ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY INC.
UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS WEB SITE STARTED IN SPRING OF 2001 WE DID NOT SAVE THE NEWS THAT APPEARS NOW ON THE HOME PAGE. THAT OLD INFORMATION WAS SIMPLY PURGED NEVER TO EXIST AGAIN. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTERNET AS A VENUE FEW PRINTED RECORDS ARE KEPT OF VAST AMOUNTS OF MATERIAL. NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO CHANGE THIS SO EFFECTIVE APRIL 6TH, 2003 ALL INFO PURGED FROM THE HOME PAGE WILL BE STORED ON THIS PAGE. UP TO THE END OF 2010. DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE PAGE A NEW OLD NEWS PAGE WAS STARTED IN 2011.
Monday Gil repaired the upper electrical circuit. A deer had damaged a conection and destroyed the duplex recepticel.
Wednesday Vic replaced for batteries in 6109 and checked itoutin the engine house. Gil and Ed T. replaced he belting on the blades of the small snow blower. Bill tested X-10 controllers.
Saturday Vic worked on wiring the milling machine and with help from Phil checked the ground fault on the wiring up the road. Dwight worked on cleaning switches, switch stands and repaired the dwarf signal socket. Bill located wiring power points. A group of members put up lights, manger display, candy canes and other displays including, Richard, Fred, Ed. M., Ed T., Gordon, and Gil and Barry with help from others arranged cars in the station and car barn.
Monday Vic replaced 90 feet of wire on the road feed to correct the ground fault. Gil tested circuits.
Wednesday Vic worked on power distribution and Gil, Gordon and Ed M. worked on adding lights.
Friday the first night of this years Christmas run. We had a good crew out and we also had a good steady group of riders. Gil stayed for te set up. Bill looked after getting lights on and off and some time greeting people. Brian ran the station. Richard, Fred, Jim, Gordon, Ed M. Phil and Dwight ran the railway.
Saturday Vic worked on the mill. Phil M. replaced #2 traction motor on Locomotive #3001. Gil and Bill worked on a power problem at the trailer and east tunnel. One caused by high water last spring and on caused by deer. The station was run by Brian and the trains were operated by Jim, Gordon, Barry, Phil M., Len and Ed. Bill greeted and started and turned off lights.
Sunday Gil checked all the lights and track in the afternoon. Brian ran the station, Bill did lights, The trains were run by Len, Dwight, Vic, Len, Barry, Gordon. Dwight did some charger re-wiring in one of our F-7's and replaced two chargers.
Monday Vic picked up and replaced two new batteries in 3001. Gil checked the lights and track in the afternoon. Brian ran the station, Bill did lights, Len, Fred, Gordon, Phil, Frank and Ed M., ran the railway
Tuesday Gil checked the tracks and lights in the afternoon. Brian ran the station While Frank, Len, Gordon, Richard, Ed and Fred ran the railway. Bill looked after lights and greeted people. Len and Dwight removed rock east of the station door to keep the doors from binding.
Wednesday Vic and Gil did afternoon projects. Brian ran the station while Bill greeted and looked after lights. Len Fred, Gordon, Barry Jim and Ed ran trains. 6109 had some problems and Len found the rear bakes locking on, this was repaired.
Thursday Gil checked track and lights. Brian ran the station, The railway was operated by Gordon, Richard, Ed M., Jim, Phil and Bill.
Friday Christmas Eve Gil checked the lights. Mary ran the station. The railway was run by Phil, Gordon, Vic, Ed M., Becky, Bill, August and Emily.
Saturday Christmas Day. Train did not run due to members having Christmas with families.
Sunday Boxing Day Gil cleared snow and checked lights. Brian ran the station, the railway was run by Len, Phil, Becky, Ed T. Gordon, and Bill.
Monday Gil checked the lights and track. Brian ran the station. Trains were run and loaded by Fred, Ed M., Len, Gordon, Barry, Dwight, and Bill.
Tuesday Vic wired the control panel on the milling machine, Gil checked the tracks and lights. Brian ran the station, Jim, Carol, Fred, Craig, Frank, Ed M., Ed T., Barry and Bill ran the railway.
Wednesday Gil used the small lower on the track and the big blower on the roads. Brian ran the station. The railway was operated by Len, Richard, Gordon, Barry, Ed M., Jim, Frank and Bill.
Thursday Gil checked the lights and track. Brian ran the station and Ed M., Gordon, Len, Barry, Dannelle and Bill ran the railway. Dwight worked on a controller. Frank got trains out.
Friday New Years eve. Vic and Phil worked on the mill. Gil checked lights and track. Bill fixed two strings of lights. August ran the station, Gordon, Barry, Becky, Vic, Ed M., and Bill ran the railway. Due to cold weather there was no waiting for trains.
Saturday Vic and Phil worked on the mill. Gil checked the lights and tracks. Brian ran the station. The railway was run by Len, Ed M., Fred, Bill, Gordon and Barry.
Sunday was the last day of the run Gil checked lights and track, Brian ran the station, The trains where run by Len, Barry, Ed, Phil and Dwight. Vic worked on the mill.
Wednesday Jan 7th., Vic and Phil continued to work on the mill. Bill updated the web and transfered the donations to the Christmas Cheer Board. The cash collected for Cheer was down as our season was shorter this year. The money will help with all the extra hampers made up this year
Bill Taylor has been released from the hospital and in a rehabilitation facility for the last couple of weeks. He and his doctors are hoping that he should be home by mid-November. Please bear with me for a little longer, until Bill returns home to his internet access and resumes his role as webmaster for the AVR.
Do read down the page for what latest news we've been able to post. Though we can't update the website as often as Bill, there's plenty of action happening at the AVR.
Bill has now been sent home to continue to jurney to good health. After being in the hospital for over 8 months his mustles need a lot of re-building but in time his strength will return.
Saturday Vic and Phil worked on the mill. Gil, Vic and Phil helped move equipment out of the station. Ed and Bill helped the others with arranging the tables in the station to have the Chinese Buffet to thank those who helped at Christmas. Those present where Richard and his son, William Ed T., Vic, Fred and Christine, Dwight and Carm, Gil and Linda, Barry, Ed M., Len and Helen, Gordon and Rhona, Phil and Becky, August, Emily, Bill and Mary-Lou. Bill thanked all those who had contributed to the Christmas run both in set up and operation. Brian, Jim and Frank were missed at the meal but thanked for their Christmas contributions..
Wednesday Vic and Phil worked on controls and the mill.
Friday Gil used the big snow blower on the main road.
Saturday Frank cleared snow on walks and the east station lead. He then got out the five outside braced box cars. Vic helped put car 454 on the table. Bill sorted out the tools and parts for the cars and started to mark roof scribe spacing on three of the roof sections. Vic worked on the tie down bolts on the mill and helped Frank clean up the work table. Gil and Fred started the big job of taking down the Christmas lights along the main trails.
Wednesday Bill completed the marking of eight roof sections and started to scribe one. Gil took lights down on the trails. Vic and Phil did some machining on a new shaft for the mil. While installing the mil in the engine house some bearings and shafts were in need of upgrading.
Saturday Jan 22nd. 2011 Gil and Fred took down the Q area lights and started to organize the storage shed in the yard. All light boxes were moved to the station area and will be transported to upper storage when the snow melts. Ed filled the sharp edges on the eight door panels and put a coat of shellac on the backs of six. Bill completed the scribing of a roof unit and completed the filling of the grove marks. He then shellacked two doors and one roof unit. Vic and Phil continued to work on the shaft for the mill.
Monday Gil used the big snow blower to clear the sidewalk to station, parking area and main road.
Tuesday Bill put a coat of shellac on the front side of the eight box car doors and completed the first of eight roof sections.
Wednesday Gil and Vic removed and transported the large 16 ft arches from the top of the road. Gil brought in some railway arches. Bill organized the doors and got the next roof ready to scribe. Vic and Phil continued their upgrade of the mill.
Saturday Gil went to work with the big snow blower and cleared the sidewalks, lower parking area and main road. Vic worked on mechanical parts of the mill while Phil worked on the electronic controls. Gil and Fred spent the afternoon cleaning up the lower light display storage area and put away a great number of displays. Bill completed the scribing and filling of the fourth roof section and put a coat of shellac on three roof sections. Dwight worked on the electrical of 202 and located parts for 25. Len turned over the accounting information for 2010 so Bill can produce a financial report
Sunday Bill brought the membership list up to date and printed renewal letters. Brian sent out minutes from the last AGM and got Bill a list of Christmas deposits. A reminder that the AGM will be held Feb 19th in the station and all current members are welcome to attend.
Monday Bill worked on the web.
Wednesday Gil cleared snow to the two tank cars and with Vic's help moved them to the engine house lead. Gil and Vic changed oil on our big snow blower. Vic worked on the slipping clutch system on the mill and was happy to find the problem was a missing key. Bill scribed the fifth roof section.
Thursday Feb 3rd. Bill put a coat of shellac on the back side of three roof sections.
Saturday Vic continue on the mill, replacing the table drive motor with the key and was delighted when it worked as intended. Gil and Frank worked outside on lights and repairing a breach in the deer fence. Bill filled the fifth roof section and scribed the sixth unit. Dwight started the electrical modification on #25.
Tuesday Bill sent out membership reminder letters.
Thursday Vic worked on reconnecting the electrical to the table motor. Bill started on the financial report for the AGM entering all deposits from Brian and Len's figures.
Friday Bill entered all cheques to the Quicken system dividing supply cheques into individual expense sections and discovered that 6 statements were missing during the time Bill was away. Those have been re-ordered from the credit union so an accurate accounting can be done. The web was updated. An agenda was made for the AGM to be reviewed by the exec. on Saturday.
Saturday Feb 12th., Phil worked on the electronic controls and computer program and got it working. Bill worked on the financial report for the AGM and filled the fifth roof section. Ed painted one side of six door units for the box cars. Gil repaired two breaches in the deer fence where a few deer had used to break in. Dwight completed the electrical modification to box cab 25. Beaky and August with their dog checked in railway for deer and chased a large group away from the south gate. Deer have been a serious problem this winter causing much damage to our trees. Due to Gil's constant patrol and repair most have been kept out.
Tuesday Bill got the bank statements and reconciled the bank to the computer. It balanced.
Wednesday Gil found deer had one again knocked down the fence in the south west corner. Vic has been working a rebuilding the speed control system for the mill and today got it reinstalled and tested. Phil tested the electronic controls for the mil. Bill worked on scribing the second last roof unit and Ed painted the back side of six door units.
Thursday Bill completed the books and produced the AVR statement and other reports for the AGM.
Saturday Feb 19 the club held it AGM in the station at 3.00 pm. Prior to that Vic and Phil tested the mill by cutting steel. Barry brought his strobe light and the speed was calibrated. Frank cleared the snow up to the station and had assistance from Len getting locos out of the engine house and set up tables and chairs for the meeting and diner. Bill completed the roof scribing and started filling. The meeting started at 3:00 pm. Those in attendance where Bill, Len, Ed, Dwight, Barry, Jim, Barrie & Betty, Gil, Fred, Vic, Brian, Phil & Becky, Frank and Gordon
Wednesday Vic worked on the mill doing final adjustments. Gil started to mount stiffeners on our parts drawers. Bill completed a roof section.
Saturday Vic pulled out 5427 to test for volume flow through the whistle valve. Gil completed the drawer project. Phil started making "T" nuts with the mill. Dwight made up brackets to hold #25's chargers. Bill completed the last of the box car roof sections. Ed painted two door sections and shellacked four roof sections.
Monday Phil worked on "T" nuts on the mill.
Wednesday March 2nd Vic worked on a steam whistle. Ed put the second coat of Shellac on roof units and paint on 2 units. Bill put shellac on the under floor detail of one car. Ed, Gil and Bill designed how the roof frames would be built and Gil made a template to help with the rib cutting.
Friday Gil cut up roof ribs and stringers making up a sample for trial fit. Bill painted the under side of car 454 in the station.
Saturday March 5th., Bill started painting the "B" end of car 454 and then did the second coat on the under frame. Next the two remaining doors got a first coat on the outside. Gil assembled two roof frames at his work shop. Fred gave them both a coat of shellac. Ed and Gil heated and fitted 17 of the roof walk castings to fit the roof angle and Phil machined the tops on the new mill. Frank and Vic did a number of small jobs. Bill started the layout of the next Nutty Report. Dwight did some additional work on #25.
Tuesday Bill spent the day working on the Nutty Report completing the pictorial portion.
Wednesday Gil assembled the third roof frame for the outside braced box car.
Saturday several members attended but due to the snow the previous night not much was done. Dwight worked on the new Ghosty diamond at home.
Sunday March 13th, Bill completed the Nutty Report ready for proofing and assembled the last roof frame with advice from Gil on how the others were done
Wednesday Vic worked on the pilot truck of 5427. Bill and Ed both put a coat of shellac on the last two roof frames. Mary-Lou and Vic proof read the Nutty Report.
Saturday March 19 Vic worked on the whistle of 5427.
Saturday Vic replaced the whistle on 5427.
Tuesday Bill completed the painting on one side of care 454 in the station. The ice and snow is starting to melt but it is currently a mess.
Saturday April 2nd. Vic did more work on the whistle for 5427. It is definitely lower but need to try it on steam. Fred painted the box car roof frames. Dwight maintained some equipment and worked on a brake wheel assembly. Bill pained one side of seven roof panels, updated the web, printed 10 copies of the 7 page Nutty Report and got them ready for mailing. Brian supplied the club with some printer ink.
Sunday Bill re-filled the ink cartridges twice and spent the afternoon and evening printing Nutty Reports and made up envelopes for mailing them.
Tuesday Bill worked on AVR accounting and painted the back of four roof panels and completed the A end of car 454 and painted five of the nine side panels.
Wednesday Bill completed the painting of care 454. Gil and Bill glued and nailed the first roof assembly together and test fit it on a car. Ed T came by to get his Nutty Report. Len and Bill had a meeting to plan the upgrades to the alarm system that will add heat rise and low temp to the engine house plus a land line telephone to the engine house. Len cleared the ice and snow from the sidewalk to the station
Friday Bill did accounting and printing for the AVR.
Saturday Bill glued and nailed a second and third roof unit together and filled the nail holes with plastic wood completing two units with sanding and a final coat of paint. Gil assisted with the alignment of one and spent some time on Christmas displays. Dwight replaced one brake wheel housing and did some measurement on trackage. Phil M. worked on the lath making some tooling parts. Richard and Barry picked up their Nutty Report.
Monday Bill assembled the last of four roof units, filled nail holes with plastic wood, sanded unit three and gave it a last coat of paint. It was a warm day and lots of snow melted. Bill removed debris from the main culvert and started some spring cleanup
Tuesday Bill picked up some casting resin and worked on fencing prices.
Wednesday Gil walked the fence line to select areas where we should get new fencing. Bill sanded the last roof unit and then gave it a final coat. Gil made up a jig to cut the angles on the box car end trim
Saturday Phil M. machined some stainless bolts for Dwight's signal projects. Frank cut some steel for the tank car and machined eight bearing covers for a pair of trucks and mounted them on the journal boxes. Gil and Bill cut and nailed upper trim boards on one of the box cars. Bill trimmed 18 roof walk base supports and cast 15 new supports.
Palm Sunday Bill cast 12 roof walk supports and 6 large barn door hinges and nailed on more trim pieces while the castings set.
Monday Bill cast 16 additional supports, 8 hinges and fastened on a trim piece. Brake cam pieces where located ready to be cut. A new supply of brass brads was purchased.
Tuesday Bill met with the fence contractor and walked to the south west corner and east side where we will put in some used chain link fencing to replace the deer damaged original fencing.
Wednesday Gil installed the west drainage pump in its sump hole to speed drainage. In the process he ran the first train of the 2011 season. Bill cast 24 more roof walk basses and 9 hinges. The plastic resin is used up. Gil and Bill completed the trim on car 454. Ed helped move roof units to the station. Bill formed and machined 4 angle braces for the brake cam and ground to size two cams plus made up two rods for the top of the cam
Thursday Bill put the last coat of paint on one side of car 454.
Good Friday Len and Bill spent the afternoon re tracing the wires between the station alarm panel and the main panel making a good list of colour changes as it went from cable to cable. The old underground wiring has been switched to the new cable
Saturday Frank worked on a second set of journal box covers and then switched to taking off the casting sprues on a group of brass castings for the box cars. Bill drilled brackets and cams and made up the two needed brake linkages and installed one on car 444. Ed and Fred put a first coat on car 444, touched up two roof units and Ed started painting a switch cover. Bill painted the "A" end of box car 454 and cut up coat hanger wires for roof grabs and retainer valve piping. Vic and Gil came to check on progress. Dwight did some mileage survey work, repaired a signal and made up some signal brackets. Bill and Dwight bent up the eight roof grab irons for the box car roofs and Bill installed one set. Dwight drilled and taped the brake gear box and retainer valve for car 444. Bill made up a retainer valve bracket and located missing parts
Easter Sunday Bill spent some time removing the balance of Christmas displays and steel poles from the yard
Monday Bill cleaned some leaves in the yard. Painted the end and last side of car 454. Installed roof grab irons on car 454 along with bolt castings. The retaining valve and piping was installed
Tuesday Gil checked the west pump. Bill spent the afternoon with the alarm teck on re-programming the station panel.
Wednesday Vic worked on the whistle for 5427. Bill fabricated six corner supports for the roof top grab irons, installed the grabs and bolt castings on car 444 and painted the first coat of paint on both car's grab irons.
Thursday Bill cleared more leaves in front of station.
Saturday Dwight worked on signal parts and drilled out the last two brake wheel housings. He installed the wheel and chain on car 444. Fred drilled pilot holes in the door guide and door hanger brass castings. Ed T. put the first coat on the lower car brake castings. Bill installed the lower door wood pieces on the car 454. Gil and Bill cut fitted and mounted the roof trim strips for car 444. Bill put the second coat of paint on the roof grab irons. Barry and Len checked the Duck Lake car barn. Len made up spare gas hoses for his locomotive.
Monday May 2nd Bill spent the afternoon working with the man from Protelic replacing an underground cable to the station.
Tuesday Bill painted some box car parts
Wednesday May 4th Ed painted a group of switch covers that Dwight had built. Bill painted some brake castings and cut and drilled all additional wood pieces for car 444 and mounted them, filling screw holes with plastic wood and sanding and painting all trim pieces.
Saturday May 7th. Bill updated several web pages. Fred. Richard and Bill put out the east tunnel pump to lower the water level. Frank cleaned up a set of end sills for the new tank car project and de-flashed the remaining box car castings. Dwight removed all switch screws for summer operation and also took leaves out of switches. Ed continued to paint switch covers. Bill completed the brake casting painting and gave the second coat of paint to car 434 on half a side and the "A" end of the car. Richard, Fred and Bill put all Christmas displays in the shed from the yard, BBQ area, Turn circle etc. Richard rolled up many of the extension cords and did some general cleanup. It was great that both Richard and Bill were able to work the afternoon after their various surgeries
Monday Bill picked up the additional alarm supplies to improve coverage in the engine house by adding fire and heat loss detection.
Tuesday Bill found a supplier for plastic door track to be used for the four box cars.
Wednesday Vic sanded the sides of 65 box car roof walk supports and Phil milled them to the proper height. Bill and Gil sized some additional supports. Bill painted the remainder of one side and the "B" end of box car 434.
Thursday Gil cut down the door track and made up the door stop blocks. Bill completed the painting of the second side of box car 434
Friday Bill painted a pair of trucks for car 454.
