We always plan for sunny run days
President Bob opened the meeting at 12:31pm
8 members present.
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
We have $15,944.15 in the bank. Accounts Receivable are $335.91 (one membership still due). Accounts Payable are $675.18
We have 64 Members.
Spent 758.16 on RR maintenance, YTD.
Project Status Reports
Switch Stands in Caboose Loop - Tom and Carl
The switch stand for Lookout Spur is fabricated, the switch stand for the spur next to the tunnel is almost done; both are soon to be installed. Bruce noted that we will need to notch the gutter board near the lookout site for clearance.
Base Rock spreading - Bruce
Use of base rock will be restricted at Rabbit flat so rainwater will flow readily to the drains Ballast rock may be used exclusively instead.
Rabbit Flat - Bob
Ed and Bruce have surveyed Rabbit Flat for siding planning. Ed will do some drawings; Bruce has specified what areas will be available for development. Ed noted that finishing Rabbit Flat will make Operations Meets very interesting. Bob suggested that PV&A RR do some Ops Meets ourselves so we learn some basics before we invite experienced folks to participate.
Tie production - Mike & Russ
Track production has orders for 70 more panels. Tie production (cutting and slot routing) is making ties at a good pace to cover this and make inventory for future production. Russ is able to saw ½ of a pallet to length in 2-½ hours. Mike can almost keep up with the routing operation. Bruce secured 4 more steel storage pallets for semi finished goods. When they are full, we will store them, neatly, safely and out of the way. and pause production.
We will be purchasing more raw materials, as the price is rising 15-20% a year. In general, we buy material as consumed, except for ties.
Little Buildings: Bob
Ron is proceeding nicely.
Old High Bridge: Bob
Jerry is 75% complete with the plastic tie replacement and guard rail installation.
Kitchen refurbishment: Mike
Now complete; Randy did the caulking, Bob and Bruce made signs for drawers and cupboards, Mike fastened in the oven and oven cabinet to the wall.
ROW Signage - Russ
Signs are done.
Gritty Gravel building: Tom
Materials have been delivered. The project is paused for a short while due to weather and switch stand installations. The first step will be to build the joists in the shop.
Silver bridge berm- Bill
Waiting for warmer weather to start this project. The full size RR ties have been delivered to Rabbit Flat. Angle brackets, rebar, and bolts are available; drills have been sharpened.
PV&A RR Shirts & Swag- Bruce
No progress.
Budget
We’ve ordered steel rail and tie plates from Train Mountain. Some of which will be brought back by our members attending the Triennial meet June 20-24. But, the order may be more than can be added to their trucks and trailers, so we will have to plan other means of transportation. Not a rush, but we need a plan. SS screws are ordered in transit. Bill is getting a quote for additional tie material from RMI.
Events
April Run
The Antique Car club came for a visit and brought some cars for us to enjoy while they ride the RR. See the full report and pictures here:
A special surprise awaited Ron Schmidt who joined us for this Run Day. Bill and Lila teamed up to have a special riding car with a swivel captains chair custom made at RMI for Ron. It was fabricated in record time by Bill Dundas at RMI; then Dee and Matt drove to LA and back to have it here in time for the presentation to Ron. Ray and Becky drove up from Fresno (with breakfast goodies for us all) and took a terrific video commemorating the event. See it here This was one of our best meets yet; live steam (K-36), Ron’s new car, antique cars, great weather and an excellent crowd.
May Run and meeting
Run day. Bob will be out of town for this run, plus Bill is gone.
Operations Committee meeting will be on 5/21; the week before the run weekend.
June run day
Many people will be at Train Mountain. We will run Saturday in June but probably not on Sunday. Stacey will open the front gates to give the club access to the station and railroad, however, the office barrier will not be open, so if you wish to visit the shops, you must walk up. Prior to the June Run day we will have guests from New Zealand on Thursday work day, the 16th. We’ll show them the RR and they will help Bruce and Bill load up their gear for Train Mountain.
August Run day
This will be our annual Dual Meet with Golden Gate Live Steam and Sacramento Valley Live Steam. Lots of planning to be done, and lots of fun to be had.
September Run day
We will have some guests of the local school district who made a donation to the schools with the prize being a visit to our railroad. Kevin Welch will host them.
Night Run
In planning. We will do it after the time change to assure early darkness. We will practice good Covid safety in the Station House.
Ron Schmidt day. Bill
No news. Could be July or Sept.
Covid
No changes.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:13 pm.