A Diamond recap from our workday on September 12, 2020
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project.
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project. The rest of the crew (Norm, Gene, John, Scott, Dave E., Rick, Robby, and Bill) worked on installing our first diamond and about 100’ of track. While the team got close to finishing what was planned for the day the last 20’ of track work will have to wait until our next workday. Paul also stopped by to do some grass cutting but a lot of tall grass is still needing to be cut.
Diamond Work
Passenger Line Track Work Beyond The Diamond
Work began on the first 100’ of the passenger line outside of the east loop which includes track for the passenger mainline and bypass track. The mainline was attached the first switch on the passenger line with about 20’ of track needing to be finished on the bypass to the same switch.
The next regularly workday is Saturday, September 26, 2020. For the latest go to our calendar page for more details.
Construction of the 900' passenger line has started
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the addition can be seen on our map which shoes the addition in red.
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the passenger line can be seen on our map in red. On Saturday, August 29th, Gene and Norm made a template that will be used to build our first diamond on the railroad and once the diamond has been built and installed the construction of the passenger mainline can start moving forward, at least up to the grade crossing. In the meantime we are looking for a crew to take the lead on building track panels. If you are interested in being part of the track panel building crew please contact Robby or Norm. In the meantime our next regularly scheduled workday is on Saturday, September 12th.
Track Plan
1st Day of Construction - Saturday, August 15, 2020
2nd Day of Construction - Saturday, August 22, 2020
After a more than 20-year absence the "Doe Bridge" makes its return to the railroad fully restored
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter C. has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. On Saturday, September 5, 2020 it made the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter Craymer has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. Now it makes the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon. The exact location of the bridge on the railroad is still being determined but something tells me the “Grandma” line may be getting this beauty. In looking at the archives this makes one of the last surviving structures to be reused from our original railroad which was call Duluth & Mount Tabor Railways. A big thanks to Peter for taking on this project and giving up space in his carport for this restoration project.
Construction pictures from February & March 2020
Delivery on September 5, 2020
A look back at the DMTRR
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 22, 2020
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights.
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The crew included Wayne, David E., Bob C., Bill, Norm, Gene, and Robby. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights. Anyone interested in taking on the electrical let us know.
Bob C. and David E. started the day working on the club steamer and in typical steam engine fashion they uncovered a couple of items that need attention and will test things again soon. Meanwhile in the east loop the rest of the crew worked on the passenger line project. The day included adding a new switch in the east loop and lining up things for the new diamond. Track panels were also placed on the ground to check how the passenger line will line up to the 60’ grade crossing that will be installed at some point soon. Orange flags have also been placed so everyone can see the path of the passenger line next weekend during our club fun day.
During our next workday in September the plan will be to finish the installation of some of the panels for the passenger line and building track panels. Speaking of track panels, we need building about twelve curve panels and about 60 straight panels.
And finally, we continue to get more dirt from Sheppard Trucking and once the dirt and ground dries from all the recent rain it will get spread in preparation of the next member container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 15th
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
First 60’ section of rail on the ground
Track panels moved for next container project
Passenger line project - Day 1
The beginning of the 900’ passenger line project started today with the realignment of a few track panels and laying out the first 60’ of track including identifying the location of our first diamond and a 60’ grade crossing.
July 25, 2020 Workday Recap
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
The crew also took some time to figure out what it was going to take to start laying track for the passenger line project which includes constructing our first diamond on the railroad. We need to build between 20 - 30 track panels and several switches so be on the lookout for track panel building day to be scheduled.
Our next scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st which is also the same day as our next regularly scheduled club meeting which is at 1:00 p.m.
Another switch built and ready for installation in preparation of the new passenger line
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
Workday Recap for Saturday, July 18, 2020 - Container Project, "Grandma" line, and mounds of dirt
Another productive day in the summer heat this past Saturday as a crew worked on the container project, mounds of dirt, and started work on the “Grandma” line.
A small crew made big progress on Saturday and worked on several projects. Onsite was Norm, Gene, Ben, “Bob”, Wes, Wayne, and Bill.
