Report No. 43

 My first through train video.

I remember one of Rik's Peckforton Light Railway videos that had some outtakes on frustrations behind the sceens. Ohhh was it. Cars, trucks, firetrucks, planes, helicopters, FedX. UPS, USPS, and wind. AND DERAILMENTS that only happen when your showing off your derailment FREE railway to friends.

WOW, not sure if I can do that again. But child birth gets forgotton most of the time.

Here it is. Mixed Train 22 East, Jamestown to Melones.

 It's a long way from Rik's awesome videos, but in 10 years I might get better. Maybe I should invest in a tripod? And a camera with a remote shutter...

Just because, A Shay Always Looks Good On The Right Side.

A short one of the returning Mixed Train 21 West at the S curve.

Engine No.15 got some new electronics installed to run at Bill Biving's layout last Friday.

I repainted a Bachman Pennsy coach the day before and lettered it SRy 3.

So I had to see how she would do on the Angels Branch, she had no problens at all only pulling coach 3.

The one and only Daffadill to come out this year.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

Report No. 42

 Work Between Storms

Between storms I worked on the Stanislaus River due to the banks were eroding. It was time to do some rockwork to keep the banks from sliding because the Iris I planted last year were in peril. So I got my boots on and went rock hunting.

Also I put in a lot of slate retaining walls along this section between El Rico Siding and Melones due to lots of dirt and rocks tumble down the hills onto the road bed. Mostly caused by birds digging in the leaves. The slate is in the hill between the tracks and car road above because when the water main was installed to the houses, it was back filled with dirt/slate from some where in the Jamestown area.

The new rockwork below the tail of Switch One of the McArdles Switchback. The bare dirt is planters for flowers and more rocks will be added below combine 5 and No.10 to support the tracks later.

Train 21 West stops to check the new rockwork.

A slate culvert was added to the  tail of Switch One of the McArdles Switchback.

A slate culvert was added to the "S" curve to let water through also.

 The McArdles Switchback got ballasted and some moss was added for erosion control. 

It also just looks nice.

THANKS FOR CHECKING IN

Report No. 41

 Happy New Year

Spent some time balasting the right of way last week between rain showers and stained the Stanislaus River Bridge yesterday. 

Last week the high was 45 F, today is was 75 F here. It feels like spring, but in two days there is a week of rain forcast. 

I ran a train yesterday and today, and will tomorrow. After a few realignments,the right of way is derail free. 

Train 22 East backing down the McArdles Switch. I am using pea gravel now for the dirt sides of the right of way where needed, because the smaller gravel I was using just gets washed away by rain.

Coasting through the S curve.

Crossing the newly restained bridge over the Stanislaus River. Note the new stain, looks like creosote. Yea the right pier settled a little. I may get to that tomorrow.

Some more Sierra history.

January 19, 2024, 0915

 Two westbound empty propane tank cars decided to derail in the cut just before downtown Sonora and cause havic to the Washington Street crossing and tower.

Thanks for checking in.