Celebrating all ties replaced along this section
Chairman Bob opened the meeting at 12:35 pm.
We had 12 members at the RR today
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
Our bank account is still solid, with No Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable are $302.91 for outstanding checks. Total membership is 66, and all are current with their dues.
Project Status Reports
New switches - Kevin
We have a bunch (7+) made and have 6 in process. Some are completely done with kick switches. Bill has purchased needed kick switch parts and is making other parts for a lifetime supply of switches. Kevin will soon have all switches in inventory needed for Rabbit Flat.
Turntable - Bill
The base ring is done, and Bruce has primed it. After the final coat of black paint, we can move it to Rabbit flat and prepare the hole and foundation. The table (swinging part) is coming together today, but significant welding is yet to be done. We will complete this in a couple of weeks.
Rabbit Flat grading - Bruce
The area is smoothed out and the ranch truck crossing into RF is fixed. The Turntable base and ring need to be installed before final grading for the rest of the track. There will be a recessed hole for the concrete on which it is mounted; then the base will be level with the top of the water drain. We will need to buy more rebar for the concrete.
Bill would like to finish the table and test on its wheels and bearing before installing the base. We need three more workdays and we should be able to install then; July. or a little earlier. Ed asked if there will be wood on top? Bill said it is not yet decided, nor is the lock mechanism and push bar decided. We will have track and ties of course.
Tie Retrofit in May work day - Bob
We have a good plan for Saturday and will learn and adapt as we go. Futures retrofit sections are more complicated by switches etc. We have enough ballast for this weekend, then we will need more. Ballasting must be done when the sun is shining on the rail so they are expanded the most so the gaps are adequate and correct. The ranch roads are not dry enough to support ballast delivery trucks, so further ballasting will have to wait. Mike says we have 13 volunteers signed up to come on Saturday. Click here to see the pictures from this successful event.
Switch stands - Bill
All of the remaining pieces are started for 31 kick switches, but not assembled nor painted. Ed is out of 30 degree plates, and is modifying some old home plates, with 4 in process. Bill will make a few more ASAP to keep Ed going short term.
Red engine - Bruce
Adding brakes has been put on hold for a while.
Full sized railroad ties - Matt
Ties have been marked but not yet banded for us at Niles Canyon. They will be available mId June. Doug Lo, or Luke can move; Matt will contact Doug
Switch numbering - Mike
John Gorzelany and son Leo have signed up to install the colored tags identifying every switch on the RR. [Editor’s Note: They completed all of the Redwood Division on May 25th]
RR signage - Bob
We hope to get find a volunteer to update the location signs we’re missing a few, some locations have moved and we’ve renamed some areas. Also, the Burma Shave signs need restoring
Run days
June Tri-Meet Run - Bob
There will be no overnight stays on Pony Tracks Ranch for this meet. We will run late on Saturday evening til 8:00, off the ranch by 9 pam. Lunch is available with a choice of 5 famous Bianchini sandwiches, fruit, drink and cookie. Still only $15, cash. Click here to reserve your place in line and help us order the right amount of food.
Mike is putting together task lists for volunteers to help with signins, parking, food service, guest management. We have10 signed up so far. We will run til late - off the ranch by 9 Lunch is still $15.
October night run
This will be a night run with dinner - we’re hoping to hire Jalisco’s again this year. Overnight Campers will be permitted for this run if we are able to find someone to organize the over night folks.
Bay Area Garden Railway Society - Bob
Paul Wallace is having an open house in San Carlos of his 12” gauge engine and RR at 2052 Eaton Ave in San Carlos.This is Don Heiman’s engine which Paul inherited.
Safety
Yard transfer table - Bill
Bruce and Bill figured out an easy solution to the stiction issue with the transfer table. Bruce implemented the quick fix after lunch.
Alpine Crossing Bridge - Matt
Need to add some full sized ties along the berm by the Alpine Canyon Bridge. Bruce said not to worry about hitting water pipes, we will repair as needed. Matt will look into this.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:06 PM
Mike Ward
PV&ARR
Secretary
(Thanks to Matt Petach for complete notes!)