Since my last post there has been a lot of progress even though I was unable to work for a few weeks. I completed fixing the area wiped out behind the house. It’s not connected into the cement crossing. Between yesterday and today, I cut 357 ties. Also laid 80′ of rail on one side of the tie, I’ll complete that the the remainder of the Blueberry Pass next week. After that, it will be time to order a load of stone. Here are a few pictures.
In the past two days I managed to install about 100′ of track. These were old sections removed from another area. I removed screws and rail from one side of the tie, get everything in place and reattach the other rail. I also gathered ties from here and there giving me enough to complete some sections with no ties. Next week I will connect into my cement crossing and begin repairing the area wiped out by the tree a couple of years ago.
I did a lot of cutting ties yesterday and laid track almost up to the new bridge. After I ran out of ties, I began work at the other end. Did a lot of work on the switch. When I build the main, I added ties for the switch so that it would be in place when the time would come. Next week, I’ll finish the switch and work from this end, realign the track in place and straighten out the section wiped out by a fallen pine. Once that’s complete I can figure what I need in times. I also walked part of the Mount Extension and sprayed weed killer. When I finish the Blueberry Pass, I’ll begin preparation for the 250′ trestle on the Mountain Division Extension. (Anybody want to help build a trestle?)
Thank God for the nice weather. In less than 5 days, I managed to work on part of my extension. I graded 200′, built a bridge over the culvert, cut off of the switch that is being removed and put in about 40′ of track. If the weather had been nice at the beginning of my vacation, I would have completed a good part of this project. When complete, this will add another 900′ to my mainline. It will be a reverse loop, but when the other extension is complete, adding another 1000′ feet, another reverse loop. Eventually I will put in a new bridge along the side of my current trestle taking my mainline from 1,750′ to about 3,500′. The next phase, I have to build a 250′ trestle, but I’ve decided it’s now or never.
Back in 1973, when I was 12 years old, I purchased one of Koster’s 4 Wheel Switchers. I sold that engine some years back to a gentleman in Massachusetts. I thought I would one day see him at Waushakum, but never did. Last Saturday, I held a North East Live Steamers Meet at my track. Somehow, I overheard a conversation and the name Koster’s. My ears perked right up and I said that I once had one of his switchers. Little did I know, that my friend Jimi Smith now owns that locomotive. He purchased it from the man to whom I sold it. I’m really happy that I’ll get to see it again some day.
A day or so later, I happened upon Bill Koster on Linked in and connected. I told bill about purchasing one of his engines and that I had pictures from a visit to his track in Homestead, FL, the former home of Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supplies. I was able to find the pictures. Although I have not yet found pics of my little switchers.
That’s me sitting on the flat car behind the F-7 and behind me is my cousin Anthony. I also got to sit in the F-7 (second pic).
Here are two short video clips of yesterday’s meet. The first is of Jay Monty coming out of the covered bridge and crossing the trestle. The second video is of Jimi Smith exiting the tunnel.
Yesterday, I hosted a North East Live Steamers meet at my track (Nasonville Valley Railroad). We had a great day in all ways. From the live steamers to the weather, everything was picture perfect. Here are a few pics and videos. A few videos didn’t upload. I’ll get them on shortly.
Today, I gave the covered bridge a fresh coat of paint. I also gave the steaming bays and loading bay a fresh coat. I’m sure my hands will be clean in a few days. 😉
I just completed a few major projects that I have been wanting to do on my railroad for quite a while. The first was my crossing going from the driveway to the loading and steaming bays. I also completed the steaming bay locks to join them to the turntable and to the main line.
Sometimes, It’s hard to find those great hickory striped Railroad pants. But, I found a place where they are made in the USA and have been made since at the Round House Jeans since 1903 in Shawnee, OK.