A full week of activity around the railroad comes to a close
Today marked the sixth workday out of the past eight days at the railroad as a number of projects make a great deal of progress. We saw everything from progress on the Clubhouse and Workshop project to the “Grandma Line” and more. Here is a recap of just some of the items that were worked on this week:
Today marked the sixth workday out of the past eight days at the railroad as a number of projects make a great deal of progress. We saw everything from progress on the Clubhouse and Workshop project to the “Grandma Line” and more. Here is a recap of just some of the items that were worked on this week:
The week saw the start of the clubhouse and workshop project make progress with the first set of walls and ceilings being installed along with getting electricity into the first of three containers. A shout out to Wes, Norm, Robby, and John T for all of the work on this project.
The “Grandma Line” saw a great deal of progress over the past 8 days with dirt that was brought in on March 23rd. The crew finished putting in railroad ties and concrete blocks for the retaining wall. The crew was then able to take the dirt that was piled up bring much of the ground up to grade. A lot more work and dirt still to be brought in. A big thanks to Rick and “Bob Jr” along with Wes and John T. for the progress that has been done.
The steaming bays got a fresh coat of paint. Thank you to Gene for cleaning and painting the steaming bays.
Pressure washing was done around the property. Thank you to Dave L for cleaning the concrete at the turn table along with the metal table and chairs at the Breeseway.
The transfer table / lift got some much-needed maintenance. Thank you to Peter for finding the cable off the pully today and not only fixing that but also adjusting the cables to square things up.
A new retaining wall was completed on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Thank you to Norm, Wes, John, Scott, Robby and others.
Ongoing track maintenance was done around the railroad. Thank you to Gene, Norm, Robby, Peter, Wes, John T. and others who help keep the railroad operational.
The signal system was rewired so they would work with the new water line extension and “Grandma Line” switches being installed on both ends of the existing water line. Thank you to Robby, Wes, and Peter.
Grass along the fence and around the property was cut. Thank you to Wes and Norn.
Run day items were organized. Thank you to Charlotte for cleaning up some of the run day items in the grey container.
Club steamer had some maintenance done. Thank you to Bob C for his continued help on the club steamer.
The Gauge 1 layout received some track and structure maintenance. Thank you, Carl and Dave L.
Picking up the many sticks and other debris around the railroad. Thank you to Joan, John, Wes, and everyone else who picked up sticks around the property.
The day also saw some equipment testing by Wes and Peter as they both are getting their trains ready for the season. For Wes he was making sure some recent improvements to the electronics on his electric outline steam engine could hand the load of passengers. Peter was checking some adjustments he made to his running gear.
With everything that took place this week we are looking forward to sharing the railroad with everyone on Saturday, April 13th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for our season opener.
Fourth workday of the week and another day of progress on multiple items
The week has been very productive on a number of projects including with the clubhouse and workshop project. Today’s crew painted the newly installed walls along with getting power installed into the container. The crew also worked on moving about several yards of dirt to continue to fill in some low spots in the future “Grandma Line”.
The week has been very productive on a number of projects including with the clubhouse and workshop project. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, John T., Robby, and Norm as they painted the newly installed walls and ceiling along with getting power installed into the container. John was also able to install a switch and indicator light for a future item to be installed at the main grade crossing.
Once the power was completed Wes and Robby took care of bringing in more gravel to the new retaining wall installed a couple of weeks ago in order to bring the ground level up to the railroad, so it wasn’t such a drop off.
Before the crew called it a day, they moved several yards of dirt to the east end of the future “Grandma Line”. Once the dirt settles plans will be made to not only bring in more dirt but prepare to install the first 60 feet of track for the “Grandma Line”. Be on the lookout for help in building track panels.
Our third workday of the week sees more items being taken care of around the railroad.
The third day of our work week saw more progress on a number of items around the railroad including repairs on the club steamer and clubhouse and workshop project. The injectors were returned after being cleaned and the first sixteen feet of wall and ceiling are now installed into the clubhouse and workshop space.
