Work Day - November 16, 2019
The day was full of activity with two bobcats, multiple chainsaws, and a work crew. The work crew first cut down trees near the container and steaming bay area while the bobcats started digging and preparing the area around the steaming bay area for new track and container.
The day was full of activity with two bobcats, multiple chainsaws, and a work crew. The work crew first cut down trees near the container and steaming bay area while the bobcats started digging and preparing the area around the steaming bay area for new track and container.
Inner West Loop & LaVay Bridge Project
LaVay Bridge on the East side of the railroad when it was being used for loading and unloading.
As many of you know we've been working on completing the inner west loop of the railroad which includes installing a bridge that had originally been located at our old home nearly 20 years ago. When our current railroad was being built one of the bridges from the old railroad was repurposed to get trains on and off the railroad. As the story goes one of our members LaVay was looking to be one of the first to run his train on our new railroad but needed a way to get his train from a trailer to the track. Here is LaVay's account of the events that ultimately created the "LaVay Bridge".
"As I looked around the track, I saw a potential to use a trestle from Duluth, a couple of used track sections, some blocks, a metal ramp and a siding to create a stationary loading ramp. As the time for running trains approached, I wanted to run one of the first trains. So, using my truck and trailer as heights limits, I dragged the old trestle over. Built a ramp with blocks and dirt. With help from club members and grandkids the ramp was ready to go."
Since then our railroad has grown but LaVay continued to use the bridge to load and unload his train each time he came to the railroad instead of using our new loader. A few years ago, onsite storage became available for his train which meant the bridge use was no longer needed. That was until a few weeks ago when the project to complete the Inner West Loop began.
LaVay recently shared some pictures of what the bridges looked like when it was at the old railroad site. The bridge will soon be installed in its new home on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad as part of the inner west loop. Come help us reposition this “historic” bridge in its new home this Saturday, September 21, 2019.
Pictured (Top Row): James C., Peter C., Gene L., Rick K., Bob C., Scott M.
On Train: LaVay S.
Front Row: Ben K., John T., Joe F., Bill L.
Not Pictured: Norm W., Wayne L., and Robby M.
MOW Car Construction
A new MOW car was construction in April 2018. Special thanks to Norm W. and Bill L. for putting this car together.
Siding Construction Time Lapse from Spring 2019
In March of 2019 work began on a new siding on the west side of the railroad. The siding is just down from the passenger station area as you travel down towards the grade crossing. Here is a time lapse video of one of our workdays.
In March of 2019 work began on a new siding on the west side of the railroad. The siding is just down from the passenger station area as you travel down towards the grade crossing. Here is a time lapse video of one of our workdays.
March 9, 2019 Work Day
This was a lite work day as we checked on the club diesel, riding cars, and a little track work.
January 19, 2019 Work Day
Track panel construction has begun as part of the container expansion and ash pit line.
Inner West Loop Construction 2018
In order to help with a bottle neck on the railroad during public run days an inner west loop was installed along with a double grade crossing. This project started in April 2018 and was completed in September 2018.
June 16, 2018 Work Day
Installation of a couple of switches in preparation of the inner west loop.
Work Day - May 5, 2018 West Loop Grade Crossing
Work continues on the Inner West Loop project. Here a quick video testing out the outer loop connecting to the new grade crossing.
Building of the Interlocking Tower (Nov 2017 - 2018)
Once we finished the power distribution system around the railroad it was time to build an Interlocking Tower around our distribution panel. Great looking addition to the railroad.
Reconfigured Passenger Station Complete - July 30, 2016
The crew has completed the passenger ling expansion.
The expanded passenger line is now complete. We now have more than 100 ft for the passenger loading and unloading area.
2nd Work Day on Station Reconfiguration - July 13, 2016
Reconfiguration continues on the station area.
The work continues on updating the passenger station.
Reconfiguration of passenger station - July 9, 2016
Reconfiguration of the passenger station has begun.
July 9, 2016 - The reconfiguration of the passenger loading/unloading area has begun. The goal of this project is to add an additional 60 feet to the passenger station area.
Reconfiguration of passenger station - July 9, 2016
Reconfiguration of the passenger station has begun.
Ash Pit Construction - April 2016
Construction began on the ash pit line which will be used by the coal fired steam engines to dump ash after a long day of operating. Here are some photos from the April 2nd and April 16th work days.
Construction began on the ash pit line which will be used by the coal fired steam engines to dump ash after a long day of operating. Here are some photos from the April 2nd and April 16th work days.
Switch Throw Handle Diagram
NGLS Switch Throw Handle diagram.
NGLS switch throw handle diagram.
