Fall Work Weekend 2022 - Official Work Thread

[Russ Nelson]

As seems to be a tradition, I'm starting the thread on the Fall Work Weekend for 2022. Over in Volunteers there is a request for parking attendants, because the Usual Gang (that is, everybody from Brakeman on up) is going to be stretched thin, as will our parking spaces. Use of the lot on the corner is still pending, but if it's not available, we all should park in the West lot, which is west of the Percival lot we have parked in in earlier years.

See you soon, and drive safe!

[Wayne Laepple]

What is the program for the 2022 Fall Work Weekend? I know what I'll be doing (I hope), but just curious about what else is planned. Also whether food will be available.

[Bill Baskerville]

I will be working on a couple of projects on 52 in between it’s FWW duties. I am bringing parts and tools to allow me to make small improvements during slack times, even down the line.

[Jason M Lamontagne]

FWW 2022

Track: Fri, Sat: main like lining (and possibly rail bending for kinks)
Sun, Mon: tie replacement, low joint leveling and tamping, ballast dressing.

Build 11 is expected to largely wrap up on Friday but that’s not definite.

There is hope that we can arrange painting crews for both Alna Center and Trout Brook Stations, though at present we don’t have leaders for either.

Brendan may have enginehouse or platform activities which could use crew- I’m not sure. 

I have heard that Dave is trying to advance the Head Tide Trail footbridge renewal, which would be great. 

Please keep in mind that Saturday of FWW will also host public Pumpkin Trains.  Parking will be strained at best.  Volunteers are encouraged to park in the west lot or 218/cross rd corner lot if physically able to walk in.  We’re also considering other parking locations.

If anyone else remembers projects that I’ve forgotten please post.  The important thing is that every project needs a leader.  Hoping someone steps forward to lead painting stations.

Thanks
Jason

[Bob Holmes]

For those coming to FWW, there is a new restaurant in Wiscassett called Jodie's.  It's located in the old Hot Spot on Route 1, but has been nicely renovated.  It's owned by a family from the south (North Carolina, I believe).  The menu is pretty typical breakfast/lunch, but definitely has grits!  The food is good and the servings are generous.  You may want to try it out during FWW.

Bob

[Bill Baskerville]

Is that the location of the former ships chow hall?

[Graham Buxton]

An article about Jodie’s Cafe and Bakery:
https://lcnme.com/business/jodies-cafe-and-bakery-brings-a-taste-of-the-south-to-wiscasset/

From that article:

Roquemore purchased the property at 277 Bath Road in Wiscasset, former home of the Hot Spot Diner and the Ship’s Chow Hall at the end of 2021 and spent the next six months remodeling the space.

[Mike Fox]

I am in hopes to get enough done this weekend so 53 can move Saturday.  It is a lot to get done plus prep for an electrical project but that is my hope..

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Detailed 2022 FWW Track Work Plan

Friday:
Kink Repair (Steve Lennox, Jason), 1-2 helpers, including equipment to repair rail breaks.
Lining (Dana, Dan).  In vicinity of kink repair.  Majority of Friday track crew.

Saturday:
2 Lining Crews, both based out of Alna Center.  Lunch at AC.  PLEASE PARK AT AC!!!!
Crew 1 (Steve Lennox, Dan).
Crew 2 (Steve Leet, Mark Cheetham).
Both crews on foot out of AC, ideally 15-20 each crew.  Lining bars for all.  2 flagmen per crew for train protection. 

Sunday:
Tamping (Steve Lx), Harsco, 1-3 helpers.
Ballast Dressing (Dana, Dan)

Monday:
Pit Rail Install (JML, Dana, Dan)

[Bill Reidy]

Weather forecast looks good so far.

[Mike Fox]

53 will move Saturday. I made a pad by digging out 6 to 8 inches of material and laying in 1 1/2 stone. All track handling will be with machine.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

SPECIAL 25th Anniversary Fall Work Weekend items -

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the FWW the museum is offering two new shirts.

(1) Special T's marked "WW&FRy 25th FWW October 2022" just arrived. The limited-edition shirts are navy blue and come in sizes from small up to 2X.

(2) The other new shirt is a WW&F "Rebuilding Maine History" navy blue T that features Trout Brook Station on the back in custom artwork by Benton Hayes. The shirts are sizes Medium to 2X.

Both new shirts are priced at $25 each + tax and will be available in the gift shop. 

[Dana Deering]

Do we know how many people have been to every FWW since 1997?

[James Patten]

Do we know how many people have been to every FWW since 1997?

That's not an easy thing to figure out.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Do we know how many people have been to every FWW since 1997?

We know who has membership for 25 or more years. As far as FWW attendance - without digging out the old work log books it's pretty much on the honor system as to who has attended every single one. It's probably just a few people.