The third day of our work week saw more progress on a number of items around the railroad including repairs on the club steamer and clubhouse and workshop project. Bob C was onsite in the morning and brought back the injectors for the club steamer after taking them home and cleaning them. He also mentioned that the water filter may not have a crack in it after all. He is looking into what is going on but feels it may have been screwed in incorrectly causing the filter not to have a good seal. The clubhouse and workshop project also saw more progress as the crew, which consisted of Wes, Robby, and Norm, finished installing 16 feet of wall and ceiling. The crew is planning on wiring the electrical panel and paint the new walls and ceiling on Friday. If you are free on Friday, the crew could use some extra help and will be starting at 9 a.m.
Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, April 6th for our major workday as we prepare the railroad for our season opener along with our club meeting. The workday portion of the day starts at 8:30 a.m. with our club meeting at 1 p.m. Our Saturday plan is to clean up the property, oil switches, organize containers, add more gravel along the new retaining wall, and more.
If you are looking for a project to volunteer for here is a partial list of items, we are looking for help on:
Oil all switches.
Cut grass and weed eat around the fence line.
Add additional crusher run and gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Pickup all construction items around the railroad.
Inspect track for any repairs needed and perform the repairs
Clean and organize the grey container.
Clean and organize the red container.
Test Signal System (new batteries have been ordered).
Help finish painting the steaming bays.
If you can think of anything else, please feel free to take the project on and let everyone know.
Day 2 of Weekday Workday sees pressure washing, painting, and framing.
Another weekday workday complete with lots of work done around the railroad. The day saw drainpipes installed, walls built, steaming bays painted, pressure washing, and more.
If you are available to come out and help or take on a project the crew plans on starting around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd.
Another weekday workday complete with lots of work done around the railroad. The day started out with Wes installing two drainpipes in the area that is part of the “Grandma Line” project. While Gene worked on cleaning and painting most of the steaming bays with more to be completed on Saturday. Dave L. was busy pressure washing the concrete at the turntable and pressure washing the picnic tables under the Breeseway. Things are really coming together around the property with much work to be done between now and Saturday.
The Clubhouse and Workshop project also saw some more progress as Norm, Wes, and Robby continued work on framing and building out walls and ceiling in the first container. They also got some extra help as Scott stopped by for a few minutes and helped us install the breaker panel. More volunteer and club members will be at the site again on Wednesday to continue working on various projects around the property. If you are available to come out and help or take on a project the crew plans on starting around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
If you are looking for a project to volunteer for here is a partial list of items, we are looking for help on:
Oil all switches.
Cut grass and weed eat around the fence line.
Add additional crusher run and 57 gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Pickup all construction items around the railroad.
Inspect track for any repairs needed and perform the repairs
Clean and organize the grey container.
Clean and organize the red container.
Test Signal System (new batteries have been ordered).
Help finish painting the steaming bays.
If you can think of anything else, please feel free to take the project on and let everyone know.
Club Meeting, Spring Cleaning, and Prep Day for run day on Saturday, April 6th
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Here is a more complete list of items for the day:
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Organize run day items in grey container so they are easy to access.
Clean out and organize the red container.
Oil all switches.
Clean up construction debris from around the property.
Cut grass and clean out center island flower bed.
Find and complete any last-minute railroad maintenance items.
Verify all club equipment for operation.
Take care of anything else that was left off the list
Test signal system (new batteries have been purchased)
Wash picnic table under Breeseway
Add additional crusher run and gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Scrape and paint steaming bays. (paint will need to be purchased)
Take care of anything else you can think of or see that needs to be done.
Clubhouse and Workshop makes a step forward during latest work day.
The beginning of the workweek brought progress on the clubhouse and workshop project as Norm, Wes, and Robby began framing the first of many walls in the containers. Once the first wall is completed an electrical panel will be installed and we will have electricity in the container. This will help make future work obviously easier and get us a step closer to having a clubhouse and workshop at the site. A lot of work and money is needed to complete the project, but we are well on our way. The crew will be back at it on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. as they continue to work on framing walls and ceilings in the first container.
