Spring Work Weekend Dates 2009

[Dana Deering]

The date for the Spring Work Weekend is April 24 - 26.  We will be concentrating on ballasting, surfacing, and lining the track that was put down in October.  There may be other small projects going on as numbers and physical abilities dictate but there should be something for everyone to do.  More details will be posted as needed or as they develop.

[Bill Reidy]

Thanks Dana.  Looking forward to late April, when it will hopefully be warmer and snowless.

- Bill

[Stephen Hussar]

Here's an interesting way for a small crew to move rail...
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=260067&nseq=1

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Stephen, those mini rail transporters are pretty slick.  BTW, are those bolts lagging the rails in place?
Duncan

[Dwight Winkley]

Last Fall until the first snow stopped me, I was cutting the brush  from the end of track to beyound the TOP. On the way back,  I let the loco move slow over the just built track. having nothing to do I counted the West rails......

There is 19 (30') rails with no ballast. 17 (30') and 1 (15') rails with stone up to the railhead.  At one or more locations of the unballasted rail. Gravel will need to be hauled in to fill the dips in the row before the stone is put down.

The last rail on the north end would not be rised and tamped so that more rails may be added on our way north. 

[Glenn Christensen]

Stephen, those mini rail transporters are pretty slick.  BTW, are those bolts lagging the rails in place?
Duncan

Hi Duncan,

The Welsh Highland folks call them RRVs.  I've always though they were pretty neat too!  Very simple and functional.

Yes, you are correct, those are indeed lag bolts holding the rails in place.  A number of the UK (and European) lines use them.  They can either be screwed in using a power socket drill or a manual, "T"- shaped socket handle.  Perhaps one of our UK members can supply the appropriate names for these items.

Best Regards,
Glenn

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Very interesting Glenn.  Thanks for enlightening me.

Duncan

[Ken Fleming]

I plan on being there for the Spring work weekend.  Still working on getting an air compressor from GSA-Maine.  I figure I'll assist Julius at Alna Center, again.  Has anyone come up with a flag holder for A.C. yet?  If not, I'll see if I can find a antique cast iron holder, but I will need the diameter of the red flags currently in use (3/4",1",1 1/4"?) .  I plan on bringing an old milk can along as a stool.  One polished up to go along with the cream cans.  How is our work glove supply?  Should I bring up a couple of dozen pair?

[Dwight Winkley]

Ten more weekends and counting.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone in April and I hope we have plenty of members for the track crew.  For those who like carpentry, see page 6 of the car shop extension thread for details on work to be done to the building that weekend.

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Stewart,
I saw that thread and right about now that sort of activity is interesting to me. I don't think I'll be ready for shoveling gravel in time for the work weekend.
Duncan

[Dave Buczkowski]

Duncan;
It is with all my strength that I am refraining from hitting that soft pitch you left hanging over the plate out of the park...
KD

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Give in Dave and go for it.  After all, we would do it for/to you wouldn't we?  I deserve it for not explaining.  Rotator cuff surgery.
Duncan

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Duncan,  I wish you a speedy recovery, I bet some WW&F PT will help. 

Ken,  The standard WW&F signal flag has a 24 inch staff.  It's an inch in diameter and the bottom 3 inches taper down to 3/4".  The WW&F used a plain wood block to hold signal flags on buildings.  There was a hole (approximately 1") drilled at an angle in the center of the block.  The block may have been painted to match the building's color although some went unpainted.

[Ken Fleming]

Steve,

Thanks.  How about one for Alna Center for the Spring Work Weekend.  I figure I'll be there when two trains are in operation. I am bringing a 10 gallon milk can for a stool.

Ken