W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on March 30, 2022, 05:54:28 AM
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Anticipated work for Saturday April 2:
* Track panel - continued assembly
* Vehicle repair
* Engine house construction
* Machine shop
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Anybody want to drive spikes? Get warmed up for the SWW..
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I will not be there this weekend, unfortunately. I did just drop a 17 drawer cabinet in the south end of bay 2. It's destined to help us manage tools and equipment in the machine shop.
It was scrapped out by a small local ship builder, so it could use a cleaning. If someone gets bored and wants to vacuum out the small bits of detritus and/or wipe down the drawers, I'd be thrilled! Otherwise I'll tackle cleaning it, and getting it placed next weekend.
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Work done on Saturday April 2:
* Standard gauge track panels. Mike and I, assisted by Cody, Scott, Dwight, and Dave, constructed 3 panels of standard gauge track for when Loco 53 arrives in May.
* Engine house: Stewart, Brendan, and supervisor Fred worked on rafters for Bays 1 and 2.
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Just looks completely wrong...
(https://i.postimg.cc/nzCmcfnd/0402220907.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zR62N21/0402220907a.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDJHPpDT/0402220907b.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ry71ss05/0402221256b.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPx9dnT6/0402221256.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T36njscw/0402221612.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XYkdsg2g/0402221613a.jpg)
And we learned today the Cross Road will be getting some work real soon so we made room to get the material to the recently cleared area. Plans are to take all we can and stockpile it to use as fill in the future to cut down on gravel costs.. This area needs to be stumped first before the material goes there..
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzCsTw3J/0402221613b.jpg)
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And we learned today the Cross Road will be getting some work real soon so we made room to get the material to the recently cleared area. Plans are to take all we can and stockpile it to use as fill in the future to cut down on gravel costs.. This area needs to be stumped first before the material goes there ...
The news snippet below comes from the Lincoln County News, as part of a story about Alna voters approving a number of funding warrants:
Voters also approved Articles 47 and 48, which asked if the town wanted to borrow and appropriate $525,000 to rebuild, reclaim, repave segments of Cross Road and shim and overlay the remainder of the road.
https://lcnme.com/currentnews/alna-votes-to-contract-with-wiscasset-ambulance/
Great timing! ;)
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IMHO - What that parking area needs is stone and asphalt millings.
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All in due time John. The best parkinglot we have is being used for storage. If we can get to a point where we stop building and using the main lot to store mud and clay, we then can spend the money to cap it off with some good stuff. I would rather not spend the money only to dig it up again. I don't call that a good investment.
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Couldn't agree more Mike. Maybe after the car barn extension, electrical upgrade, and engine house are completed we will take a time out from further building and focus on lots, walkways, and landscaping. There comes a point where we can't be a perpetual construction site.
I assume that there are those who are already looking at adjacent real estate for parking lot expansion and/or storage area & laydown. It would take the pressure off for parking on special events and tour buses in the future. I also hope that coordination is being done with the Cross Road rehabilitation to account for a future crossing southbound. (or maybe do it as part of the rebuild - but not use it for the short term.) Just a thought.....
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We do have a team that is in the know about adjacent land and the possibilities. We own enough land currently, we just need to develop it. I have started a dedicated storage area that I hope to continue on as time permits, but have several other project that are more pressing..
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I'm glad Mike posted the picture of me hitting the spike instead of the tie.
I commented yesterday that it looks more like Great Western/Isambard Kingdom Brunel's gauge of 7' 1/4" rather than standard.
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Anticipated work for Tuesday-Wednesday 5-6 April 2022
* Engine house
* Track work at Trout Brook Station
* Steam locomotive preparation
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Steve, I will be there, dwight
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See you Tuesday Dwight.
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I'm glad Mike posted the picture of me hitting the spike instead of the tie.
If I would have taken video it sure would have been entertaining
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280 Feet of track laid today...
...ready for spiking and ballast during the 2022 Spring Work Weekend.
Coming for SWW? Be sure to sign up on the ticketing website (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/wwfry/items/296526/?full-items=yes&flow=420374)!
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Good lookin' track gang...
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Anticipated work for Saturday April 9:
* Eastertime Eggspress - "all hands" needed for a train ops day with many people cycling through.
* Machine shop - Coach 9 or Loco 11 work
* Engine house construction
* Vehicle repair
* Board meeting @ 4
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Rain showers predicted for the morning currently so I should be in the garage working on the dozer. If it dries up, I plan working on the loader.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 5-6 April 2022.
Tuesday:
* Track crew, Track started laying track at Trout Brook Station on the run a round
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Paul, Brian W, Eric, Randy, Leon, Jonathan, Joe Lupinsky, Dwight
Jason, Pete & Cody)
* Engine House, crew continues to move along, see up coming pic’s.
