Operations Council Meeting Summary
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Attendees: 14 members Chaired by: Kevin
Financial Report — Kevin
Accounts Receivable: $250 — 3 members have not paid dues; collection agents to be assigned by Kevin
Accounts Payable: $121.77 — outstanding checks not yet cashed
Project Status
Rabbit Flat — Roundhouse — Mike
Work progressing well; studs, frames, and headers mostly done. Finish clerestory window framing next week. Then on to plywood siding. Kevin and Bill will design and install interior track.
Rabbit Flat Yard Lead — Bruce / Kevin
Retaining walls complete
Next steps: (1) move existing track, (2) remove return track for equipment access, (3) grade and fill basin to Silver Bridge, (4) reinstall track with new wood ties
Will need extra volunteers when moving the track
Kevin away for the next two weeks
Track Signals Update — Ed
Train Mountain corrected an error in the signal board; new CAD and manufacturing documents created
Working with Russ's nephew to get PC boards fabricated in China; initial quote ~$32/board (5-board run; price drops at volume)
Some BOM component part numbers still are missing. Info is pending from Train Mountain
Existing, working system (Lance's) left in place for now; new signals will be deployed to new locations first
7 priority locations identified: track crossings and train junctions
Proof of concept well underway; completion expected within a few months
Serpentine Track & Switch Section Repair — Kevin
Complete. Kink removed and section replaced.
New Signs — Steve
Steve not present; no update.
Big Red Engine Status — Mike
Brandon traveling; plans to pick up the engine in April to install the remainder of air brake system for two passenger cars.
Club has 4 cars with 2.5" couplers; Big Red or Bruce's electric can tow them
Ron’s car will be used for a guest on the April run day
Operations Meet Planning — Ed
October 24–25, starting 9:00 AM — two-day event - our first Operations Meet; led by Ed Sarber and Rich Croll.
Night run planned; requires careful control (cars on sidings, supervised) and permission from the Ranch
Train Mountain Operations Meet: June 24–27 — Ed recommends members attend to learn operations
Starting May: Ed hosting monthly post-lunch? briefings / training sessions (Q&A format) for members who want to participate in the Ops Meet. Many important jobs to learn beyond engineering the trains.
Switches — Bill
Switches now excellent when installed correctly
Past problems caused by well-intentioned but unauthorized modifications
Refined mechanical drawings and installation procedures documentation now complete
Key points for all members: no tools needed to adjust (done by hand); non-operating switch is almost always rock/debris; do not modify on your own — contact one of the 4–5 experienced members
All switches now have interchangeable parts (manual or remote)
First-priority retrofits nearly complete (4 priority tiers total)
Improvement visible as early as the next run day
Work Week — November 7–13
Status: ~1,200 ties on hand; area and project lead not yet chosen. (note that 450 ties will be consumed when adding a new entry track to Rabbit Flat. Mike’s team pledges to have enough prefab ties available as needed.
Ed volunteered to coordinate
Proposal
Start at the crossing; work toward Rabbit Flat / High Bridge replacing ties with plastic ties, realigning track, installing switches, adding midway signage
Schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily; multiple teams (tie replacement + tamping/ballasting)
Prep to begin 3–4 months ahead — suggest July 5 – August 1
Training required for all participants; firm day-commitments needed from members
Tool notes: must work sequentially on curves; primary manpower need is holding ties, not more tools
November weather generally workable; flexibility needed for potential rain week
It was suggested that recruiting volunteers is a critical activity. Robert agreed to coordinate recruiting.
Club to pay for some meals?
T-Shirt Sales
Current inventory at $20; next order will be $25
Dee in charge of sales; Will may sell and mail shirts (to be confirmed)
Hoodies discontinued; assess whether more tees need to be ordered
Meet & Event Planning — 2026 Schedule
| Month | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March | Normal run | This Saturday & Sunday |
| April | Car club event | Steve coordinating; both days |
| June | Triumph Travelers Sports Car Club | Rye Livingston coordinator; Bob likely host |
| June 24–27 | Train Mountain Operations Meet | Recommended for members learning operations |
| September 26-27 | Tri Club Meet | Fully confirmed; includes lunch |
| October 24–25 | Operations Meet | Ed organizing; two-day with possible night run |
| November 7–13 | Work Week | Ed coordinating |
Reminder: Groups of 8 or more must handle their own planning and notify the club in advance.
Future Event — Roundhouse Completion Celebration
Celebration event planned when Roundhouse is finished and tracks to it installed
Riverside group committed to bring K36, K27, and K28 engines for show-and-tell / photography with engines coming out of Roundhouse
Another goal: photograph all engines on different bridges/trestles simultaneously
Safety Items
Switch Flag Indicators — Sharp Corners
Metal flags on switch indicators have sharp corners tearing clothing (Bruce has torn his pants 3 times)
Suggested: round off corners using die/punch/grinder with a template for consistency (~6 flags per indicator)
Several other suggestions for addressing the issue. Russ suggested 3D printing covers for the sharp points. Bruno is designing a 3D printed indicator flag.
Table Saw
Backing plate on arbor ~10 thousandths out of square; blade wobble excessive
Latest update: Ken worked his magic on Saturday and corrected the problem.
Other Business
Carl: Doing well; someone with him almost every day
Reminder; this year we are only meeting on the odd months, so no minutes for February, April, etc
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM