July 26th Workday Wednesday Session
A small handful of lads made it out for our weekly work session at Fred's.
As happens every week, the railroad right of way must be checked for foliage growth hampering the rails on which the trains run. If left unchecked on a weekly basis, we often encounter issues during our subsequent Saturday sessions.
Some of us focused our attention on the coal trestle to be placed up in Cedar Rock.
While some of the crew began working on keeping the railroad free of natural impediments Fred and I decided to get a head start on the placement of the coal trestle for Cedar Rock.
Lawrence had already done most of the hard work in building the trestle at his home.
Fred organized a base for the trestle.
Meanwhile Bernie got down to business trackside.
Here is the turnout Fred has selected for the third siding at this location in Cedar Rock.
Pat joined Fred and me as we began preparing the ground.
This cement block had to be removed beneath the wooden planking as it had been protruding out from under the deck work just enough to cause issues with the placement of the new base.
Pat and Fred discuss any alternate custom arrangements which will have to be taken into consideration for the installation of the trestle.
Note the opening created with the removal of the cement block which was considered a hindrance to the placement of the trestle.
You see me wearing my old clothes on the Workday Wednesdays seeing as much of the work involves having your body laying down at ground level and hanging out where the dirt, grime and tree sap can get all over your clothing.
The circular saw is now in place.
Fred gets down to business making the desired cuts.
Pat adds an assist.
Fred has placed an "L" support at the near end of the dock. Spacer trackage will join the trestle track to the track atop the wooden beams near the crusher.
Looking good!
Fred enjoys lending a hand in the proceedings!
I hold the board in place so Fred can attach it with smaller screws.
Looks like I've got air conditioning in that old T-shirt!
Coming along!
The trestle fits beautifully even though there is still much work to do in order to make the final installation. There is a lovely grey shed Lawrence built from scratch that will rest at the end of the coal trestle where you see the clear area of wood.
Fred will have to treat the wood on the base with a protective stain.
Pat and I have screwed an end board at the end of the four planks. A second one will go in to span the concrete block you see at the lower left.
Handsome Henk arrives on the scene!
Pat checks the fit after we have screwed a second end piece along the full length of the edge.
Bernie is spotted toiling away at ground level off in the distance!
Yup, Bernie...it is hot and muggy even in the shade!
Pat is checking the level.
This aerial image showcases the new double boards at the end of the planking holding the crusher and aggregates track.
Small adjustments to the crushed stone allow for us to come up with a perfect level for the tracks.
Yup, those boards are way too clean! Before the final installation can occur Fred will first stain all these wooden pieces with a protective treatment.
Henk considers the work he will get to in short order.
Fred has already placed the two end "L" shaped brackets at the end of the shorter board.
With the two "L" shaped brackets in place, the base for the ore trestle can rest here with ease.
It is Fred's plan to bring the trestle in for the winter although Lawrence has indicated that it can easily remain outdoors with a small tarp covering it during our winter hibernation.
Bernie has uncovered some rotten wood over in "The Corners".
We do have lots of fun on our Wednesday mornings!
Bernie grabs my camera to get shots of the two Cedar Rock workers.
Here we are shimming the trestle base with stone dust.
I bring out a spare track to check the fit.
This will be a fun location to switch when the trestle is nestled into place.
Fred has told us that he has found some loose coal which could be sprinkled beneath the trestle.
Pat headed over to the shed to grab a couple of coal hoppers.
Nice!
Love the look!
A second car lends a hand in making the scene.
A lower angle shot.
With the crusher shed in the background, this will make for a great railfan location during operations!
A drone shot ala Moe!
A rewarding morning for sure!
Ladies...turn your eyes away!
It's skipper Henk starring in this X-rated blog entry!
Those hopper cars look great resting beside the crusher where trackwork has not existed until this morning. Fred will get to work on the new turnout and siding when he finds the time.
Pat screws in a support beneath the wide plank to help prevent it from warping.
The "Monster From the Black Lagoon!" makes an appearance.
Upon closer examination, my fears have proven to be false - for it's our good friend, Bernie - toiling away along the fence line in behind the sheds.
Our rust garden has sprouted a few rust-coloured lillies!
Looking pretty!
A lovely garden indeed.
Pat arrived near lunchtime to pick Fred up to head over to the History Circle.
A second look at this fun image shows a very contented Father Fred!
Thanks to all the lads who made it out to help out with the upkeep of the railroad.
It's fun making new additions to the system which make for more interesting operations!
All the best, the Workday Wednesday crew and their OVGRS friends!
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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