The beginning of the workweek brought progress on the clubhouse and workshop project as Norm, Wes, and Robby began framing the first of many walls in the containers. Once the first wall is completed an electrical panel will be installed and we will have electricity in the container. This will help make future work obviously easier and get us a step closer to having a clubhouse and workshop at the site. A lot of work and money is needed to complete the project, but we are well on our way. The crew will be back at it on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. as they continue to work on framing walls and ceilings in the first container.
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
Special Work Week Activity Starting Monday, April 1st and more.
A special work week has been planned for anyone available during the week of April 1st. On Monday, April 1st a crew will begin work on the clubhouse and workshop project. The crew is planning on starting work at the site around 10 a.m. The plan is to build an 8-foot wall and install the electrical panel in the first container as we work to get electricity into the containers. If you have something you’d like to work on let us know and come out and join the party. CLICK for more details about other items that need to be completed by Saturday, April 6th.
A special work week has been planned for anyone available during the week of April 1st. On Monday, April 1st a crew will begin work on the clubhouse and workshop project. The crew is planning on starting work at the site around 10 a.m. The plan is to build an 8-foot wall and install the electrical panel in the first container as we work to get electricity into the containers. We are also expecting the blue container to be moved this week which will allow us the ability to separate the remaining containers in the future so we can install center support under the containers. Additional workday details will be announced throughout the week. If you have something you’d like to work on let us know and come out and join the party. Here is the plan plus items that needs to be worked on in additional to the workshop and clubhouse project.
Monday, April 1st - Clubhouse and Workshop project @ 10 a.m.
Tuesday, April 2nd - Continued work on containers @ 9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 3rd through Friday, April 5th - Schedule to be determined.
Saturday, April 6th - Workday starts at 8;30 a.m. and Club meeting at 1 p.m.
Other than the clubhouse work going on here are some other items that needs to be taken care of.
Oil all switches.
Cut grass and weed eat around fence line.
Add additional crusher run and 57 gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Pickup all construction items around the railroad.
Inspect track for any repairs needed.
Clean and organize grey container.
Clean and organize red container.
Wash picnic tables under Breeseway.
Test Signal System (new batteries have been ordered).
Scrape and paint steaming bays.
Club Meeting is also on Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m.
Unofficial workday produced more progress on preparing the railroad and club steamer for operation.
On Saturday, March 30th we had members out at the railroad with a few items on the to do list to complete. One of the items on the list included testing some of the most recent repairs on the club steamers. The crew was able to get the club steamer out and ran a little bit where they identified a couple of new items that will need to be addressed before the locomotive is operational.
On Saturday, March 30th we had members out at the railroad with a few items on the to do list to complete. One of the items on the list included testing some of the most recent repairs on the club steamers. The crew was able to get the club steamer out and ran a little bit where they identified a couple of new items that will need to be addressed before the locomotive is operational. One of the new items includes one of the water filters has developed a crack most likely because of water being left in the filter and freezing during the winter months. It was also determined the steam brakes are also in need of some attention as the cylinder is losing a lot of steam when activate. Bob also took the injectors home for cleaning and will be bringing them back in the next week or two. A plan to repair the steam brakes is being discussed. If you are interested in getting involved with the club steamer let us know. No experience necessary just an interested in learning and getting involved.
Meanwhile, fine tuning of the water line track and switches were performed by Robby, Norm, and Gene. The team made an adjustment to the new curved switch by adding longer frog guards and regauged and leveled a couple of the original switches on the mainline. They also worked on leveling and ballasting some other areas of the west end inner loop. Ethel also stopped by and worked on cleaning up the picnic tables under the Breeseway. She reports much more cleaning is needed.
Club Meeting, Spring Cleaning, and Prep Day for run day on Saturday, April 6th
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Here is a more complete list of items for the day:
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Organize run day items in grey container so they are easy to access.
Clean out and organize the red container.
Oil all switches and clean off debris from railroad.
Cut grass and clean out center island flower bed.
Find and complete any last-minute railroad maintenance items.
Verify all club equipment for operation.
Take care of anything else that was left off the list
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Here is a more complete list of items for the day:
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Organize run day items in grey container so they are easy to access.
Clean out and organize the red container.
Oil all switches and clean off debris from railroad.
Cut grass and clean out center island flower bed.
Find and complete any last-minute railroad maintenance items.
Verify all club equipment for operation.
Take care of anything else that was left off the list.
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.
Major Workday scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m.
Our next big workday is planning for Saturday, March 23rd. We have a couple of items planned and could use as many hands as possible. The plan is to work on cutting in a new switch so the west end of the water line extension can be completed plus we will perform much-needed maintenance on the water line so it can operate as a mainline in the future.
Our next big workday is planning for Saturday, March 23rd. We have a couple of items planned and could use as many hands as possible. The plan is to work on cutting in a new switch so the west end of the water line extension can be completed plus we will perform much-needed maintenance on the water line so it can operate as a mainline in the future.
One final note about future planned workday events. We have a special work week planned for April 1st through 5th. The plan during the week is work on the clubhouse and workshop container project. We will be building a stud wall in the first container so we can complete the electrical panel installation and get power into the container. This will allow us to have what is needed in the container for future workdays to begin the next phase of work which includes building out more internal walls in the first two containers as our clubhouse and workshop space begins to finally take shape. Other items are planned and if you are available to come out one or more days, please let us know.
Our next club meeting is Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and our first Public Run Day Prep Day will also take place on Saturday, April 6th.
A lot of progress was made on Saturday even though it was an unscheduled workday
Another beautiful day of weather allowed for unexpected progress on several projects around the railroad. The crew worked on the retaining wall and track work. Check out the details by reading more about the day.
Because of unexpected progress on the retaining wall earlier in the week a small group went out to the site to work on the retaining wall along with a few other big items. The group, which consisted of Gene, Wes, Robby, and Norm took advantage of the great weather and work on the retaining wall earlier this week to finish installing the wall and fencing. The wall still has some additional work that needs to be finished which includes bringing in crusher run and gravel in order to firm up the ground between the track and the wall. The plan is to complete this step during our next official workday, which is Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m. We will need people to bring wheelbarrows and shovels in order to bring many loads from the pile over to the wall.
The crew also finished building a switch for the west end of the water line and even got it installed. The crew also moved a switch off the mainline close to the east end of the mainline. The switch was moved to the east end of the water line which will also connect the “Grandma Line” at some point in the future. With the installation of the switches on each end of the water line extension this will allow the railroad to use water line as a mainline and allow traffic traveling from east to west across the main crossing to continue to travel straight and actually not travel through the yard and more. However, before that can happen, we have some finishing work to be completed which includes ballasting all of the new water line extension track and gauge and ballast the existing water line track so it can be used with mainline traffic. The plan is complete this during our next regularly scheduled workday, which is this Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m. This work will need to be completed before our first public run day which is Saturday, April 13th.
The crew took the last few minutes of the day and installed a board in between the rails on the west end of what will become an access point for the “Grandma Line” for “Bob”. Weather permitting, we are planning on completing the temporary crossing area soon so dirt and other material can be brought in to the “Grandma Line” job site. Be on the lookout for additional details on what additional help may be needed for this project.
One final note about future planned workday events. We have a special work week planned for April 1st through 5th. The plan during the week is to work on the clubhouse and workshop container project. We will be building a stud wall in the first container so we can complete the electrical panel installation and get power into the container. This will allow us to have what is needed in the container for future workdays to begin the next phase of work which includes building out more internal walls in the first two containers as our clubhouse and workshop space begins to take shape. Other items are planned and if you are available to come out one or more days during the week, please let us know.
Our next club meeting is Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and our first Public Run Day Prep Day will also take place on Saturday, April 6th.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive one on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Friday Nights Rain didn’t keep some from working on Saturday, March 9th
Friday’s overnight rain didn’t deter a small group from showing up Saturday morning for a workday. John, Wes, and Scott started out early Saturday morning by taking care of some items with the “Grandma Line”. They worked on the retaining wall which also means they had to haul in dirt and gravel with wheelbarrows. Robby showed up and brought back one of the new club riding cars to the site. He spent the past few months cleaning and repainting the car while Norm cleaned up the trucks. The riding car is now ready for operation for the 2024 season.
The crew also worked on plans for the retaining wall that needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge.
Friday’s overnight rain didn’t deter a small group from showing up Saturday morning for a workday. John, Wes, and Scott started out early Saturday morning by taking care of some items with the “Grandma Line”. They worked on the retaining wall which also means they had to haul in dirt and gravel with wheelbarrows. Robby showed up and brought back one of the new club riding cars to the site. He spent the past few months cleaning and repainting the car while Norm cleaned up the trucks. The riding car is now ready for operation for the 2024 season.
The crew also worked on plans for the retaining wall that needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge. We are going to take the end pieces that came out of the grey container project from a couple of years ago and cut them down to about 16 inches tall so we can then use them as part of the retaining wall structure. The plan is to get them cut and ready for installation by Saturday, March 23rd. We will need help hauling dirt and gravel using wheelbarrows to the retaining wall in order to complete this project. We will also be installing about 100 feet of fencing as well. Because this project needs to be completed before our April run day, we will also be doing work on Saturday, March 30th to finish this and other projects.
If all of this wasn’t enough the real fun part of the day was when John and Wes started working on the west end water line extension by figuring out a way to work smarter and not harder. The pair had been using two wagons to bring crush and run to the work area which was a slow process. The two put their heads together and decided to leverage the new little electric switch to bring material to John while Wes loaded the wagons. You have to watch the videos to really appreciate the great use of this new switcher and pulling of wagons full of material back and forth to the job site. Needless to say, this approach saved John and Wes a great deal of time. Scott jumped in and helped by operating the locomotives wireless controller from the comfort of well his chair.
John and Robby also spent time walking the “Grandma Line” as the area will see some major progress in the next month or so. The plan is to install a temporary crossing on the west end so a bobcat can bring dirt and other supplies into the area. Weather permitting this will take place by the end of March and will really allow this project to pick up steam. Keep an eye out for updates on what John and Wes will be working on next. This is a great opportunity to get involved.
Other photos from The day
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
Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, March 2, 2024
The weather cleared up and the day ended up being incredible. The turnout was small, but the fun was large. Peter and Robby ran most of the day. Wayne L, Norm, Rick, Dave L, and Ethel also stopped by. Dave ran his electric switcher for a while and Wayne took a ride on Peter’s train. We did run into an issue with the switch that was moved last weekend on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Norm brought the newly rebuilt switcher out, a big thanks to Dave L for completing this project, and brought the MOW car out to the switch that was being repaired by Peter, Rick, Robby, and Norm. Overall, the day was a success, and the railroad ran great. It was also determined that a small retaining wall needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge in order prevent loss of ballast around the track. This is the same area that we performed track repair last weekend.
The weather cleared up and the day ended up being incredible. The turnout was small, but the fun was large. Peter and Robby ran most of the day. Wayne L, Norm, Rick, Dave L, and Ethel also stopped by. Dave ran his electric switcher for a while and Wayne took a ride on Peter’s train. We did run into an issue with the switch that was moved last weekend on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Norm brought the newly rebuilt switcher out, a big thanks to Dave L for completing this project, and brought the MOW car out to the switch that was being repaired by Peter, Rick, Robby, and Norm. Overall, the day was a success, and the railroad ran great. It was also determined that a small retaining wall needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge in order prevent loss of ballast around the track. This is the same area that we performed track repair last weekend.
