Brandon getting some run time on a cool day
February 20th 2020 Annual Meeting and Operations Council Meeting Minutes
Bob opened the meeting at 12:30 pm
Finance Report - Kevin
We have $6,598.81In the bank, Accounts Receivable = $700 (dues in arrears)
Kevin presented the 1st year of our 3 year PV&A Project Budget & Plans which contains breakdowns for each approved project in year actual expenditures to date.
We are tracking carefully and keeping to the budget.
Please note, that If we need to purchase anything for the expansion project (Caboose Loop), we have a new procedure. Purchase requests must go through Bruce Swanson who will verify that they are within the project needs and budget; authorize the purchase and place the order. Approved items will be paid for directly by the ranch; then delivered or picked up by Bruce. If you purchase items outside of this procedure you may not be repaid!
We have 63 Members of which 55 are current in their dues, with 8 outstanding.
Officers were assigned responsibility to make personal telephone calls to these members in arrears.
General remarks prior to project status:
Bruce: A large part of the project budget will be for the gravel needed for the new ROW. It will be delivered to the area between the office and caboose to have it close to the project. As we install track from the top end, we will directly load the Gritty Gravel cars and distribute along the ROW to minimize transportation.
We will need to fabricate a loading chute to facilitate the loading process, and look to Tom for design and fabrication.
Bob; Project priority. We committed to finishing the Lumber Camp Loop project by mid 2020. While some sections are finished not all are done. Our primary job is this before Caboose Loop, so please check before you start other work if you can help forward the tasks that need to be done.
Project Status Reports:
Lumber Camp Return Loop
Bridge Welding - Bill: Done and installed! Railings are made; but need to be installed. We are reviewing the alternative methods. . Note that outer decking boards may have to temporarily be removed to facilitate installation. We should finish paint touch up before starting the railing installation.
Steel Section Foundations - Bruce: All Done!
Right-of-Way Grading & Track laying
Kevin: Making the X crossover, all cut; We’re gaging all the parts, ready for welding
Track laying will follow; but can’t lay until ROW is finished minor grading.
We need to put a switch at the south end of the new bridge; that can proceed after the decking is done.
Camelback bridge; track needs to be moved somewhat. And the retaining wall must be raised and extended.
We need to buy RR ties to match the existing wall design eventually. (Brandon says Lodi has for sale; will check; Ken found some for $30 each) Need to determine quantity; then purchase and deliver. We have enough on hand for our short term needs.
Small Redwood Trestle - Mike: We extended the wood trestle to 16’ and added capability for the planned North Spur at a later date.. The last 4 foundations were completed 2/20. Ken completed the wood abutment. Two new extra wide bents are needed to accommodate the future switch which will require some large dimension redwood. When the final elevation of the track on ground is established, we can begin construction of the trestle. Track will be built directly on the trestle due to the special ties used (just like was done on the deck by engine house #1 and on the Caboose’s Redwood Trestle).
Caboose Loop: ROW, Tunnel, Bridge and Circle -
ROW - Bill: Bill and Dee surveyed the track path needed at the Overlook Point. To preserve the integrity of the native soil on the hill, and maintain our proper track radii, we will need to have 40 feet of track not in direct earth contact. There are several possible ways to do this, and Bill is seeking input for design ideas for this section: Bridges? If so, what style and how many? Cantilever structure? Trestle? Also, we have planned track spacing of 4’ along the ROW, but if we reverted to the 3’ center to center - as with all the rest of the RR, the needed structure could be made easier.
Sprinkler system - Bruce: Material delivered, design done.
Caboose Redwood Trestle - Ken: Foundations are stable after the early rains. Still plan to fill dirt in around the edge footings.
Little Buildings - Ron: - Work area has been rearranged due to the new steel storage system.
Event planning for 2020-2021
February 2020
David is having a party in the afternoon and would like engineers available until 5:30.
N.B. After the last steam run safety requirements are to do one loop with the speeder to assure the ROW is safe and secure.
April 2020. Converted to a work weekend. This will help us tackle maintenance chores and track building (not tie replacement) Brandon will drive down to pick up new rail from RMI before the work weekend..
June 2020. This is our annual joint meet with Golden Gate and Sacramento Valley Live Steamers. Bitter Creek members are also invited. There will be no overnight camping.
Later 2020 - Operations Meet for beginners. Richard Kroll is doing the planning, and came on Saturday to scope out possibilities and discuss ideas with Bob. Note that we’ll have to verify all switches and sidings operational capability, forward and backward.
Other RRs - David Parks in Los Altos has a vast HO layout and is a wizard of Ops meets. A few people will visit his layout to obtain an idea of what we could host for a Ops meet at our club.
Bob opened the floor for Q & A:
Tom: Today is 10 years since Steve Waterfall passed away; we miss him; his newsletters, rib run, little buildings, and keeping me in line!
Meeting ended at 1:10 pm