Saturday Frank cut up steel frame pieces for the tank car and helped carry lower fence panels to the shed. Richard and Gordon removed the lower parking fence and other arches and displays. Gil removed arches from the track and transported them to the upper storage. Bill worked on the box cars, carried arches and collected extension cords. Richard and Gordon took down the upper parking fence and put in the upper storage. Phil worked on parts for the signal system while Dwight did some repairs and drilled and tapped a pair of upper door tracks on the box cars. Vic worked on whistle hangers for 5427.
Monday Bill installed the top carrier on the first door, cut and added the upper track and mounted the lower door guide to car 454
Tuesday Gil cut up the door latch mounting blocks and Bill installed the remaining door guides and door stop block. All door trim was painted.
Wednesday Phil installed the four magnetic sensors on the car barn doors and one on the storage building. Bill tested the car barn and that area is now armed. Vic worked on installing a dead bolt on the engine house main door. Ed painted three more switch covers. Bill made up another door track, put the upper carriage on the second door and installed it on car 454.
Thursday Bill painted the underside of car 444.
Friday Len and Bill worked on enhancing the engine house, maint building and storage building alarm system upgrade to an eight zone musty function system including fire, heat rise, freezing temperature, motion and deed bolt sensors. Main task was to connect the underground cable under the garage electrical panel, check out wiring to the main alarm panel, install a 20 screw terminal strip and hook up the 8 zone expander. During this upgrade a new telephone land line is being run to the engine house. Bill moved wheelbarrows of leaves from the station area and worked on the box cars.
Saturday Richard and Gordon re-arranged the upper storage building putting away remaining arches and displays. Len installed the heat rise and two dead bolt door switches. Phil and Pat brought over a set of turbalators that were too big for his locomotive and Len installed them in his locomotive. Ed cleaned up the painting equipment. Dwight sorted signal parts, Assisted Bill in making eight air tank brackets and installed a pair of door upper supports on box car 444. Bill worked on brackets and supports for the brake parts for all four box cars.
Sunday Bill mounted the small detail castings on two control valves, filled casting holes in four parts, mounted the tank, cylinder and valve on car 444 and gave the underside its final coat of paint. A set of trucks got touch up paint and mounted on car. Bill started to machine the door latch block.
Monday Victoria Day Bill painted the roof walks for 454 and drilled out the 20 roof walk supports for 454 and nailed them all in place. They were then given two coats of paint. Len came to help turn car 444 over. Bill nailed the 60 nails on the three roof walk boards in place on car 454 and made up the end support and gave them there last coat of paint. The underside of the roof walks were painted for car 444 and half the supports were drilled out
Tuesday Bill prepared the remaining roof walk supports for car 444 and nailed them all in place and painted them twice. Half the lettering was applied to car 454. The three roof walk boards were nailed in place on car 444. Bill got 3001 out with a riding car and four gondolas to check the track. Car 170 proved to have track retention problems and in the process Bill found that he now has enough strength to re-rail a steel gondola. In the evening the cubs, scouts and beavers plus leaders came for their windup BBQ and Bill treated them to a train ride carrying about 40 youth. This was the first train ride of the season.
Wednesday Bill nailed the remaining 50 nails into the roof walk of car 444 and made up the end timbers. Gil gave Bill a hand turning car 454 so lettering and door detail could be done on the back side. Bill completed the lettering and door hanger detail on car 454.
Thursday Bill completed nail cut off on both completed roof units and did some painting. Ed and Gil reversed the positions of car 444 and 454. Bill supervised the fence company that was to install chain link on the south west corner and the east side where the deer have destroyed the existing fencing. Bill completed the install of brake castings and trucks on car 454 and started the lettering on car 444. Vic and John arrived with two boxes of rail. Bill did several applications of touch up paint to the cars.
Friday Bill completed the lettering on half of car 444 and made up and installed the upper door slide track for both doors. The upper door carriages were installed on both doors and doors mounted on car. The lower guides on one side were installed and all door parts were painted. Bill picked up food for Sunday's fun run day.
Saturday Bill used the weed eater in front of the station. Frank arrived and helped Bill and Richard get out some train equipment. Car 454 was put on the rails being complete save the door latch. Dwight and Frank turned car 444 - 180 degrees so Bill could complete the other side. Frank and Dwight stored the new rail away and disassembled the old switches replaced last fall. Richard and Gordon took all boxes of lights from the station area to upper storage. Bill, Richard and Gordon took down the station lights. Gil came with door tracks and checked on certain items. Bill cleaned up the grill for Sundays BBQ. Richard put trains away. Bill worked on car 444 installing all door lower hardware, put on remaining lettering and did required painting. Castings were cleaned and three way valves had castings applied. Car 444 is now ready for going out on the track and cars 434 and 464 will be put in place for completion. Work should go faster as all sub assemblies and parts are fabricated and ready.
Sunday May 29th was the first Fun Run day of the year. It was overcast and cool but no rain. A small group of members gathered for the afternoon of train operation and being the first session of the season a lot of things put away for the winter were found. Bill looked after food preparation, Len got 5303 steamed up and Phil and Frank did the honours with 2365. Frank, Gordon and Bill got cars out and spread around the railway. Dwight discovered the control line to Lightning Jct. had not been re-laid after the fall's switch program and he spent the afternoon digging it in. Others attending the event and BBQ were Ed & Marg T. along with their grandson. Becky, Emily & August, Helen & Rhona . After the BBQ more trips around the railway were run and Frank and Gordon collected cars and stored them away. Car 444 joined the roster for the event and 434 was put on the table for completion. Fun Run BBQ's are funded on a cost recovery basis and we broke even on the food with a few supplies left for the next BBQ to be held at 5:00 pm after the June Open House. That event will be free to working members and $5.00 each for visitors of members attending. By all indication those in attendance had a good day.
The next Fun Run Day will be the last Sunday in June. Mark it on your calendar.
Monday Bill worked on car 434 cutting and installing all trim against the roof on one side of car. Nailing in place the 20 roof walk supports and putting the first coat of paint on the supports and the back side of the roof walk planks.
Tuesday Bill put a second coat of paint on the roof supports and roof walk planks and gave a complete coat of paint to one side and end of the car.
Wednesday Bill got 3001 out with four gons and four outside braced box cars. Work continued on car 434 with the "B" end getting its second coat of paint. The roof walk planks were drilled and nailed in place with their 60 nails and given a coat of paint. The lettering was cut up and placed on one half the car. Dwight arrived with two representatives from Red River Collage who may be interested in some track work and signals to train conductors in one of their courses. Trains were put away.
Thursday Gil and Ed turned car 434 around so Bill could work on the other side. He cut, drilled and nailed the top trim boards and painted the whole side of the car.
Friday Bill picked up bedding plants and planted five baskets on the way to the station and some additional plants plus prepared 6 extra pots. The second coat of paint was put on half of car 434 and the lower track guide supports were cut and installed along with the roof walk end boards and the roof top grab irons and the bolt castings were machined and mounted.
Saturday June 4th. Bill completed the lettering on car 434 and painted all parts not yet painted. Frank, Gordon and Bill cut two 2 x 4's and repaired the downed deer fence at mile 3. Richard tidied up outside the station and sorted used tie taking the bad ones to the fire pit and the usable ones to Gil who cut them to standard length where needed. Gil went around the railway with Roundup and sprayed all vegetation growing on the right of way. Dwight drilled, taped and mounted the upper door track for car 434 and 464. Gil and Len set up car 464 for work and rotated car 434. Bill machined door trolleys and mounted a pair on a door and mounted the door and lower door guides in place. Gil turned an air reservoir for car 464. Gordon and Bill got the riding lawn mower out and straightened the front wheels. Dwight and Frank removed and replaced a set of points and a rail on the switch on the east leg of the "Y". Richard spent time replacing a number of bad ties on the main line. Gordon cut and moved a fallen dead tree from Old Fort spur and checked the railroad removing dead branches.
Sunday June 5th., Bill lined up the template for the roof walk supports and cut grass in front of the station.
Monday Bill nailed in the 20 roof walk supports and put the first coat of paint on them and on the bottom of the roof walk planks. Bill cut the grass in the upper parking area and put in bedding plants in front of the station.
Tuesday Bill started installing the roof trim on car 464 and door trolleys on car 434. The roof walk supports got their second coat of paint along with the planks. One side of car 464 got its first coat of paint. Bill found a supply of safety hooks for the cars.
Wednesday Vic picked up a group of new chargers for our locomotives as spares and worked on 5427. Gil dropped off some supplies. Phil M. did some machining on signal parts and Bill worked on box cars completing the lower door guides on car 434 and installing the brake cam rod on car 464 along with nailing in place with 60 nails the three roof walk planks. The balance of the roof trim was mounted and one end, half of one side and the roof walk got a first coat of paint
Thursday Bill cut grass in front of station, planted more plants and put a second coat of paint on the "B" end of a car.
Friday Bill picked up supplies for the open house BBQ and did more garden work and mounted the last door on car 434.
Saturday Bill prepared the food for the BBQ and started to clean up the station. Gordon and Richard arrived and got trains out. Len steamed up 5303 and Bill steamed 2365. Ralph helped with train set up. Phil M. machined signal tower caps and helped put trains away. August looked after the station while Brian manned the platform and Richard and Gordon loaded trains and acted as conductors and ran the diesel. Vic repaired a broken water line on 2365 and Dwight lubricated the track and did other tasks. Vic & Bill ran 2365
Sunday Bill steamed up 2365 and Len steamed up 5303. Phil got the diesels out with Ralph. The open house proceeded at a steady pace with Richard, Becky, August, Vic and Ed helping out.
Who will be attending the next Fun Run Day June 26th? Sign up so we can plan
Monday Bill painted the first coat on the bottom of car 434 and the side of car 464
Tuesday Bill cut the grass in the upper parking lot. Gil turned two additional air reservoirs for next years stock cars. Phil worked on the lathe making cap pieces for signal masts.
