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.
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.
Workday Recap for Saturday, March 18th
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
Renaming of the East Loop is now official
In 2021 the club accepted a recommendation to rename the East Loop to the Adkins Loop in honor of Wayne and Berta Adkins. Most of the panels used in the east end of the railroad were built by Wayne and Berta. The Adkins Loop is one of the first things visitors see when they pull into the property and makes up such an important part of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad.
A plaque has been installed on the newly installed signal mast which Dave Levy is installing and also plans on installing two working signal heads making them our first permanently installed signals on the railroad drawing attention to the plaque each time trains pass by.
In 2021 the club accepted a recommendation to rename the East Loop to the Adkins Loop in honor of Wayne and Berta Adkins. Most of the panels used in the east end of the railroad were built by Wayne and Berta. The Adkins Loop is one of the first things visitors see when they pull into the property and makes up such an important part of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad.
A plaque has been installed on the newly installed signal mast which Dave Levy is installing and also plans on installing two working signal heads making them our first permanently installed signals on the railroad drawing attention to the plaque each time trains pass by.
The passenger line is now complete - Workday recap for Saturday, September 4, 2021
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track. They also cleaned up some areas with additional gravel and fill to reduce any drainage issues in the area. Next on the list of to-do’s includes grade crossing lights at the pedestrian crossing along with a switch motor for the station bypass track.
Scott was able to capture the last buck of 57 being dumped on the passenger line project as the crew put the finishing touches on the project. Not sure why Norm is scratching his head other than maybe thinking about what the next project will be.
David E. and Robby took the first ride on the completed passenger line all the way through the new station area. They looked like two kids in a candy store. Just saying.
We did run into an issue with the club diesel towards the end of the day. Let’s just say that the engine is fine but the truck under the sulky isn’t. One of the axles has warn to a point it came out of the side frame. Norm took the truck and is going to get it fixed until them just know the club diesel is not available until the sulky is fixed.
Workday recap for Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Only 6 more panels to complete the passenger line project
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing. They also worked on addressing some major drainage areas by the bridges as the most recent rain had washed out some area next to the bypass track again. Additional gravel was spread in other areas to help with drainage between the passenger line and the bypass track along with providing some better footing when people get on an off a train in the station area.
All in all, a very productive day which means that our next workday will complete the passenger line project and perform some track work on the bypass track.
On another note don’t forget that we have our annual boiler inspection and railroad safety check on Saturday, September 18th. Be on the look out for additional details. The railroad safety check is intended to change all railroad equipment and identify any track work that needs to be completed before our planned re-open on Saturday, October 2nd.
Passenger Line project workday recap for Saturday, August 21, 2021
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Peter, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
Meanwhile, Scott continued to work on the new drain coming out the yard and filled in some washout we had with all the recent rains near the bridges.
With all that has been done one more workday with a good size crew would complete the passenger line project. Our next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, September 11th but one is being discussed for Saturday, September 4th so be on the lookout. Speaking of scheduled events our annual “Summer Night Run” for club members and invited guests will be on Saturday, August 28th.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, August 14, 2021
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain that was installed has a place to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave and Dale also spent a little time looking at Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event on August 28th.
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain coming out of the yard had a good way to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave E. and Dale also spent a little time working on Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event which is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th.
Mark your calendars as we make a big push to complete the passenger line on Saturday, August 21st. Make sure you bring plenty of water, tools, a lunch, knee pads, and a great sense of humor. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler which should allow us to make some good progress.
Workday recap for Saturday, August 7, 2021
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Before work was done on the pedestrian crossing Bob C. took the club steamer around the railroad testing out the most recent pilot truck repairs. He then took the club steamer onto the passenger line make it the first steam engine to travel on the passenger line. Bob was happy to report that the steam engine is in good shape. Although he did put an asterisk by his recap stating its a steam engine it always needs something done to it. Check out the videos below to see the club steamer in action.
Don’t forget to checkout our events calendar for activities around the railroad and around the hobby regionally. Our next planned workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st with the annual Summer Nights Club fun day on Saturday, August 28th.
Workday recap for Saturday, July 10, 2021 (before the rain)
Another productive day was had this past Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including the 50-foot section of track that needs to be finished to connect the east loop with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling good. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
Another productive day was on Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including working on a nearly 50-foot span to connect the east look with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling well. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
The crew was also able to checkout some of the project on the “Grandma Line” that will allow train travel through the woods instead of the year in the future.