(Brendan, Fred Stewart)
* Gift shop/Mail on going daily. (Cindy R)
* Rolling stock lubrication/oiling. (Phil B)
* Admin (Bob Holms)
Wednesday:
* Track crew, Crew completes laying track to turn table on both run around and main line.
( Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian W, Paul, Leon, Eric, Randy, Jonathan, Joe Lupinsky, Dwight,
Jason, Dan)
* Engine house crew continues (Brendan, Fred, Stewart)
* Shop, Locomotive #11 work. (Gordon C)
* Campus clean up, dump run (Stewart)
Note: This was Pete and Cody’s first time working with the rail crane and laying track.
Cody worked in various positions from tie insta-track, to joint bar placement and bolting,
he put in a long day and did a good job.
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Work done on Saturday April 9:
* Sorry, I was involved at Alna Center for the Eastertime Eggspress. I can tell you it was a happening place. I know Mike was working on the bulldozer, and that Alan was in the shop, but I don't know what they did. They'll need to report.
* Board meeting at 4, let out at 5:45.
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With much supervision and amazement from Cody, we removed the bottom covers off the final drives. We had to remove one because a seal had failed and filled the final drive with material. I had decided to replace the covers because they were worn heavily on one side, to the point I was concerned they were almost through. I found 2 used ones as new are long gone..
The heads of the 12 point Ferry Cap bolts (12 per cover) that were used had worn or the head rusted. Using some heat and a selection of nut removers, we got the first one off just after lunch.
Old on the left. Note the worn spot I was concerned with.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYMVSBqW/0409221230.jpg)
Some of the dirt and debris removed from the right hand one
(https://i.postimg.cc/prg0Np0R/0409221230a.jpg)
Left side was a little more of a fight. Luckily Cody was there so my verbage was very filtered..but I won..
(https://i.postimg.cc/ht82w4VR/0409221434.jpg)
2 bolt heads on each were worn so the had to be torched. Then the rest of the bolt came out with vice grips.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kXb1Qv44/0409221434a.jpg)
Over in the shop, Alan and Nicole comtinue machining truck parts..
(https://i.postimg.cc/904xNGYL/0409221444.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCpxRsMk/0409221445.jpg)
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Here's a pair of photos of Mike working away on those 55-year-old bolts with his apprentice taking it all in. For hours.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QzqyHJjfWCMd0far4iepWcEOowzxxgZA6EQZ54xkS6mLnAm1oEcErRv_WmsKTYlXbmRCf8gHOXloKvKMTk8NYkWMjFhrwRajWIFAxPMYUwcMTb4lDgELK4QhzXxRWIjQxKZEM71IwJzNMrbdO8RgAzqgQGAeom1-IqDx3zKyRrn5vKTWgW99PzC3hSqoqdi2nv7ccJhgjKuJTp1dh3GpHdf4Y4j1cwk79MAcS2sNDJhZAvjYoR8md7oYUKnpAMrXdxY6ZuebtEaJsuUEeo4sXVRrUDyWRYny37D1euzAxNw4ABngl1CyaHWKyfE1h_Whw9YG50i1w5MWT_PK-tQQWlToxByxLKkB31aIbjHL-D44DaSONgN0QxmfiZoW5_8DEtElzGvqrNCoT9fU2-oX2DVzR9Mcg03PoSmy3xN9Y8KpApz2svI1HV4EvgTNRS9Ne6fUik_1W3-wNSEnEnnHtPz3jiw8frsSeO2NzozvVkVRKs3B9_ih_ieOoFIoyAaFlPiAkJ8S0ePaDaKSgMv9skRBC9cnzyHDTG75hNGRj4kOoPr4Jy9YXJqWja7UxQM7A96n_T9qQprUeqkMP39-8Ld6c5iY5IejMO3LBAkzkAjqLbfBEuKXZ7AdYkBSPI3lhvKtb-gyeGOD4ACLo9T4qrQ0hUHp5J9RIrCrul9WX-AdVGpPUJ8_9nSXLTlxs204vn_7B-Jry5ulSW2yIIgfma5eQflgjQXMuOqfg8Xs7LNS207MGgjk0ZoA-zCiFw=w640-h480-no?authuser=0)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xA4ZMyEqJ7VhSeXL8zbrFtKGBr6dKayXpDolPd955CUX0AfPU264iQXNBqkoYpaVLC0eY7nac-x-R0c9Fb63sKnTzroSDwU_6fTUJ5eq_4kbhwwpqUTxOHn8-8fmSChVJihcLPqQ90IpYIMbx_u8fjNKyEz9NvCKyJM9xUAKHHR_gpYhxCELKlK9OqjqbYjA2nfDVx1QjJ128Yl-GApOlBsaxTNViLx7De7zWvQ-5ohbUvKN68mEEJC4f99BKN0DpW2HuGJfBQRCVtE-jEZe6hPPZGuj74Kv7khPz84Sa8pQLgSOrHraHubLq3AQ-NNcSZ3rXrVTW8AtVmzLK0s1PjPeqL8hGpNfIISxqI_qbft1wS9YE6Ua8ldyEjCxIL6lFzz2CuXjQKHamNiRofHvMLzO1fuz61-qH1XKSvU3XLu0ncxQcB-p7zbVoXuOHDUxtifuWjhZ4an1othQAZZZiflLP8O7VZ9NiOPANWJUEZTosxAym8U-83YOHBVk2Jve-75PoiQBVZq64hEIybhLiPjDS7LFLhxpOTYmg4V46qEdwKfyPTjA3vvxk9C-uL7QPI6Y-fpn9rguPWcTZKbzsPyjtKwoegxNNVyFma7OIUWtCICIhDr9Zx0rorhT_OSwpJTo3IEJliV5HJy48CHh3dE4oUVrpIiU9eZQwKadwBJse0J-PHIuR22upH62Q27SeTxOgjTdnJpYEkXoax1jIrFmh76rmL7BuYS_ZDWExWGXiXvtPINsjLsmWg-d7Q=w640-h480-no?authuser=0)
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Pete, All I see for is a round gray circle with a white ar accross the center.
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Pete's photos were working this morning; but now are not.
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Strange. I reloaded the photos, and they seem to be working again now.
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Anticipated work Tuesday and Wednesday 12-13 April 2022.
Engine house build to continue
Coach #9 assembly/build to continue
Shop crews: Vacuum Brakes and Passenger car truck work continues
Track crews: Wilma function test, Big Joe servicing, TBS tie alignment
SS campus clean up
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Strange. I reloaded the photos, and they seem to be working again now.
And they WERE working (again.) Now they are not (again.)
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I still see them. Note the fire extinguisher. As soon as Cody realized I was going to heat, he went and grabbed the extinguisher off the hangar by the door and placed it close by.
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I don’t see them
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(https://i.postimg.cc/K8qN3m3n/Screenshot-20220410-181925.png)
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Somehow I missed these this morning. Dan is riding with Bryce in 52 after #7 developed a problem and had to be shut down.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gp4jk6v6/0409221456.jpg)
Also, Contractor Jeff stumped this week getting ready for the free fill.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7LjnXXVh/0409221834.jpg)
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Better photo of Dan...
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Well I'm stumped - much like the new parking area. I've posted photos in the past using the same procedure, and those are still there.
Thanks for your work around, Mike.
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The photos that Pete posted initially, that are now showing the circle with the line, are hosted on Google. And the way that works is that Google sets 'viewability' of the images based on permissions stored at Google. In other words, depending on who you are (from Google's perspective), you get to see the photos (or not).
The idea is that there can be multiple levels of sharing, some photos may be for "family", while others might be "friends", etc. When everything is perfectly set, then others can view them. But when things are not perfect, its quite frustrating. I've earlier had the same issues.
My solution to that is to not use Google to share photos, even though I use Google for other purposes, including email. A photo host that I like, is free, and works well, is PostImages.org (https://postimages.org/).
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In the previous photo of Alan moving a casting up to the big lathe, please note that this is the center bolster casting for No. 11's rear truck. The outside surfaces were machined a couple of weeks prior, and the round part (away from the camera) that fits into the truck center plate to form the rear truck pivot will be turned on the lathe.
The intermediate and outer bolster castings have also been machined. They are now ready to be fit up to the sills that run from front to back and have the holes drilled and bolts fitted to tie them together. Our next No. 11 work session on April 26th thru the 27th will see that process starting.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jx72bvJ/11-rear-frame-bolster-castings-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1sqKprW)
In this picture you can see from left to right the 2 intermediate bolsters, the center bolster, and the 2 outer bolsters.
To prepare to start the assembly of the rear frame, the railcar was moved from bay 2 to the car barn, where it will await the parts needed to get it back into service.
That space will be used to stage and assemble the rear frame of No. 11.
Six house jacks have been purchased that will be used to support the pieces during assembly and allow them to be leveled accurately.
In addition, the picture of Nicole at the Hercules horizontal mill shows not only Nicole machining the coach truck journal pedestals, but also behind her is the new tool chest that Alan acquired for the museum. It has been moved into a space on the south wall. This will allow us to organize and store the numerous accessories for the milling machines.
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Thanks Gordon. I should have asked what they were..
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Anticipated work for Saturday April 16:
* A second round of Eastertime Eggspress. Train and ground crew needed.
* Vehicle repair
* Machine shop work
* Enginehouse construction
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A second round of Eastertime Eggspress. Train and ground crew needed.
Yes. We really need to have more volunteers on the train actively monitoring passengers for safety and to deter inappropriate behavior. Ideally, each car should have a "car host" beyond just the Conductor and Brakeman so to assist in these matters.
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I'll be back on my feet this Saturday, so Cody and I are on board to be on board.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 12-13 April 2022.
Tuesday:
* Track crew worked in several areas, maintenance of Big Joe revealed several issues which are
currently being resolved and awaiting parts. (Brian W, Jason)
Wilma (tamper) tested on north yard lead, the new control box built by Jay B worked great and a
a function check was made with good results. (Joe Fox, Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Leon)
Wilma maintenance, oils changed, brakes adjusted (Brendan, Brian, Leon)
* Shop crew worked on vacuum brakes (Jonathan, Randy)
Passenger car truck build continued (Jerry, Carlos)
Locomotive repairs #7 (Jason, Roger)
* Coach #9 assembly continues (Eric, Roger)
* Archives (Linda)
* Gift shop/mail, on going daily (Cindy R)
* Campus clean up/ dump run (Stewart, Fred)
Wednesday:
* Track crew worked lining ties at TBS (Fred, Steve Lx, Steve LT, Dan, Scott, Dave Fletcher)
Maintenance continued on tampers and #52. (Brian, Leon, Brendan, Scott)
* Shop crew continued on vacuum brakes design/build. (Jonathan, Randy)
* Locomotive #7 test fire. (Roger, Jason)
* Rolling stock repair on coach #3, #8 brake shoes and window repair. (Eric)
* Main line inspection, SS to TOM, tie’s and joint bars checked. Steve Lt, Dan, Steve Lt, Dave F)
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The Wilmar test went very well. It will suit us EXTREMELY well. A few minor things were noticed, such as an issue with a rail clamp for jacking, an observation with squeezing, etc. Trying to Jack with the machine works, but for a continuous lifting, the most efficient way will be to use track jacks like we do with Big Joe. (Which we already had figured but wanted to test the jacks on the tamper.) The only thing we did not try was the lining.
Even with the testing we did, we managed to tamp almost 90’ of track in 3 hours. Big Joe can tamp 90’ either inside or outside in about 4 hours. Depending on how easy the tamping is. The biggest differences will be that Wilmar tamps ties fully, and two squeezes and it’s on to the next one, where as Big Joe can sometimes require several squeezes and only does either Inside or outside at a time.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/8C4NcdvK/IMG-3323.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/g0mGGtxL/IMG-3325.jpg)
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Sounds like Wilmar will be ready to go to work soon.
Jeff S.
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Glad to know the testing was a success! now to train President Dave to operate it.
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How about some Wilmar video? I'm dying to see it in action.
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Definitely will do that the next time it’s used John.
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I hope you'll make it to SWW Joe, I want to working on that unit after so much time and effort involved in getting it here.
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Hey guys- other than maybe a demo for the sake of members, there is no tamping planned for SWW. We’ll have our hands full with spiking and ballasting (two ballast trains). We have a concise surfacing/ tamping plan for the entire Mountain- with about 12-18 major lifts to perform. This work is scheduled May-July using both tampers. There’ll be more ballasting this summer as well.
I don’t mind a SWW demo of the Harsco tamper if there’s interest, Joe and/or Steve Lennox are willing to lead it, and it’s in service- however it will still be in Sheepscot yard at that time.
Thanks,
Jason
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Work done on Saturday April 16 (again this is a partial report because I was agent at AC):
* Easter Eggspress - all egg tickets were taken, the pump car was popular as was Grandpa's Kitchen.
* Bulldozer - Mike put on the bottoms of the rear dozer "thing", was cleaning up the dirt on the back, and by the time I left had gotten on one of the sprocket wheels. Sorry I don't know what the real names for these things are.
* Machine shop - Alan was in the shop making little chips (presumably for Coach 3).
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Photo of said botom thingy
(https://i.postimg.cc/jS6KY17G/0416221341.jpg)
I cleaned up and put the left final drive back together. Then put the drive sprocket on. Front idler was next. Moved to the other side and started cleaning that. Back to the left side, Zack noticed something looked off. It was the sprocket. Incorrect offset. Now working through a solution..
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Is anyone staying in Maine next Saturday? Will anyone be on the campus?
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I plan to be there.
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Pete,
Mike said he would be at the RR. I imagine Fred will be too.
Dave
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 19-20 April 2022
Track crew: cutting ties, prep begins for SWW (Tues)
switching work cars from TBS (Wed)
Shop crews: vacuum brakes, passenger car truck builds
coach #9 assembly continues
Locomotive #9/7 repair and servicing (date pending}
Engine Hse build continues (pending weather
Campus clean up
Note: Rain is predicted for Tuesday.
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 19-20 April 2022
Track crew: cutting ties, prep begins for SWW (Tues)
switching work cars from TBS
You got me…..I thought TBS was a Cable TV channel.
Sometimes we need to spell things out as not everybody reading these pages knows what local initials mean.
Keith
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Keith, we frequently use initials for designated locations ie: TOM-Top of Mountain, AC-Alna Center. In this case I have been using the TBS as Trout Brook Station, I guess I could use EOT-End of track but feel TBS is more appropriate as when completed, it will have a small station, run around and turntable.
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Maybe we need a place where these initials are spelled out.
Lots of folks that are not local might enjoy knowing what we are talking about.
We need to remember that we have a large audience on this forum and not everyone is familiar with the terminology.
Thanks for the explanation!
Keith
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These abbreviations are officially designated in the employee’s timetable. Maybe we should post the location chart out of the TT on the forum. That’s a little beyond me..
Jason
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I think this is what Jason meant. I hope my image stays put this time. ... And it didn't, so never mind.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/nLQZ3gS6/WWFRY-location-abbreviations.jpg)
I downloaded Petes pic..
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Thank you, Pete and Mike.
Jason
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RAIN! To wet to work outside today, guess I'll stay home!
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We had 3 inches of wet snow here in central PA (west of Harrisburg).
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Fred,
I'm sure there's something in the shop to supervise. ::)
Jeff S.
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I know I'm late to clear up the report for Saturday-
But it's worth mentioning that Nicole was really the one making chips, as the pedestals for coach 9 we're getting prepped for assembly to the truck frames.
I spent most of the day working on some CAD for the tracer attachment project. That evening I made a couple of parts for the lathe and did some tests.
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Today's Wednesday, isn't it? With the holiday my days are off.
Anticipated work for Saturday April 23 - finally, a Sunny day has been forecasted!
* Dozer re-assembly and other vehicle work
* Machine shop coach 9/loco 11 work
* Engine house construction, if there's any lumber
With SWW in 2 weeks, and Edaville's 75th anniversary celebration occurring this weekend, there probably won't be a lot of people at Sheepscot.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 19-20 April, 2022
Tuesday:
Track crew worked on survey and clean up of line shed, 40 ties cut/stacked for the tie and dine.
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian W)
Shop crew worked on vacuum brake design/build (Jonathan, Jason) passenger truck build continues with the first truck frame ready for welding
(Jerry, Carlos)
Coach #9 assembly and build continues (Eric, Ron)
Vehicle maintenance (Brendan)
Rolling stock oiling/lubricating (Phil B)
Wednesday:
Track crew unloaded flat w/ties at TBS, crane car and 2 flats recovered from TBS, TBS main line ties were lined for spiking. Old ties along ROW recovered. SS campus clean up.
(Dan, Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian Paulm Elijah, Leon, Jared, Dave F, Pete, Cody)
Wood cutting/stacked (Fred)
Shop crew continued vacuum brake work (Jonathan)
Vehicle maintenance, Engine house, dump run (Stewart)
Locomotive maintenance #7 (Roger, Jason)
Coach #9 assembly continued (Eric, Ron)
Gift shop/mail (Cindy R)
Archive work (Linda)
Dirt recovered from the town road work dumped and leveled in the upper parking lot. (Brendan)
Note: various members were in and out Bob H and Zack W.
I expect Brendan can speak more about the in coming fill.
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Brendan said 40 loads of ditchings have been hauled in. Very soft. Only about 1/4 done with the road so more to go. We are trying to stockpile it for future needs but Brendan says it is very soft and hard to push into a pile.
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All the maple trees that were cut this spring, and the pile of logs,brush and gravel have also been cut up for firewood. I will sharpen the saw blades tomorrow. Hope to spilt the wood on the SWW .
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Work done on Saturday April 23:
* Backhoe: Mike (assisted by myself and Cody) got the cylinders on which swing the backhoe arm back and forth, hooked up the hoses, hooked up the scoop, and rehosed the right side stabilization leg. Mike greased all the grease points, replacing broken grease spots. It's ready for full service!
* Bulldozer: Mike removed the rear right cover above the wheel to replace the "thing" inside it.
* Trout Brook Station: Zack finished building the forms for the footers for the station. He took a look around the location.
* Wood: Fred and Dwight were splitting wood.
* Tours: Dwight gave several tours.
