivered on Monday November 17, and installation was 90% complete by the end of Tuesday. Installation of the liner panel commenced yesterday, and the balance of the firewall and installation of the final mandoor is expected to be complete by the end of the week. There are a few deficiencies to correct, but the contract will be substantially complete in the next few days.

Construction Update #39

The barn was preballasted as planned over the weekend of November 8-10. Unfortunately, the loader wasn't up to the task of fine grading, so I'm working on a small dozer and roller to trim it up. At the same time, 2,000' of 90lb rail was dragged up from the west field and neatly stockpiled just east of the barn. Tieplates and joint bars were also sorted, and brought up close to the building. We are eagerely awaiting word on our grant application which will dictate how the balance of the project moves forward.

Another Bonus Photo

Plans are falling into place to get the building preballasted and stockpile all the rail inside in anticipation of track construction through the winter. The work should be complete by the end of the weekend. The contractor will be back on site the week of November 18 to complete the firewall and doors.

Construction Update #38

There is no actual work to report this week, however things are going on behind the scenes. We received a request for copies of the overall project budget and construction plan for review in conjunction with our grant application. This level of interest leads me to believe that they are seriously considering our application. As noted previously, we should find out one way or another the first week of December.

Construction Update #37

The crew is offsite for a while until the firewall insulation and doors are delivered. Nothing much will happen for the next week or two until the required material comes in. The plan is to preballast the barn in the next few weeks in anticipation of building track through the winter. Both activities are subject to funding, But I'm hopeful that someone will underwrite the cost of the loader rental for the ballasting work. We are eagerly awaiting word on our request for funding to do the track, doors and floor - We'll know one way or another in another 6 weeks.

Bonus Photo

The view from the entrance to the yard east of the new building. The three tracks on the right are built to within 100 feet of the building. The three tracks on the left are about 200 feet from the building.

Construction Update #36

Installation of the cladding is now complete. The west wall (Line 9) was closed in yesterday as planned. Remaining, is installation of closures and trim at the North-West corner and trim around the door into the archives. There is also still one mandoor missing on Line K for which the erector is waiting for the frame to come in.

Construction Update #35

The majority of the soffit trim and steel closures were installed on Line K. Installation of the cladding on Line 9 continued. I was advised that the cladding will be complete by Wednesday - we'll see. The delivery of the firewall material has been delayed until November 14.

Construction Update #34

After a few days off, the boys were back at it again yesterday. The soffit closures were installed on Line A, as was the mandoor at the east end of Barn 3. The mandoor was also installed on Line 1 (East End). Installation of the soffitt trim & closures on Line K is underway, and they appear to be saving the installation of the cladding on Line 9 next to the boxcar for last. Please excuse the less frequent updates, but progress is going to be hit & miss for the next couple of weeks until installation of the fire wall can commence.

Construction Update #33

After a two day hiatus, the boys were back at it today. The soffit trim and closures were installed on Line 1, and the first mandoor was installed on Line K. Installation of the flashing between the new and old roofs was installed, as was half of the cladding on Line 9. About 2 days of work remains to complete the cladding, trim and doors.

Milton Champion Article

The above article was published in the Milton Champion last week.

Construction Update #32

The East wall cladding is now substantially complete. Remaining on the East wall (Line 1) is installation of the mandoor, and soffitt closures and trim. Attention will now turn to installation of the west wall (Line 9).

Construction Update #31

Not much to report today. The crew took an extended Thanksgiving weekend, and the cladding work on Line 1 never got completed last week. The mandoor frame on the end of the archives car adjoining the building was completed over the weekend however. Once the cladding is on line 9, the opening will permit passage from the car into the barn.

The firewall insulation is on backorder, and delivery is expected on or about October 27. Once the cladding on Line 1 and 9 is complete, I expect the crew will demobilize until the insulation arrives. When they come back, new piers will be poured for the roll up door on Line K, and the two roll-up doors for the parts area, and the four mandoors will be installed.

