Messages

16

Work and Events / Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread

« on: January 14, 2021, 10:06:41 AM »

Just watched the test video, very impressive. Well done to everyone involved with the design and implementation.

In either case, I am excited to see the continued development of the vacuum brakes.

17

Volunteers / Re: November 2020 Work Reports

« on: November 30, 2020, 06:41:47 PM »

Switch looks great. Very well done. As a note, FRA track inspectors frown upon, and may require changing out of painted rails. As paint can hide defects. A simple mark on the rail is one thing, but long paint marks are a big no no to them. Maybe things have changed, or maybe the FRA inspectors I worked with were being sticklers. Just a word of caution should we decide to follow FRA practices.

18

Volunteers / Re: December 2020 Work Reports

« on: November 30, 2020, 06:35:56 PM »

I like the rule refresher. Many operations do a safety rule of the day by field. For example, transportation, track, mechanical, etc all have different rules, EXCEPT those few that pertain to all said crafts.

19

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2020

« on: September 16, 2020, 11:24:54 PM »

It is a very unfortunate turn of events. However, the museum does not need to be "linked" in an outbreak as it would destroy our public image, and could have extreme consequences.

So many things from the past were once taken forgranted, but safe and wise choices today, will carry us into the future

20

Volunteers / Re: September 2020 Work Reports

« on: September 16, 2020, 11:17:41 PM »

Leanne and I made a guest appearance today as well, and though she isn't quite old enough to swing a hammer, she did a good job laying out spikes for us to drive.

21

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2020

« on: September 02, 2020, 05:16:57 AM »

One unfortunate thing is the state governor continues to change the requirements for Covid, which is causing some places to close early. So it is hard to say if we will be able to have a work weekend at the moment. Hopefully we can.

22

Volunteers / Re: August 2020 Work Reports

« on: August 16, 2020, 07:30:53 AM »

Special thank you to TJ, Logan (Freds Grandson), Ed L, Emily L, and J. B for helping change out the rail and hand tamping in the morning. J. B. and Emily were unable to help in the afternoon but we still managed to getanother significant dip out.

I can not stress enough how important track maintenance is on our 3.25 mile railroad.

23

Volunteers / Re: August 2020 Work Reports

« on: August 09, 2020, 10:39:02 AM »

Would like to lead a track crew Saturday, 8/15 to change a rail, and lift some low spots on the mountain. Shovel tamp as needed.

24

Volunteers / Re: 2019 Volunteer Hours

« on: July 07, 2020, 07:58:42 PM »

Oh. No worries. I was just curious is all. I can only imagine how much of a tedious process it must be to keep track of everyones hours.

25

Volunteers / Re: 2019 Volunteer Hours

« on: July 07, 2020, 01:51:46 PM »

Out of curiosity, why were the 2018 volunteers not recognized? By either the museum or the state?

26

Museum Discussion / Re: Improved Efficiencies & Mechanization for Track Building?

« on: June 22, 2020, 06:40:49 AM »

Dealing with extreme heat this past weekend, and our average volunteer age ever increasing, we really should have a "ballast" car and a suitable tamper that can tamp more efficiently then our current tamper.

Now I know this will highly irritate some, and say we do not have a need for a ballast car. However, as you ride along the railroad we should have ballast in several areas of in service track. I know that trucks and couplers are hard to come by, but man wouldn't it be nice to try to minimize our huge labor efforts, with our increasing volunteer shortages?

And much of the entire line could stand to be lifted and tamped, which naturally also means you need to reballast those areas or ballast ahead of time. 

27

Volunteers / Re: June 2020 Work Reports

« on: June 06, 2020, 07:41:11 PM »

It was a pleasure to have the "youngsters" who are around my age or slightly younger up today. They all enjoyed themselves very much. Some of whom have never even been here before. As typical with the railroads unique charm if you will, they all left smiling and can't wait to come back.

What an enjoyable day. We toured the mountain, and got some native ticks as well.

28

General Discussion / Re: Corona virus and railroading

« on: May 25, 2020, 01:16:42 PM »

John, you would think these places would learn things like this. NOPE. They view repairable damage as a regular operating expense even if it could have been avoided. Makes no sense to me.

29

Museum Discussion / Re: POLL - Fundraising Special Train

« on: May 23, 2020, 04:59:24 PM »

Any chance if ballasting the track and leveling it before running on it? I know the grading is nice, but there are a few dips here and there that should be lifted and at least hand tamped. Just the trackman side of me. Is it anything critical, probably not as I run on track much worse all the time. If someone would like my professional opinion I'm more then happy to do so privately.

30

General Discussion / Re: Corona virus and railroading

« on: May 23, 2020, 04:54:10 PM »

Lol. Yes, there sure were a few. Flat wheel generally occur in yards with hand brakes left on and dragged, or from a train being in emergency. Watched a train from CSX roll by once when I was on a local that hit someone and almost every wheel on the train had flat spots and they were all in the same spot. Strangest sound you could ever hear.

And yea we run single stacks east of Ayer because of clearances. There are a decent number of bridges that barely clear a excess height boxcar.

So right now the East Deerfield and Ayer trains are being combined in Ayer or Portland to make MONSTER trains. I have my theories, but wont say publicly.