Mountain Extension - Official Work Thread

[Mike Fox]

And I will second Bill's suggestion. The ones that were using it last year got into a system and things went smoothly. They are also the same ones that have planned out this years big push. Planning has been done as how to load the ties at TOM. I think it will be a great FWW.

[Richard "Steam" Symmes]

Years ago we came across an old 1941 Chevy business coupe lying in the brush on the left side of the ROW just before the crossing of 218.  Is that still there?

[Mike Fox]

We had heard the story but could not find it while we were cutting up there 2 years ago.

[Mike Fox]

My crude wire installer is ready for testing. I made it to mount on the Kubota, by may be able to use it on Casey if I lucky.

[Wayne Laepple]

I remember seeing the wreckage of that old auto several years ago. Apparently somebody dragged it out of there and sold it for scrap, back when prices were high.

[Paul Uhland]

Can't wait to see this work!

[John McNamara]

Mike's device is reminiscent of a vibratory plow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6crDgLV45A

The example shown in the video is being used two ways: 1) with wire stored on an on-board reel, and 2) pulling wire from a distant reel. In the second case the cable is attached with a Kellems grip. A Kellems resembles a Chinese finger trap. I have a set which I'll bring over.

-John M

[Mike Fox]

My plan, with the 2 uprights, is to have the roll mounted right on the machine. The wire will unroll as progress is made.

[Jeff Schumaker]

Wire installer? Are we talking about phone wire?

Jeff S.

[Mike Fox]

Yes. We have been talking for years about it. I just ordered 2000 feet of wire to try it out..

[Eric Larsen]

We had heard the story but could not find it while we were cutting up there 2 years ago.

When Allen and I cleared the ROW from 218 south many years ago it was there on the right side as you go south from 218.  It was there for some time afterwards but it disappeared about ten years ago I would guess.

[Mike Fox]

I found some metal when ditching the area just south of the big rock in the tree line. Parts of an old stove was about all I could make out.

[Paul Uhland]

How about holding an MX relics auction? Make a few bucks. 

[James Patten]

This past week Jeff Verney fixed and armored the ditch south of the bridge, and it looks fabulous!  Pictures coming soon.

[Bill Reidy]

Some Mountain Extension photos taken yesterday, Saturday, September 14th...

As James mentioned, Jeff Verney repaired and armored the east ditch along the grade south of the bridge.  Impressive amount of work done.  These photos don't convey the level of effort or material needed, but folks who had walked this section before can remember the depth of scouring done over the years.  We're looking south, up the grade toward Top of the Mountain.  The bridge is a short distance behind me.


Looking north, toward the bridge.


Mike tried out his wire installer yesterday, installing it on the Kubota.




Here's the wire installer blade in action, cutting a trench.  Mike made a pass cutting the trench first, then returned with the installer loaded with wire and warning tape to perform the installation.


Here's a section of the wire (visible at the bottom of the photo and warning tape installed, as Mike proceeds north in the distance.


This photo shows how the wire and warning tape spools were set up to feed the installer.


Road hog.  The presidential pickup sits on Trout Brook bridge.  The bridge has seen a lot on construction equipment traffic this summer.  Hard to believe that comes to and end in less than three weeks, when the rail head reaches and crosses the bridge during Fall Work Weekend.


I haven't been able to get out and walk the Mountain Extension ROW much this summer, and was very impressed how good the grade now looks from end-of-track to Route 218.  It's evident a lot of work has been done.  Some more fill is needed just north of the bridge; otherwise, things look about ready for Fall Work Weekend October 11th - 14th.