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Whenever you want something, something else is in the way. The stack pipe for the enginehouse had to be moved to get the backhoe out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fLF9380h/0423220807.jpg)
Backhoe ready to go, for now..
(https://i.postimg.cc/4xbV8vjz/0423221621.jpg)
Struggles with the dozer continue. The bearing was fighting me, so I fought back..
(https://i.postimg.cc/TwHrVRFF/0423221603.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/v8krDZW6/0423221604.jpg)
Need a slide hammer to pop out the shaft.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HkCb4vvY/0423221619.jpg)
Catch basins were delivered this week. These will go in the parkinglot next to the house, comnecting to the first basin we installed next to the bathroom, probably installing in 2 weeks.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvbTps1B/0423221623.jpg)
Also this week the contractor started ditching Cross Road. Brendan has been trying to keep the piles pushed, managing to get stuck only once, and keeping an area clear for them to continue dumping. I expect only a few more days of hauling before they dump in other places.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpfWTVVs/0423221623a.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrLMKzGK/0423221624.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HxjMsqn2/0423221624a.jpg)
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Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 26-27 April 2022
Shop work: Vacuum brakes build, Passenger truck frame welding
Loco #11: Physical assembly begins (during the week)
Loco #9: Prep and maintenance
Track work: Prep continues at TBS and for SWW
Engine House: build to continues (pending)
NOTE: Spring Work Weekend….. 29-30 April and 1 May 2022.
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Coming up this weekend - the return of Spring Work Weekend! 8)
* Track - construct and ballast the mainline and siding at end of track by Rt 218. This is the primary focus for the weekend, since we have to have it operational by the beginning of August!
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* Trail Maintenance. Steve P. (and others) will be leading a crew to repair the pedestrian walkways and clear the trail between Trout Brook and Head Tide. This will be the alternate activity for those unable to spike & ballast.
* Tables & Chairs. 6-8 long tables need to be located and placed into caboose 554 along with 40 folding chairs. Check with Dispatcher for details.
* IT. - Russ & Eva will be working on the Wifi/Networking at least one day.
* General Cleanup. - All coaches could use cleaning/mop. Windows washed. etc.
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Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 26-27 April 2022
Tuesday:
Track crew: The track crew spiked in 236 feet of the east rail of the TBS run around
in preparation of SWW. (Paul, Steve Lt, Steve Lx, Leon, Brian W, Randy)
Shop Crew: Passenger car truck rebuild gets truck frames welded together.
(Jerry, Carlos, Jason)
Vacuum brake design build, over 25,000 tests have been conducted on the diaphragms
testing durability and wear, cylinder prototype continues. (Jonathan, Randy, Jason)
Coach #9: The coach assembly continues with interior work, (Eric, Ron)
Loco #11: First physical assembly begins with the tank frame, (Rick, Gordon C, Jason)
Loco #9: Steam maintenance performed (Roger)
Loco #52: Brakes shoes replaced. (Jonathan, Brian)
Dump Run: (Stewart)
Training: Dispatcher training (Ben R, Jason)
Support/Inspection: keeping everyone working (Fred)
Wednesday:
Track Crew: SWW prep, flat cars 118-34 unloaded and prepared with side boards for ballast
spikes loaded (tools to load Fri. AM). TBS track center line dug out/identified.
(Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Brian)
Shop crew: Variety of projects from brake work to prep for equipment pick up scheduled in May.
(Jonathan, Ron, Jason, Brendan)
Loco #11: Tank frame assembly continues, (Rick, Gordon C, Jason)
SS clean up: (Stewart)
Equip Maint.: Various rolling stock greased and oiled. (Phil B)
Coach #9: Assembly/build continues. (Eric, Ron)
Head Tide Trail: Inspection for work to be done SWW. (Steve P)
Gift Shop/mail: Work continues (Cindy R)
Shed build: A small shed is being built for the new planner. (Brendan)
Note: This has been and is a busy work week in all departments, I’m sure someone was missed or not
seen by me.
Don’t for get work weekend, there is a lot to be done.
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All,
As exciting as the upcoming Spring Work Weekend is for us, it would not be happening without the incredible weeks-long preparation by Steve Lennox and his crews. His weekly reports only scratch the surface of what has been accomplished. I, for one, am extremely grateful for all their efforts. Thank you all!
Dave
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Even just reporting on the work is a task in itself. I too always look forward to reading what has been done.
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Spring Work Weekend Day 1 - April 29:
* Wifi - Russell Nelson improved the wifi at the Gift shop.
* Planer shed - Brendan was supervising construction of a shed to house a new (to us) planer.
* Boxcar 56 - Marcel was working on it.
* Machine shop - Alan was doing stuff.
* Steam - #9 was fired up.