Our next official workday is Saturday, July 24th when we hope to finish attaching the east loop and begin laying forms to the bypass track and passenger line heading west towards the station.
Passenger Line workday recap for Saturday, June 19, 2021
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe.
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe. Just as the last bit of ballast was spread it began to sprinkle. The crew cleaned up and had lunch and decided to stop for the day. This leaves us just fifty feet short of connecting the east loop to the gate crossing which leaves us about 200-feet to complete the passenger line. The crew today consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Rick, Peter, Robby, David E., Scott and special guest Chris P. and his family. The crew also decided how the decking for the man crossing will look and plan to get that portion installed in the coming weeks as well.
While our next official workday is not until Saturday, July 10th we are talking about a mini workday at the site to finish connecting the east loop to the grade crossing before then. Be on the lookout for a mini-workday announcement in the next week or so.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, June 12th - Transition from "Big Dig" to passenger line
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
During all the work we did have a small incident between “Bob2”, a shovel, and a rake. While the rake only had minor bruises the shovel on the other hand did not fare as well. Medical attention was requested but not sure what the final diagnosis will be for the shovel.
Meanwhile, Wes went crazy and tackled grass cutting, weed eating the fence, and more. Calvin also marked the first official car across the gate crossing. Our next official workday will be this Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to finish laying track to the man crossing and connect the east loop to the gate crossing. Should be a great day with some real progress. We look forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor.
"Big Dig" Workday Recap For Saturday, May 29, 2021
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails. Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails.
Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
The "Big Pour" workday recap for Monday, May 24, 2021
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Below is what we have officially on the calendar next but as always subject to change. Speaking of up next on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, June 5th. As has become customary over the past couple of years this is also a club fun day. We could use some extra hands between now and then to do a once over on the railroad and the grass also needs to be cut.
Upcoming Events
"Big Dig" workday recap for Saturday, May 22nd
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
The "Big Dig" has begun- Impromptu workday recap from Saturday, May 8th
One thing that is constant is change when you are planning things. This past weekend we had planned on working on getting the next member container area ready, which we did, however delivery of the container was delayed because of the quality of the container available was not as good as we had hoped. While continue to search for the next container we pivoted on Friday and put together a crew for Saturday impromptu workday and started the “Big Dig” portion of the passenger line project. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Robby, Wes, and John. Scott was also at the site working on installing some additional electrical in the grey container. About 90% of everything was completed but we are looking for any individuals who are available this week to install the rebar so we can schedule a concrete truck to pour on Saturday, May 15th. Contact Norm if you have time this week as he will be coordinating the installation of the rebar.
One thing that is constant is change when you are planning things. This past weekend we had planned on working on getting the next member container area ready, which we did, however delivery of the container was delayed because of the quality of the container available was not as good as we had hoped. While continue to search for the next container we pivoted on Friday and put together a crew for Saturday impromptu workday and started the “Big Dig” portion of the passenger line project. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Robby, Wes, and John. Scott was also at the site working on installing some additional electrical in the grey container. About 90% of everything was completed but we are looking for any individuals who are available this week to install the rebar so we can schedule a concrete truck to pour on Saturday, May 15th. A little late on my part but Norm will be heading out with a few people on Tuesday, May 11th at 8;30 a.m. to work on the rebar. If you are able to help I’m sure they’d take what ever you can offer.
Assuming everything goes well, and the weather cooperates we will need extra help on Saturday, May 15th as about 8 or 9 yards of concrete is delivered and poured. If for some reason we are not able to pour on Saturday, we will begin grading work from west side of the new crossing towards the station area in preparation of track to be installed in a future workday. If you are available on Saturday, May 24th please arrive around 8:30 a.m. ahead of the concrete truck to help finalize any last-minute details before the pour which will happen around 10 a.m.(‘ish).
As was mentioned earlier Scott worked in the grey container installing more conduit so the lights can be turned on and off from either end of the container.
Electrical work by Scott M.
What’s on the calendar
All dates are subject to change
Workday recap for Saturday, February 27th - Track building day
Our 2nd club workday of the year was this past Saturday, February 27th. We had a good size crew with Calvin, Wes, Elijah, Tyler, Norm, Robby, Scott, and Bob helping out throughout the day. The crew built 200 feet of track panels, work on the club steamers and caught up since the last time we got together. The crew also sorted most of the old rail and talked about plans for the passenger line, member container and workshop project.
As we move into March our next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 27th but based on conversations yesterday we are going to try and have another workday sooner than that. Be on the lookout for communications around our next workday.