Wednesday Vic worked on 5427's piping for the whistle. Gil and Bill replaced the gate post on the south tunnel line and did repairs along the south fence line. Bill replaced the east drainage pump. In the evening Bill put the last coat of paint on the bottom of car 434.
Thursday Bill painted the second coat of paint on one side of car 464.
Friday Gil investigated a lawn tractor sale. We now have a new riding tractor.
Saturday Vic worked on 5427 whistle plumbing. Bill installed the brake castings on car 434 with some help from Brian. Brian put a first coat of paint on the "A" end of car 464. Phil M. continued to make cap pieces for signal masts on the lathe. Dwight installed the last two brake wheels on car 434 and 464. Len installed new safety chain hooks on his cars and helped Bill remove a downed tree. Len and Dwight moved the cars around in the station so Bill could continue work. Bill cut and fitted the roof walk ends, the piping to the retainer valve, the bottom track guides for doors on 464 and put on all lettering on one side of car 464. Brian touched up the paint on the roof of 434 and some other parts. Dwight, Phil and Vic unloaded the new lawn tractor from the flat bed trailer.
Sunday Frank dropped off a set of drills. Bill filled and sanded plastic wood on all nail and screw holes. One end and one side of the car got its final coat of paint. The nut details for the roof top grab irons were machined and mounted.
Monday Bill drove to east of Symington Yard and picked up some donated wood.
Tuesday the fence people returned and set up the steel posts on 150 feet of fence line east of the railway. Bill machined four door trolleys and mounted them on the last two doors and started cutting down the upper door tracks.
Wednesday Vic spent the afternoon working on piping for 5427 in two areas. One air tank on the right side is touching the rear right driver on turning and the new whistle valve. Bill completed the upper part of car 464 completing the upper door tracks and mounting the lower door guides. All new parts were painted twice and the lettering was applied to that side.
Thursday Vic worked on 5427 completing the piping and whistle valve assembly and removing the main air tank from the side. Vic and Bill rotated the last outside braced box car so Bill could install the four safety chain hooks and start the underside first coat of paint.
Friday June 24th, Bill completed the first coat of paint on the underside of car 464
Saturday Vic worked on the air tank of 5427 completing the removal of excess material that was causing some rubbing. The effective driver was re painted. Gordon glued on the journal covers on a pair of trucks for car 464. Richard cleaned up garbage and spent the afternoon with Gordon replacing defective ties on the old line. Dwight continued on his to do list including re ballast and levelling of certain switches and adjustment of items as needed. Bill installed the brake castings on the underside of car 464 and applied the second coat of paint. he also put the first coat of paint on the pair of trucks. Len, Vic and Bill got 2365 out for steaming on Sunday.
Sunday Bill completed the painting on the trucks for 464 and drilled and mounted the safety chain hooks on cars 444 and 434. Bill cut up all vegetables for the Fun Run BBQ. Dwight was trained by Bill and Phil on operation of 2365 and got some good steaming time in. Len spotted cars around with Ed using 202. Ed set up a two train switching operation and the members spent the afternoon switching. Bill cooked food for 5:00 pm and after the BBQ all equipment was collected and put away. Members in attendance were, Bill, Ed, Len, Dwight, Phil, Becky, August, Emily, Barry, Jim, Debby, Billy and his brother and guests Mary and Helen.
Monday Bill worked on the web page, did club banking and accounting and spent time filling 24 pot holes in the road. Dwight went by the fence contractor and picked up surplus wood and found a source of joint bar material.
NEXT FUN RUN DAY WILL BE SATURDAY JULY 30TH, 2011 FOR MEMBERS.
Wednesday Phil M spent part of the day machining fennials for the signal masts and sorting lathe tooling. Vic completed the re-installation of the tanks and side piping on 5427. Bill cut wood and fabricated two leg sets to repair our two broken passenger benches and gave them a coat of paint. The grass was cut on the way to the station and 29 pot holes were filled on the road.
Thursday Bill cut grass to the station and most of the large upper parking area.
Friday Canada Day (Dominion Day) for us older people. Bill completed the cutting of grass including the bush trail and small parking area.
Saturday Gordon and Bill with 202 re-planted all downed crossing signs and other wayside signage. Next task was to collect the 24 deer damaged trail lamp tops. Another eight were replaced. A downed tree was cut and removed from the upper Christmas trail. Phil M. spent the afternoon on the milling machine and lathe making parts. A group of family were taken for a ride.
Sunday July 3rd. Bill cut the upper Christmas trail now that the tree had been removed. The afternoon was spent dispensing four tanks of Roundup on the tracks using a new method. The operator car and 3001 were run in reverse so weeds could be sprayed in front of the train and the left hand could be used to run the controller while the right hand could operate the spray. The system worked well.
Wednesday Phil worked on the mill fabricating tooling parts to facilitate the machining of new switch points. Bill spent two hours on the weed eater around the station. Gil and Bill spent the afternoon filling 70 pot holes on the road.
Thursday Gil sprayed sealer on the concrete unloading pad.
Friday Vic took 5427 out and steamed it up to test the whistle piping. Bill and Vic got 2365 out and Bill filled the boiler and tender.
Saturday July 9th 2011. The date of our July open house. A steady but small group of visitors enjoyed trips on our trains. The railway was run by Richard, Gordon Vic and Bill. Gil did concrete topping repairs to our loading pad and cut down branches on the main line. Dwight did signal repairs and other repairs. Dwight steamed up 2365 as part of his ongoing steam operation training. Vic steamed 5427 to test and adjust the whistle and to check tolerances after the side tank modifications. Bill cut up vegetables for the BBQ.
Sunday was the second day of the open house. Vic steamed up 2365 and Phil and Bill ran it with Richard loading and acting as conductor. Becky ran the station and helped with loading and setting switches. Vic repaired wiring in 202. Frank did machining in the engine house. Bill cut the grass in the large upper parking area.
Tuesday Phil M. worked on machining projects at the AVR.
Wednesday Vic snaked the wire into the engine house door for the switch on the dead bolt. Phil M. worked on the tooling for the lathe and is building a storage rack for chucks. Bill cut up planks for the new bridge to take visitors at Christmas over the yard trail.
Thursday Bill purchased wood needed for the new bridge.
Friday Bill made up the bridge stringers and cut all but three remaining top boards and screwed them in place.
Saturday Bill cut and installed the last of the planks and Vic and Phil turned the bridge over and back so Bill could paint it. Gordon and Richard replaced bad ties on the track and dealt with some growing moss. Bill cut up all scrap wood from the bridge project into 2 x 2's for ties. Phil worked on plug in brackets for the tank car so power can be run to the black gondola. Vic completed the door switch project on the main door of the engine house. Richard and Bill cut to length the new ties. Richard laid out the ties on the saw horses. Dwight made some calculations around the railway for projects that he is working on.
Sunday Bill painted on wood preservative to the 52 new ties that have been created.
Monday Bill cut the grass in the upper parking area and the nature trail.
Wednesday Vic and Bill worked on 2365. Vic removed the steam line to the right cock valves. There appeared to be a plug of something in the line. It was blown out and will be tested on steam. Bill greased the tender trucks and the axel pump. The running gear, surfaces and wheels were cleaned. Vic made some modifications to the whistle on 5427. Gil sprayed concrete sealer on the loading pad repairs and moved the 52 new ties to the storage rack. Gil, Vic and Bill removed the blades from the lawnmower as they had caught the steel culvert. Bill was able to buy new blades. Bill re-built 10 of the trail light covers
Friday Vic started making new brackets for another whistle. Bill used a tank of Roundup on the weeds on the Paterson Spur and used the weed eater along the main line from mile post 14 to 17. Twelve trail light heads were re-built with new white lenses
Saturday Richard and Gordon worked with 3001 going around the railway replacing bad ties and removing moss. Gil filled up another quantity of road pot holes. Phil M. worked on re-wiring the power cable through the tank car for 2365. Dwight did a survey of the west Charleswood trackage. A discussion took place between Frank, Phil and Dwight about doubling trackage from Charleswood to the loading spur. Bill and Pat had a meeting to plan meals for the end of August meet.
Sunday Gil brought over two air reservoirs that he had turned on his wood Leith. Bill cut eight 4 x 4 posts for the bridge and used the weed eater on the tracks from mile post 5.9 to 7.2 through Amur Glen
Monday Barry brought a piece of copper tubing by for Vic to make a new whistle. Bill re-built the last nine trail light heads and then completely dismantled the old yard bridge and made it into fire wood pieces so it can be burned up by the Scouting groups that come at Christmas.
Tuesday July 26th. Bill drilled holes in the bridge posts to take carriage bolts and mounted the posts onto the bridge and screwed on the handrails. They will be removed for painting. Bill set up the August issue of the "Nutty Report".
Wednesday Vic worked on 5427, helped Bill and Phil take off the railings on the bridge, helped get 2365 out for the FUN RUN on Saturday. Phil M. did some machining, made up a wiring harness for the tank car and tested out 2365's electrical. Bill worked on the bridge, did paper work and cleaned one of the tank cars. Pat and Bill did more planning on the August meet. A preliminary draft of the timetable is on the web. A PSA was made for the media. Vic proofed the various documents.
Thursday Bill cut up the remainder of the bridge deck and stored it for scout use this winter. The flowers around the station were watered and weeded. Bill printed 20 copies of the "Nutty Report".
Friday Bill printed 20 more copies and made up the August joint meet timetable and published it on the web.
Saturday Richard went out with 3001 and picked up the 20 ft of ties at the Paterson elevator spur. He also replaced some ties. Frank prepared 2365 and Bill lit her up. Richard and Bill picked up all available cars from the Duck Lake car barn. Vic and Frank worked on 5427 getting the drivers on rollers and painting gold on one driver and touching up the other wheels. Ed went out with Frank on 2365 and placed cars in spurs. Ed made up card orders for two trains. Ed and Dwight went switching with 3001 while Bill and Richard used 2365. Frank and Vic worked on 713, lubricating and freeing up the pistons. Trains were left out for Rob's arrival on Monday. Bill completed one tie panel.
