Messages

151

Work and Events / Re: TOM Phase 1: Passenger Platforms and Hiking Trails - Official Work Thread

« on: August 14, 2017, 03:59:31 PM »

At the TOM, I think we need a building first. When trains were one hour apart people didn't mind waiting between between trains. Now with only 4 trains a day not many people would stay that long. Not many have ever stayed at Alna Center where we have a table and building. There's no shelter at TOM in case of rain.

I second the motion from the wise gentleman from Maine.

A family picnic at TOM getting caught without shelter in a rainstorm for 45+ minutes with no museum assistance sounds like a flamingly negative social media review at best case.

152

Work and Events / Re: TOM Phase 1: Passenger Platforms and Hiking Trails - Official Work Thread

« on: August 14, 2017, 03:44:51 PM »

I'm going to play the Devil's Advocate, you can GoML if you wish:

My 2 cents as a parent of 2 year old (in addition to a pair of pre-teens). I can't wait 90 minutes for the next train to get to a bathroom with running water and flushing toilets. An outhouse just doesn't cut the mustard with most young ladies. It is the same reason why the public bathrooms were installed at Sheepscot. A longer walking trail and some picnic tables is going to compound the 90 minute problem. Let's then talk about the attention span of a 2-3 year old ...

Why put trails in at TOM when once the railhead reaches Rt 218 the Midcoast Conservancy trailhead will be next to the planned station? Anyone with spare time should be assisting Mike with washout repairs, time is ticking and the active permits will soon turn into pumpkins.

I thought there was enough problems getting assistance with mowing the ROW, replacing ties, installing joint bars, etc. without adding walking trail maintenance.

Weren't there complaints that the existing Head Tide Trail bridges were collapsing and they had to be replaced?

I have associates that are involved with an official Friends Group at a nearby PA State Park - the Friends Group has  enough issues with trail maintenance and that is their core mission.

What about the Shingle Mill and Saw Mill? I thought that was the main attraction for TOM? These is an untapped resource in support from vintage machinery enthusiasts (being one myself). This is a Target Market for more members and volunteers.

What would be the impact on the current Liability Insurance policy by adding walking trails?

153

Work and Events / Re: Trout Brook Bridge - Official Work Thread

« on: August 14, 2017, 03:13:15 PM »

Thoughts on design considerations for spanning Trout Creek (take 'em or leave em'):

Bailey Bridges can be easier to transport, handle, and install. (baileybridge.com being one source)

Prefab Abutments are an option  (www.stonestrong.com/blocks are available not far from Wiscasset)

Anyone talk to Maine National Guard, they do have a construction company. Just like with Humason Trestle this might be an option especially if methods that they normally use are leveraged. e.g Bailey Bridges are SOP for the Army.

154

General Discussion / Re: Who Am I? or, Let's Introduce Ourselves

« on: August 14, 2017, 11:39:36 AM »

I'm in Northeastern PA just north of Scranton. So it's about a day's drive to Wiscasset.

I took a ride on MNG in the mid-to late 90's just after the equipment move. So I might have ridden in one of the cars currently in Alna.

I've been involved off-and on with rail related activities for a few decades.

I somehow stumbled onto the WW&F website about 18-24 months ago. I have been following the work going on since before track was put in place to TOM.

So where can I help?

One of the things I do for a living is respond to proposals and market technology and services in the digital economy for a Fortune 50 company. I can help with Marketing (Traditional and Social), plus I'm pretty good with making sure customer requirements are mapped to proposed solutions. Paperwork response are my friend. I am not afraif of State or Federal Government Paperwork. You eat the elephant one bite at a time.

I also have a side interest and skill as a woodworker. I learned it from helping, for many years, my Grandfather who had his own shop and business. I have way too much mid-20th century equipment in my large workshop (~ 40' x 60'). I like early to mid-20th century equipment - Rockwell, Delta, Crescent, etc.

I look at the great work you have done on rebuilding the cars and building the turntable and I say to myself, I should sell the N-Gauge I have sitting in storage and just build me some real boxcars! How many sane people have a Chain Mortiser, a Tenoner, a 36" Band Saw, a 20" planer, an 18" jointer, and other stuff hanging around and know how to use them?

All for now! I'll edit this post later if I think of something else to add.