Birds eye view (woodpecker?) of the start of the meeting
Chairman Bob opened the meeting at 12:35 pm.
We had 15 members at the RR today
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
We continue to have a strong bank balance, with no Accounts Payable or Receivable. We have not yet paid for the two riding cars, and maintain reserves for that expense.
We have 69 members, all of whom are current.
Project Status Reports
New switches - Kevin
We need one more left hand switch for the Alpine Spur, which we may borrow from Rabbit Flat’s allotment and then backfill. We are awaiting kick switch installation on finished switches. Bob is recruiting new member Peter Christianson to help Ed in this area.
Rabbit Flat Turntable - Bruce
Bruce and Kevin dug the hole for the circular track piece with the skip loader at Rabbit Flat. Next we need to prepare 9 holes for piers. We will put a pier under each spoke. 24” deep x 9” and center pier. Bill has welded on tabs on the outside of each spoke for final leveling. Tom will build the cinder block wall, it is next to the drain and will be connected so the turntable’s “well” will drain properly.
Bill - The two parts of the turntable are done. The circular base will receive final leveling and slight bending when in place with touch up paint as needed. The turning section needs to be painted, and deck mounting wood installed. Final planking is cut,milled and ready for laying after the turning section is installed.
Switch stand installations - Bob
The remote switch stand for S112 (see on maintenance map ) at the end of the North Yard will be moved to a spot between the newly spaced track so that engineers from either track can easily operate it. The conduit is installed and it is ready for the steel cables and final install. Bob is recruiting new member Marty Walker to work with Ed Sarber to help install our extensive finished goods inventory of new switch stands. Bob asked that we develop an ordered list of new install requests that will benefit the RR the most.
New member training - Bob
Mike, Bob and Russ have completed four 2 hour sessions with 4 new members. Each session included discussion, tests and field work. The shops in building 4 will be our last session.
Marty has agreed to organize and tune up our training materials and then he will run future sessions for new members when needed.
Ongoing Track Retrofit - Mike
Our multi-year project to replace the RR’s old wood to new, long lasting plastic ties is moving along. Earlier this year we did our first section along the lake edge; 900 feet of track done by many RR members on a run/work Saturday. We converted normal run days into a work weekend so members could participate who are not able to join us on Thursdays. It was cool and rainy, but very successful and fun – culminated with celebratory ice cream.
Our next section and session will be on September 28th, a Saturday run/work day. The area to be worked on is part of the old Alpine Route, where we are going to lengthen and convert the Alpine Spur into a through siding. We will also slightly widen the area to reduce chances of the hillside sloughing onto the track. In preparation, Kevin has already installed new plastic ties in situ to Summit switch (S209) We will add a new switch to complete the conversion to a siding. Switch S209 is currently a kick switch which we will convert to a switch stand. We have the needed ties for pre-drilled and outer screws installed. This is a short section, so no additional alignment fixtures are needed.
This will be a great opportunity for all members to participate in rebuilding the railroad. More details can be found here. Please start to sign up (send an e-mail to Bob Silverstein)..
Run days, news and safety
September 28, 2024. All club work day
October 26, 27 2024. This is our traditional night run with some exciting new features. We do have permission to have overnight campers on site Friday 25th and Saturday 26th. Matt plus Dee and family will stay onsite as hosts. We again are going to have Jalisco’s popular taco truck catering dinner, which will be $20 per excellent meal, More details later. We’re going to limit attendance to the first 100 signups to keep it manageable and we will have two porta-potties (with wash stands) the whole weekend to avoid long lines in the station house. We will send a separate invite to the event in early September.
2025 June Tri-Meet Run - We are working on this early, as scheduling with 3 clubs and other RR’s makes it more complex. Next year we would like to not conflict with Train Mountain’s tri-annual meet. We are tentatively set for June 7th and 8th. We plan to have overnight guests at this meet as well. More news as we coordinate with Golden Gate Live Steam and Sacramento Valley Live Steam and other sister clubs.
Safety - Bill
As a reminder, people should definitely use factory supplied guards on grinding tools and wear face shields or safety glasses. Use correct sized discs on each different machine to avoid overspeed at the rim.
Be aware of your surroundings and the safety implications of your work on others. If you generate sparks, fumes, dust, chips, noise, welding rays, or expose others to hazards, you are responsible. Either warn others to be aware before starting, or pause your activity, or ensure adequate protective barrier or spacing.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:05 PM
Mike Ward
PV&A RR
Secretary