Our 2nd club workday of the year was this past Saturday, February 27th. We had a good size crew with Calvin, Wes, Elijah, Tyler, Norm, Robby, Scott, and Bob helping out throughout the day. The crew built 200 feet of track panels, work on the club steamers and caught up since the last time we got together. The crew also sorted most of the old rail and talked about plans for the passenger line, member container and workshop project.
As we move into March our next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 27th but based on conversations yesterday we are going to try and have another workday sooner than that. Be on the lookout for communications around our next workday. The plans for the next workday include:
Member Container - Work on preparing the ground assuming it dries out soon.
Passenger line - Build about 20 straight track panels and some curves which includes cut more than 400 railroad ties ahead of next track panel construction day.
Track maintenance - we have some gaps to address on the east side of the railroad before we can start running.
As a reminder our next official club fun day and club meeting is coming up on Saturday, April 3rd and as I mentioned earlier we need to perform some track maintenance before we can operate the railroad so if you can come out during the week let Norm know and a work crew can be assembled to take care of those winter gaps that have appeared.
Workday Schedule (Dates subject to change)
Club Meeting & Fun Day Schedule
Don’t forget that we are encouraging members to invite others in the hobby to come out during our club fun days and enjoy the railroad with us. For more information visit out Club Fun Day webpage.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 24, 2020 - Closing in on the grade crossing
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin and guest, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete.
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin, and Brad, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete. The crew ran out of steam but made a great deal of progress with a little more time this part of the project will be complete.
Next on the schedule will be to finish up the passenger siding, build track panels and switches for the member container, and build straight panels for the passenger line. At this point the passenger line will need about 50 panels to be built over the next few months.
Bob C. also stopped by to do some work on the club steamer and to get some propane tanks.
Club Fun Day
Don’t forget our next Club Fun Day will be Saturday, November 7th. Come at any time throughout the day and make sure you bring friends and family to enjoy the railroad.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 17, 2020 - Passenger Line and more
Busy week and weekend around the club. A new powered slug was picked up along with more member owned riding cars, and the installation of another 120 feet of track for the passenger line.
We may not be running this year but that has not stopped many of our members in getting ready for 2021. Dan went up to Virginia this week and picked up his locomotive and new powered slug and green riding cars. I think he is up to about 6 or 7 riding cars plus his other rolling stock. Looking forward to seeing the new combination on the rails soon. Dan stopped by the site today to do a little trailer shuffle and will be back to rearrange his big trailer with all the new items. I hope it fits.
Meanwhile this past Saturday marked the 30th workday of the 2020 season. With the help of Ben, “Bob”, Bob C., Gene, Norm, Robby, and Scott the crew installed 120 feet of track putting the passenger line project in reach of the halfway point with about 80 feet to go before it will reach the future grade crossing. Hopefully during our next workday, which is on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. we will be able to build the necessary track panels needed to reach the halfway point. Speaking of track panels, we are needing 19 straight panels (some with used rail), two switches for the member container project, and a lot more railroad ties.
Also not pictured below Scott also put the finishing touches on the electrical in the grey container. All we need now is to add a couple of lights in the 20 foot extension and everything will be complete. Thanks Scott for taking this project on.
Workday Recap for Saturday, September 26, 2020
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
Scott M. took the day to work on adding conduit to the container extension so we will have additional lights in the grey container.
Bob C. came out and worked on additional repairs to the club steamer. For all the steam engine owners you know that the work never ends with a steam engine. Appreciate Bob’s continued efforts to keep this locomotive alive for the next generation of Live Steamers.
The track construction team was hard at work again this weekend with Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Robby, Calvin, Tyler, Gene, Bill, John, and Wes “Master Weedeater”. LaVay was also out with his train around the railroad testing everything out including the new diamond with great success. The track crew was able to lay about 100 feet of track and started preparations for the next 360 feet of track. The crew needs 12 curves and 24 straight panels to be built over the next couple of weeks. Norm took some rail to the show to be bent and plans are underway to cut ties in advance of a “Big Build Track Panel Day” on Saturday, October 10th. If you can go to the site between now and then we need to cut 684 ties cut before the panels can be built. If you are interested in cutting ties please contact Robby or Norm.
Coming Up
Saturday, October 3rd is another busy day around the railroad. Simply put the day is a Club Fun Day which includes the annual boiler inspection, club meeting at 1 p.m., and time playing with trains with others in the club and invited guests. The weather is looking great with great fall temperatures and clear skies.