Fundraising continues. Please keep those contributions coming. We are currently investigating the feasibility of monthly debits by the bank to allow for regular planned contributions - Details to follow. The project also got some good press in the Milton Champion last week. I'll publish the article once I get it scanned.

Construction Update #30

Work on the cladding and trim continues. The East end (Line 1) is now 3/4" closed in, and will be completed by the end of the week.

Construction Update #29

Work on the cladding on Line 1 commenced with the installation of braces, and trim. Work ground to a halt with the onset of heavy rain mid-morning. Work will resume on Thursday.

Construction Update #28

The cladding on the north wall (Line K) is now basically complete. Remaining to be installed is the soffit trim, and the trim and framing for the two mandoors. Installation of the the light panel is also compete.

Construction Update #27

Work on the cladding on Line K continued. The grabirons were also cut off the east end of the Archives car next to the barn to facilitate installation of the cladding on Line 9.

Construction Update #26

Framing work on Line K continued, and installation of the cladding commenced. The cladding as about 50% installed on the lower portion of Line K. A 3' light panel will be installed above it, with another 3' of steel up to the roof. The light panel should reduce the need for lighting during the day. Fundraising continues, and just under $5,000 was raised over the weekend. Thanks to all contributors. Please keep the donations coming, regardless of the amount - every $20 helps.

Construction Update #25

Things are starting to come together. The ridge cap was installed on the roof, and but for some missing screws, the roof sheeting is now complete. The grade girt was installed on Line K, as was the door frame for the roll-up door. The framing was installed on Line 9 next to the archives cars with a corresponding door frame. The framing was completed on Line 1 except for the mandoor on the south side. Installation of cladding on the East and North walls will commence shortly.

Construction Update #24

Work on the East wall (Line 1) framing is progressing well, and should be completed in another day or so. Work on the roof had to be suspended due to continued wet weather. High Bay lighting was installed by museum forces in the middle of the building, which will enable work to continue inside once the walls are fully closed in.

Construction Update #23

Work on the roof continued, but had to be put on hold due to heavy rain. Attention then turned to the end framing on Line 1. The door frame for the parts area roll-up door is in, and work is underway on the track door frames.

Construction Update #22

The boys had a busy day as they installed the balance of the roof sheeting on the north half of the roof. All roof sheeting is now installed. Remaining, is installation of the ridge cap, and soffit trim & closures. A detailed inspection revealed that only minimal screws have been installed thus far, and it would appear that a second pass over the whole roof is required to complete the installation.

Construction Update #21

Work on the roof continues to progress well. About 40% of the roof on the north half of the building has now been installed. Between installing the balance of the sheeting and the ridge panel, there are about two days work to be done to complete the roof. So far, the weather has been excellent throughout construction, but with fall slowly arriving, rain days will become more frequent. The plan is to continue with cladding and framing as the weather permits, and install the firewall on rain days. Donations are still coming in, but your continued support is still needed. We submitted our grant application for the walkway slabs, end doors and ties today. We expect to hear whether our application was successful or not by mid-December.

Construction Update #20

The south half of the roof is now virtually complete. The concrete for the missing door piers was poured yesterday, and the concrete work is now complete. New anchor bolts were installed on line K to account for a layout error, and the building is now fully secured to the foundations. With the piers complete, the endwall framing on lines 1 (east wall) and K (north wall) can now be completed.

Construction Update #19

Work on the roof is progressing well, with the south half approximately 60% installed. The piers for the door posts were excavated, and forms installed. Concrete will be poured Thursday or Friday. Overall the project is progressing on time and on budget.

Construction Update #18

Installation of the roof sheeting is underway on the south half of the building. The contractor is installing the eave trim and closures as they progress westwards. At the current pace, installation of the roof will take another 7 days.

