We take a minute to remember Ron Schmidt. A long time club member and passionate fan of our hobby
Minutes for September 2022 Operations Council
Original notes by Russ, who comes from the Joe Friday school of “Just the facts mam” recorders (Thanks!).
President Bob called the meeting to order at 12: 30 with 11 members present. Board members Bruce and Mike were not in attendance.
Financial report - Kevin
Our bank balance is $11,734, with Accounts payable as $285.30 and Accounts receivable as $0.
We have $2,500 remaining for maintenance this year. These funds must be committed by 11/1.
Our total membership is 64.
Project status
Steel order - Bill
Prices of steel are 2-3x expected, close to $10K for the remaining steel needed.
We have placed a order for: Re-railers, switch stands, switch points, bumpers, steaming bay, bridges, and some stock steel and sheet metal (galvanized and black)
A check will be sent at the end of September and the order will likely be delivered 2 weeks later. (The actual delivery was Sept 29th)
New spurs / yards - Kevin
The tunnel Yard is complete except for 2 switch stands; the Riding Arena spur needs to be connected. We are working on stub switch for caboose yard (see photo in Thursday work photos), and are making new left handed switches for the Gritty Gravel Barn
Rabbit flat not yet started; Ed & Kevin are reviewing design. The Rabbit flat yard area will need re-leveling at rabbit flat-under discussion. We will use base rock to achieve this.
Little buildings - Ron
We need to move the completed farm/bird house building to its RR location. Ron will do fall cleanup of the work station before starting on his next building.
Track panel building - Ed + Bob
We’ve stopped building new panels pending any new orders.
Gritty Gravel Barn - Tom + Gerry + Bill
Bridge - Will need to move and widen the plate-girder bridge and raise main-line track height at the same time the new siding is put in. We will start work the week after a run weekend (TBD). WIll need to plan around Nov/Dec run weekends and the start of the rainy season.
Siding - We’re adding a switch at Crana Corner side for new siding and a second switch closer to the boat dock. Connection of the switches needs to be coordinated with Bridge movement.
Building - The siding is all on. Will order roofing materials and paint by Nov 1.
Redwood Canyon Footbridge - Bill (Mike on vacation)
Bill and Mike are working on bridge design refinements–no handrails.
The path from the real Caboose to the canyon is graded. Mike and others are still milling redwood for the beams and boards for the bridge, which we will let season for a year before building. 2” steel posts have been donated for the foundation. The sawmill is being refurbished with new thrust bearings, repaired tension assembly and new blades.
New Club engine - Carl (Bruce on vacation)
Still needs some repair work - next will be cleaning fuel lines.
Ordering stuff - Bob + Bill
Brandon will help figuring out how to get remaining tie material shipped.
Meet / Event planning for 2022
September- We will have a school group from Portola Valley (16 max) joining us.
November- Need to determine a date that fits the family schedules - Bill will do this
December- Same
Miscellaneous
Carl is looking into getting two 7-⅝” railroad trucks for Kevin’s switch building operations.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:30
Mike Ward
PV&A RR Secretary