East Loop Repair and More Continued on Wednesday and Thursday
Even with storm clouds rolling in on Wednesday, Wes and Ken pressed forward on the much-anticipated East Loop repair. Their determination was evident as they worked through the drizzle, making steady progress on the critical section of track that has been a focal point of recent projects.
Even with storm clouds rolling in on Wednesday, Wes and Ken pressed forward on the much-anticipated East Loop repair. Their determination was evident as they worked through the drizzle, making steady progress on the critical section of track that has been a focal point of recent projects.
In addition to tackling the East Loop, the pair also spent time repairing the electrical conduit between the Hightower Trail tower and the red container. This task required uncovering and assessing existing lines, then making the necessary repairs to ensure reliable power for future operations. While it might not be as visible as the concrete work or track installation, this behind-the-scenes effort is essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
Needless to say, Wes and Ken have been more than busy all week—balancing heavy construction with careful technical repairs. Their persistence and teamwork have kept the project moving forward despite the challenges that come with unpredictable summer weather.
A big thank you goes out to the team for everything they’ve accomplished so far. Each completed step brings us closer to seeing the East Loop restoration finished, and the excitement is building as we look ahead to the final product taking shape soon.
East Loop Drain Update – Concrete, Conduit & Culverts - August 19, 2025
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain project, even with a few delays and adjustments along the way. The day started with forms in place, but—no surprise—concrete was running late. While waiting, Ken and Wes used the time to excavate the conduit from the high tower to the red container.
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain project, even with a few delays and adjustments along the way. The day started with forms in place, but—no surprise—concrete was running late. While waiting, Ken and Wes used the time to excavate the conduit from the high tower to the red container. Both ends are now uncovered, and about half the length is exposed. This will make it much easier to prepare for laying a new, larger conduit without risking damage to the existing wire.
Once the concrete arrived, they got to pouring. The mix was a little wetter than ideal, so they had to do it in multiple stages with breaks in between. Norm stopped by and pointed out that the ramp head wall wasn’t square, so that got corrected before we filled the blocks.
Meanwhile, Ken gave the green light on the culvert. We pulled the form—just in time, as the culverts were capped and, as the day came to an end, the skies opened up with heavy rain.
All in all, it was a busy day with plenty of opportunities for folks to jump in and lend a hand. We’re pushing hard to be ready for Saturday.
Stay tuned for the next round of progress! To help contact Wes, and he can update you on what is next, including reattaching track panels.
🚧East Loop Drain Repair Update for Sunday, August 17th🚂
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain repair as Ken, Wes, and “Bob’s” distant cousin keep things moving forward. In addition to tackling the drain, the crew has been busy with other improvements around the railroad—including building a new ramp for the siding that will service the shop.
The drain project remains the top priority, with Tuesday, August 19th marked as the big concrete day. If all goes according to plan, track panels will also be installed.
Wes is coordinating the work onsite and reports that extra hands are needed this week to help keep everything on schedule. If you’re available, please reach out to him directly. The goal is to have the railroad ready to roll in time for this Saturday’s Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run.
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain repair as Ken, Wes, and “Bob’s” distant cousin keep things moving forward. In addition to tackling the drain, the crew has been busy with other improvements around the railroad—including building a new ramp for the siding that will service the shop.
The drain project remains the top priority, with Tuesday, August 19th marked as the big concrete day. If all goes according to plan, track panels will also be installed.
Wes is coordinating the work onsite and reports that extra hands are needed this week to help keep everything on schedule. If you’re available, please reach out to him directly. The goal is to have the railroad ready to roll in time for this Saturday’s Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run.
East Loop Drain Repair Workday Recap for Saturday, August 16th
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.
This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, “Bob’s” distant cousin, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.
This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.
East Loop Drain Repair – A Permanent Fix in the Works
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, “Bob’s” distant cousin, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.
This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.
Well, it’s happened again — the drain in the East Loop has failed, which means the railroad can’t be used until a major repair is completed. This is the third time we’ve dealt with this issue, but the good news is that we now have enough experience to solve the problem once and for all.
Ken and Wes have developed a solid repair plan, and over the next couple of weeks, they’ll be working hard to get everything in place. They’ll also be looking for extra hands to help, so if you can lend time or equipment, your support will be greatly appreciated.
Here is a little bit of information regarding the plan.
Pipe Installation
The existing galvanized steel spiral pipe will be moved forward.
We will use some of the black corgated pipe we already have to add more ways for water to flow out of the east loop into the lower level.
Install a concrete head wall to secure the pipe. All concrete work will be reinforced with rebar for long-term durability
A scour pad with a turndown to prevent undercutting and erosion
Side walls will direct and contain water flow
Materials Needed
Concrete – Currently scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, August 19th
One load of crusher run
Labor, diesel, forming materials, and equipment – Already donated (thank you!).
Project Schedule (Weather-Dependent)
Friday, August 15th – Tracked loader into dig, grade, and move spoil for the new roadbed.
Saturday, August 16th – Grade and form, set pipe, backfill, and move soils/stone for the roadbed.
Tuesday, August 19th – Pour concrete, pull forms, backfill, and prep roadbed for track installation.
If you can help, please reach out to Wes for more details on when and how you can be of help.
Major Repair Workday Recap for Saturday, February 22nd
What an incredible day. The air warmed up, and the sun was bright throughout the day. We had an energetic crew at the site helping to repair both of the outer loop tracks on the east side of the railroad.
Special work day observer
What an incredible day. The air warmed up, and the sun was bright throughout the day. We had an energetic crew at the site helping to repair both of the outer loop tracks on the east side of the railroad. The crew, consisting of Tyler, Paul, Dale, Robby, Brooke, Darryl, Brandon, and Robby, regauged and removed gaps between sections of more than 150 feet of track. The crew leveled and ballasted the area as well, with more still to be done. While the crew was working on the east loop, John and Norm worked on building a curve switch for the Grandma Line project. The plan is to install the switch on the mainline during our next workday on Saturday, March 8th.
Workday produced progress on the “Grandma Line” and repair on the east loop
As we countdown to the last public run day of the year a small crew went to the railroad on Saturday to make sure things are in good shape for our November 9th big event. The work crew consisted of Wes, Kenneth, Scott, and John and took split up and worked on east loop repair and the “Grandma Line”. Wes and Kenneth worked on the east end outer loop inner track which need some attention in several areas. Scott and John worked on the “Grandma Line” by setting forms, bringing buckets of crush and run over, and laying out several panels. John also worked Friday on the container mural by lettering several mural containers. He added Hapag Lloyd and “K” Line, Sea Land, and Maersk. John is taking recommendations for other painted containers on the mural. If you have any real or fake container companies, you would like to see let him know.
As we countdown to the last public run day of the year a small crew went to the railroad on Saturday to make sure things are in good shape for our November 9th big event. The work crew consisted of Wes, Kenneth, Scott, and John and took split up and worked on east loop repair and the “Grandma Line”. Wes and Kenneth worked on the east end outer loop inner track which need some attention in several areas. Scott and John worked on the “Grandma Line” by setting forms, bringing buckets of crush and run over, and laying out several panels. John also worked Friday on the container mural by lettering several mural containers. He added Hapag Lloyd and “K” Line, Sea Land, and Maersk. John is taking recommendations for other painted containers on the mural. If you have any real or fake container companies, you would like to see let him know.
