W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on November 29, 2017, 07:02:24 AM
-
Anticipated work for Saturday December 2:
* Mountain ROW storm clean up - several trees came down, eventually they will need to be cleaned up.
* Boxcar 67
* Bridge
* Christmas prep
-
For Christmas prep, I hope to be down tomorrow to help decorate the station with lights, garlin, etc. There are also two low hanging branches that need to come down, and I hope to address those tomorrow as well.
-
I gave Linda a set of fairly old glass Christmas tree ornaments. Reportedly, some belong to my great grandmother (whose husband was the Conductor for the Woodstock RR in Vt.) If not from our target era, they will be close. She was going to set them aside for tree trimming this year.
-
I have a few outdoor tree ornaments that I can't use here in Maine. They are plastic but look like big (really big) old fashioned glass ornaments. I will get them out and bring them Tuesday - unless I get ambitious and find them in the morning. I also have a ton of incandescent lights (switching everything to LED). Unfortunately they all need to be gone through to see that they work. If you can use them, I will go through them this week. If would rather, I am willing to purchase LED's and donate them.
I have an idea for simulated candles for a tree, which is what the Victorian era would have used. Can't imagine why whole towns didn't burn down. That won't happen this year.
-
Our supply of working Christmas lights seems to dwindle every year, because once you put them away they are forgotten until it's time to get them out again, then it's too big of a job to try to track down the workable lights. A donation of LEDs would be awesome.
-
Work done on Saturday Dec 2:
* Bridge: as seen by Brendan's posts, the bridge trusses were stood up and chained down. Tim the bridge man was working on installing 2 cross braces on the bottom at the end of the day.
* Machine shop: Alan, Steve P and Dan were off in the machine shop doing something, but I didn't see what.
* Archives: Linda was working on Archives, with some assistance by me.
-
Worked on second set of cross braces today. Steve Z and Steve from Vermont got about Two Thirds of the shims for the stringers on the East side done today.
-
Now I know why they chained down the trusses. The answer is in the Trout Bridge Thread. They were afraid it would float away and get hit by one of those drones or helicopters. Hence, they had to chain it down to keep it out of the air traffic.
-
Yesterday the third set of cross braces were finish and more spacers were put on the West side, some of the longitudinal 2 x 4's were applied to both sides.
-
Anticipated work Saturday Dec 9:
* Victorian Christmas prep
* Bridge construction
* #10 boiler
* Storm cleanup
* Board meeting 4 PM
-
I would like to tidy up the parking lot, specifically the corner by the stump pile. Bridge timbers will be move so we can straighted up everything else.
-
Bridge man will be on site Friday and Saturday.
Jason
-
Work done on Saturday Dec 9:
* Bridge: the remaining under timbers were installed.
* Clean up: With most of the bridge timbers on or near the bridge, the remaining bridge timbers and pieces were gathered into one spot. Ties, stubs, and other things were generally consolidated so that the parking lot gets as much parking out of it as we can, and so that we can plow for the 4-6 inches tonight and however much we get Tuesday.
* Machine shop: Alan was in there, I think he was working on a piece for the flanger.
* Board meeting. Roger should be sending the minutes tonight.
-
No minutes posted since AUGUST. >:(
-
Some more prep work for permits was done this morning before the snow at the bridge site, and along the ROW north of there.
Also, several trees along the grade from End of track North were marked for cutting. A couple days this winter should take care of most of it.
-
Plowing Monday and Wednesday. Monday crew is usually light; any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason
-
So how much snow fell last night?
Jeff S.
-
4-ish inches.
-
I should have a few hours free friday afternoon if any tasks need to be done.....
-
More of a rail-clearing trip than a plowing trip. Good to expose railhead to sunshine.
Unfortunately I can’t be there Friday, but I’m sure there will be a crew on site doing final prep.
See ya
Jason
-
2 new temp platforms were left at Alna Center Saturday, and the other one that was there was relocatedto make a neat easy accessible stack.
