Our latest Build 11 work session was held July 9 -11, 2024. Gordon Cook, Harold Downey and Rick Sisson spent a great deal of time preparing the main equalizer pedestals for installation. These components are located on the forward frame and support the main equalizers which pivot about a 2” pin.

We then turned our attention to the main spring hangers. These were again hot formed by bending to the correct shape using our flanging machine. We had previously formed one hanger during our last work session and completed the remaining three during this session. This is very exacting work because we have to ensure the holes at the end of each leg are precisely aligned to accept the pin that will join them to the main equalizers.

Finally we employed the entire Build 11 team to rivet the main equalizer pedestals to the forward frame.

Our Hanna squeeze riveter is suspended upside down to reach the bottom rivets. This is the first time we’ve had the Hanna positioned this way but it did a good job nonetheless.

Jason Lamontagne was enlisted to drive the top pedestal rivets by hand, and we see the finished result below:

Meanwhile, our 2024 fundraising is continuing! To date we have received $24,553 (49% of the $50,000 goal for 2024). Will you be the one to contribute $447 to bring us halfway to our 2024 goal?

You can donate directly by check to the museum, use a credit card to donate through the gift shop, PayPal, or you can go to: www.build11.org