Messages

1

Work and Events / Re: 2022 July 30 Rules Class

« on: July 31, 2022, 09:07:38 PM »

Thanks all.  The morning agenda was largely the same as last year- the key difference in my opinion was the expressed idea that group discussion was more important than keeping up with the agenda.  As such, if valuable group discussions caused us to not get through the entire agenda, so be it.  We would watch for any items that we needed to hit and adjust accordingly.  As it was- we had a number of very valuable group discussions, that I believe we all learned from, and still completed the entire morning agenda comfortably and un-rushed, as I saw it.

I agree the training train in tue afternoon was a very natural way to review basic ops as well as territory.  Perhaps a little more tweaking to accommodate a more thorough engineer’s session- but all in all I think the pattern is worth repeating.

We had a great discussion on the important aspects of steep grade operation for all disciplines.  I intend to write this up and release to the crew, as an informational piece.  This will be a piece of territory qualification.

We have discussed moving next year’s session to September, prior to Pumpkin Trains. 

Any further feedback is most welcome,
Thanks
Jason

2

Work and Events / Re: Coach 9 - Official Work Thread

« on: July 28, 2022, 12:02:12 PM »

Eric ordered cut-to-size glass from that specialty manufacturer when he first found them several years ago.  He got enough for all of coach 9 and to replace the incorrect glass in coach 3.  They are upstairs in the house.

thanks
Jason

3

Work and Events / Re: Mountain Extension Pre-Opening 2022 Final Testing and Preparation

« on: July 24, 2022, 04:52:52 PM »

There are secrets to master…

4

Work and Events / Mountain Extension Pre-Opening 2022 Final Testing and Preparation

« on: July 20, 2022, 05:19:29 PM »

Mtn Ext testing and training schedule (This list is for the railroad only- Brendan may add station work notes)

Week of 7/25/22: Re-set MP8 sign, final tamp turntable leads, assist with loco/ turntable testing.
Tuesday 7/26/22 Loco 9 TBS turntable testing
Wednesday 7/27/22 Loco 9 TBS turntable testing


Saturday 7/30/22 Afternoon, Loco 9 w/ 4 cars to TBS for crew training (Conductor, Engineer, Fireman, Brakeman training)

Week of 8/1/22: Set two new Yard Limit signs, final turntable adjustments as needed, any further final work deemed appropriate by Mr. Lennox
Tuesday 8/2/22 Loco 7 TBS testing
Wednesday 8/3/22 Loco 7 testing continued if necessary; otherwise possible full dress rehearsal both locos (if crew)

5

Work and Events / Re: 2022 July 30 Rules Class

« on: July 10, 2022, 05:47:46 PM »

PLEASE NOTE I edited tue poll to allow respondents to specify if they intend to attend remotely or in person.  That’ll help us design the morning session appropriately.

Thanks
Jason

6

Work and Events / Re: 2022 July 30 Rules Class

« on: July 10, 2022, 03:40:24 PM »

Yes, that’s the intent.

If it looks like attendance will be light- we’ll shift more of the program to Mountain training.  If there’s a lot of classroom need, we won’t be able to do that.

Thanks
Jason

7

Work and Events / 2022 July 30 Rules Class

« on: July 10, 2022, 10:55:50 AM »

Hello folks,

I am just trying to get a qualitative feel of the potential attendance at this years Rules Class.  We may adjust the structure of the meeting depending on the expected participation level.

This year’s class is on Saturday July 30, 2022.  There is a general session in the morning, and break-out sessions for several disciplines (brakeman, engineer, conductor, etc) in the afternoon.  The afternoon will likely occur on the Mountain as territory training- with breakout sessions accommodated there on.

Feel free to answer the poll, respond to this thread, or both if you will or may attend.

Thank you.
Jason

8

Work and Events / Re: Mountain Extension - Official Work Thread

« on: July 06, 2022, 12:12:16 PM »

Does the pavement on Rt 218 count as a bumper? 

The rules will require a safety stop prior to entering the turntable and equipment will rarely be on the tail.  Movements in that track will be speed restricted to 5 MPH.  There’s also another 80’ or so from new end of track to the actual edge of road, so no real need for a bumper.

See ya
Jason

9

Museum Discussion / Re: Lincoln County News article on our Lavender Trains partnership with SeaLyon Farm

« on: July 05, 2022, 08:30:35 PM »

That's a great article and shows the railway exactly where we want to be- serving the community.  Nice to be recognized in such a support role.

thanks,
Jason

10

Work and Events / Re: Wilmar (the) Tamper - Official Work Thread

« on: June 29, 2022, 10:17:03 AM »

The Harsco tamper had a lot more power than Big Joe.  With that comes a lot more productivity but also the ability to make a big mistake very quickly.  Mainly for that reason we have made a conscious decision to use only the tamping function initially and get good at it. 

The jacking and lining functions work together off a pair of integrated hydraulic jacks.  These cylinders need rebuilding, as do hinged connection points.  The rail clamps do not properly grip our rail.  All in all we face a mixture of mechanical deficiency and significant learning curve before successfully using these functions.  On top of that there is no automated guidance and control system, as Joe points out- exacerbating the chances of error. 

For now we are making significant strides in our immediate goal of preparing the Mountain for service by using the Harsco for simple tamping.  Big Joe couldn’t do what the Harsco is doing now.  The Harsco still needs significant overhaul work, which we plan for after the Mountain is open, and there is shop space to accommodate the work. 

See ya
Jason

11

Volunteers / Re: June 2022 Work Reports

« on: June 23, 2022, 06:48:58 AM »

Jay Barta made the actual repair of the stand in the shop.  Dan and Steve P removed the stand Tuesday for repair; Dan and I reinstalled it yesterday after repair.

Thanks
Jason

12

Volunteers / Re: June 2022 Work Reports

« on: June 16, 2022, 09:01:28 AM »

This will serve as temporary ADA access at SS while the platform is being rebuilt.  The new platform will include a wood ramp.  After that, this unit is portable for use as needed.

Jason

13

Volunteers / Re: May 2022 Work Reports

« on: May 29, 2022, 08:58:53 PM »

Let’s see how well it works before we commit to an answer on that

14

Volunteers / Re: May 2022 Work Reports

« on: May 28, 2022, 06:05:27 PM »

Yes, Bill, there are to imperfections at present.  The main line does require further alignment as there is currently a kink engineering the table.  Also- the table has a sweep itself (it’s old and been through a lot), which we are accommodating.  (No practical way to un-sweep the sweep).

There is a LOT of work to do before August 6- so the alignment issue may or may not be addressed before then. 

But.. good eye.

Thanks
Jason

15

Volunteers / Re: May 2022 Work Reports

« on: May 27, 2022, 07:07:58 AM »

Monday and Tuesday we hosted two professional conservation assessors hired through a grant through the “Collections Assessment Program.”  The assessors look at our archival and historic collections (paper, photos, historic railroad equipment) in order to discuss and ultimately recommend potential improvement in the conservation of those materials.  The professional recommendations could offer us new ideas and approaches, and can also be powerful grant writing support material. 

Thanks,
Jason