-
Anticipated work for Saturday Dec 16:
Victorian Christmas, Day 1. We need all hands on deck. Running two trains, we need brakemen or other on-train personnel. Also needed are grounds people to help with parking, and crowd control.
-
James; I'll be arriving Friday afternoon and thus available for Train Crew on Saturday the 16th.
Paul Crabb
-
I will be up for both the 16th and 23rd.
-
Should be arriving around noon today.
Jeff S.
-
Hope someone will be making a video for posting to those who are unable to attend. Not to mention it makes for great advertising!
-
Thanks for showing us around yesterday Jeff!!
-
Work on Saturday Dec 16: Victorian Christmas.
We had about 700 people - a decent turn out. Trains were between 60% and 80% full all day (as opposed to 105% full 2 years ago). Two train consists were operated. Meanwhile Santa and Mrs. Clause were at Alna Center, Eric Schade had his G-scale? train set up in the car shop, along with the hot cider. Nancy had her snack shack set up. And, as always, everybody seemed to have a good time.
-
Thanks for showing us around yesterday Jeff!!
You are welcome Richard.
Jeff S.
-
Anticipated work for Saturday Dec 23.
Victorian Christmas, Take II! Peat and repeat. As I understand it, we have been having trouble finding enough people to cover all positions, so if you are able to come please do.
-
Planning plow extra Saturday morning, depart 730 or 8. I want to be on it so plz don’t leave without me...
Snow flanger is functional; trip to ToM to turn plow w crane.
See ya
Jason
-
Victorian Christmas Dec 23, 2017
Snow/sleet/freezing rain storm.
Operations statement.
We will run the event on a reduced scope: steam train ride and Santa Claus.
Other activities may be offered based on crew availability, but if they occur they should be considered bonus. This includes the horse drawn sleigh rides.
VOLUNTEERS: you are STRONGLY encouraged to take NO chances in coming in. If you feel you can safely come to the event, your help is most welcome. However if you choose not to make the drive, it is entirely understood. We have enough local crew to offer the public the minimum experience described above.
Thank you, weather the storm well, and Merry Christmas!
-
Detailed forecast indicates up to .5" of ice possible in some areas. Please be careful out there. Check here for latest conditions:
https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/me/alna/04535
Have a very Merry Christmas
-
My driving experience on icy roads says...don't. Control is perilous, especially faster than 15 mph.
-
I started out, but decided the roads were not all that great, and wasn't driving 70 miles there to drive 70 miles back in potentially worse conditions.
-
Not sure if ill make it either. Roads are still bad around me though the weather seems to be holding off for now.
-
I could get there, but getting home again later will be a much different story. Mixed precip is already in Richmond and parts of Dresden. Looking out my window across the Kennebec. The Richmond side is beginning to disappear.
-
My driving experience on icy roads says...don't. Control is perilous, especially faster than 15 mph.
The really scary thing is the other drivers who aren't scared but should be. ::)
-
Work on Dec 23:
* Victorian Christmas day 2. Not so popular today with the freezing rain. We had around 280 riders. Nevertheless, it was enough to give us the highest yearly ridership by a comfortable margin. Kudos to those of us that made it to work it - and move kudos to the brave souls that came out to ride. We ran one train, eventually having the diesel pull one direction and the steam the other in order to minimize switch throwing. Santa made it but the horses did not.
Now to dry out.
-
We ran one train, eventually having the diesel pull one direction and the steam the other in order to minimize switch throwing.
Can you elaborate? Did the diesel pull north with Number 9 following light; diesel uncouple from north end at AC; Number 9 couple to south end and pull back to Sheepscot with 52 following light?
-John M
-
Yes that is what I meant.
-
James...congrats to you and crew for pulling off reasonable success in the face of terrible weather! And applause for those hardy riders! ;D
A Merry Christmas, all.
Abq Drought Day 79
-
Merry Christmas everyone, have a great day!
