Workday Wednesday - August 4th
Some of the lads gathered at Fred's today to conduct a safety review and ameliorate some potential hazard issues. Safety lines were painted and "chipmunk holes" were filled in.
Thanks to Bernie for sending along a huge amount of pictures to accompany those taken by Mike.
I've snapped a picture of Bernie snapping a picture of little old me!
Yes, it was time to paint safety stripes along the two lengths of timbers in Mount St. Helens.
Because this "lip" is not a true step riser height, it is actually a greater tripping hazard as the timbers rise about an inch above the aisleway.
The use of 2x4's certainly came in handy here.
Mike really likes the angle of the striping...although...err...he has been told that they actually should angle the other way! Yikes!
Mike has claimed that he did not learn safety signs while a kid in school. Big grin!
How about this striping? It's the correct way...and it angles nicely with the flow of the others. (At least that's what Mike feels!) Note that the board that had been screwed down here before (black and white) has been removed in lieu of the yellow striping.
Let's examine the process. Bernie ran "reconnaissance" and cleaned the surface of the timbers with his blower.
Mike then began laying down the "flyers" down on the surrounding surfaces.
The use of 2x4's ensured parallel lines on the diagonal.
Mike used the boards as "spacers" for the next one...crafty lad he is!
Time to remove the blasted cap from the spray can...it's a real toughie!
An hour and a half later...he surprises himself...
...while reaching success!!!
Bernie has nicknamed me the "Yellow Bomb Kid!"
Time to spray.
That reminds me of the family of skunks who walked into the church and "thought" they heard the priest say, "Let us spray" as he made the sign of the cross! The church was quickly evacuated.
Yes, coming along nicely.
The five boards are tucked in tightly together...
...then Mike removes every other one...
...ensuring consistency.
Mike snaps a picture of Bernie!
He's laughing when the lads realize the angle should go to the left. Yup the diagonals point geographical south instead of geographical north! Yikes!
But...Mike has finally caught on...
...as he angles the boards from right to left this time!
He's a proud painter...(but I wouldn't recommend hiring him any time soon!). Mike then went on to paint the other railings around the railroad.
Mike picks up his camera and snaps a shot of this handsome lad, Bernie...his supervisor. That's Uncle Fred way off in the background sawing some wood.
Pat occupied himself handily at the big curve outside of Spruce.
Using passenger cars as a "clearance" guide, Pat cuts back some of the scenery that may impede the progress of a passing train.
Looking good, Pat.
He pulls the cars along and "measures twice and cuts once!"
Well done Pat!
Weeding trackside.
Keeping that right of way clean is an important job, for sure.
Fred and Lawrence begin the cleaning up process near Cedar Rock.
Getting those weeds "outta there" is a messy job.
Hard work.
Back breaking at times.
Looking good.
Patio stones offer crews the opportunity to work either side of the peninsula up in Cedar Rock.
Well done, lads!
"Harr...harr!" Fred offers up, proud of the work done.
"Ouch!" Lawrence calls out when one rock goes renegade over his fingers!
Lawrence survives the hand ordeal...
...and is quickly back at work!
Indeed, nothing deters this hard-working gentleman.
The redundant track section has been removed...
...in order to create yet another location where locomotives can escape their carrying cases
This will prove very handy when we go to set up for operating sessions, offering greater flexibility for the crews, especially in Nelson Yard.
Bernie's TH&B diesel acts as guinea pig for the trials...and we are pleased to say that all works well!
The daisies at Lilly give Pat an idea.
Pat indicates to Mike that the yellow and black paint along the top of the railings at all the walkways is wearing or fading away.
After these images were snapped, Mike got the yellow spray can and bombed the top railing solid yellow.
They now look just like the railing between Rat Portage and Firgrove. On Saturday morning Mike will add black striping with black electrical tape and all will be well.
We thank Moe for bringing the chipmunk holes to our attention. Moe, I'm pleased to announce that they are now filled!
Left over lumber.
Lawrence took this pickup truck home...
...to create a lumber load...
...because when it rains the back bed of the truck fills with water.
It is removeable as well. Now for your challenge! Let's see who is the first to locate this truck somewhere around the railroad on Saturday morning!
Bernie and Marcel offer up some nice smiles.
We all enjoy a much needed rest at the end of a solid morning of work.
We'll hope to see many of you this coming Saturday morning for train ops!
All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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