Construction Update #17

Installation of the exterior cladding & ceramic firestop on line A is complete except for trimming. Attention will now turn to installing the roof sheeting on the south half of the building. This will facilitate installation of the fire rates interior wall during inclement weather if required.

We plan to apply for a grant to install track doors, install concrete walkways around the perimeter of the building (on the inside), and purchase ties to construct the 1080 feet of track inside the barn this coming winter. I have finished assembling all the various quotations, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that the application is successful.

Construction Update #16

The grade girt on Line A was installed, and installation of the exterior cladding has started. While the building is not insulated, the wall on Line A has to be fire rated due to its proximity to the south property line. The wall will consist of cladding both on the exterior and interior, and the cavity will be filled with Roxul insulation. This expensive precaution is required to protect any future structure on the neighbours property in the event of a fire in the barn.

Construction Update #15

Work on the small details is underway. The cladding strips along lines A and K were installed, as were the drip strips for the light panel on Line K. Work on trim and flashing will continue and installation of the cladding will commence shortly.

Construction Update #14

The erection of the structural steel is nearly complete. The wall structure against Barn 3 was installed, as were the balance of the gussets and braces. The roof cladding bundles were set on the roof, and installation of the wall cladding will commence on the south wall in the next couple of days. The missing piers for the door frames should be poured by early next week.

Construction Update #13

Progress continues to be made on the structure as all of the miscellaneous braces, brackets and cable guys are installed and adjusted. The contractor neglected to pour piers for the door posts on line 1, and around the roll-up door on line K so these need to be installed before they can complete the structural steel.

Fundraising Update #2

Fundraising is ongoing, and we are extremely grateful for all your generous contributions. Since July 1, just under $50,000 has been donated. This is a tremendous achievement, but we are still well short of our goal. The building fund will be "In the Red" very shortly, and every single dollar donated is a dollar less we have to finance and waste money paying interest on. Please keep your contributions coming.


RECENT DONATIONS - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
SUPERINTENDENT - Over $25,000
NIL

TRAINMASTER - $5,000 to $24,999
Anonymous
Beer, Sandra
Johns, David & Sherri

CONDUCTOR - $1,000 to $4,999
Gingrich, Jack
Reed, Alex
Twigge-Molecey, Tom

ENGINEER - $500 to $999
Barrett, Dave
Green, Dorothy M
Skillen, John
Watson, William

TRAINMAN - $100 to $499
Bernard, Julian
Seaton, William
Sorensen, Jim
Roebuck, Al
Steele, John
Lubinski, Robert & Tiffany
Anonymous
Anonymous
Jordan, Lionel
Owen, Rick
Smith, Howard
Twigge-Molecey, Chris
Waltenbery, Duane
Wright, Earl
Zeijlstra, Pauline & Ozwald

TRAINEE - Up to $99
Anderson, Burns & Lovonne
Barker, Kevin
Bolce, Paul
James, W.A.
Kelley, John
Ogilvie, John
Stoller, Allan
Keigher, William
Mallion, Godfrey

Construction Update #12

The erection of the superstructure is progressing well. All of the main frames and roof purlins have been installed, and attention has turned to the small details. The grade girt is being installed, as is the cross bracing & small stiffeners. I met with the erector today to fine tune door locations, etc. and he feels that he will be finished with the structural steel & be ready to commence cladding in the next couple of days. Funds are still needed - Please keep those donations coming.

Feedback Requested

Thus far, I have received no questions and very few comments in this forum. I'd like your feedback - Does the content provide sufficient detail? Are updates frequent enough? Is there other content which you would like to see posted? Are there other aspects of the project which deserve more attention? Your input is appreciated. Simply click on the "Comment" button below.

Construction Update #11

Erection of the superstructure continues to progress well. With any luck, this phase of the project will be complete by the middle of next week, and work on the roof and wall cladding will commence. Thanks to J.S. for the photos.

