Mike takes meeting minutes
Chairman Bob opened the monthly meeting of the Railroad Club on Thursday at 12:38 pm, with 13 members present.
Treasurer’s report -- Kevin
Reports that our bank is healthy and ready to support the ongoing Turntable and Roundhouse projects. Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable are minimal. We have 76 members.
Project Status Reports
Turntable - Bill
No updates.
Round House Foundation - Kevin & Bruce
The forms are in place starting 24’ from the center of the turntable. There are perimeter footings. We are a few weeks away from pouring and finishing the concrete. This, being a large cement installation, it will go out for bid. The pour should occur in September.
Track - Kevin
No updates
Switch Stands and Remotes - Bill
We have surveyed the entire Right of Way, and have a rough draft table of all switches and their status, so we know how many more to be updated and which version of switch will work best in each location. Functionally, all are working, and traffic can pass through all switches as they now stand with no problem in the normal operating direction, and we’re pretty close to all working for reverse running. Rabbit Flat switches will be added to the list as we finalize that layout. All will continue to need annual maintenance and frequent inspections as is normal.
Carl made a setup to modify the cams for the kick switches. Bob will swap one in and test it out.
Signals system
No updates.
Signage - Bruce & Bill
The survey of distances and grade elevations is done. Steve is making sample signs to see if the data layout on the sign blanks is effective in real time use.
Bill reminded us that Yard Limit signs are speed limit and authority signs and designate where restrictions apply, but are not a geographic location defining a yard itself. They are used anywhere, especially on main lines and assign authority to the trains in front of you thereby eliminating the first train’s flagging obligations. Engineers are obligated to maintain a slow speed so they can stop within ½ their sight distance. Nominally, 5 mph maximum. There is one Yard Limit sign on the right side of the track (Engineers side) at every entry into a yard limit area. When you depart a yard limit area, you will see the back of a Yard Limit sign on your left (Fireman’s side) and may resume normal speed limits. Note that the main track around Rabbit Flat will stay at Yard Limit speeds, so that trains exiting Rabbit Flat spurs or the turntable will not have to contend with fast mainline traffic. Smokey Bear Point is also a speed restriction zone due to visibility and will apply in both directions, primarily because of the back-in yard when reverse running. And if you do see someone speeding through a yard, please remind them of the Yard Limit rules.
New shop machines - Ken
No updates.
Red Engine - Mike
We have talked with Brandon about continuing the installation of air brakes which he estimates will take 6 weeks after he starts. Since we need Big Red for the two upcoming meets in September and October, we will not start the project until November . Bruce bought a new horn which has been installed.
Shop and tools - Carl
We found a broken drill set near a mill which had not been reported. The case was damaged and the drills were all mixed up so we had to replace the whole set. Please let Carl or a board member know if something breaks, or you see something broken.
News, Safety and Policies
See above discussion on Yard Limit signs.
Run days, Meets and work days
Sept 27-28 Tri-Meet- Mike
Our annual Tri-Meet with Golden Gate and Sacramento Valley Live Steamers is almost here. We will see lots of running steamers and other engines and friends of the PV&A on Saturday and Sunday, September 27th and 28th. As a special treat, we will run Sunday in reverse !
Overnight camping is available and have one signup already.
We are looking for volunteers to help put on this fun event - Contact Mike at tmikko@me.com to help out.
Plus, please do reserve a lunch for Saturday for $20, payable at the door. Details and RSVP
by clicking on this link.
Oct 25-26 Night run - Mike
Our night run is set for October 25th and 26th with the usual Halloween themes. Mexican Dinner by Jalisco’s will be available Saturday night, payable at the door, but RSVP’s required for planning. More on that later. This run will also have overnight camping available.
Special Run (date TBD) - Bill
Palo Alto’s Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) is planning a 3 month long model railroad event with displays and asked us for the loan of an engine, maybe a smaller steam engine. Leo may offer his electric. They will also bring a group to the RR for a special run day.
We may schedule a special work weekend in October. Bob will coordinate.
Bob closed the meeting at 1:05 PM
Mike Ward
PV&ARR
Secretary