Unplanned workday produce progress on several projects
A small work crew, which consisted of John T., Wes, Kenneth, and Norm, came out on Saturday along with a few who stopped by to say hello. The work crew started work on building out the last switch needed to connect the east end of the “Grandma Line” to the railroad.
Once this switch is complete and installed the last 80 or 90 feet of the “Grandma Line” can be connected completing another change to our mainline traffic. However, before this can be done, we will need to build a retaining wall most likely out of the cut container panels we have similar to what we did earlier this year near the Nicol bridge. With the installation of a new retaining wall, we will also need to bring in more dirt reduce the drop off on the east end of the “Grandma Line”.
A small work crew, which consisted of John T., Wes, Kenneth, and Norm, came out on Saturday along with a few who stopped by to say hello. The work crew started work on building out the last switch needed to connect the east end of the “Grandma Line” to the railroad.
Once this switch is complete and installed the last 80 or 90 feet of the “Grandma Line” can be connected completing another change to our mainline traffic. However, before this can be done, we will need to build a retaining wall most likely out of the cut container panels we have similar to what we did earlier this year near the Nicol bridge. With the installation of a new retaining wall, we will also need to bring in more dirt reduce the drop off on the east end of the “Grandma Line”.
John T also worked on the container mural lettering a few more containers plus adding a new 48-foot container on the mural. If you would like to sponsor a container on the mural get with John T regarding what the cost is for the container you want to sponsor.
Progress on the clubhouse and workshop project during our latest workday.
A small crew made big progress at the site today on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing painting the walls and ceilings. It is amazing how big the space looks even though it is just the first section.
A small crew made big progress at the site today on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing painting the walls and ceilings. It is amazing how big the space looks even though it is just the first section. As the paint dry’s we are already planning our next steps on this project which includes installing electrical along the side wall and lights. The hope is this space will have some limited use by the end of the year. Thank you to Wes, Tyler, and team for getting this completed.
We now turn our attention to the month of October as we prepare for our next public run day on Saturday, October 5th and fall meet starting on Thursday, October 24th. We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad throughout the month of October.
If you have availability to stop by the railroad between now and October 4th, we could use some extra help with making sure the grass is cut, and the property looks its best. For anyone traveling to visit Mid-South or Eagle Point over the next few weeks drive safe and make sure you let everyone know about our fall meet. A flyer is available on our website you can print and hand out.
After months of debate the blue container has now been moved.
After months of debate on how to move the blue container to a new location on the property it is finally done with the help of Wes and his team.
After months of debate on how to move the blue container to a new location on the property. Wes a small team he put together went to the site on Sunday and moved the blue container from the clubhouse and workshop location to the area next to member container three. As many may remember the blue container did not match the structural build of the red containers and would have made it difficult to leverage it as part of one big open space when all the containers where connected. Now that the blue container is moved and container one walls and ceiling are up, we are positioned to really make some major progress over the next six to nine months on the projects. We have to finish painting the walls in container one, install electrical, and make the space usable before we start working on connecting container one and two together. We also need to do some track work so we can get to the container from the railroad. With all that needs to be done we can’t do it without everyone’s help. Be on the lookout for ways to get involved and if anyone knows of a company or individual who is interested in making a donation to help pay for the cost of the project, they can do so online by visiting our project page.
Great weather and unbelievable progress on projects made for a perfect workday.
This past Saturday saw great progress on two big projects which includes the clubhouse and workshop project and the grandma line. Not a lot of pictures to show but the crew consisted of Wes, Robby, John, Rick, “Bob Jr”, David E., and new member Seth. Gene and Joan also stopped by and delivered a newly assembled box car that was donated by Thomas K. George also stopped by and visited with the crew during lunch.
John, Rick, and “Bob Jr” spent the day working on bringing in loads of dirt for the grandma line. The loads would be dropped, and John went to town on spreading and leveling each load.
This past Saturday saw great progress on two big projects which includes the clubhouse and workshop project and the grandma line. Not a lot of pictures to show but the crew consisted of Wes, Robby, John, Norm, Rick, “Bob Jr”, David E., and new member Seth. Gene and Joan also stopped by and delivered a newly assembled box car that was donated by Thomas K. George also stopped by and visited with the crew during lunch.
