August 2022 Work Projects

[Mike Fox]

Deeper and wider ditches to try and help with a problematic drainage area.



Found some water..



Not bad for 2 hours work.



The stump by the container rocked a little. New plan is to move the container so I can dig around the rest of the stump. Then it will pop out.

Next weekend I am finishing ditching what I can on Davis Grade before train time.

[Stephen Lennox]

It looks good Mike.

[Bill Baskerville]

Today a 2000 watt inverter was ordered for installation in 52 during the FWW. This will provide electric  power for the winter track crews ice removal tools.

[Bill Reidy]

Great work, Mike.  That marine clay is a joy, particularly during mud season.

Here are a few more random photos from today, showing only a small portion of the work going on.

First up, the event signboard was updated.  Look at the various partnerships with local businesses, non-profits and musicians in this short public events list.  (And, yes, it is "Fields Fields Blueberries.")  I think this is just brilliant.


I was not on train crew today, so I had the opportunity to take some photos of and from the day's trains.  To start, we see conductor Steve Piwowarski (right) leading a crew safety meeting.  Pictured are (left-to-right) trainman Joseph Gilbert, fireman Roger Whitney, engineer Wes Carpenter, brakeman Jay Barta and car host Nick Simoneau.


After the first (full) train of the day departed Sheepscot around 11 a.m., Dave Buczkowski and I took a trip up to Trout Brook station to see the train's arrival there.  This was the first time I could spend some time at the new station.  The carpentry work, done in a tight timeframe this summer, is largely completed, and completed well.  While Dave and I awaited the train's arrival, Brendan Barry arrived with tools to complete the last carpentry: construction of a magneto phone box and a small desk/shelf.  Here's a photo of the day's first train arriving at Trout Brook, as (painfully) artistic as I can frame it.  Roger is looking back for Steve's signals to land at Trout Brook.


I rode the 1 p.m. departure from Sheepscot.  On the return southbound trip we stopped at Alna Center, where we stopped for 20 minutes so our passengers could explore the 103rd Regiment Living History encampment.  A view from the train.


And a couple of views from the ground at Alna Center.




With the planned 20-minute dwell time at Alna Center, SOCONY tank car No. 14 had been positioned on the Alna Center siding so No. 9's water tank could be refilled there, rather than at the Sheepscot tank where turnaround time was short.  Here's the crew busy at work during the second roundtrip.

[Dave Buczkowski]

Bill, you’re spoiling us! That should make things easier.
Dave

[Bill Baskerville]

Bill, you’re spoiling us! That should make things easier.
Dave

Don’t tell anyone Dave, but it also has a USB charger port and a cup holder.

[Jeff Schumaker]

Bill, you’re spoiling us! That should make things easier.
Dave

Don’t tell anyone Dave, but it also has a USB charger port and a cup holder.

But, will Jason allow that?

Jeff S.

[Bill Baskerville]

Bill, you’re spoiling us! That should make things easier.
Dave

Don’t tell anyone Dave, but it also has a USB charger port and a cup holder.

But, will Jason allow that?

Jeff S.

Without going into the details Jason, Steve L. and I have been in friendly negotiations for several weeks on the scope of this project. I have committed to some extensive electrical projects on 52 next summer to ensure the continued electrical viability of this locomotive while the “A” team works on downsizing 53.

[Stephen Lennox]

Anticipated work for Tuesday and Wednesday 30-31 August 2022

*  Track crew: prep for crib install, inventory tools and materials (Tues) Track work (Wed)
*  Vacuum brakes testing
*  Passenger truck rebuild
*  Coach #9 build
*  TBS – Engine house construction
*  Small equipment repair/maintenance
*  SS campus clean up
*  Gift shop/mail, Archives

[Ed Lecuyer]

Work Sunday, 8/28:
- Two well-attended trains ran to TBS with stop at WWI encampment at AC. A special "thank you" to everyone (Bob L, Dan, Bob C, Cindy, Jim & Joan, Roger, Ben B [helped with passenger management], and Bryce [Gift shop/check-in]) who came in on a Sunday to make these trips possible.
- Brendan was working on TBS. Fred was supervising.
- Something that happens constantly, but is often overlooked: Stewart was exhibiting one of his trucks, while taking photos and video for our Facebook page. His efforts continue to allow our FB following to grow exponentially.

[Mike Fox]

Stewart also helped stage some scenes Saturday he posted on Facebook that came out very nice.

[Stephen Lennox]

Work completed Tuesday and Wednesday 30-31 August 2022

Tuesday:
*  Track crew preps materials for crib placement, material and tool inventory,
                       (Steve Lx, Brian W, Steve Lt, Leon, Jared, Mark, Scott)
*  Shop crews Vacuum brakes test end with successful test, waiting for parts to continued work
                        (Jonathan, Randy)                                                                                                                                                                       
                        Passenger truck build continues, noting crew was bending the truck frames for mounting
                        (Jerry, Carlos)
*  TBS Build continued (Brendan, Fred)
*  Coach #9 assembly and build continues  (Eric, Ron, Lou)
*  Campus clean up/dump run (Stewart R)
*  Gift shop/mail on going  (Cindy R)
*  Archives work on going  (Linda)
*  SS station and admin work (Ben)

Wednesday:
*  Track crew makes delivery of steel for axles to ML&MW received by Brian F., crew inspects TOM
                   work sites, ROW clean up including vegetation removal, ties set up and recovery of old ties,
                   short pipe sections unloading work flat and TBS construction flat.
                   (Steve Lx, Steve Lt, Paul R, Elijah)
*  Shop work, Band saw cart work completed, equipment/material repairs  (Jay Barta)
*  SS campus mowing  (Fred)
*  Back Hoe repairs  (Brendan)
*  Coach #9 assembly and build work continues  (Eric, Ron, Harold)
*  SS clean up  (Stewart)
*  Rolling stock oil/greasing  (Phil B)
*  Archives work on going  (Linda)