1996

1997

June 11, 1997

1997-1998

May 1998

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2006

Box Car Project - 1997

Trees removed and car raised 8" September 1996

The first task toward returning our Boxcar back to Dendron was to remove the trees that were growing on two sides of the Boxcar. Luckily, these trees were Gum and were of no value to the land owner. The two trees in front of the Boxcar were removed easily.  The three in the back of the car were a little trickier.  Two went down without too much effort, but the third was growing through the car and was leaning toward the car.  The tree was cut to a point where we thought that the tree could be pushed over, and then by standing on the roof and using a long pole, the tree was pushed away from the car and dropped toward the front.

The Boxcar was slowly jacked up using 12-ton hydraulic jacks.  First one end was lifted about 8" and then the other, until the car had been lifted nearly 3 1/2 feet.  This gave clearance enough to get a truck under the car.  In lifting the Boxcar, the date November 3, 1939 was found on the top of one of the pillars.

Car with 1" pipe 'rollers' under it. Car had to be shifted 6" left so it would clear a large tree on the right side when it was jacked up for loading. September 1996.

6"x6" timber used inside of car for additional support during lifting and moving. The condition of the center required additional support. September 1996.

Inside of car with additional 6"x6" timber attached to the
needle beams below the car. September 1996.

Boxcar completely jacked up and ready to be moved.
Center supports were removed just as the truck arrived. April 1997.

Boxcar jacked up sitting on blocks ready to be moved. April 1997.

Boxcar jacked up before moving. Truss rods are visible under the car.
Also rear areas damaged by years of water. April 1997.

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