It was supposed to be a 15 minute meeting …
Chairman Bob opened the meeting at 12:41 pm.
We had 15 members at the RR today.
Treasurer’s report - Kevin
We have ample money in the bank, with Accounts receivable of $100 (one dues payment - which is pending, just not complete) and outstanding checks of $820.19
Our large steel purchase is complete
We have an upcoming bill of ~ $7K for our two new riding cars for the Big Red engine. See below for naming news
We have 65 members, 64 are current.
Project Status Reports
Rabbit Flat - Kevin
Rabbit Flat was drying out but now getting wetter on March 29th - 0.85” more inches of rain. The roundhouse and turntable locations have been marked out with cinder blocks. Entry switches are laid in place for the first 6 or so switches. There will be three more on the right for future yard tracks and industries. Bruce has started removing the buildings for some TLC by Randy and relocation to their future homes after we finish Rabbit Flat track installation.
Track repair - Kevin
Kevin and Bill fixed the dented track on Overlook Point. It has been tested at speed with the club engine, but do let us know if you derail there.
Track Refurbishment Project - Bob
This large undertaking will take several years to complete. We have the materials on hand, and estimate that about a mile of track and switches needs to have the wood ties replaced with our long-lasting plastic ties. We’re developing standards and work methods so that our results will be durable, consistent and as easy as possible to implement.
Track assembly experiments - Mike, Bob, Russ and Vernon made 2 more test panels on March 21st, one straight and one curved, some with tie plates, some without. The tie plates which we have used in the past caused some difficulties in assembly, and we will be proceeding without them.Two more track panels will be built March 28th to test various sequences of driving in the screws. In all tests, the new track gauges Bill made keep the gauge of the track very tightly centered around our target dimension.
This will wrap this part up so we can begin the field test of 100’ of track in situ when weather conditions permit.
Geographic Map - Bob
Peter Blum has started updating the representational map to match all the updates on the Schematic map.
Schematic maps - Bob
They are close to correct with a few minor tweaks to be added. Bruno will create two layers in the set of drawings so that the unique information for Operations Meets are distinct from all the details needed for track maintenance. We now define our railroad in 3 Divisions, each with its own color. Lake Division (Blue), Mountain Division (Green) and Redwood Division (Red). This gives us a more realistic nomenclature for our RR and will enhance both operations and maintenance.
There are some changes to the way things were previously named, but it will be fun to re-learn our way around. Please take a look at the DIvisional and Geographic Maps here on our website.
All the switch numbers are defined and Dee and Matt will start placing the new numbered disc identifiers on each switch soon. They will be located near the switch actuators and screwed to the top of a tie.
Switch Production - Kevin
We have 5 new switches ready for outfitting with kick switches and 2 more are being built.
Safety, Club information and News - Bob
Safety Glasses - Be sure to wear them when using machines in the shop. There are face shields placed by grinders and sanders, and safety glasses in a box by the refrigerator.
New Member process - Mike
Bob has been getting emails from readers of our website inquiring about membership. The steps prospective members from whatever source is that they need to be hosted by a member, visit a couple of times, and talk with 1-2 board members (Bill, Bruce, Bob, Kevin and Mike). We are looking for Model Railroad enthusiasts or people who will bring technical skills to our group that will help it move forward. If folks are members of other clubs, they are certainly welcome to visit; need not join, unless they wish to.
Big RR ties - Matt
Matt has identified 200 full sized RR ties selected for us at Niles Canyon, weighting about 24,000 pounds. Doug Lo has a gooseneck trailer and has volunteered to bring them up to the RR.
New passenger cars - Bruce
Our two new riding cars are complete, with brakes installed and are waiting in Oxnard for our naming decision and then pickup. Matt and Dee have agreed to pick them up. After group discussion, we decided to name them
PV&A RR 2401 and PV&A RR 2402 honoring our RR and year of purchase.
Q & A
Tom asked if we are going to purchase switch frogs. Bob answered that the manufacturer never did produce any production units and the sample did not meet our needs, so we will continue to fabricate our own.
Event & Run Planning Bob
April - David Littlefield will be coming with some friends. We’re expecting better weather and hoping a few steam engines will be active.
June - is our annual Tri-Meet. Bob has issued invitations to Sacramento Valley Live Steam and Golden Gate Live steam, and will remind them to put it on their calendars. We can run in the evening but it will be light for a long time. We’ll have a meal and need lots of volunteer help. MIke and Bob will talk offline about recruiting volunteers for both June and October.
October night run and Operations practice meet. - This will run over two days to make it worthwhile for those who come a far distance to enjoy and help this new activity for PV&A RR. Ed S and Rich Croll are our experts who will help us put it on and learn as we go. We are working on getting permission to have overnight campers for this run. We have to be very mindful of the Ranch protocols, like staying only in RR areas, no smoking/vaping or alcohol on property. This meet will also have an evening meal on Saturday and will require many volunteers.
Bob ended the meeting at 1:24 pm
Mike Ward
PV&ARR
Secretary