All;
Many thanks for all who attended this year's Albion Day. Stewart's summations along with Steve's, Brendan's and Hansel's photos/videos pretty much summed up the day's activities. I would say the Model T really added to the day. In addition to Start's attendance list (along with Phil Dow and Carl Buitta) I would add our president, Steve Z. and Bill P (inadvertently listed as Bill H). As a guide for my (or others) planning for next year and further detail to "flesh out" the reports I'll address each area:
1. Model T - Hauling and rigging. I think Brendan's last name is really "Hallamore" and that he was born on the back of a Clydesdale. He makes loading, backing and unloading a trailer look like child's play. The entire process could not have gone more smoothly. I also appreciate Brendan's good humor at being "volunteered" by me. He exemplifies the WW&F's "Can Do" volunteerism.
2. Model T - Operations. James and Start did a bang up job working out the scheduling and loading of the Model T. Using WW&F rules as a basis for the Northern Division worked well. Proper signaling and station announcements added a touch of professionalism. All in all, the Model T's visit wouldn't have been possible without Brendan, James and Start.
3. Track Maintenance - We (meaning Dana and the ever able Track Crew) replaced two lengths of track. This might not seem like much but every old tie came up in rotted pieces and the new (double used) ties had to be re-spaced as the old spacing left something to be desired. Since, ironically, the area with the replacement ties was the most heavily ballasted much stone had to be dug out by hand before new ties could be put down. As a result, the new track won't need much tamping unless it has to be lifted.
4. Track work to be done - we did not have enough time to install the steel plates for the stub switch that Phil had fabricated. in fact James had to spike the switch and install a guardrail (late of the end of siding). So next year we'll need to install the switch stand, lift the rail and spike the plates along with the rest of the material need to make the switch operate. Phil still has a few items to have fabricated. Also, there is room for at least four additional rail lengths before the southern end of property is reached and one length could be added to the north end. All the AHS needs is 10 sticks of 35 lb rail and ties. There also needs to be some fill added in the area of the culvert. Suggestions for rail are welcome.
5. Carpentry - Siding still needs to be installed on the stair tower along with a few other finishing touches. Steve Z had the vapors after professionally sizing up the requirements to have a safe stair tower. Not much needs to be done inside as Phil and company have been active upstairs.
6. Grounds - Note to Dave, make sure to have Fred fill the 50:1 tanks before Albion Day 2014. My brush cutting was cut short when I ran out of fuel for the brush hog. Only about half of the needed cutting was able to be done. I'd like to reveal more of the round table and sidings. Phil and I did some consolidating of all the junk ties cast off into the brush but more clean up needs to be done to make things presentable.
7. Motive power - Having visiting motive power from the Southern Division was obviously great but the AHS has a gas powered Plymouth locomotive on site. It is unfortunately, not currently running. In a coma and on life support might be a more accurate statement. It also needs some cab and cosmetic work to put it mildly. Mike and Brendan had a chance to look it over. In listening to them I can safely state the the repair list is long. As a first step we (meaning me and A) will move and use the old lawn mower "garage" to cover the engine to prevent further deterioration. Unfortunately RowMow Mfg, has a very full plate this winter with Big Joe maintenance, engineering and designing Big Tow as a second tamper and figuring out how to hi-rail the Kubota and building a rops for it. Sooo, I am looking for a volunteer or volunteers that might be interested in undertaking the restoration of the Plymouth. If you have space in your garage I (meaning Brendan - oops, there I go again...) might be able to arrange delivery once the trailer is finished. The AHS will pay all material costs.
All in all much was accomplished in the short time we were there. I'm already looking forward to Albion Day 2014. i can't thank all of those that volunteered to help out enough. I hope to have even greater attendance next year!
Dave
PS Fred, Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot even though my efforts were small compared to all the work the others did.
