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Illinois Live Steamers!
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Illinois Live Steamers!
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ILS 7.5" November Barn Raising
Story and Photos by Carl
Baskin After several weeks of preparations...including measuring, bolt loosening, material purchasing and structure prefabrication, Bernie Rich’s plans to “raise the roof” on the 7.5" East McCormac Car Barn #1 began to take shape. The weekend of November 15 and 16 were the designated dates with only snow, rain or extreme cold weather to halt any progress. Saturday morning, 9AM...the car barn was emptied of all train equipment. The half round roof sections from the existing car barn were ready to be lifted and moved out of the way. By 10:30AM, the old cinder block foundation was clear of any previous evidence that a storage facility used to live there. Prefabricated wall sections were stacked not far away. These were numbered and installed in sequence. Slowly, walls began to appear where only a roof previously existed. Braces were installed to hold the walls erect until the supports for the upper deck could be added. These braces were notched to locate stringers that would eventually run underneath the upper deck storage track rails. Plywood decking was glued and nailed for the upper storage tracks as well. While this decking was not full width of the car barn, this created enough of a “roof” for the lower storage tracks as well as structure ventilation. With overcast skies most of the day, there wasn’t much daylight left by 4PM in the afternoon. By that time, exterior plywood sheeting was installed on the West wall of the car barn. The East side sheeting was temporarily nailed until the next day. Train equipment stored in the car barn was rolled back under cover for the night. Sunday morning, 9AM...train equipment was rolled out of the car barn. The exterior plywood sheeting was installed on the East side of the car barn. Both sides were then covered with roofing felt paper. The North end of the car barn was framed out to accept the old “flip up” door. As the “half round” roof sections were set in place, it was determined that the old doorway “dog house” would be used temporarily at the South end to close up the car barn. That is, until a more permanent structure could be devised or rebuilt. There’s still more work to be done including: vinyl siding installation, roof attachment, electric lights and receptacle installation and other various door and trim work. The upper deck storage track rails need to be installed. Then, after all that, access tracks and turnouts will need to be installed. For the most part, the car barn lower level is back in service. KUDOS…to Bernie for all his hard work and effort. And let’s not forget the gang of “barn elves” that assisted including: “Son Of Bernie”...Joe Rich, Bruce Moffat, Jim Behnke, John Braico, Tom Stalker, Jim Kubitz, Dave Petersen, Harold Ohlenkamp, Joe Matheu, Jason Gill and Carl Baskin. Additional help on Sunday included: Bob Kanowske, Jeff Large, Mark Spiner and Bob Estler. You guys did good!
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