-
Merry Christmas, Fred, and everyone who reads here!
Jason
-
Merry Christmas to all - and if anyone received coal in their stocking, please send it our way ;D
-
Merry Christmas everyone!
-
No Ho Ho and Merry Christmas everyone.
-
Merry Christmas all!
I understand that there will be a large cadre of volunteers tomorrow (Wed 12/27/17) at Sheepscot. I am volunteering to bring and cook a hot lunch for those brave souls who will be battling in the cold. (PS: Emily will also be making a rare personal appearance tomorrow!)
-
What's the occasion for the large number of volunteers?
Jeff S.
-
Funny, first I heard of it was last night. I am sure it is just the normal Tuesday/Wednesday crew.
-
Normal Wednesday crew plus the family of a local member who wanted to spend a day of their time in Maine volunteering for us. As it turned out they bowed out due to the cold, however have promised another day. I asked them to aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
See ya
Jason
-
So, how is the bridge coming along?
Jeff S.
-
What's on the agenda for Saturday? Hope it is something energetic because it is going to be damned freaking cold.
-
A few photos from last Saturday...
The line was plowed in the morning before public trains started all the way from Sheepscot to Top of the Mountain, where Ichabod awaited to help move the plow from the back (north) end of #52 to the front (south) end. Note the back windows of #52 glazed by the frozen drizzle:
(https://i.imgur.com/SRslQMn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KVLwhcS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9B5lwdf.jpg)
At Alna Center, showing the ice-covered W&Q #3 and B&SR #11. Diesel #52 pulled the public trains north, with #9 following. At Alna Center, #9 coupled on to take the train back to Sheepscot, with #52 following.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9N42Td.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EjXJw6c.jpg)
-
I'm cold and wet just looking at the photos! You guys are something else!
How did the flanger work?
-
I guess today is Wednesday and I'm late with the work forecast for Saturday.
Anticipated for work on Saturday Dec 30: the end of 2017!
* Store inventory. Linda's mentioned she was going to do some counting this week.
* Bridge
* Boxcar 67
* Snow
* Are we able to cut trees at Trout Brook yet?
-
Great Pics!! Be sure to save for the archives.
The icicles on the coaches are stunning!!
How did Ichabod get out to TOM?
Bob
-
I should mention that the coaches were taken out of the car barn around 10 a.m., so the ice seen accumulated on the cars while running during the day Saturday.
I was impressed with the crew manning Alna Center. Most everybody riding the trains took the trip north, visited with Santa, and understandably immediately returned on our return trip. Volunteers at Alna Center had a full cold, icy, wet day!
-
Bob,
Crane was taken North by rail about 2 weeks ago, just before the first snow.
We can cut trees at Trout Brook, but we plan on doing it different than the normal. Instead of cutting and burning, we plan on chipping. But, if there is enough help, we can probably burn, but not next to the brook. Just need a burning permit.
-
Wow!
On the one hand the pictures of the winter wonderland are beautiful, especially when viewed from the warmth of a fire.
On the other hand the amount of work and dedication in exceptional conditions of cold, snow and freezing rain says a lot about the dedication of our core group of volunteers.
A toast of the hot chocolate mug to all who showed up and made it happen.
Cheers to all!
-
We no longer need to send pictures to Alan Downey to show him winter railroading. He gets to see (and feel) it first hand! ;D
-
Great photos, Bill. How long did it take you to get to the museum in that weather?
Jeff S.
-
Sat. is supposed to be a good day according to the weather channel. Great day for cutting and burning, if someone gets a permit.
-
How did the flanger work?
I'm guessing it worked well for VC. Yesterday (12/27) not so much...
We started plowing the yard and the retraction mechanism failed. (Jason can explain the details.) We struck the tank switch frog at a good clip. No one was hurt, but the flanger was destroyed. We plowed the railroad to TOM without it, leaving a good bit of snow within the gauge. Meanwhile, the mainline in front of Sheepscot station looked great with the snow flanged out.
