The second pass of dumping ballast on the Caboose Route’s return track is completed
President Bob opened the meeting at 12:30 pm.
11 members present
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin H
We have $11,977.03 in the bank, with accounts receivable of $0. Accounts payable is $365.09.
We deleted two unpaid members from our roster, so we have 71 active members.
Maintenance expenses YTD are $2,176.16
Project Status Reports --
The Caboose Loop Expansion project is on schedule and on budget. Still, lots to do !!
Switch stands. Tom:
The Alpine Bridge switch is installed, and we can use the siding (though most of the track is not connected); we’re now working on the remote switch near the riding arena for access to the Caboose Loop. Next will be at the switch by the redwood trestle.
Each remote is a custom installation; but all operate the same way after installation.
Bruce suggested using a short stand for the siding coming off the East side of the Caboose trestle.
Ballasting and leveling Bruce:
It takes 2 Superdump truckloads of ballast to do one track from end to end for each pass, and each track takes two passes and there are two tracks. So a total of 8 truckloads, each just under 20 tons. So far today, we have distributed one load. We can’t get washed ballast anymore due to the CA drought, Bruce later found this to be incorrect but the current piles have lots of fines in them so use caution when unloading the hopper cars (sticking), and loading (dust) with the tractor.
Caboose Loop proper. Kevin:
The ⅔rds of the loop around the caboose that are on the ground have been graded, compacted once, and needs to be compacted again. The soil is moistened, but high clay content and sticks to the compactor unless the moisture is just right. Will finish today. The circle is marked out, and we can lay track down. We have attached track panels to each end of the trestle. Finally !
Little Buildings. Bob:
Ron is out for a few months; Randy has the Smokey Tower.
Track Panels Re-gaging Project Ed:
Complete! Congratulations!
Trestle maintenance Russ:
Dee and Russ have tightened the over 2,000 nuts and bolts on the Redwood Trestle in preparation for traffic coming soon. Tightening has to be done periodically while the wood shrinks over time. Mike is adding permanent scaffolding on the outside of the trestle to make maintenance easier.
The Howe Pony Truss bridge will be a bolt tightening challenge, and will be done in the next few weeks.
New tie material. Bob:
Brandon will pick up this weekend, and deliver Monday. 1,500 sticks, each makes 5 ties. We have the tie plates and screws. We will do some test builds on the material to determine workflow to get the ties ready for track building in the winter. We would like to get some new material in the ground ASAP so we can watch it weather.
Event planning
Run days August meet Sat.& Sun 28th and 29th. Kevin blew the track (thanks). Ron Schmit is coming on Sunday, Bill will host.
Oct meet. Mike got some PR in the GGLS news and it was also passed to Sacramento Live Steamers. But, SVLS are having a meet the week before, so attendance from them may be light.
Safety, operations + Odds and ends;
Bill & Bruce, are picking up trash at Rabbit Flat and along the ROW on return from ballasting trips.
Ken has fixed 20 air leaks so far and the compressor is much better, but further work is needed. He will be out for several months as he has a large house project.
Tool Chaos.
If you are working in the field, please take tools from the field tool sheds, not the tools building 4 / shop; Unless, a tool is not available elsewhere.
ROW Watering.
Bruce will show how to turn on the electric timer water switch. It is in series with the manual valve, which assures that the water always goes off at night.
Emergency Communications in case of natural disaster.
Mike explained the purpose of the Kenwood GMRS radio in the station house. In case of wildfire, or earthquake while we are here, and if normal communications don’t work, this radio on channel 15 connects to the volunteer emergency preparation teams in Vista Verde and Los Trancos Woods. You will be able to hear what is going on and report our status as needed. Instructions are on the table in the station (near the weather station) just below the radio (which is always on).
Bob closed the meeting at 1:05.
Mike Ward
Secretary