We are still working with San Jose City Hall to get the
building permit for the steps and electrical hook up for
WP668, our backyard caboose. John has been to the Building
Department 3 times in the last week, before and after work.
John rebuilt the steel and wood of one caboose end landing to connect to
the to-be-built regular-steps-with-handrail-and-balusters; he is also
almost done rebuilding the second landing which will retain its original
steel steps. We have the plans, we have the builder, we have the caboose
painted, we have rebuilt the landing, we are now waiting for official
approval to start.
Yesterday, we spent the evening getting WP668 ready for the
possibility of rain. All of the paint and construction tools and
supplies are under cover now. I have collected most of the bolt ends
and rusted bits of original 1916 caboose replaced during restoration to give
away as souvenirs when we have our caboose warming party. Yesterday, we
also stopped by to talk with the welder who is going to rebuild WP668’s
bay window frame. He may be available next Saturday.
The happy news is that John talked with the
Portola Railroad Museum
(also known as the Western Pacific Railroad Museum) and they told
him where they buy WP decals: the
Borden Decal Co. Borden still makes the decals for the railroads.
Here a small size reproduction of the WP logo we need:
Image Copyright 2007 by Katy Dickinson
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