Crossing the High Bridge (which is now lower than the Lumber Camp Bridge:)
June 25, 2020 Operations Council Meeting Minutes
Bob called the meeting to order at 12:30pm for our outdoor and Zoom Operations Council, with Mike and Randy attending remotely.
Finance Report
Kevin: Bank balance is $6,556.42 + savings of $94.80 with accounts receivable of $333.22; (one membership and PTR invoice).
We have 67 members, 66 are current with their dues.
Project Spending
We are halfway through the calendar year and have been significantly delayed because of the COVID restrictions. We are making up time and almost finished with the Lumber Camp Loop project per the original schedule, but we have lost the opportunity to finish early and focus on the Caboose Loop extension. As a result, and because we funded the Lumber Camp Bridge Loop ourselves, we have only been able to utilize ⅓ of this year’s budget thus far. Hopefully we can continue to regain time and utilize the full budget for progress this year.
We will be convening an SDC meeting, perhaps with additional participation, to evaluate our options under the revised circumstances and attempt to get back as close to the plan as reasonable.
Project Status Reports:
Lumber Camp Return Loop
Bridge Installation
Bill: Hand Railing is complete with bolt on railings, and stairs will be completed today, 6/25 with new handrail and platform lumber.
Right-of-Way Track Laying
Kevin: Grading is complete as of today. Putting down base rock up to bridge and new crossing.
Will attach missing panel under the riding arena; (removed for plumbing work, now complete)
Russ is attaching track panels to the decking; and Kevin will soon start laying panels across the ground to join at the redwood trestle. Minor adjustment needed to match wood trestle to steel bridge
Old Tamper is dead - no spark.We need to replace urgently , as we must lay track on tamped ballast. (Ed note; Done, new tamper in use on Saturday!)
Wood Trestle - Mike; complete, ROW ready for track (save small adjustment in height; will be fixed by Kevin and Ken).
Signals
Bill, Lance and Russ are exploring ideas on how to make running either way on the Caboose loop possible This could make running on the RR far more interesting and challenging and at the same time safer. All solutions must work for guests as well as member engineers. There will be greater complexity involved. Bill said we should produce a training program and a required test for train operators and conductors to ensure understanding and safe operations. Brandon indicated an interest in being involved with the training program as he is in charge of training for the Billy Jones RR.
Switch Stands
The stands need to be worked on soon. Some of the existing stands should be converted to remote switches for convenience and safety. Bill made a prototype of a new remote switch stand; if ok, we can make production quantities. (Quantity TBD). This is a non-trivial project.
Caboose Route
Tractor will be here late July to work on french drain. It will be here for a month to work on a long list of projects. This will precede installation and welding together of the tunnel sections and significant work to complete all tunnel infrastructure. We need to recruit crews to work with Bruce on days when the equipment is on site., more than just Thursdays. Bob suggested that Bruce establish specific dates so we can recruit volunteers.
Safety
As a reminder, dogs are not allowed on ranch property.
Think social distancing and masks please.
Run Days
Run weekends are converted to work days with some running.
All events on hold until San Mateo county gives us guidance. Russ to update the website to reflect this info.
Meeting ended at 1:10pm - at the end of Zoom 40 minute allotment