* Meals - Nancy and team were hard at work
* Track - Spiking completed by 1 at the north end (although there's still the approaches to do for the turntable).
* Head Tide Trail - Track crew turned into trail blazers, clearing out the little growth and blowdowns along the trail.
* Loco 11 - Rear frame assembly
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Spring Work Weekend Day 1 - April 29:
* Planer shed - Brendan was supervising construction of a shed to house a new (to us) planer.
I must have missed the announcement, what is the story on the new (to us) planer? Is it a wood working planer or a metal planer?
A metal planer is a wonderful machine…..similar to a shaper but instead of the tool moving, the work moves beneath a fixed tool post.
A planer for wood is very nice, but a metal planer would be really cool!
Keith
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Don’t forget some huge news: No 11’s frame being assembled in the shop today!
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It is a wood planer Keith.
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* Wifi - Russell Nelson improved the wifi at the Gift shop.
Russ also installed a new (public) wifi transmitter/network that covers the Sheepscot yard. The coverage is good within the shop building, and continues north to the yard limit.
The new wifi was put to the test, having our first (successful) livestream tour (https://fb.watch/cIaU6dlzrA/) of the lower & upper yards, into the shop (including brief impromptu conversations with Ron Ginger [coach 9] and Marcel Levesque [Box 56]) and culminated with....
some huge news: No 11’s frame being assembled in the shop today!
a look at #11's rear frame assembly.
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It is a wood planer Keith.
Thanks Mike…..I guess we need to keep an eye out for a metal planer.
Keith
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A few photos from today, April 29th, day 1 of Spring Work Weekend
The movable planer shed under construction, as seen this morning.
(https://i.imgur.com/3YH1kpH.jpg)
Work is underway on locomotive No. 11's rear frame assembly.
(https://i.imgur.com/VvyhIqP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8qS2nYz.jpg)
The track was spiked at Trout Brook station. Tomorrow's work here will focus on ballasting.
(https://i.imgur.com/YlijM8K.jpg)
In the shops, parts for passenger trucks (including for coach No.9) are stored on the floor. In the background on sawhorses, Marcel has started work on one of B&SR boxcar No. 56's doors.
(https://i.imgur.com/SH58Z8U.jpg)
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A few comments on the start of construction of No. 11, our new, Maine built locomotive. After two years of active design, planning, and buying parts, Ric Sisson, Jason Lamontagne, Wayne Laepple, and Gordon Cook gathered at Sheepscot to begin putting her together.
On Tuesday, April 26th, the components for the rear frame that supports the cab and tanks were brought from storage and placed in the space in Bay 2 that was cleared out previously. This space will be the erecting hall for the locomotive.
Ric started by arranging the parts in their final locations and test assembled them to determine that the parts and their dimensions were correct. Many components such as the front to back sills were fabricated by a water jet process that cut them to size and added most of the necessary holes. The bolster for the rear truck consists of 5 iron castings that had been machined. These fit across the frame between the front to back sills. There is another casting that anchors the bracing of the frame forward of the rear truck. Gordon machined this casting to size on Tuesday to fit in its place in the frame.
Careful measurements ensured that the parts were located accurately.
Once all was checked out, we started match drilling holes in the center bolster casting (the one with the round pivot for the truck). Match drilling means that the holes in the sills which were cut by the very accurate waterjet process were used to locate the holes in the castings and mating components. By Thursday the bolster and forward frame brace casting had been drilled and assembled to the two center sills. Drilling started on the intermediate bolster castings on either side of the center casting. In the first picture Ric and Wayne are setting the location of one of the intermediate bolsters.
As you can see in in the second picture, these holes were finished on Friday and this subassembly was bolted up and is now is resting in its final location. That along with the side sills have been placed on leveling jacks to continue assembly. The jacks will allow an accurate adjustment of the position of the frame so that it is square and level.
In the coming months assembly will continue. We schedule No. 11 work sessions at the beginning of the month, so anyone who would like to help is welcome.
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A few of my pics from the stone loading. I loaded the first car before 8..
(https://i.postimg.cc/MGyf1zcN/0430220802.jpg)
Here is #9 arriving from Sheepscot to drop an empty then pick up the loaded (this worked very well in my opinion)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kjs1mzVk/0430220912c.jpg)
I could not stay all day so I trained Bryce to load with the backhoe and here he is loading while Scott Higgins supervises
(https://i.postimg.cc/VLdSDqrj/0430221032b.jpg)
One more of Bryce..
(https://i.postimg.cc/bNWZMZk4/0430221035a.jpg)
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Work done on Saturday April 30 - Spring Work Weekend day 2.
* Head Tide Trail - a crew worked to dismantle the rotted walkways, and assemble new walkway pieces (back at Sheepscot).
