Hello all,
If you are planning on attending this year’s (2019) FWW as a general track crew aid, and are able and willing to spike, please let us know here.
We have a hefty track laying goal this fall, with spiking being the major crew need. The full intention is to retain hand spiking, for the community it builds amongst our volunteers, a demonstration and means of preserving this part of railroading’s past, and for improved quality.
There was mention made of not spiking all weekend. A request: if you’re physically able but lack stamina for constant spiking, spend your days on the spiking crew anyway. Rotation is critical. Spend your off-spiking time on a nipping bar, or getting a drink. Pick someone who is spiking and cheer them on! The camaraderie is the source of the fun- it takes a village to make it happen.
Ive been meaning to post this- but Dana’s valid concerns are a timely kick in the butt. Spiking this much track won’t just happen. We can’t collectively leave it to “the spikers” and assume all will be well.
Friday, in particular, followed by Sunday, Monday and Saturday are the spiking crew pinch needs. Please consider this the priority.
We’d like to address the concern with 3 concise efforts: preplanning, largely on this forum, so we can come to understand how many folks are coming with different work disciplines, including spiking, in mind. Second we plan to have a coordinator stationed such that incoming volunteers can be directed. Lastly we plan to make a concerted effort to keep the shop crew minimized.
In particular, the tank car project, if it proceeds will likely be carried out by four or so specific volunteers by invite. In this way, other volunteers can feel welcome to peak in to see the progress, but can clearly understand that the work need is not in the shop. This isn’t meant to keep it exclusive- simply efficient, and a way of keeping the focus where the greatest crew need is.
If this goes as planned- we may well be blowing No 9’s whistle by the shoulder of Rt 218 by the end of the weekend...
Ed, feel free to reposition this post as appropriate.
Thanks Dana, and thank you crew,
Jason