Major workday recap for Saturday, February 24, 2024
What an incredible workday we had on Saturday. The weather was incredible, and we had more than a dozen volunteers come out which made the day a huge success. Because of the turnout we completed the major track repair on the west end of the railroad along with installing a new switch on the mainline near the west end of the water line. The crew consisted of John T, John, Calvin, Scott, Robby, Peter, Gene, Rick, Ben, Thomas, Paul, Tyler, Norm, Dale, and “Bob III”. The crew also took care of building more than a dozen straight panels for the “Grandma Line” and started building a new switch as well. Rick and “Bob III” took care of leveling the gravel near member container 3 which means we can now schedule the move of the blue container. They also cleaned up a trench that had been dug during our electrical project workday a few weeks ago.
What an incredible workday we had on Saturday. The weather was incredible, and we had more than a dozen volunteers come out which made the day a huge success. Because of the turnout we completed the major track repair on the west end of the railroad along with installing a new switch on the mainline near the west end of the water line. The crew consisted of John T, John, Calvin, Scott, Robby, Peter, Gene, Rick, Ben, Thomas, Paul, Tyler, Norm, Dale, and “Bob III”. The crew also took care of building more than a dozen straight panels for the “Grandma Line” and started building a new switch as well. Rick and “Bob III” took care of leveling the gravel near member container 3 which means we can now schedule the move of the blue container. They also cleaned up a trench that had been dug during our electrical project workday a few weeks ago.
With all that was done an update to our March workday plans will be updated to include plans for our next project including some work on the clubhouse and shop project. A big thank you to everyone who came out because nothing happens without our members and volunteers.
Plans for this weekend's Major Track Repair on Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
The weather is looking great for our major track repair project for this Saturday. In order to help make the day as productive as possible we will need to take a divide and conquer approach. The list below is what our needs are and areas you can jump in and help with. As you might expect this isn’t a complete list so if you see something you can do come on out and help wherever you can.
The weather is looking great for our major track repair project for this Saturday. In order to help make the day as productive as possible we will need to take a divide and conquer approach. The list below is what our needs are and areas you can jump in and help with. As you might expect this isn’t a complete list so if you see something you can do come on out and help wherever you can.
Crew 1: Railroad Tie Cutting - We will have a two- or three-man crew working on cutting railroad ties for the repair and ties needed to build track panels.
Crew 2: Track Panel Construction - We will need two or three people to build about a dozen straight track panels. Some of the panels will be used for the repair and the “Grandma Line” project.
Crew 3: “Bob” Work Crew - We will have a Bobcat onsite during the day. The Bobcat will be working on leveling gravel for Member Container 5 and bring gravel over to the west end to help with providing supplies for the repair work. We will need one or two people to help “Bob” while he is working around the railroad.
Crew 4: Track Repair Crew - We will need a bunch of people to help with the track repair on the west end. We will need people that can get on the ground and do tie replacement, track panel setting, and more. We will also need individuals that can’t get on the ground but can help ballasting and using the work train to pick up supplies from the red container work area and bring those items back to the worksite. We will need others that can do light work as well.
Crew 5: Fill in any place you can.
We’ve been getting a bunch of emails asking what they should bring. Here is a short list but if you can think of anything that you might think would be helpful bring it as well.
Battery powered drill
Flat head screwdriver and mallet
Knee pads or something to kneel on while on the ground
Metal rake and shovels (we have some onsite)
Tape measure (we have some onsite)
Good sense of humor
Lunch and plenty of water
Bad jokes
If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Major track repair help requested for Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
Some other items we will need help with including making sure we can get ballast from the ballast pile to the west end of the railroad to load the gondola and buckets so we can ballast the repaired area. If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Also note in order for the railroad to be completely operation for our March club fun day this work will need to be completed before March 2nd.