John, Rick, and “Bob Jr” spent the day working on bringing in loads of dirt for the grandma line. The loads would be dropped, and John went to town on spreading and leveling each load. I think we saw John doing a little dance at times on top of the dirt out of excitement only to find out he was acting as a human compactor. John said that the amount of progress made on the project would not have been possible without Rick and “Bob Jr” and was extremely thankful for the extra help. What is next you might ask on the grandma line well some rain would be helpful to compact the dirt along with some additional moving of the dirt brought in to fill in low spots and make sure the space is the right dimensions. More on what John has planned to be shared later but as always if you are interested in helping with this project John is at the site every other week with few exceptions. To reach John to see what his schedule and plans are visit the project page or contact him directly.
The rest of the crew spent the day working on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing installing insulation and plywood. They also cleaned up the space and moved items to the middle container so we would have enough room to paint the new plywood and begin installing electrical and more. If you have some free time and would like to prime and paint the newly installed plywood wall and ceiling let us know. The supplies are already in the container just need some helpers. Reach out to Norm, Robby, or Wes with any questions or visit our project page and click the Contact Us button. The work does not have to be done on the weekend.
With all of the great progress that has taken place this past weekend and throughout the summer we do have to shift our attention to our fall season of activities including our boiler inspection and club fun day on Saturday, September 14th along with our public run day, which is coming up on Saturday, October 5th. As the weather continues to cool if you have time to come to the site and perform general maintenance around the property that would be appreciated. If you can think of it probably needs to be done and if you need some inspiration let us know. This work can be done any day of the week and does not require an official workday on the schedule. Just remember let us know so we can get the word out.
Picture of Gene & Joan assembling the Thomas K. box car. Thank you to everyone for this gift.
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Rare Friday Workday Recap - Friday, May 31st
We had a rare Friday workday to close out the month of May. The focus of the day was to work on the clubhouse and workshop as well as the Grandma Line. The crew arrived early and helped get Rick and “Bob Jr” setup to start moving dirt to the Grandma Line area. Bob Jr complained about the dirt pile being hard to do dig, but Rick helped him out by putting Bob’s forks on and used them to break up the dirt pile. The rest of the crew included Gene, Wes, Norm, and Robby as they worked on the clubhouse and workshop project. They finished framing the outside wall and ceiling inside container one. Bob C. also stopped by and unloaded his recently finished caboose and helped out with the clubhouse project.
We had a rare Friday workday to close out the month of May. The focus of the day was to work on the clubhouse and workshop as well as the Grandma Line. The crew arrived early and helped get Rick and “Bob Jr” setup to start moving dirt to the Grandma Line area. Bob Jr complained about the dirt pile being hard to do dig, but Rick helped him out by putting Bob’s forks on and used them to break up the dirt pile. The rest of the crew included Gene, Wes, Norm, and Robby as they worked on the clubhouse and workshop project. They finished framing the outside wall and ceiling inside container one. Bob C. also stopped by and unloaded his recently finished caboose and helped out with the clubhouse project.
Planned workday disrupted by threat of rain that turns into beautiful day with a twist of project planning.
The threat of rain deterred most from going to the site today which had been a planned “Grandma Line” workday, but a few went anyway with the hope the rain would not spoil the day. Well while some areas around Atlanta saw rain the railroad started with the threat of rain but cleared throughout the day and ended up being dry and beautiful.
The threat of rain deterred most from going to the site today which had been a planned “Grandma Line” workday, but a few went anyway with the hope the rain would not spoil the day. Well while some areas around Atlanta saw rain the railroad started with the threat of rain but cleared throughout the day and ended up being dry and beautiful. The crew that did end up at the site included John, Tyler, Norm, and Robby. John actually arrived Friday and did some work setting forms for the “Grandma Line” and painted more on the container mural he’s been working on. The mural is looking great. The crew spent most of the day discussing the clubhouse and workshop project with a focus on the lift and track needed to get items from the railroad to the shop. The crew also looked at the “Grandma Line” and two of our newer riding cars to see what may need to be done to address a slight coupler height difference. More investigation to be done with hope of addressing during the summer months.