Norm completed the bridge and transition bracket for the container extension project making the 20-foot extension section now usable for storage. We still have several items that need to be completed on the container project which include cutting out dividing wall, lay track in container, electrical work, and reorganizing items in the both the gray and red containers.
Once the bridge installation was completed the crew moved to do some track modification coming out of the woods past the Nicol Bridge. This modification will allow for another project to get off the ground which we affectionately call the “Grandma Line”. The plan is to remove part of the double track as you approach the retaining wall to make room for a new section of the railroad coming through a wood area alongside the yard. This will eventually allow not use a portion of the yard for mainline traffic. Check out the video below for more details.
Meanwhile Ben and “Bob” played in the dirt and moved a ginormous amount of dirt from where Shepherd trucking had dumped it into the area where we plan on adding another member container. They also moved a substantial amount of the dirt pile from the area near the gate also to the same area.
As the summer heat continues be on the lookout for additional workdays to popup.
Form installed and concrete poured for the container extension project
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Container Bridge Footer
The following represents the track alignment and footing (pier) for container bridge. The information represents what was done with green member container 2.
The following represents the track alignment and footing (pier) for container bridge. The information represents what was done with green member container 2.
What a great turnout by club members and guests - Workday and Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 20, 2020
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
Workday Recap for June 13, 2020 - Container Project Continues
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including cutting grass, Gauge 1 layout, and new track head up to the container and ash pit.
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including Wayne and Dan cutting grass, Paul and Carl working on the Gauge 1 layout, and the track crew which included Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Gene, Joe, Calvin, Bill, Scott, and Joe worked on the new track head up to the container and ash pit. The crew had to go back and add a drainpipe at the location of the new ash pit switch and adjusted the grade going up to the container which slowed progress today but still made great progress in the end.
June 6, 2020 Workday and Club Fun Day Recap - Crews worked on 20-foot container, track installation, and a whole lot more.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 9, 2020
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table.
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table. Working hard today included Wes, Scott, Ben, “Bob”, Elijah, Robby, Norm, Calvin, David E, and more. Dan C. also stopped by to do a little work on his locomotive and went around the railroad a couple of times. The next thing on our radar is to install the new 20-foot storage container, grade crossing, and a few more track panels. Be on the lookout for more details on our next workday.
Speaking of our next workday we are in need of having the grass cut again soon. If you are able to get get to the site with a riding lawnmower the property could use a good haircut.
Workday Recap Saturday, May 2, 2020
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project.
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project. The ash pit line will also give us a second route on and off the turn table. Over the next couple of workdays, the plan is to complete the ash pit line and begin to prepare the area for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for details around our next workday. We also will need to get the grass cut again in the next couple of weeks. If you have a riding lawn mower and can transport it to the site, it would help reduce the amount of time to cut the grass. Repairs to the club riding lawn mower will be completed soon.
Workday Recap for February 29, 2020
A great group came out today and performed hundreds of feet of track maintenance as we prepare of our 2020 season. A few debates where had, lunch at our normal place, and dreams of building and operating trains this year where had by all.
A great group came out today and performed hundreds of feet of track maintenance as we prepare of our 2020 season. Work was done on the mainline through the yard, the east loop, and points in between. A few debates where had, lunch at our normal place, and dreams of building and operating trains this year were had by all. Don’t forget that March is a busy month for the club. Don’t forget to check out our calendar for the last list of activities.
#6 - 50' & 60' Radius Switch Construction Information (Gene L & Railroad Supply)
#6 - 50' Radius Switch Construction Information
#6 - 50’ Radius Switch Construction diagram. The hand written items represents what Gene L. has been building for the railroad. Note the other diagram is a reference document from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook.
#8 - 80' Radius Switch from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
#8 - 80' Radius Switch from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
Information from information included in the Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
#10 - Radius Switch from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
#10 - Radius Switch from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
#10 - Radius Switch from Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
Ash Pit Line Extension - November 16, 2019
Work has restarted on the Ash Pit line as preparations begin on extending our existing container another 20 feet. Below you’ll see our most recent work day on this project and a look back at where it all started.
Work has restarted on the Ash Pit line as preparations begin on extending our existing container another 20 feet. Below you’ll see our most recent work day on this project and a look back at where it all started.
