A complete "half" of one newly built exterior poplar arched frame
for the 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban, Narcissus sits on top of a
few frame segments. The segments will be assembled following the addition of
"fingers," gluing, and planing. Each complete "half" arched frame will then have
turns on three specially made shapers before several passes along special router
blades that will then shape the arched frame with contours and grooves to
match the graceful lines of the original poplar arched frames of the Narcissus.
PWM
This Narcissus Blog post is the third in a series on the exemplary woodwork being done with the exterior poplar arched frames by Seashore Trolley Museum member/volunteer, Lary Shaffer. The exterior poplar arched frames hold the mahogany sash/frames that contain the ornate leaded stained glass windows that are above each pair of passenger windows, except on the No. 2 end, where there is a single sash window (The No. 2 end of the Narcissus is affectionately referred to as the "Teddy End". For it is from the open train door on the No. 2 end, from whence Theodore Roosevelt waved to the assembled crowd of residents
There are thirteen passenger windows along each side of the Narcissus. Twelve "double-sash" or pairs of windows and one single-sash window. There is an arched wooden frame on the exterior of the Narcissus over each single or each pair of windows. Each of the poplar arched frames is made up of a combination of left and right, "half", and a "tail that extends from the top of the frame and runs parallel with the body of the car. These are extremely complicated designs. In addition, the original design had each half of the arches made from one solid piece of poplar board. This use of a single board would prove to be a design flaw. Within the tips at the ends of each arched half, failing.
The flaw in the design relates to the grain of the poplar wood in a single board. The direction of the grain of the poplar in the final two or three inches at the tips of each arched frame is structurally the "weak link", and virtually every end had broken away from every single poplar arched frame section. Good fortune had two broken end pieces nailed into place. Having these allowed Lary to have one complete set of the two halves intact. Although in pieces. With these intact arches, he could then create a wooden pattern to use as he developed the plan to repair the ends of fifty "halves" of arched frames and to rebuild four halves completely.
An original arched frame half will need repair. PWM
Lary Shaffer used the shaper table to cut "fingers" into the end. The
new vintage poplar arched frame segments will be used to replace
missing frames of the Narcissus. PWM
Lary Shaffer holding the jig he made to hold an arched frame
half-segment to have its "fingers" cut by the knives on the shaper
table. Lary had to make several different jigs to be used on
the shaper table for the various segments made to
repair and/or build the complicated design of the exterior
arched frame of the Narcissus. PWM
Three of the fifty arched frames with the vintage poplar wood in
place. Each of these arches will have turns on three specially-made
shapers before several passes along special router blades that will
then shape the new arched frame ends with contours and grooves
to match the graceful lines of the original poplar arched frames
of the Narcissus. PWM
An original poplar arched frame from Narcissus resting in a vise.
Waiting for the glued "fingers" that now
connect the original poplar to the new vintage poplar end.
PWM
The second video (below) has Lary assessing the block of vintage poplar for where to make the cut for the new section of the frame, then squaring it up.
The third video (below) has Lary explaining the assembly of the segments.
The fourth video (below) has Lary gluing the fingered segments together, then, plane, a completed "new" half-arch frame.
Part four of this series will be released after Lary has completed repairs to all original arched frame ends (50) and finished building three complete sets of arches. When all the above is done, we will video Lary attaching and "running" left, then right, then complete a half with the various router knives, on the various jigs, made for the shaper.
Click here to see Part 1 in the series of 4 - exterior poplar framework and to see Lary's bio.
Click Here to see Part 2 of the exterior poplar framework
Click Here to see Part 4 of the exterior poplar framework
Click here to view the post on the leaded stained glass windows
Click here to view the first post on the mahogany sash and passenger windows work
Click here to see the story of finding the reclaimed lumber for use in Narcissus restoration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We continue the restoration work on the 1912 Narcissus, the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Click Here: Narcissus Restoration-Related Posts
More than a century old, the stately "Elegant Ride," Narcissus, is a gem. This shimmering precious stone of Maine transportation history is brilliantly resplendent as it emanates so many elements of history, including time, places, people, and events, that it was coupled to, that when just a smattering of its seemingly innumerable stories are shared, the contents captivate, fascinate, and then generate interest to learn more 🙋. The majestic Narcissus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Please consider joining the epic journey to complete the Narcissus Project by donating today!
Click Here: Donation Options
The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one in a series of captivating stories containing an abundance of incredible coalition narratives.
Click Here: History-Related Posts - Narcissus and Portland-Lewiston Interurban
The Narcissus is featured in the national Gold Award-winning novel, Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride. The "Elegant Ride" is the Narcissus. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914, between Lewiston and Portland, Maine, while campaigning for the Progressive Party candidates.
Click Here: Bookstores and Businesses promoting the Narcissus Project
Independent book publisher Phil Morse, holding
Gold Book Award Winner plaque for
Middle Reader category for The Eric
Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to
award-winning Maine author,
Jean M. Flahive
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.