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.