Construction Update #10

Erection of the structural steel is progressing well. As of the end of yesterday, the walls were up on Lines A and K, the endwall framing was up on Line 1, and the rafters were half set on lines 7 and 8. Funds are still needed for the project. I will provide a fundraising update in the next few days, but in ther interim, please keep those contributions coming. Every little bit helps.

Construction Update #9

Erection of the structural steel commenced on Tuesday, with the installation of columns and girts along Line A. By the end of the day all of the columns were up on Line K. Progress is going to appear very rapid from this point on.

Construction Update #8

Work on the steel superstructure started today as planned. The steel was inventoried & distributed around the site in preparation for erection. If the weather co-operates, the first columns will be standing tomorrow.

Construction Update #7

Well, the dirt work is finally finished. All of the footings & piers were backfilled between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening. Two rented skid-steers did most of the work, and a makeshift screen was fabricated to separate the big rocks from the fill material around the piers. Thanks to everyone who assisted with this labour intensive endeavour. The steel will be distributed around the site, and with any luck, it will start going up today.

Construction Update #6

The foundations for the building are now compete. The balance of the piers were formed and poured this afternoon. They will be stripped and backfilled over the weekend as noted previously. With the concrete work now complete, the risks to the project as a result of poor weather are significantly reduced. Starting Monday, the daily progress will be obvious as the steel goes up.

Construction Update #5

The footings on Lines F and K were formed and poured. The piers on Lines A and C were stripped, and will be set on Lines F and K today. The plan is to pour the balance of the piers today, strip on Saturday and backfill all weekend. Erection of the superstructure for the south half of the building is scheduled to start next Monday.

Construction Update #4

The building superstructure and cladding was delivered on Tuesday as planned. Thanks to Jim S. for looking after delivery. Work on the footings for Lines F and K continued.

Construction Update #3

The project continues to progress. The footings on Line A and C are complete, as are the piers. These two lines are ready for backfilling. Formwork and reinforcing steel for the balance of the footings are underway, and will be complete by the end of this week. The excavations will be backfilled this coming week, and then we sit back and watch the building rise. The superstructure is scheduled for delivery today.

Construction Update #2

Work on the foundations is progressing well. The Building inspector was on site on Tuesday and approved the excavations. Wooden forms and reinforcing steel mats were installed yesterday on Lines A and C (South wall and South row of interior piers) and the concrete is being poured today. The piers on Line A and C will be poured tomorrow, and the process will repeat early next week on Line F and K (North row of interior piers, and North wall). The excavations will be backfilled the weekend of September 6 & 7, and erection of the superstructure will commence on September 8th.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE #1

Well, it's been over 20 years in the making, but construction has started. Final site cleanup took place on Friday and Saturday, and excavation of the foundations started Saturday night. By Sunday night the excavation was completed, and everything is ready for foundations. Thanks to Gord B., Doug M., Brian M., Chris F., John J., John M., Ian C., Ian S., Dave A., John S. for all their hard work slinging boulders and trimming the excavations.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS!!!

Foundation layout is happening this morning, and foundation excavation will commence this afternoon! Things are going to start happening fast, so check back frequently for updates. After 25 years of waiting, it's finally happening!!!

Pre-Construction Update #4

Well, we're finally in the home stretch. After what can only be described as a mind-numbingly painful week full of unnecessary complications and unforseen obstacles, we received our Building Permit on Friday August 15th. We must offer our sincere thanks to the Town of Milton Building Department for all of their hard work to get everything approved in time to avoid the Development Charge increase on August 18th.

With the permit issued, the "Pre-construction" phase of the project is now over - posts from here forward will be "Construction Updates". Even the titles make progress. The current plan is do have the foundations laid out by Friday August 22, and complete excavation of the foundations by Monday August 25. Foundation work will commence shortly thereafter. The building superstructure is scheduled for deliver on August 27th.

Fundraising is ongoing, so please keep those contributions coming! Every $20 makes a difference.