* Trout Brook track - both tracks were ballasted, up to where the spiking stopped.
* Planer building - the building was enclosed, except for the roof.
* Loco 11 - work on the frame.
* Boxcar 56 - Marcel at work.
* Machine shop - one of the things Alan was doing was working on one of the pivot pieces for the turntable.
* Food - of course Nancy and team put on a good feast.
Most everybody at SWW was at the north end - Sheepscot looked a little like a normal weekend (except for the cars).
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Also, at dinner the 2020 and 2021 Percival Awards were handed out before supper to the deserving recipients.
Dave
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Some photos from today, April 30th--Day 2 of Spring Work Weekend.
Work continued one No. 11's rear frame. Here's a morning photo:
(https://i.imgur.com/npNpK63.jpg)
Most folks were busy spreading ballast at the future Trout Brook station. Ed Lecuyer and Jason Lamontagne designed an efficient system to deliver stone. Two trains were run, handled by No. 9 and No. 52. Each train delivered an empty flat to the unoccupied track at Alna Center where the stone is stockpiled, then pick up the loaded car on the adjacent track. As seen in Mike's photos above, Mike loaded the cars in the morning, and Bryce Weeks did the same in the afternoon. After leaving Alna Center, the locomotive pushed the flat and a passenger car to the tail track at Top of Mountain, to wait for the other locomotive to pull its passenger car and empty flat back to Alna Center. Some photos:
No. 9 and train on the tail track at ToM, waiting for No. 52's southbound train.
(https://i.imgur.com/AkuBLBF.jpg)
While waiting at ToM, No. 9's tank was refilled from the SOCONY tank car.
(https://i.imgur.com/UgafPua.jpg)
Fireman Dana Deering manning the tank car valve.
(https://i.imgur.com/LVnPdW1.jpg)
At Trout Brook, volunteers made short work unloading the stone. Some 12 carloads were handled today.
(https://i.imgur.com/23yKD9P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cQBmfwM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ho1uIIq.jpg)
Toward the end of the day.
(https://i.imgur.com/eFnPUte.jpg)
Some of the other work done today. The new planer shed is nearly done.
(https://i.imgur.com/iM9X471.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8cUwfyb.jpg)
And two new Head Tide trail bridges.
(https://i.imgur.com/nIca1Ex.jpg)
Ballasting on the Mountain is planned for tomorrow.
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The track crew managed to unload 12 cars of rock on Saturday, and 6 car load of rock today.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, rather it was just for an hour, or a day, or all three days. Truly amazing what we can accomplish with a little extra help. Special thank you to the kitchen crew for their dedication to feeding us all three days.
One can’t emphasize enough how family like the atmosphere is, rather it’s your first work weekend, or several years in. It’s great to be a small part of such a big family.
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Can't say it any better than Joe just did. After the last big work weekend in the fall of 2019 before the pandemic struck, it was great to see many friends again after a 2-1/2 year hiatus. And yes, Nancy Weeks and crew fed us well.
A couple of photos today of the ballast work that spread stone along sections of the Mountain.
(https://i.imgur.com/WP5Owl7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rGdQIcf.jpg)
Marcel also hung one of the doors on B&SR boxcar No. 56 today.
All in all, a great weekend.
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Thanks everyone who stepped up and joined in to help during weekend, and especially on our Head Tide Trail rehab project. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from being directly involved with the lions share of the work, but our wonderful volunteers stepped up to the plate, and got lots done.
- 3 new pedestrian walkways were built to replace decayed structures.
- 2 old structures were dismantled and removed.
- the right of way was cleared between route 218 and the Midcoast Conservancy access gate.
A huge thanks to everyone who cleared trail on Friday, to Jack, Jon, Ken and Dave who continued trail work on Saturday and to Dave, Jason, Ben, and Ed who endured a stream of text messaging in my absence to make sure projects found their volunteers. A big thanks to Stan and the fellow who was working with him (whose name I am sorry to say escapes me at the moment) for constructing the new pedestrian walkways.
There is still some work to be competed, like setting walkways on their sills, building connector trails for them, but this project went from ‘when?!’ to obtainable thanks to all of your help. In addition to the great benefit the trail provides to the surrounding community when it is usable, it will provide an additional point of interest when the railway opens to Trout Brook Station.
Many of you who have walked that section of right of way this weekend probably noticed the lovely white flowers that cover the roadbed just south of Head Tide cut on the fill. Their name had escaped me at the time, but they are called Bloodroot (sanguinaria canadensis). A quick read on the plant, which my dad always cultivated in his garden revealed that it can have a poison ivy like effect for some and it’s root has some powerful medical properties.
Best,
Steve