Sunday due to possibilities of thunderstorms over night Bill put all cars in their barns.
Monday Aug 1st. Rob came with Joseph and a friend about 11:30 and got 3001 out to explore the railway. The show cars were brought back to the station and Rob took videos of their travels. He also took the five outside braced box cars out for a posed picture of the group. Gil came for a visit and he and Bill discussed bridge placement. Bill set up the next row of ties for a second tie panel. Shirley arrived with another couple and a number of trips were had around the railway. Frank came to work on 713 and gave it an external wipe down and checked the brake cylinder and re-set the brake shoes. Rob and boys put the cars inside as those thunderstorms are still expected.
Tuesday Rob and boys came and went out on 3001. Bill and Rob steamed up 2365 and Rob spent the afternoon making trips around the railway. Gil made one video. Bill took over the loco while Rob took videos from the tank car looking forwards and back. After the run the equipment was stored away. Later Bill completed the second tie panel.
Wednesday Bill had his long awaited grafting surgery. Vic worked on 5427 maintaing different systems and he drained 2365 and put her away. Rob tackled the job of ballasting the spur into the Duck Lake storage building and was joined in the task by Gil, Phil, Ed, August and Joseph and his friend. In all six trains of rock were moved and some of the areas that Richard and Gordon had been replacing ties and removing moss were ballasted. During the afternoon Brian and Fred came to visit Rob. Bill prepared a BBQ for 10 people and was helped by Becky who cooked seconds and cleaned up the dishes and supplies. The whole group helped with the job of moving and planting the new bridge so this Christmas the traditional yard trail can be used again and more safely.
Thursday August 4th., Bill painted the handrails on the bridge and touched up picnic tables.
Friday stuffed and mailed out the "Nutty Reports".
Saturday Frank and Phil used a camera scoop and looked at the inside of the boiler on 713. Vic worked on the front cock valves of 5427. Gordon and Bill swept and contoured the new ballast at mile 17, at Duck Lake and Ghosty Hollow. The tall grass at Paterson was cut back with the weed eater. Bill and Gordon took a group of six casual visitors on a full ride and the club got a nice donation
Sunday Richard came over with 10 family members and treated them to a double ride and engine house tour. Bill used the weed eater at the west end of Paterson and up the spur to the storage building. While the train was out some grease was applied and some additional sweeping of fresh rock was carried out.
Wednesday Frank did more work with Phil on 713 getting some additional gas lines and fittings. Bill, Gordon and Phil got 2365 out ready for Saturday's open house. Phil machined a new mount bolt for the read left foot peg on 2365. Gordon and Bill went out on the line and greased the track were needed. Bill and Lisa went out with Julian and Bill levelled cross level problems at the level crossing north of the east tunnel, around curve at mile 17, at the west end of the Paterson siding switch and the south end of the east tunnel. Len assisted Bill in re-levelling the bridge at the south end of the east tunnel. The north west corner was raised one inch and the middle was raised 3/4". Bill and Len closed gates and put the train away
Friday Bill shopped for the Saturday night members BBQ.
Saturday Aug 13th was a beautiful day for our August open house. Bill started steaming 2365 and cut up vegetables. Phil continued to tend to the loco and did most of the runs with Bill and Len assisting. Gordon got 3001 out and did most of the diesel runs. Richard replaced bad ties in one switch and got most of the additional 20 feet on the elevator spur replaced. Dwight did repairs to several switches and some cross elevation problems assisted by Len. Bill served a BBQ for supper with Brian assisting. Brian did station dispatching and loading duties while Bill and Becky looked after the station. It was a steady day of rides but quite laid back with lots of time for visiting and enjoying the great weather.
Sunday was the second day of the August public open house. Bill started up 2365 and Phil tended it. Trains were run by Richard, Phil, Len, Jim and Bill with August and Becky looking after the station and loading trains. During slow periods Bill and Richard repaired three leaks in the water system chewed by squirrels. Later all grey blocks were picked up, Water lines turned off and hoses repaired. Phil and Bill blew down 2365 and put it away while Richard put cars away and 202. Later Bill walked the old line and located three more squirrel chews in the black poly pipe that will need repair. Bill emptied the station fridge for repair.
Monday morning Bill took the freezer section of the station fridge apart and removed the defective evap. fan motor and tested it. The failure was the blade coming loose but on testing the bearing was squealing. The early afternoon was spent looking for a replacement plus getting two low temp thermostats for the station and engine house to go on the alarm system to detect low heat problems. While shopping the plate, glass and cutlery were purchased for the meet and dinner train. The late afternoon was spent re-installing the fan motor and cleaning the fridge. The two squire damaged water pipes were repaired and then all water points were flushed to clean the line and test for leaks.
Tuesday Gil worked on a new manual flanger for spreading ballast.
Wednesday Bill but out our propane tank cars and Caledon came and filled them. Bill hauled them back for storage on the Charleswood Spur. Vic got 5427 out and steamed her up and took it to the steaming bay to test the modified lift. He adjusted the controls to make it operate and returned the loco to engine spur. Gil, Vic and Bill pulled out the loading lift and while Bill swept leaves out of the area Gil tackled the job of re-cycling some power boxes for replacements of some water damaged power boxes. Bill used wire brush and scrapper and cleaned up another picnic table and then painted it. Phil M., and Frank took 713 apart including dropping the burner so it would be ready for a boiler test. Later the two plus Bill and Barry performed a boiler static test on the boiler and passed it as being ready to steam up. Phil and Frank put the burner back in and after racking the loco put 5427 on the lift. Bill with Julian went around and closed all gates and put 202 back in the station.
Thursday Bill purchased non perishable supplies for the up-coming meet and stocked the repaired station fridge. Gil replaced the duplex box at the yard power distribution centre.
Friday Bill used wire brush and scrapper and cleaned up the four benches at the fire pit area ready for painting. Vic removed the gear sprocket from the steaming bay lift to be replaced with a smaller gear. Bill used 202 to replace eight trail light bulbs and to find the power disruption problem at the Amur Glenn's 12 volt distribution box. Bill pare boiled the sausage for Wednesday's breakfast. Bill cut grass in front of the station and in the upper parking area.
Saturday Aug 20th. Frank and Phil M. Put 713 back together and attempted a steam up. The actually made steam but found a number of things that were leaking like the water pump line and check valves that were staying open. For fear of not being able to get a reliable supply of water she was steamed down until those repairs can be done. In all it was a productive day. Vic came supplied with a new drive gear sprocket for the lift and re-assembled it. For testing he steamed up 5427 and took it to the lift to test the new sprocket. 5427 was also tested and will need a new transfer hose. Richard and Bill went out to Paterson and while there Richard completed the elevator spur track and Bill used the weed eater up to the rock pile. Richard continued his task of replacing ties around creosote crossing while Bill repaired the loose wires at Amur Glenn. Richard and Bill re-installed the wire for power distribution to the north section. Bill replaced 16 lights and trail heads around the railway and trail. It was discovered that the north line had a power break and intermittent power flow. Bill started at the circuit panel and tested half way on the line. It was soon decided that the problem was in one of two connections and with Len's help both junctions were re-assembled and tested only to decide the break was in the line between. Solution is to find the actual break or replace that length of wire. Whit arrived with his trailer full of cars and it was dropped by the loading area. Trains were put away and many headed for the Prairie Dog where 20 of the meet delegates were going on a dessert and sunset train ride to Grouse Isle. It was a nice ride and a fitting end to a good day. 16 of the 300 passengers were members of the AVR. Gil did service work on car 170 and got car 100 ready for inspection.
Sunday Frank replaced a burst water hose on the tender pump for 713. Bill found the intermittent problem on the north trail light power line, replaced 20 light heads and lights, repaired a few more, repaired some broken wires at the mile four 12 volt transformer and repaired two squirrel damaged water hoses.
Monday Len and Bill repaired the broken wire at Old Fort on the new line. The line was repositioned and re-connected. Whit arrived and unloaded Lee's locomotive. A group of members, Whit, Carla, Len, Bill, Lee, Danielle, Barry, Whit's dad, and Ian started the work session by levelling the spur from Duck Lake to the car barn. Some areas needed more rock and Len picked up all the rock at the station and the group spread it as needed. Next area of attention was the north switch into Duck Lake siding. The group returned to the station for a hot dog lunch. The ladies were rescued by Pat for a shopping spree. Back at the engine house Phil M. was working on 713 and removed the water pump line for replacement. A fitting was needed and Phil, Barry and Ian went to Barry's to find one. The other members of the group went to Paterson for a train load of rock. Bill completed the cooking of the spaghetti sauce and put it in the freezer. The group then went to Ghosty Hollow and levelled the whole curve using up the train load of rock and then returned to Paterson to get another load of rock to be used at Chapman. The group then went to The White Tower Restaurant for supper and were not pleased with the service. We were a group of 19 on a slow Monday and reservations had been made but Bill got his food one hour and forty five minutes after arriving. Half the group went home to bed after supper and the other half went to the station for a slide presentation of Ed's old layout. Len and Bill closed the gates and put away the diesels
Tuesday was a work day at the MLS and it started at the Prairie Dog where a rail was cut and supplies were loaded on Whit's truck. The supplies left with Bill being tail watch on the rails and supplies. At the MLS caboose Barry disconnected the power while others prepared the north end of the caboose to move it 15 feet north on two side mounted rails. This allowed six sinking and rotten ties to be replaced on the south end. Whit, Len, Phil M doing most of the steady work with, Barry, Danelle, Carla, Bill, Bob, Ian, Lee and a few MLS members all relieving each other as the temperature was near 100 degrees. The task was completed and the area tidied up. After super a group met at Fred Headon's home HO railroad for an evening of operation. Fred had four of his regulars plus Carla, Danelle, Whit, Len, Dwight, Phil M., Bill, and Ian operated trains and it made for a great end to the day. Barry, Bob, and Pat were part of the cheering on committee. Jess put on a time of refreshment.
