Temporary Power is Here!

Thanks to the efforts of Volunteer Jim Lockwood, temporary power circuits are available for restoration crews.  Jim rearranged circuits that were installed for additional outside lighting at the depot to feed a temporary line for the type power service required to operate welders and other construction equipment.

From a junction box behind the depot, a conduit was installed running along the rails to behind the Pine sleeper car.  Jim installed a temporary power panel with several 120 VAC outlets and a 240 VAC 60 Ampere circuit for a welder.  "Actually, since the depot power is a 208 VAC service, there was no way to get 240 VAC, but we did manage to bring out 208 VAC," Jim said.

The conduit we purchased and the wire can be reused when BGMU gets permanent power available.  The conduit was installed without glue so it can be picked up and reused.

Once the temporary panel was installed, Jim immediately began tracing circuits in the Pine sleeper.  The florescent ceiling lights, bathroom mirror lights, and small fans powered right up!  The reading lights in the open section are three position lights add a dramatic effect.  These lights were temporary energized while developing a plan for rewiring the head end power closet.  Once this is done, restoration crews and touring guests will be to visit the car after dark.  Everyone really appreciates the work Jim has done in finding a solution to the power puzzle.  The next electrical work will be in getting circuits traced out in the Diner car and the Presidential car. 

8/24/02