Mike instructs a new generation of train lovers
President Bob opened the meeting at 12:40 on 03/23/2023
11 members in the meeting plus Ken K is working in building 4 = 12 on site..
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin Hayashi
We have a good balance in the bank, with accounts receivable of $200 (two members dues), and accounts payable of $389.35
We have 64 Members of whom 62 are current.
Project Status Reports -
New yard track grading & track plans: Kevin
The Riding Arena track was reinstalled and must be graded to meet existing track.
The Caboose siding is next to be installed, needs a stub switch and some grading.
Rabbit Flat needs 3 switches dropped off over next 3 weeks, 2 rights and 1 left. Bruce will place these near final installation spots.
New Lumber Camp Wye. Switch is ready to go, and was going to be installed today, but had to delay due to mud. It is graded, and two trees have been removed, so the track extension could go even further.
Rabbit Flat hillsides look good after the storms, no mudslides. Yea!
Note, Kevin will be out until 4-13, at which time we will have accucraft visitors here to show us their current wares, points and frogs. These have been well received by Bitter Creek RR and the Train Mountain folks.
Little Buildings. Ron Mason may come back in April.
Gritty Gravel Barn. Bruce & Tom
The access bridge is painted and ready to install (must be moved before the Saturday meet.)
Tom: All doors are attached, adding hardware now, including a mouse guard on the outside. WIll be trimmed with redwood; caulked and painted later.
The wood retaining wall just before the Feather River Bridge needs to be made taller by one RR tie. Matt,. When Wx permits.
At some future date the Feather River bridge will be widened as much as the current foundation allows so it can be done in place.
Redwood Canyon Footbridge - Mike
Redwood timbers are still drying to a working level of moisture. Carl and Mike made an adapter for the Pneumatic post driver. No further work until things dry out.
Compressor lines - Bruce
on hold for Weather
New club engine - Bruce
Have ordered parts; Brandon will install brakes on cars and help Bruce finish up the engine refurbishment. Will get back on this when the Gritty Gravel Barn is done.
Steaming bay gap. Bill not here, but will fix this summer.
Tie Replacement Program - Bob
A special board meeting was held to determine the order of work for the track refurbishment for the remainder of the railroad. We will start with an easy section to learn how our planned process works then move on to more challenging ones. We have 3-4 sections planned and will start probably in August, after the expansion project is complete in June, and our major meets are over. The process will be to pull out the existing section of track, replace with panels from existing inventory, then rebuild infrastructure as needed (drains, retaining walls, irrigation). Then, rebuild the removed panels to add back to inventory.
Miscellaneous.
We need more full sized RR ties. Matt will check with Ken to make sure there are still some available at Niles, and Brandon can pick them up.
Bob asked if anyone has access to a CNC to make parts for us? No response. Maybe Peter Mosely?
Meet planning
Good weather for Saturday March 25th. Bruce and Kevin de-mucked the track. The Ranch has had some trees and limbs with wind damage cleared from track areas. Bruce will be the hosting
April we’ll have the old time car club join us, while the Machinist group has changed their plans.
June 17, 18 is our planned Joint meet. It is early to not conflict with other clubs major meets. Bruce will verify/coordinate with PT Ranch calendar.
Discussion.
A lively discussion ensued regarding the switch stand refinement program. It will be continued in two weeks on a work day.
Bob ended the meeting at 1:13 pm