Wednesday the group met back at the AVR for breakfast of pancakes and sausage and then Whit's trailer was unloaded while Bill and Dwight spread cars around with 2365. While the dispatch crew got operation organized Bill, Bob and two new arrivals from Sioux Falls spread and levelled the siding at Chapman. The afternoon session started and switching continued right up to supper at 6:30 when the group stopped to eat a hamburger and chicken finger meal prepared by Bill with assistance by Debby. After supper operation continued until 9:00 pm when the group headed for home. During the afternoon Phil M and Frank steamed 713 and later made some trips. Vic steamed 5427 and at the pinnacle of operations we were operating six trains
Thursday Bill started breakfast preparation. Dwight and Bill started 2365, Phil steamed 5427 and later Frank and Phil M. steamed 713. After Breakfast the first switching operation started and carried on until supper that Bill had on the table by 5:30. Spaghetti & meat sauce, Pork and wieners and vegetable plate and chips etc. The group was joined by 5 more members from the USA. After supper the operation continued.
Friday was the last day of the AVR part of the International meet. Bill prepared breakfast and started up 2365. Phil M. steamed up 5427 and Len steamed up the Mikado. A switching operation was run in the morning and early afternoon and culminated in rounding up all of Whit's cars for loading. Whit and Carla and company prepared the steak supper with slaw, fried potatoes, garlic toast and the famous cobbler. Bill and Frank collected all AVR cars around the railroad with 2365 and Len and Phil M., put away cars back at the station. Frank, Len, Phil M., and Bill loaded 2365 and two gondolas for the move to Red River. Work completed by midnight.
Saturday Aug 27th, Len licensed the trailer and Frank drove it to Red River with Bill. They unloaded and steamed up 2365 and Bill took out a train to give rides to a group of MLS visitors using Whit's cars. The main gang of AVR, Joint MLS members and others worked on the caboose moving and by mid afternoon it was located 15 feet south. After a lull in riders Frank and Phil M. took a number of guests around before they were joined by Danielle on Barry's Pacific. The rest of the rides were double headed. The BBQ was a roast pig, baked potatoes, corn and beans. Whit and Carla did their famous cobbler. During the afternoon two locos ran on the elevated line. Operations ended about 9:00 pm.
Sunday was the last day of the joint meet. Phil M. steamed up 2365 and was on the line before lunch. Bill, Frank and Len arrived about 12:30. Danielle steamed Barry's loco and we ran two trains until Steven steamed the small 1/12 loco. The number of public was light. At 3:30 Whit began to pack up and soon Frank put the trailer in place and 2365 plus the two gondolas were loaded and the trailer was back at the AVR by 6:00 pm. It was a good week of trains and we enjoyed our time with the gang from the USA and look forward to next year.
Tuesday Bill did paperwork and accounting for the club.
Wednesday Vic started to assemble a new strainer basket for 5427 as the aluminums one was reacting with the stainless steel in the tender. Bill removed all tie downs from the equipment in the trailer and unloaded the two gondolas. Phil M. helped move the dolly and unloading and re-racking of 2365. Vic assisted with moving the trailer. Bill put away the black Gondola, took the 30 # tanks and the two tank cars to the filling area.
Thursday Bill picked up three sheets of OBS and three 2 x 4's along with Dinner Train supplies. Today's task was to repair the roof on the shed where the lawnmower is stored. First task was to remove the railing on the south, north and east sides. Second task was to remove the old tar surface. Third task was to take down the stair case and rotten south rafter. This was replaced by three 2 x 4's nailed as a beam.
Friday Bill continued on the shed, nailing framing boards on the old roof and cutting and installing three pieces of OBS for a new roof.
Saturday Sept 3rd. Bill cleaned up all the dishes from last weeks meet. Web page was updated. Vic continued his work on 5427's water strainer basket welding the cage frame. Frank worked on plans for the tank car and filed a repaired bolster that Vic had gotten welded. Richard cleaned up and replaced a number of ties on the railroad. Richard and Bill levelled some dips near the north end of the east tunnel and shifted the wood bridge west. Bill started working on the next Nutty Report and took dinner train reservations.
Wednesday Gil rounded up fence post material and took his chain saw to several trees. Vic worked on the strainer basket for 5427. Phil M. did maintenance work on our equipment, Bill brought in the filled propane tanks and printed half the "Nutty Reports".
Thursday Bill printed the last of the reports and stuffed about half the envelopes. Gil made up the two fence posts for the repairs of the south fence. Bill cut to size two pieces of metal roof and put them in place on the shed.
Friday Bill worked on the lawnmower shed roof cutting three pieces of wood and five metal roof sections and screwed all material in place.
Saturday Bill cut grass in front of the station and got 2365 out and steamed her up. Phil and Frank ran 2365 and Gordon ran 3001. Richard loaded trains and tidied up the area. Len ran his Mikado. Bill looked after the station with Carmelina. Dwight did maintenance work and Vic worked on 5427's Tender. The canopy frame was moved to its winter location. Bill cooked a hamburger supper for members. Trains were put away.Sunday was day 2 of the public open house run and totally was our busiest summer open house. 2365 and 3001 were used and trains were run by Phil M., Len, Ed and Bill with Becky looking after the station and platform area.
Monday September 12th. Bill purchased the hamburger patties for the dinner train and loaded two box cars, one stock car and a log car in the trailer. Len got out his engine and prepared it for a boiler inspection that Barry performed on it. It was raised to 190 pounds and the boiler was sound. Next up was 2365 and Bill put it on the lift with Len, help and a hydro test was done on her to 195 pounds. Both locomotive gauges agreed with both of Barry's test gauges.
Tuesday Bill purchased most of the non perishable food for the dinner train and made up the meat sauce for the spaghetti. Len found salad bowls were back in stock and picked up 200 of them. Bill cleaned up 2365 and lubricated the front truck.
Wednesday Vic worked on 5427's tender water strainer cutting stainless and welding it. Ed made up two fake wasp nests for the station as a test. Bill took 3001 and collected cars at Duck Lake that need to be loaded for St. Croix. Using the cars and 3001 a greasing run was done around the railway. Phil helped Bill load 3 log cars, two gondolas, 3 box cars and 2365 into the trailer for St Croix. Bill did internet stuff and other admin tasks.
Thursday Phil M. changed oil in the Suburban and other checks for the trip to St. Croix. Bill did banking and supply pickup and then spent a good amount of time making up the macaroni and tuna salad completing the day by tying down the loaded equipment in the trailer.
Friday Bill made two trips to the store for food supplies and a trip to the shop for ice. Later in the evening Len and Bill cut and diced vegetables until 11:pm.
Saturday Len and Bill started by preparing the station. Soon joined by Richard and Marietta who prepared the trains and tables. Jim, Phil M. and Gordon ran the trains and other members helped from time to time. Phil did more work on the Suburban and Vic welded the new stainless steel strainer basket together. Gil and other members installed the new fence supports on the south fence and tied up the wire on the west side. The dinner train ran as planed with Bill cooking the meats, Len doing plates, salads and desserts. Marietta along with others served the tables.
Sunday turned out to be a great day with lots of sun for day two of the dinner train. All trains were either full or nearly full with a few additional people more than seats available. Len and Bill where the cooks with Linda, Becky, and Carmalina being the main servers and others helping out as needed, Phil, Gil, Richard, Ed and others helped keep the trains running. In all it was a good day with lots of full and happy people. We will see you all next year.
Monday Bill calked the roof line between building and new steel roof on the lawnmower storage shed. Next task was to double stake two gone on the lift and load them plus the caboose and refrigerator car in the trailer for the trip to St. Croix. In the evening Len and Bill loaded the Mikado and Len's three cars in his van for the trip to St. Croix. Gil checked the railway for stray deer and found one.
Tuesday was a wet day with steady rain all day but still Phil M and Bill put racks in the Suburban and Bill's van and stacked six gondolas and loaded them in the two vehicles for the trip along with supplies and spare parts
Wednesday those going to St. Croix for the fall meet left in the morning to make the eight hour drive. Back at the AVR Vic continued on his tender repair project. Bill and Phil unloaded the six gondolas and had a chilli supper.
Thursday Phil M, Phil S, Barry, Len and Bill unloaded their equipment at St. Croix. Len, Phil M, Phil S, Barry and Bill worked on the new yard at St. Croix. 2365 was used to haul side dump rock cars.
Friday was a cool day at St. Croix. Len used his Mikado to move rock.
Saturday 2365 spent most of the day hauling rock and by afternoon the yard was complete and rock had been spread on the front of the new 1.5 car barn. AVR members from Winnipeg included Len, Barry, Phil S, Phil M, August, Pat, Bill and Mary-Lou. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the St. Croix Railroad a prime rib dinner with 150 people was staged. Back at the AVR Vic continued to work on the tender of 5427 and Richard, Gil and Gordon spread ballast from the loading spur to Creosote Diamond.
Sunday 2365 carried 258 public and Len's Mikado hauled 132 passengers. It was the nicest day of the meet. Phil M and Len loaded both Phil's Pacific and Len's Mikado.
Monday Bill, Len, August and Phil M. loaded the Suburban, The Uplander and the trailer. Bill cooked a breakfast for six. The group drove back to Winnipeg.
Tuesday Bill started repairing lights and put out 1,700 Christmas lights on a great day. Phil S. arrived with 6612 and with Bill 25 was moved to 713's track and 6612 for now went on the left dolly. We may move locos around to best suit our needs. Phil M arrived with the trailer and it was dropped for unloading Wednesday. Bill updated the web page.