Pre-Construction Update #3

Things are finally rolling along! I received word yesterday that the Building Permit is approved and ready to pick-up. Next week, we'll finalize the development charges with the Town, and get the permit issued. Foundation layout will take place the week of August 18th, and the foundations will be excavated between August 22 and 24. I expect that the foundations will be completed by the end of the first week of September, and erection of the red iron will commence shortly thereafter. Donations continue to be received, and we are getting closer and closer to our goal. Please keep those contributions coming!

Fundraising Update #1

Exciting News! On July 27th we received a $10,000 donation towards the project in memory of Bob and Joan Johns. Our sinceres thanks to David Johns for his generosity. This is in addition to nearly $1,000 in smaller donations received in the past week, and a commitment from a member for another $10,000. With $21,000 donated or committed, we are already 28% of the way to our goal! Please keep those contributions coming!

Pre-Construction Update #2

We received the foundation drawings yesterday. They were submitted to the Town Building Department along with the structural drawings. They are being treated as a "Design change" which means that it is simply an amendment to our existing permit application. This saves us the hassle of filing a new application which would have an additional cost of up to $10K. The Building department advised that they would do their best to review the drawings quickly, and get the permit approved prior to the DC increase on August 18th. Needless to say, I will be in regular contact with the reviewing officer to keep things moving.

Pre-Construction Update #1

Things are rolling. The structural design is complete, as is the foundation design. Once we receive the final stamped drawings (which I anticipate in the next day or two) I'll take them into the Town Building department to update our permit application.

At this point, we anticipate that the Town will require 3 weeks for review & signoff, which means the permit will be ready on or about August 15. This is a critical date, as permits issued after the 18th of August are subject to increased regional development charges, the implication of which is a cost increase to us of over $30,000. Needless to say we will be pushing for permit approval prior to the 18th.

Foundation excavation will commence as soon as the permit is issued, and foundation installation should commence within a week of excavation.

We have also launched our "Raising the Barn" campaign. We are counting on the continued support of our members, members of the public, and the private sector to help us reach our financial goal. In addition to construction updates, we will also use this forum to promote donations and provide updates on the state of the campaign.

Once things get moving, I will post more regular updates, so check back here frequently to keep up with our progress.

We're Committed...

On June 18 a draft Purchase order was issued to the building supplier. The final Purchase Order was issued on June 23, and a eposit has been sent. Things are rolling! Cleanup of the building site is nearly complete, thanks to the tireless efforts of several of our members. Design work is ongoing, and I expect to have the Permit Drawings ready to submit within the next week or so. Once the permit drawings are in, it's a waiting game until we receive approval.

Fundraising is an ongoing theme, and we are in the process of launching a new campaign. Members should watch their mailboxes for the special appeal. We are developing a corporate fundraising strategy which will be put into action in the coming weeks.

BARN 4 STARTS!

BIG NEWS! On June 10, 2008 the OERHA Board of Directors approved construction of car barn 4. A purchase order will be issued by June 19, and construction will commence in July.

The need for a new carbarn was identified in the early eighties even as car barn 3 was being built. It will ensure that all equipment that is currently outside, can be stored indoors. It will also provide a home for the equipment in Barn 1, which is slated for partial demolition next year.

While it would seem that nothing much has happened over the last few years, the reality is quite different. All of the groundwork for the project has already been laid. The site was graded, and a granular base was placed in December 2003. During 2004, the lead track and ladder, and a portion of the yard tracks feeding the building were built. Since then, materials have been gathered up including lights, fixtures, overhead and track components, and granulars. The past few months have been incredibly busy with negotiations with the Town of Milton, and our building contractor.

I am currently writing up the purchase order for the building, including technical requirements and terms & conditions. With any luck we will have engineering drawings in to the town by early July.

I will attempt to provide frequent updates and photos of progress. Much work has yet to be done, but we are finally underway.