Beam Me Up

 

Progress on replacing the grid box beams has gone better than it might have.  The boxes were all unbolted, and are now safely sitting on the platform.

 

 One of the beams was removed and will be used as a pattern.  The other one has a control circuit conduit sitting on top of it, so the bolts will have to be driven up and out to remove it.  In the meantime, I'll leave it where it is as a safety measure, more or less.  This (L) shows the burned part near the middle.

The beams have a thin strip of wood nailed to the top.  This holds the square-head bolts into the mortises, and also acts as an insulator, I suppose.  (R) The sistered 2x4 is on the left, the original beam to the right with some of the mortises and bolt heads visible.  The old parts are badly rusted and we should probably order new hardware.  I need to get new hardwood to start making the replacement beams toot sweet.

Meanwhile, the interior of the car was warming up, so the rest of the day was spent prepping and painting.  I painted the rest of the baggage racks, as seen here.

And did some more finish painting on the other wall, so we're nearly complete except for the floor.

I'm sure several other projects were in progress, but didn't have a chance to find out.  You know, even if you're not able or willing to help with restoration projects, we could use a reporter to document everything that goes on here at IRM, at least on Saturdays, Sundays, and/or Wednesdays.   Think about it!