Wednesday Gil did more sweeping on the new ballasted area. Bill worked on Christmas lights from 8:30 am till 10:00 pm repairing lines and putting out objects. A group of arches got some touch up paint and the gingerbread boy on a trampoline got repaired and the brown was re-painted.
Thursday the fence contractor spent a day working on installing the new deer fencing on our most vulnerable areas. Bill worked on setting up lights and repairing infrastructure. The gingerbread kids on a swing got its brown re-painted and two poinsettias were re-painted.
Friday Bill repaired light displays, planted steel posts and set out Christmas displays. Gil helped carry out the gingerbread on a teeter totter.
Saturday Oct 1st. Gil worked on the new fence on the west side. To make it as high as possible the fence had a small opening at the bottom. To stop limboing deer the bottom space was closed in. The south section was also raised to stop possible deer entry. Phil M., August, and Bill removed equipment from the trailer and stored it away. Len, Bill and Phil unloaded Len's train and the gondolas in the Suburban and Uplander. All equipment was put away. Dwight relocated the switch blower from West Charleswood to Lightning Junction. Bill spent the evening hauling lights by train from upper storage and testing strings.
Sunday Bill spent the afternoon and evening repairing and putting out Christmas lights during a great day.
Monday Bill worked on Christmas lights getting a good number up. Phil M. and August worked on turning more signal tower caps for the railway.
Tuesday Bill put up more lights.
Wednesday Bill used the leaf blower on the whole railroad and got out trains giving a group of seniors from the West Broadway area a double train ride and tour along with using our BBQ pit for a hot dog lunch. Gil made up a new fence pole and with Bill installed it on the South fence line. A 2 foot strip of extra wire was added to the top of a vulnerable spot along the south fence. Bill spent the remainder of the day putting up lights and transporting by train more lights from upper storage.
Thursday Bill put out most of the lights tested the evening before.
Friday Bill was up by 7:30 to be ready for the annual outing from the Tuxedo Pre School. He set up 202 and 3001 with 19 cars between them. Gil was the second engineer. We had 51 in the morning and 40 in the afternoon. The weather co-operated. Gil and Bill put all the equipment away. Bill put out more Christmas lights.
Saturday Oct 8th Bill steamed up 2365 while Len cut up a downed tree at Lightning Junction. Gordon got 3001 out and did a test run removing dead brush. The open house was well attended allowing two trains to be run all day. Len and Bill ran 2365 while Gordon looked after 3001. Ed helped around the platform. Dwight made repairs to the signals and switches. Bill painted 350 lights.
Sunday was steady but slower then Saturday due to the NHL hockey game. Len, Phil and Bill ran trains while Gordon and Becky looked after the platform. Bill but out some lights after the run.
Monday Thanksgiving Day. Bill put up and tested Christmas lights. 3001 was used as a transport and work station.
Excuse our failure to update the web but the station lap top has been dying after 7 years. Started to corrupt some files and now the screen has failed. Service shop says repair of screen is more than a new one so I am shopping but next glitch is that the new laptops do not have phone dial up only wireless so while I ponder the solution I have finally remembered that my old laptop still has a working copy of Front Page so I transferred the web pages via memory card and once modified I will transfer it back and up load it. Hope it all works. Because we are so far behind I can hardly remember what we did since October 10th. Bill worked on lights every day and currently we have 93,770 up and running with all displays up and repaired except two candy canes and a three star set. The yard trail lights are waiting for snow to come which came last night thanks to a Colorado Low.
Vic has worked on replacing the unloading lift with a bigger gear motor, he also is checking locomotive batteries, Gil has done fence repair and started checking and servicing our fleet of gondolas for Christmas, Frank has been checking track and replaced some worn track at mile 14 curve and blew out our track water lines, Richard and others replace ballast north of East tunnel, Dwight has re-ballasted the East Charleswood switches and levelled the area along with some other areas, Gordon, Richard and Bill have put up large road and parking arches and installed all fence panels. Other members helping with other tasks during the period are Barry, Billy, Mary-Lou, Ed, Ken, and Phil M. Other smaller jobs were completed but have not been remembered.
The list of lights up per day has been updated at the bottom of this page
Monday Nov 7th Bill continued with light installation. The count is low due to repairs of those items put aside for more time consuming repairs. Vic found a source of brake fittings.
Tuesday Bill worked on the illuminated train display. Gil built a small show case for the station counter to display our badges, patches and pins.
Wednesday Vic continued to work on the charging system of 3001 along with helping Gil service and inspect gondolas. Bill continued to work on the Christmas display.
Thursday Bill picked up two used speakers for the sound system and put up more lights.
Friday Remembrance Day after the service Bill set up the sound system and worked on the illuminated train wheels and yard trail lighting.
Saturday Nov 12th, Gil completed the inspection of all our red gondolas assisted by Vic and Frank. Frank repaired the raccoon hole in the gable of the maintenance building. Vic completed the battery and charging system on 3001 and also repaired the air brakes on 202. Phil gave Bill a hand on train wheels project. Richard and Gordon made electrical repairs on the road arches, repaired squire damage, filled in holes and ruts on the walking trail with crushed rock, walked the trails removing branches and other hazards. Richard cleaned up garbage and attended to other projects. Becky did some cleaning in the station washroom. Dwight cleaned out leaves on switch curbs and sorted out the switch covers. Bill repaired a number of squirrel chews and continued to struggle with the train wheels assisted by Dwight. New signs were made up and installed.
Sunday Bill continued to work on the illuminated train wheels and did an inspection of the lights and found that squires had turned off 2000 lights on the west side and also chased out two does.
Monday while Bill was repairing the ten wires that were chewed detected an opening at the end of the new fence where deer could get in. Gil repaired this opening and also raised the fence line at the east tunnel. Bill continued on light repairs restoring 1700 lights. A donation of three deer and two ornamental trees was made to the light display, Bill worked on the small deer and completed an LED snow flake and painted a flower frame, three snowflake frames and three wire trees. The small donated deer was repaired requiring 50 replacement light bulbs.
Tuesday Bill repaired the animated deer with 200 lights and a moving head. 100 new light bulbs were needed. A candy cane was repaired and the 6 petaled flower got new coloured lights applied.
Wednesday Vic and Gil serviced 3001's riding car and started repairs on the seats. Bill continued to work on lights spending time working on deer #3 and the first wire tree.
Thursday Bill completed the repairs on the wire tree and put it out in the display along with two deer and the new flower. The tree required 50 new lights. Changing lights is a time consuming job as the bases are different so bulbs need to be transferred from standard lights to these special bases and replaced in the object. Repairs to the second tree started and the medium wire tree got new green lights and put in the display.
Friday Nov 18th, Bill completed repairs on the second ornamental tree replacing over 100 lights. The small tree of the group of Got new lights and both objects were placed in the display.
Saturday Bill cleared snow on most of the yard trails. Gil came early and cleared snow on the track. Gil also made the modification to the second seat on operator car 200. Gordon brought all lights that had been replaced on arches and train inside and coiled them up for storage. Bill put lights on the largest of the three trees and put it in the display. We resaved a donation of large lights and several objects. Bill repaired two angels and two small candy canes. They needed clear medium lights so Gordon took the paint off a group of donated lights. Dwight spiked closed a group of switches on the railway that will not be needed this Christmas and built a light testing circuit. Bill decommissioned a group of larger lights saving bulbs and both plug ends. The remainder will be scrapped. Phil, Becky and Barry came by.
Sunday Bill de-commissioned several old light strings and harvested bulbs and ends.
Monday Bill worked on the last orphaned deer replacing over 60 lights and built a new linkage for the motorized head. The deer was placed out on the display along with an angel and two small candy canes.
Tuesday repaired the last of the large candy cane and placed it out in the display. While putting out the newest snowflake it was discovered that squirrels had again taken out Ogo Pogo's head so that was repaired.
Wednesday Vic, Gil and some assistants from Barry serviced riding car 220. While it was being done the seats were reinforced with steel brackets. Gil and Bill moved tables and plant pots around to prepare for Christmas. Bill worked on lights putting out the last candy cane and more lights in the lower parking area. Some control circuits were installed.
Thursday Vic arrived with Ralph. Gil got out another flat car for service. Vic worked on making brass parts. Bill repaired squirrel and deer damage and prepared green lights for repair. Ralph took on the challenge of repairing the train wheels and was successful in getting the green working. Ralph and Bill used Dwight's circuit tester on the yellow circuit and while the problem was not located we zeroed in on where the problem was.
Friday Bill tested some areas and de-commissioned some lights. A new supply of train passes were printed along with new signs.
Saturday morning it snowed. Bill cleared the walking path and Gil used the small snow blower and shovel on the tracks. Vic continued to make brass parts. Richard repaired a number of squire and deer damage. Dwight worked on locomotive control boxes. Ralph continued to work on the yellow circuit and the problem still persisted. Richard and Bill set up the long ladder on the house gable end. Bill joined Ralph on the train wheels problem and found a hidden broken wire. Ralph repaired as needed and made all circuits operate. Len re-reconnected the circuit to the house roof which added 400 lights. Richard cleaned up and fixed a number of display items.
Sunday Bill set up the last of the wire trees in the yard and put the new snow flake in the west trail display. During the Grey Cup Bill de-commissioned 600 curtain lights salvaging the ends and clear bulbs for future displays.
Monday Bill set out another snow flake and several lights were repaired. Ralph spent several hours working on the big train with help from Bill. Vic took 6109 to the engine house to inspect and service it. He repaired a problem with the running lights.
Tuesday Bill put out a large number of small signs around the display. The last snowflake was started.
Wednesday Nov 30th, Bill decommissioned more lights, Cut up 48 pieces of steel for stars and welded four small and three medium stars together. There is enough cut steel to do four more. Gil got the last operator car out and with Vic serviced and checked it out. Gil also sanded the yard path and got sand ready for Christmas. Vic worked on brass details for 5427 and did some other small repairs. Phil M worked on the mill making new switch points for most of the afternoon.
