Today we took a large step toward the completion of Barn 11. The gang today was Frank, Trackbolt, Steve and myself. The goal today was to build off the newly constructed switch and extend the track into the Barn and begin setting track panels inside the building on the new 11-4 track.
Frank and Trackbolt (Frank's daughter) were the first ones out and had the yard sorted and tools prepped for the days work. When I showed up Frank and I hooked up the first short track panel. We made a few cuts, drilled a few holes and installed a few ties. By lunch the first panel was in place!
After lunch Steve joined us and we started by installing the first long track panel which extends through the door sills. The Model 50 Burro crane made quick work of the actual install process and the rest of the sweat was getting everything in line and bolted together. Once the panel through the door was in place we brought in the next two panels, laid them in place and bolted them up as well. Nick joined us with the bobcat and backhoe and helped place some stone on the new track to make it safe to travel across. Dave D. helped us engineer the tracks through the door sill and find our eventual rail height. There is a lot of QC work to be done on this new stretch of track but nothing our own track dept isn't capable of handling. We will need to finish spiking up a couple of ties, tamp the barn approaches and insert ties under the joints between panels.
From here on out the rest of the track will be built 'relatively easily' with the remaining track panels and Model 50 Burro crane. We have the air compressor and hydraulic power tools to assist us in the construction. The entire process works best with 3-4 people. Anyone is free to join in during this process. We always appreciate the help!
Next Saturday we will again spend the day working on Barn 11 out of the Thomas spotlight. We will attempt to complete the work on the new portion and place more track panels. Our two ballast cars have been loaded by our Model 30 Burro crane and bucket and are ready to be dumped on the track soon. Frank was the "official" photographer for the day and he'll be posting pics in his Member's Photo page on the IRM site soon.
Thanks,
Adam Robillard, Roadmaster
Comments
Sun, 02-21-2021 21:12
Hi Ethan The 428 has been worked on recently but the focus now is on the maintenance and repair on the 1630 and the Shay. This Spring we will [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 15:10
How is the UP 428 Steam locomotive engine is most done being fixed. OK Roger.
Sun, 02-21-2021 13:18
Hello Max The answer is Yes, the Dover will be used along with our other Pullman cars only in special event operations. When not in use [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:30
Hello Jim We will be operating the Dover this year depending upon its mechanical condition. I hope to use the car in display venue as well as in [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:24
Hello Kirk Hello, Yes the Dover is now in great shape. There are a couple of little projects to accomplish when the weather changes. I am [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 18:55
Will the DOVER STRAIT be operational for Museum trips
Sat, 02-20-2021 17:06
I’m really impressed with the wonderful job your volunteers are doing to restore this historic passenger car. Once the restoration is complete, does [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 14:02
It is great to see the work that Bob Hunter and Gene Macowiak started in the 1990’s. Great work done in finishing the two bedrooms and the buffet [...]
Fri, 02-19-2021 18:41
Very good article. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!
Tue, 02-02-2021 10:15
I know it is wintertime, and the Virus is making getting people in to do work is difficult, so in a few months, when it's warmer, would someone please [...]
Sun, 01-31-2021 14:37
Hello Jack Thank you very much We in the coach dept are working very hard to have these trains restored Thanks Roger
Sat, 01-30-2021 18:45
pre oiler is a great idea saves lots of wear and tear on engines. a pat on the back for the diesel crew