Dee has a question at our March monthly meeting
President Bob opened the meeting at 12:37 pm.
14 members present.
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin:
We have $16,008.01 in the bank. Accounts Receivable are $200 (Annual dues) Accounts Payable 114.21 We have 64 members, and 62 are current.
This far this year, we have spent $186.26 on RR maintenance.
Project Status Reports –
Switch stands: - Tom and Carl
The remote switch at the Ranch Office is done.
Next will be the overlook spur, then the new tunnel yard - after the tracks are in.
Caboose Circle:
New yards & siding: - Kevin, Bill & Bruce. The siding off the Lumber Camp bridge has been regraded, now awaiting base rock. Getting the base rock there will be challenging. Also, we might need to order some more base rock. Bruce placed some old ballast next to the Redwood tunnel siding which is ready for leveling.
Tie production & Saw setup improvements. - Mike
Plastic dust collection on the routing station has been improved by moving to smaller router bits, larger hose ducting, and Carl routed airflow channels in the aluminum mounting plate for the routers. Dust collection on the saw improved by adding a vented box behind the saw blade. Channel width and depth adjusted to Ed and Russ’ needs. The system is ready for production. We have completed one of six pallets of tie material, and Bob says he will be ordering 8 more pallets later.Ed and Russ are building track panels to order. Kevin has ordered 50-60 panels for new sidings including Rabbit Flat. (~1,500 ties)
Little Buildings: - Ron. Making progress on the current large building.
Old High Bridge tie replacement: Bob
Jerry has completed one side of the high bridge with plastic ties and has installed the aluminum guard rail.
Station Kitchen upgrade: - Mike, Russ, Bruce.
Complete except for a short punch list. Caulking, two door handles, and screw in oven to cabinet and cabinet to wall.
Tom asked if we can have a hood over the stove? Bruce responded no.
Bob reminded all that the blue can is for recycling, the gray one is for trash. The recycling can has been labeled with signs.
Bob is also policing extra stuff left in the station house; anything left for 3 weeks will be tossed out.
Gritty Gravel Building: - Tom / Bruce
Tom is making a wood estimate. Design hasn’t changed. Bruce will order the wood from Pine Cone Lumber.
Silver Bridge berm. Bill
Tom suggested we put in posts every 6 feet and railing, Bill disagreed, saying we need a couple of feet of space next to the track so people can rerail a train in case of a derail. We can fill in the area with our old ballast. Brandon brought up 104 RR ties this weekend - much appreciated! We can start this project in April or May.
Map. - Russ
No news. Wait til Rabbit Flat is finished. Minor changes.
Signs. - Russ
Almost all are installed. We’re adding 2 whistle signs near the Redwood Truss bridge. Bill and Russ are figuring out where to move the Lumber Camp signs. Now starting to repair signs where aluminum pop rivets have failed. We need more pop rivets. Carl: Possibly larger ones or stainless steel?
Website. -Bill
There is a new popup directing viewers to Paul Patterson’s new video of the ROW. It’s a great new way to see and enjoy it. Many thanks to Paul for shooting, editing and sharing his work.
One viewer who saw the video got excited about the RR and is coming on Saturday !
Miscellaneous –
Material orders. - Bob:
Tie plates and rail are ordered from Train Mountain. The rail order will be split up and carried home by a few different people in their trailers along with the tie plates in a couple of months.
Stainless Steel screws are ordered and in shipment
Big order from RMI for tie material, joiners, sample frog, and joiner screws has not yet been placed.
Carl found a company that makes points for switches, and we’ve ordered a sample.
RR Swag. - Bruce:
No answer yet from supplier for 35 shirts
Event Planning
Saturday March 26. Ron Schmidt will be here, Jimmy Booth and his K-27
Sunday March 27, Allison’s party has been moved out.April 23 The Model A club will be here.
June 16 Thursday (work day) Folks from Australia coming through on their way to Train Mountain, at least 4 folks. They wIll enjoy the RR and also help our folks load up for the trip - so we will probably not be running steamers that day.
June 25 Run day will have no Bill or Bruce in attendance. Bob will coordinate with the ranch on who will be the official ranch host.
August 27, Our annual joint invitational meet with GG & SVLS
Bill suggests we create a new event. People still remember the PV&A RR Steam engines on the Live Steam magazine cover. Ron Schmidt has contributed a lot to the 2.5” scale hobby via his generosity and his many engines now enjoyed by new owners. So, let’s create a ‘Ron Schmidt’ day with as many of those engines and people here as possible - K36, K-27, Shay, 5 C-16’s, Anthony’s engine #10 and Calliccio’s #50 – from all over, LA, Fresno, etc. We would want as many folks who know Ron to be here and would like to do it sooner rather than later. Our calendar is full already, we might consider having it on a non-run weekend. July might be open. Ideas?
Safety and protocol –
Covid: - Bill: We (Bruce, Bob and Bill) are still checking vaccine cards. Masks optional. If people choose to wear them, please respect their distance.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:12 pm.