July 16 Work Session: Llano-Kingsland, TX

This turned out to be a very productive work session, in part due to the weather being more favorable for work.  There was a rain storm on the way to Llano and cloudy skies the rest of the day, so that kept temperatures down.  We set the RPI motorcar trailer on at the wye and loaded it up, including an eight-foot-long turntable that was recently donated to RPI by Art Gustafson of Newalla, OK.  We hooked the trailer up to Frank Glatzl's motorcar, which was fitting, since Frank played a major role in the trailer's renovation.

And here's a photo with Frank in it at the depot just before leaving:

On the way down we installed nine RPI marker posts and on the way back five more, plus we replaced a reflector that had fallen off a marker post.  Now every crossing on our lease is protected, either by a pair of crossbucks, a "Private RR Crossing" sign, or a set of RPI markers.

We also got out and lopped tree branches.  Seems like most trees want to fling their branches across the tracks so we have to dodge them while passing through.  Jerry Light had a chainsaw mounted on a long pole, which he used to take down larger or hard-to-reach trees and branches.

At Scobey Spur, we tried out the newly-donated turntable.  First, of course, we had to figure out how to assemble it.  After turning the RPI trailer, we took the turntable apart and stored it back on the trailer.

On the way back, we tallied and photographed crossings that do not have crossbuck signs or Private RR Crossing signs (if they had neither, we made sure there was a set of RPI post-mounted reflectors to protect the crossing).   This info is useful to Capital Metro.  Of course, we also stopped to cut more branches.

At one private crossing within a pasture we met Ernest Ligon, who had been running 25 head of cattle on the pasture.  He has moved them to a location where they can get more water.  Mr. Ligon noted that there had been a set of holding pens and a siding to transship cattle out of a ranch near by his leased pasture.  This siding is still visible today. 

The RPI motorcar trailer performed flawlessly.  No problems tracking and a very straight wear pattern on the wheels.  I do have to take off one of the towbar tongues and straighten it out but that's a minor fix.  One other suggestion was to install lift handles on what will become the rear of the rail-mower.  Probably will do that eventually.  I think I have one lift handle bracket already and will look for another.

Work session participants included Leland Stewart, Jerry Light, Frank Glatzl, Michael and Valerie Businger, Lou Houck, Marty Reimer and Ed Michal.  George Gray joined those who stayed behind for dinner at the Llaneux Seafood Restaurant in town.

The next RPI work session will be on Saturday, August 6.  Details to be provided.

Motorcar Trailer Floor Installed

Here's what the RPI motorcar trailer looks like with its new floor:

And here's a photo after throwing in two pieces of conveyor belting to protect the floor from our work tools and supplies:

Have loaded it onto my 12-foot trailer, so it's ready to go to work:

Next Work Session Coming Up

The next RPI work session, starting in Llano, will be this Saturday, July 16.  Several folks have signed up already.  Although I won't be bringing a motorcar, I plan to bring the RPI motorcar trailer so we can carry our tools and other equipment comfortably and commodiously.  I should have a plywood floor installed by tomorrow, the 15th, just in time.  I will be bringing marker poles and markers to install at the crossing along the line where there are no signs or markers at all.  Then on the way back, I will try to write down the exact locations of those highway-rail grade intersections so Cap Metro can install some crossbucks for motor vehicle traffic.  The weather prediction for both Llano and Kingsland is a high of 102 degrees, so we will have to bring plenty of water and try not to over-exert ourselves in the heat.  But it should be an important and interesting day on the rails.