3 people = 4 opinions
President Bob opened the meeting at 12:42 with 11 members at the RR today
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
Our bank balance continues to be strong. We have no accounts Receivable, and $165.29 in Accounts Payable for various materials and supplies.
We have 64 members, all of whom are current.
Kevin also presented a Profit and Loss sheet for PV&A RR year to date with details for each category. As noted last month the Track Expansion to the full size Caboose is complete, and there are no further expenditures for that. We will continue doing RR maintenance, operations, minor improvements and continue with the Track Refurbishment program we have committed to.
Project Status Reports
New spurs / yards
Arena spur - Kevin. This section is done, and we are moving on.
Rabbit Flat Yard - Bruce Four switches are being moved to Rabbit Flat to install for the bypass siding which will also have the starts of 3 spurs for the completion of the long-delayed yard. Bob wants to make sure that we have agreement before cutting into the main line and that we have material prepared for this step. Bill, Ed, Bruce and Kevin are ok with the RF siding which will start at the entrance to Rabbit Flat on the uphill mainline track, run parallel to the track, then rejoin before the curve to the picnic table.
The Redwood Tunnel Yard is still on hold. Kevin will visit the yard to get a feeling for Ed’s concerns.
Little Buildings - Bob
Carl has communicated with Ron who is still at home recovering and gaining strength. He hopes to return to the RR at some time.
Redwood Foot Bridge - Mike
Team fabricated steel brackets for the 13 steps, and the 13 rustic, natural edged redwood treads as well. The stairs will be a very gentle slope with ~ 12” wide steps. We’re experimenting with some stains to accelerate the aging process so it will blend into the site more quickly. It will look like the natural patina we have on the redwood trestle - which occurs in about a year’s time and weather.
Speeder - Bruce
Tested it out and it is ok.
Alpine Crossing Bridge berm - Matt
Has the first two courses of RR ties in place on the berm to widen out the ROW.
New club engine (Big Red) - Bruce
It now has a 2.5” coupler so it is compatible with our larger passenger cars. We can operate this engine with 3 cars for a while until the two new cars from RMI arrive and brakes are installed, RMI is also shipping another coupler to replace the one Bruce borrowed from his “Three Fat Guys” car to get Big Red running.
Switches and stands - Bill / Ed / Jerry
We are Installing a remote switch at Cranna’s Corner for the Lakeview Siding, by the end of today, which Bill, Jerry and Ed will tune up in time for use at the run.
Ed is working with Jerry to replace old points and the switch stand with a kick switch on the switch at the end of Silver Bridge where Jerry is replacing the ties.
Production switch stands are in final assembly over the next couple of weeks and will take less space than all the various parts are now occupying. Bruce has found some other shelving we can use. Maybe setup shelves on the back wall where inventory of To-be-refurbished little buildings are currently residing.
Safety, procedures and announcements -
Fire Safety - Bruce
Fire hoses have been removed from the fire boxes and laid on the ground for easier access in an emergency. Older hoses are being replaced with newer heavy duty models. The old cranky gate valves are being replaced with high flow, easy to use ball valves.
Right of Way sprinklers have been tested, and are able to be run automatically before dry weather run days.
Other News - Bob
Carl is getting better, and happy that the latest procedure is working well. He may be back in a few weeks for light duty tasks.. He will be doing things like sharpening drills with the new Drill Dr. 750X and teaching folks how to use shop equipment.
We need more full sized ties for retaining walls. These are available at Niles Canyon RR at $9 each. We need 100 and have to figure out how to get them here.
After putting the club engines away, turn off and remove the key and leave dangling by the engine on the chain. If the key is left turned on the batteries get drained.
Shop Safety - BIll and Bruce
Use of Machine tools in the shop. Please use correct blades for materials being worked on - wood, metal, plastic. If you don’t know, please ask Carl or BIll. Carl will be glad to give you instructions on tool usage. Some observed scenarios. Using a belt sander or disc sander for grinding and pointing rebar stakes. Belts and disc sanders are finishing tools; abrasive grinding wheels are for gross material removal. Also be cautious about pressure on the belts so as to not overheat them - they will break. Be careful how you hold and approach sanding tools. Ask for help. We would love to teach people how to use the shop. If you see someone misusing a tool, help them or get help. And, of course, clean up after doing operations. Sweep, brush, vacuum. Get rid of scrap, dust and metal filings.
Bruce has ordered more face masks for the sanding areas, ear muffs and safety glasses. We need to have lens wipes available to keep them clean without scratching them with rags or paper towels.
For 3 phase machines, you must pause 5 seconds after turning on the phase converters before powering up the attached machines. This applies to the mill, two large metal bandsaws, press brake, power shear, etc.
New Member process - Bob
We’re looking for new active members that bring some value to the RR. Folks with interest in model railroading, and are, or can be workers, helpers or bring skills to the club. Every new member candidate needs a sponsor who proposes them . They will also have to talk with 1 board members (or one other, if a board member is the sponsor) before inviting them to join.
Future Runs - Bob / Mike
September Run - Steve Dunn Will have 8 guests on Saturday in morning, then a different group of 12 after lunch They will make a $250 donation to the club. Mike and Ken will be helping with hosting duties.
October meet. Steve has another 9 person charity event. Steve’s not here, Ken will be taking the lead. This will be our annual Night run. Mike is arranging for the Jalisco Taco Truck to be on site to cater our dinner 5-6:30. DInners must be prepaid so we can plan the food; although there will be some meals available for a few last minute arrivals.) We’re holding the price at $15 per person, for this you will get ½ of a large burrito, a street taco, guacamole, chips, choice of salsas, a soft drink and a cookie. Your choice of fillings are carnitas, steak, chicken or nada meat. We’ll also offer quesadillas for children if desired. Bob will be sending out an invite soon. Bruce will light the place up, and it will be great fun.
Bob ended the meeting at 1: 20 pm
Mike Ward
PV&ARR
Secretary
(Missing Matt !!!)