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.