Saturday was beautiful and warm. We held the meeting outdoors!
PV & A RR Operations Council and Annual Meeting Minutes
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Meeting began at 12:40 outdoors on a sunny day
Board Members in Attendance: Mike Ward, Kevin Hayashi, and Bruce Swanson
Opening Remarks
Kevin acted as chair of the meeting; Marty and Mike took notes.
Kevin announced that Bob is temporarily stepping back from involvement with the club. Bob has been Chairman for over 10 years, herding the cats and making sure operations run smoothly at the club. He will be missed, especially when we find out all the things he was doing that aren't getting done. Hopefully he will return sooner rather than later.
Ed Holland moved for a vote of thanks for Bob's service, which was passed unanimously.
Bill was also unable to attend the meeting. He asked that we understand that he really wanted to attend this meeting.
Financial Report
Accounts Receivable: $1,100
Accounts Payable: $1,081.63
Membership: 78 members total, 11 delinquent on dues
Delinquent members: Volunteers were asked to contact delinquent members; a roster is available both in hard copy and online.
2026 Budget and Project Priorities
Budget
Cash on hand remains healthy and should cover planned 2026 and 2027 projects. Eventually may have to fund raise to complete all ongoing projects. Saving money by using existing aluminum rail for new projects. Potential income from selling old ties, track panels, and a steam engine. Expenses over $75 require pre-approval from two board members—please list those names on your reimbursement form.
2026 Project Priorities
Serpentine track section repair. The old alpine return route is out of commission until track is relayed to remove a kink at the switch.
Complete all switch upgrades
Rabbit Flat yard lead restructuring
Roundhouse construction
Track to connect yard lead to turntable and roundhouse
Rabbit Flat Industries yard
Work week focusing on repairs (November 7–13 primary; September 12–18 backup)
In October we will host an Operations meet that will use the new Rabbit Flat industry layout and engage many club members and guests.
Projects' Status
Rabbit Flat
Roundhouse (Mike): Progressing well—two of seven prefab walls and mudsills are in place. Next steps include installing studs/paneling after good weather. Woodworking team coordination continues.
Track (Kevin): A retaining wall will be built under the Silver Bridges to add a third track. Work includes preserving the uphill tree and adding a separate yard lead, plus track leveling and tie work.
Track Signals (Ed)
Proof-of-concept approved by the board. Plan: Obtain Train Mountain detection and signal control boards, create 3 train blocks with associated signals, and demonstrate signal behavior this year.
Serpentine Track Section (Kevin)
Repair work is ongoing; identified as a 2026 priority.
New Signs (Steve Dunne)
Completed signage (mile markers, points of interest, yield signs, spur-length markers) ready for posting. Spur-length measurements and labels need standardization before mounting.
Big Red Engine (Mike)
Air-brake distribution and control panel work to be completed by Brandon (estimate not to exceed $500).
Operations Meet Planning (Ed)
Developing paper waybill/car-card procedure. Identifying required industries/stations. Proof-of-concept operations run planned for fall. Note: Number of simultaneous trains limited by car availability, but can be many; maximum 5 cars per locomotive based on Train Mountain system.
Switches (Marty and Ed)
Team has built enough switches to refurbish all switch stands and points. Only 2–3 switches remain to be upgraded; minor tweaking needed. Install rate: approximately 2–3 per week. Ed explained that virtually all switches used during normal direction runs have been upgraded. Only reverse direction switches still need upgrades.
Work Week (Ed)
Primary dates: November 7–13, 2026
Backup dates: September 12–18, 2026
Primary project not yet selected. Based on successful Train Mountain model—emphasizes commitment and resource availability.
New Tie Preparation (Mike)
Approximately 4,500 ties needed for upcoming projects. Process: Drill screw holes and install screws. Production will stay ahead of install teams.
News, Safety, and Policies
T-Shirt Sales
Price: $20 each. Dee is in charge, with Will Sharron and Robert Seidl as backups. XL and XXL sizes are already out of stock! Interest in hoodies/sweatshirts (~$45) being collected—show of hands requested.
Officer Elections for 2026
Mike stepping down as secretary after 10 years of service; Marty stepping up. Mike will focus on roundhouse and big meet(s). Slate confirmed: Bruce, Kevin, Bob, Marty; Bill's position appointed by family. Officers thanked for their service.
Meet / Event Planning
2026 Events
January: Annual meeting, Jr. Engineer training (Marty), Officer elections, Guest attendee Mitch Haik
April: Model A and Model T club combined event—approximately 30 attendees expected; hosts and workshop coordination needed; approved pending final confirmation
June: Triumph Travelers Sports Car Club visit
September: Tri Club meet (fully confirmed), includes lunch
October: Ops meet
Night Run
No night run currently on calendar. Fall run (September) suggested as warmer, but less dark option. Arrangements can be made for overnight stays, if desired.
General Guidance
If you have a big group, you must do the planning and notify the board. Next board meeting: March 28 (meetings held every other month).
Kevin closed the meeting at 1:30 PM