Mike takes notes and Bob calls the meeting to order
Chairman Bob opened the meeting at 12:35 pm.
We had 11 members present at the beginning of the meeting + Bruce was off delivering lift cylinders to be repaired for our new dump truck. John and Leo Gorzelany came later to continue installing switch number tags. Total 14.
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin was off hiking, so Bob reported
Our finances are still in good shape, we have not yet been billed for the two new riding cars for our Big Red engine, and we are holding funds in reserve for that expense.
We have 69 fully paid up members.
Project Status Reports
New switches - Bob for Kevin
Kevin and Bruno have stopped making switches for the time being. When Kevin returns, Bruno will learn how to install kick switches to make them ready for deployment to Rabbit Flat. Kevin has started cutting plastic ties for the next track replacement exercise on Saturday September 24th (see details here). These will be field replacements so that the switches stay identical to their original configurations. Some tie sets are already complete and stored next to their switches in the field.
Turntable - Bill
Kevin and Bruce will lay out the precise location for the turntable which will dictate needed grading. Method of installation is leaning toward concrete piers and a concrete block circle (vs full concrete bowl). The turntable (moving part) is basically finished. A few more angle brackets will be installed to mount the planking on, and it is ready for paint. Mike, Sam, and Marty have been working on the planking which will be scale 12” wide boards, 36” long laid in brick offset pattern and screwed in place. Bill is making a portable hydraulic straightening tool to fine tune the 13’ ring after it is in place.
Tie Retrofit - Bob
Bruce and Kevin have spread ballast in the north yard. We need to dig a trench to move the S112 switch stand on the dam to go between the two tracks so engineers can easily choose Mountain or Lake switch from either track. (See Maintenance Maps for switch numbers and locations here). Until then, use Track 2 (outside) for easy switching. Bob will block Track 1 in the North Yard.
Bruce has arranged for LOTS of ballast to be delivered, so that will not hold us up for future track installs.
Next week, the board will discuss and define the next track retrofit project set for Saturday of our September Run day.
New Member Training Mike
Training has progressed to Day three for our new members Peter Christiansen, Sam Worden, Marty Walker, and Bruno Kranzen. (Bruno is technically not new, having been a member since 1996 - but just rejoined us after retirement, and a lot has changed). Training is being delivered by Mike, Russ and Bob.
Day 1 discussed the Rules of the Road and the PTR Visitor and Member rules (see them here), then some hands-on work taking out a speeder and starting to learn the ROW and POIs
Day 2 Started with a pop quiz, then we re-reviewed the Rules of the Road and PTR; getting the RR opened up (but not a full start), RR etiquette, Reading the RR maps and schematic maps. Then getting out the Blue work engine, servicing, and learning to run it; the ROW and POI’s then returning the Blue Engine to its home and closing up.
Day 3 (July 25th) will be similar; Start with a pop quiz, more RR traditions and history, then focus on Big Red, which has its own special idiosyncrasies and limitations.Day 4 will be a deep dive into opening the RR, then Building 4 shop protocols and safety, Which tools and machines are open for member use after signoff, without supervision or apprenticeships.
Full sized railroad ties - Matt
Our ties are at Niles are bundled up and ready to go. He will contact Doug Lo to schedule trucking them up to the PV&A RR.
Switch numbering. Bob for John and Leo
The Redwood Division (300’s) is done, Mountain Division (200’s) are half done.
Run days, news and safety
September - Saturday will be an all hands work blitz to start the next track retrofit - see above) Sunday will be a normal run day.
October night run Mike has recruited the very popular Jalisco’s Mexican food restaurant again this year for our evening meal. This year the price will be $20 or less. We will have to do some reservation count so Jalisco’s can bring the right amount of food. We will have some overnight campers permitted this year, with onsite hosting by Matt, Dee, Brooke, and Sierra.
June Joint meet 2025. We will be moving the Joint Meet earlier in the year from June, both to avoid the heat we experienced this year, and to avoid conflicting with Train Mountain’s annual Operations Meet.
New dump truck Bill
Purchased from Paul Poletti for a very nominal sum (Thank you Paul!). It does need some work. Bruce is having the lift cylinders repaired, plus the side stakes and rear bed frame are bent, Bruce and Tom will do the repairs.
Safety - Bob
If you experience wonky switches, please note them on the clipboard in the Station House so they can be addressed.
Bob closed the meeting at 12:55 PM
Mike Ward
PV&ARR Secretary