-
A little follow up- while it felt like we were going at a good clip, it was actually about 2-3 MPH. I had a nag that something wasn't right, so had our speed down. Plowing was tough without the flanger.
Failure was the screws mounting the air cylinders to the plow frame stripping out of the cylinder housings.
We won't rebuild this design.
see ya
Jason
-
Mike will lead tree clearing at the bridge site this Saturday.
Check the Mountain Tree Clearing thread in Work and Events for details on this sub-project.
see ya
Jason
-
while it felt like we were going at a good clip, it was actually about 2-3 MPH
It certainly felt faster than that; it was cold out there on the running board. And now I do recall slowing down before excitement struck.
-
Re: Pictures of Victorian Christmas Part Deux....
I think I prefer snow :o
Good job and congrats to all that made VC1 and VC2 happen.
Not rain, not sleet, not dark of night stops the WW&F!
-
I was hoping to do some tree clearing at the bridge site, but with the extreme cold today, the dozer and the Yeti decided not to start. So, we can cut and burn at EOT, or there is some downed trees at Sheepscot to burn.
If, during the day Saturday the dozer starts, we may move that to the bridge site if the Yeti starts..
-
If we had bacon, we could have bacon and eggs, if we had eggs. ;D
Seriously, sometimes the bear gets you.
-
From my standpoint, here enjoying a wonderful Australian Summer, I can only express admiration and appreciation, given the dedication and skill of the strong men from Down East.
John Scott
-
If we had bacon, we could have bacon and eggs, if we had eggs.
Note to self: Refrain from drinking coffee while reading the forum. Sudden laughter is bad for the screen.
-
So you had coffee with your bacon and eggs? Was this at Ships'?
-
Work done on Saturday Dec 30, 2017:
(It was very cold this morning: -18 on the car thermometer on the way over. It might have made it to 10 above).
* Getting stuff started: After several days of sub-zero temps, we made some valiant efforts at getting things going. The truck and the tractor were the first things. They helped get first the Yeti going, then the dozer. The Yeti wouldn't move (parked on ice) so the dozer had to push it. The dozer was loaded in the parking lot, then Fred and I followed in his van while Mike drove Yeti and trailer to the 218/WW&F crossing. The dozer was unloaded and plowed some snow in for a couple hundred feet, then we returned to Sheepscot.
* Boxcar 67: Zack was working on the ladder verticals and installing the bolts for the rungs.
* Inventory: Linda did most of it during the week, she and I did the rest of the counting upstairs in the morning.
-
James makes it sound so easy.. We set the torpedo heater and battery charger going on the Yeti at around 9 this morning. At 11:15, I decided the charger wasn't doing enough, so I put the pick-up on it during lunch. After lunch, the Yeti started. Unhooked the cables and it died. Hooked cables back up and restarted. Left the pick-up hooked to it while I tended to the dozer. Torpedo heater was aimed at that. Then the new battery installed and tried to start. Would not go. So got the pick-up and gave it a little extra charge. A sniff of starting fluid and away it went.
I think we are ready to cut trees..
-
One more thing we forgot to mention. Jason and I made an agreement of sorts with Midcoast Conservancy to plow their parking area for them while we are working up there. So, under presidential supervision, I plowed the parking area today. Midcoast Conservancy has been great to work with during the permit process for the bridge, so if we are helping them in some way by doing this, that is great.
-
Youz guys is heroes!
At least you're not in Buffalo, with 5 feet+ of snow.
Here in Abq, no sign of precip, over 80 days now, 60s daytime.
-
Happy New Year folks, Have a great year.
-
Happy New Year folks, Have a great year.
Happy New Year to you, Fred.
Jeff S.
-
Happy New Year, Fred!
-
Happy New Year Fred & Every one.
-
Fred,
A very happy new year to you and to all the WW&F Ry enthusiast.