We also had club representation at Palmetto Live Steam and Mid-South Live Steamers this weekend during their Spring meets. Looking forward to hearing how the Spring Meets went at each of those railroad. If you plan on going to another railroad this Summer or Fall let us know others in the club may ant to go as well. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the railroad on Saturday, May 11th starting at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. We will need help making sure the railroad is operational, equipment is ready, grass cut, and more on Saturday. Don’t forget to make your calendar for some upcoming club fun days and workdays. See everyone around the railroad soon.
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Exciting progress made on several projects during our Saturday, March 23, 2024, workday.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project. We had a special visitor “Bob Jr” who helped bring dirt in for the “Grandma Line” area.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting with Wes and Scott finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project with Robby and John.
Wes also jumped in and help build a temporary crossing so Rick and “Bob Jr” could start bringing in dirt for the “Grandma Line”. Rick spent most of the morning bringing in load after load into the area to fill in many of the low spots we have in the area. The first layer of dirt will settle the next few weeks with more dirt to be brought in later which will also require time for the dirt to settle and compact. Overall, the great news is the “Grandma Line” has made a great deal of progress the past couple of weeks and if all goes well this year, we could get this line completed by fall. If you are looking to get involved, we need track panels and a switch built.
The crew also worked on ballasting both ends of the water line extension and spent time realigning the existing water line track and adding additional ballast. During our next workday the water line track will begin to operate as a mainline for traffic traveling east on the railroad. This will also allow west bound traffic to move over to the track next to the water line and begin traveling across the “LaVay Bridge”. More details on the changes to the railroad operations in the coming weeks.
As the day was wrapping up John and Wes took time to make additional changes to the railroad tie wall near the east end of what will become the “Grandma Line”. They swapped out a couple of bad ties with newer ones and will begin the process of bringing in dirt and other material to secure the wall and prepare the ground for future roadbed through that area.
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Updated track plan has been posted on our website. Check it out.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Project 3 Inner Bridge Rebuild information
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
Some prep work needs to be done before the rebuild can be started which includes:
Cutting deck boards making sure they are all the same height.
Purchasing appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts
Once all of the prep work is complete this project can take place at any time. If you would like to coordinate a workday during the week or on a weekend, please click the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know.
Last Grandma Line workday of 2023 happened on Saturday with the installation of a new mainline switch
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As we move into 2024 John and Wes are looking for help with making a temporary grade crossing near the west end of the water line. This temporary grade crossing will be used to haul dirt, ballast, and more from the gravel pit through the woods to the east end of the “Grandma Line”. If you are interested in helping with this project click here and let John know.
New riding cars are getting some updates before the 2024 season.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
As you may have seen recently our third new riding car is also getting a makeover. When we received the car it was unpainted and did not have brakes on the trucks. The riding car has been unassembled and cleaned surface rust off the metal and painted. The trucks are also getting cleaned and painted and will also get brakes installed once completed. We hope to have all of this completed in the next couple of weeks. We are also working on getting the riding car lettered before putting it back on the railroad this spring. Here are some pictures of the riding car when we picked it up as well as the work that has been done to clean and paint the car.
Water Line portion of the Grandma Line Project Explained
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
Water line project breakdown (West end 1-4, East end 5-8):
Place Crush & Run forms and fill between two switch locations on West end.
Complete and install curved 100r RH Switch on West end Mainline.
Build and install RH 60r Switch on West end of current Water Line. Sprung points to normally be thrown for curved route.
Build and install track panels connecting Switches in steps 2 & 3. (Upon completing steps 1-4 we can actually start using this route and shift traffic off the yard tracks.)
Finish installation of Crush & Run forms and fill on the East end of Water line. Backfill with dirt as necessary, especially near new location of the switch currently marking the East end of the Water Line.
Tweak the LH Switch (currently on the table) so the spring action is viable and cut in East end mainline where marked. Sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route.
Build and install several straight sections on diverging route from previous step.
Shift current East end Water Line switch over to new route from previous two steps, Fill in both gaps with straight track. (One created by removal of switch, the other between new location of switch and the straight part of the current water line.) Ensure proper operation for sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route. (Or this can be designated a non-sprung switch normally thrown for the curved route upon completion of the Grandma Line.)