We take a moment to honor Lance Ginner the father of our safety signals. He lit up our lives!
Secretary Mike opened the meeting for Bob at 12:23 pm.
We had 16 members at the RR today and two guests, Kevin E, Dee’s friend Dean, and Carl is back!
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
The bank account is still very healthy, witn no Accounts Receivable, and $524.20 in Accounts Payable - outstanding checks.
We have 65 members; two have joined and sadly, we lost one member, Lance Ginner. See below.
Project Status Reports
New spurs and yards
Kevin Is working on the Rabbit Flat layout, fitting in the turntable and roundhouse within the existing infrastructure along with all the sidings, switches, and a bypass track.
The first switch in the Redwood Tunnel yard has been tuned up and works fine now. But the switches beyond do not yet have points so this yard is not operable yet and the switch to these tracks is locked for the time being.
Redwood Canyon Bridge. - Mike
The steps are all installed and the surfaces have been lightly stained to help pre-age the wood so it fits in with the natural look of the area. Next, we’re working on the handrail that will go on the lake side of the stairs, and the top platform at the top of the stairs. The handrail hasn’t been designed yet, but will be soon. We do have the support posts in. The gravel path to the bridge has been raised so it is only a six inch step. We’ll put in some edging, get more gravel and tamp the path.
Club Engines & equipment - Bruce
Will change the oil on the Gator this workday.
The new club engine - Big Red is still awaiting parts, but we finally got a response from RMI who will ship our order soon.
Our two new passenger carrying cars are out for powder coating now. They will be 2.5” cars, with pressure brakes installed. Bruce noted that whoever runs Big Red until the braked cars arrive should be experienced, and pull only two passenger cars.
Matt has purchased the 3 old riding cars from the Big Red consist, and will be refurbishing them.
The Track Refurbishment Project
Will be discussed by the board for timing, sequence and process. We will also be learning as we go and improving along the way.
Switch refurbishment and tuneups - Bill
In the clubhouse, there is a ‘Switch Repair Request sheet for folks to fill out to request repair or replacement by the Switch Team. Two current candidates are; the Caboose Loop vs Lumber Camp switch just below the arena needs to be replaced, and the one at the Summit. Jerry cleaned the Overlook siding switch, which now works well in both directions.
Switch Assembly - We’re putting all the parts together for 10 remote switches. A survey shows that we have 70 total switches on the railroad, and 10 of them are remotes. So the production run was just right. The rest are kick switches, stub switches, pneumatic switches or just regular ones. Ed is about ⅓ done assembling the 10; help is always welcome.
New switch installation - Ed
Reports that we have learned some lessons as we go and the process works well now. The remote to the Lumber Camp Wye was the first installed and it is now very smooth and easy to work for future installs..
Event & Run Planning - Mike
Our October run and annual Night Run was the 28th. We had 4 steamers and consists running which are always fun in the evening. The Taco Truck from Jaliscos was a unique treat for members and others. The need for ROW watering was made just before the run.
Dee noted that Train Mountain’s Triennial is 21-29 June 2025.
Safety, information and news - Bill
Reminded us that folks who are new to or unfamiliar with the tools in the shop should always ask for help and guidance, otherwise they can prematurely wear out (or break) equipment or blades, wheels, discs and belts. Bill and Carl are always happy to help, and most times are there. If you don’t know how to do something, stop, ask and learn. This is another of the really fun things here at the club, learning new skills that contribute to the RR. There is normal wear and tear of course, but choosing the right tools and methods allow the equipment to enjoy its normal lifespan.
Carl also noted that we could benefit from having a heavier grinder in the shop.
Bruce also bought full face shields for eye protection during grinding functions as well as safety glasses and hearing protection muffs.
Full sized RR ties for retaining walls - Matt
Reports that Niles Canyon has 100 good quality RR ties they will sell us for $900. They are bulky & heavy, so we still need to figure out a transportation method to PV&ARR.
On a very sad note - Mike
One of our members, Lance Ginner passed away on October 6th. He was a generous and gentle man, contributed a lot to the RR (and Satellite Ham Radio) and will be sorely missed. We had a condolence card for his family at the run day that members signed. Here’s a link to a very nice article in his own words about the first amateur satellite in space.
Q & A
Tom suggested that the view from the full sized caboose is great, and we’ve installed some nice sidings there for stop-overs, so maybe we should put up some benches and tables there. This idea met with enthusiasm, and BIll let us know that we can use the Caboose deck for this. We will have to figure out the furnishings needed.
Tom also suggested that we find a place where we could park and service trains with long consists other than in the main yard. A lively discussion ensued about the complexities and need or not, and we agreed to put that idea on the budget planning agenda for 2024.
Mike ended the meeting at 1:06 pm
Mike Ward
PV&ARR
Secretary