Thursday Bill completed the last snowflake and put it out in the display. The seven new star frames were painted.
Friday the display was checked and some small repairs were done. Bill started a full clean up of the station and transported salvaged materials to storage.
Saturday Dec 3rd Vic continued making brass parts while Phil M. continued to mill switch points. Dwight re-built a spare locomotive controller and re-stacked the new rail. Richard, Gordon, Fred, Ed T., Gil and Bill did a number of small tasks to be ready for Christmas. Clean station, move tables and chairs, clean up garbage, trim trees, remove snow from chairs and benches, repair some squirrel damage, move boxes, re-position equipment and set up front nativity display. Bill put lights on two new stars and made up light sets for more stars.
Sunday Bill completed the last two new LED stars and placed them in the display and completed the last three 14 inch stars with regular lights.
Monday Bill cleaned up the counters, did paper work for the club and some welding on the last four stars for this year using steel cut three years ago. Lights where prepared for the four stars and a snow man frame.
Tuesday Dec 6th. Bill dismantled an old star that was broken and re-welded it along with completing the four new stars and painted all five. Lights on two circuits were re-routed for better load distribution. A new water tank for the station was located.
Wednesday Vic continued to work on brass parts for the tender of 5427, Gil did a clean up and re-arranged things in the maintenance building and storage shed. Bill started on lights for the snowman and completed a star. Repairs were done to several light displays.
Thursday Bill took out five new stars mounting three in the west side dancing light display, one at Duck Lake and one in the front yard. While out four deer were found inside due to someone leaving the south gate open. The deer were removed and damage to 800 lights was found, returned to the station and repaired and re-installed. 300 lights along the south trail have also been ripped up by deer. Five window displays were repaired and put up. In total 500 lights were added to the display.
Friday a new star was completed and more work was done on the snowman.
Saturday Vic continued to work on detail parts for 5427's tender. Gil and Richard put up the main sign and did a number of other jobs related to the start of the Christmas run. Bill repaired a few last minute things on the display. The railway was operated on the first night by Brian, Fred, Gordon, Jim, Frank, Barry, Gil and Bill. Dwight built a sequence control for the snowman.
Sunday Gil did track maintenance in the afternoon and Bill repaired some deer damage to the display. The railway was operated in the evening by Jim, Fred, Richard, Dwight, Brian and Bill.
Monday Bill repaired some damage and completed and put out another star. Gil serviced the tracks. The railway was operated by Gordon, Jim and Bill.
Tuesday was a warmer day. Bill repaired some deer damage and Gil serviced the tracks. Three youth groups came, making for a busy night. The railway was operated by Barry, Brian, Gordon, Jim and Bill.
Wednesday Vic worked on tender parts and serviced a charger on 202. Phil M. milled more points. Frank got equipment ready for the evening. Gil checked trails for ice and sanded where needed. Bill repaired a candy cane and snowflake and checked the remainder of lights. The railway was operated by Frank, Vic, Richard, Ed T. and Bill. Dwight did repairs and worked on display electronics.
Thursday Gil maintained the track and Bill checked and repaired the lights. The railway was operated by Jim, Bill, Richard and Gordon.
Friday Gil serviced track and trails and Bill did admin work and repaired some light damage. The snowman was completed. The railway was operated by Becky, Phil, Barry, Jim, Gil, Bill and Gordon.
Saturday Vic continued to work on 5427's tender while Gil serviced the track and Bill did light repairs and completed the last star and put it and the snowman out in the display. The railway was operated for about 800 people by Brian, Phil M, Becky, Len, Helen, Fred, Gordon, Dwight, Ed T., Frank and Bill.
Sunday Dec 18, Gil serviced the tracks in the afternoon. Bill repaired and checked the lights and did other tasks. We had another mild night but snow in the late afternoon. Bill shovelled on the platform and yard paths while Len went around the track. It fortunately stopped during the run of another 800 passengers. The railway was operated by Richard, Jim & Carol, Len & Helen, Gordon, Brian, Barry, Ed M and Bill.
Monday Gil did track maintenance. Bill spent the morning doing club administration and the afternoon checking lights and repairing things. The railway was operated by Jim, Carol, Barry, Len and Bill.
Tuesday Gil did track maintenance in the afternoon. As it was a warmer day Bill checked the display for burned out lights on trail side lighting and replaced 41 bulbs. A candy cane was repaired and admin work was completed. The railway was operated for a large group by Richard, Gordon, Dwight, Phil S., Steven and Bill.
Wednesday Vic worked on tender detail parts, Gil serviced the track and with Bill got equipment out. Bill did admin work, cleaned up salt snow, repaired lights and other details. The railroad was operated by Fred, Vic, Len, Barry, Frank, Ed M., Ed T., and Bill.
Thursday Gil serviced the track and Bill repaired display features. The two got trains out prior to the run. The railroad was operated by Richard, Frank, Fred, Gordon, Barry, Brian, Steven, Jim and Bill. Tonight 6109 had a bolt loosen and 3001 had traction problems. Frank did running repairs on 6109.
Friday Dec 23rd, Gil serviced the track and got the trains out. Frank put a safety wire on the bolt holding in the drawbar on 6109 and with Bill got 25 onto the lift. Bill did admin work and checked all the lights. The railway had a record night with 1066 passengers and was operated by Gordon, Richard, Brian, Len and Helen, Dwight, Jim, Ed T. and Bill. 3001 was put in the engine house to get a couple of new traction motors and a gondola was put in for checking. Tonight we operated four trains.
Saturday Dec 24th Christmas Eve. Vic and Bill replaced a traction motor on 3001 and put her back into service. Frank checked a gondola. Gil serviced the track and set up the trains. The railway was operated by Phil M., Becky, Mary, Vic, Frank, Richard, Gordon and Bill.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
Sunday Christmas Day, Bill repaired some lights and used 202 to make 4 trips with family guests. The lights were on but no public trains.
Monday Boxing Day Bill picked up some LEDs and four new flashlights and spent the afternoon repairing deer damaged lights. Gil serviced the tracks and put out the trains. The railway was operated by Richard, Gordon, Phil M., Becky, Len, Helen, Jim, Carol, Brian and Bill. A short developed on the road circuit and was checked by Bill and Len but will need tomorrow's light to repair.
Tuesday the temperature dipped to seasonal. Gil serviced the track and got out the trains. Bill started the day with club admin jobs and then picked up some wireless speakers to improve the sound on trails. More LEDs were picked up on sale to make 2012 new projects. The early afternoon was spent finding the short on the road underground cable. A short was located between arch 13 and 14 and shorted wire was removed and remaining line was tested ok. As Bill is experiencing some back issues due to a re-rail on Christmas, Len came over and replaced the 7 feet of affected wire. The system was tested and put back into service. The railway was operated by Brian, Len, Ed T., Richard, Barry and Bill.
Wednesday Vic worked on traction motors all afternoon. Gil serviced the track removing a light snow and getting out the trains. Bill did admin work, shovelled the yard trails, Q area and station platform then repaired a string of lights, modified a swinging bell with Dwight's diodes and repaired an angel. The railway was operated for the second largest group this Christmas season by Phil M, Becky, Brian, Frank, Dwight, Ed. M., Len, Helen and Bill with Jim and Gordon helping for a short while.
Thursday Gil serviced the tracks and got out the equipment. Bill did admin work for the club and checked the lights finding deer had run through a string at the upper parking lot and taken a plug and extension cord. Also two arches at the Q had sockets separate. Due to Bill's bad back Frank made the needed repairs. The railway had a good group of riders needing three trains. The railway was run by Len, Ed T., Gordon, Frank, Barry, Brian and Bill. 3001 was retired early and replaced by 25 due to battery problems. Suspect charger problems.
Friday Dec 30th was a great day. Bill and Len corrected the problem on the charging system of 3001 and returned it to service. Gil serviced the tracks and got the trains out. Frank did some milling on tank car parts. Bill did admin jobs and repaired lights. The railway had 950 riders on up to four trains. The following members helped run things, Len and Helen, Phil and Becky, Frank, Richard, Gordon, Brian, Barry and Bill.
Saturday New Year's Eve, Frank did more milling, Vic worked on 5427's tender, Bill did admin jobs and fixed lights, Gil did track maintenance and Frank, Bill and Gil got the trains out. The railway was operated to a good number of riders by Phil, Becky, Emily, August, Gordon, Vic, Barry and Bill. Following the run the station was transformed into a banquet hall and those who worked the night had a buffet of Chinese food.
Sunday New Years day, Bill repaired some two legged damage to lights and checked out a squirrel attack on the north trail. Admin work was carried out. Gil serviced the track. The railway was operated to a small but steady group of guests despite the light snow. The locomotive brushes made all the difference. Those who operated the railway were Frank, Richard, Len, Gordon, Brian and Bill.
Monday Bill did a supply run for more cups and TP. Some of the squirrel damage was repaired and the balance of the lights were inspected. Gil serviced the rails and got out two trains. Vic has been working at his home shop on rebuilding traction motors. The railway was operated by Len, Ed T., Frank, Dwight and Bill.
Tuesday Bill did admin work in the morning and repaired 24 squirrel chews in the afternoon restoring 800 lights. Gil serviced the tracks and got out the trains. The weather warmed up and we had 600 riders. The railway was operated by Barry, Richard, Len, Frank, Brian and Bill.
Wednesday Jan 4th. Vic realigned the maintenance building track and worked on the tender of 5427. Bill checked the lights and repaired 15 squirrel chews and repaired two groups damaged by 2 legged visitors. More squirrel damage was found. Gil serviced the tracks and got out the trains. The railway was operated by Fred, Vic, Len, Frank, Ed T., Ed M. and Bill.
Page last updated on Feb. 11th., 2012 by Bill Taylor in Winnipeg
Hits since 25 JAN 2011