Frank Glatzl and I showed up in Kingsland on Sunday, Sept. 30, for a marathon weed-cutting session between one end of Campa Pajama Lane and the other, where each crosses the Capital Metro tracks. I had already cleaned up the west end, behind our usual lunch stop, Spyke's, on the preceding Friday. We continued weed-whacking our way toward the east end. Frank spent most of the day using my wheeled weed-whacker. I used my BCS two-wheeled tractor, but it proved difficult to manage on the rough edges along the track. Ultimately, I used my loppers and the hedge-trimmer, until the latter ran out of fuel. I ended up literally pulling out weeds with my bare hands. These were not little bitty weeds but sunflower stalks six and seven feet high. They were leaning over the track, causing trouble for motorcar operators and passengers. We cleaned up this one small section, about 700-800 feet, quite thoroughly, earning a thumbs-up from RPI President Leland Stewart as the main work group passed by on motorcars. This area was among the weediest portions of track, and the location where the rail-mower has bogged down in the past. Hopefully it will remain clear until at least the Oct. 27 RPI Llano branch excursion.
We had lunch with the rest of the work session participants and then returned to the work site to pack up and head out. I assume they did a lot of trimming trees and shrubs along the way.
Don't have any photos of the cleared track but it looked a lot like the track shown in the post for Friday, Sept. 28.
Next work session is Saturday, Oct. 20. We look forward to participating again.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Mini RPI Work Session at Kingsland
I went up to Kingsland today to get in some cleanup at the Campa Pajama Lane crossing behind Spyke's BBQ (our normal lunch stop) before the heavy rains arrive this evening. This was unusual since normally we have insurance to cover us only one day, however, we now have "windows" of up to four days so I was covered by insurance and therefore able to work on the track. The window also came in handy for Leland, since he decided to postpone the Saturday, 9/29, work session to the 30th, again on account of the rain.
Here's before and after photos of the crossing (the after refers to after three hours of pulling out or cutting sunflower stalks, carrying them off, cleaning up garbage and then cutting down the stumps so no one trips on them):
As you can see, I have only nibbled around the edges of the interior of the ROW side that concerns me most, as far as clearing the lines of sight. However, there is a stump, some branches and a metal framework in there which are going to have to be cut up to be disposed of. So that was more than I was prepared to chew on today. At least I made more progress than in many work sessions out here.
At the end of the session I carted away a 4x8 plywood sheet (broken in half to fit my 4x6 trailer), two strips of metal and one and a half bags of trash. The crossing is a lot safer than before. Plus I found a piece off my two-wheeled BCS 725 mowing tractor that had fallen off the last work session over here. So now I can put it back on the 725 and have it ready for Sunday's work session. Frank Glatzl and I will be working a little bit further east along the line, where the sunflower stalks are thick and high. We will see how much damage we can do to them with the 725, which has a four-foot-wide cutting bar with teeth. I hope we will leave that crossing and the area around looking a whole lot better as well.
Here's before and after photos of the crossing (the after refers to after three hours of pulling out or cutting sunflower stalks, carrying them off, cleaning up garbage and then cutting down the stumps so no one trips on them):
As you can see, I have only nibbled around the edges of the interior of the ROW side that concerns me most, as far as clearing the lines of sight. However, there is a stump, some branches and a metal framework in there which are going to have to be cut up to be disposed of. So that was more than I was prepared to chew on today. At least I made more progress than in many work sessions out here.
At the end of the session I carted away a 4x8 plywood sheet (broken in half to fit my 4x6 trailer), two strips of metal and one and a half bags of trash. The crossing is a lot safer than before. Plus I found a piece off my two-wheeled BCS 725 mowing tractor that had fallen off the last work session over here. So now I can put it back on the 725 and have it ready for Sunday's work session. Frank Glatzl and I will be working a little bit further east along the line, where the sunflower stalks are thick and high. We will see how much damage we can do to them with the 725, which has a four-foot-wide cutting bar with teeth. I hope we will leave that crossing and the area around looking a whole lot better as well.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
RPI Work Sessions in July and August
I wasn't able to attend the RPI work session at Llano on Saturday, July 28, because I was up in Colorado. My mother fell and gashed her head so I rushed up to be with her in the hospital. She seemed to be doing better and then died suddenly several days later. I organized the memorial service and headed home after the session.
From what I heard, the work session was pretty normal, with brush-cutting and weed-whacking at crossings, etc. Frank Glatzl operated the rail-mower, which was towed by the A-car. However, the rail-mower broke down after a few miles. Frank later diagnosed the problem as a worn groove in the governor shaft, allowing an E-ring to slip off, resulting in major damage inside the engine. He ordered parts, fabbed a new shaft with the right size groove, and got the rail-mower engine running again. Of course, all this involved removing and disassembling the engine and then re-installing it, this time up at Frank's place. As so many times before, the rail-mower would have died a permanent death without Frank's attentions. When the August 25 work session came around, he brought the rail-mower to Llano, hooked it up again to the A-car and this time it worked perfectly all the way to Scobey Spur and back. That's not to say the group mowed all that way, just that during the periods when they did mow, the rail-mower did not break down, which what I consider a major step forward.
I had a project of my own on Aug. 25: installing 35 feet of 25-lb rail that I donated to RPI to store the A-car and rail-mower on inside the storage container. New members Jay and Cecil Walston helped me drive in two inch wood screws with a portable drill and portable impact driver. They hold down mending plates, which in turn hold down the rail by pressing against the web of the rail. We spaced them about three feet apart. Here are some photos of the results:
In the foreground of the second photo is the connecting piece between the railroad and the rail inside the container, fabricated by Jerry Light. It is removable so as to be able to close the doors and lock them. The new rails provide a way to securely store the A-car. And not putting any lumber between them enables us to move items to and from the back of the container (for example, there's a refrigerator back there now used to store herbicide that keeps the herbicide cooler than it would otherwise be inside the container).
I didn't go down the line with the motorcar operators since I wanted to finish up this project. So I stayed behind, finished up and just then saw John Pattison, our RPI VP, arrive. It was a major shock to see John since he can hardly ever get off from his job with Amtrak to come out for work sessions, and I was real tired what with the heat, so at first I just stared at him like he was a ghost. Then I showed off the work and we drove down separately to Spyke's to have lunch with the group. Before they arrived I mowed the track at the Spyke's stop with a wheeled weed-whacker to give them a clear area to dismount and, if necessary, work on their motorcars:
After lunch, the group headed off to Scobey Spur. While they were gone, I took my BCS two-wheeled tractor off my trailer and started mowing the really tall and thick sunflower stalks. After only a short while, I felt tired and hot, so I sat down, drank some cold water and rested in the shade for a while. I got back up and went back to work and almost immediately felt the energy just draining out of me. I think the body just decided the heat and humidity and exertion were too much, so it sent me a signal to call it quits for the day. I did but I hung around another 20 minutes or so and the group returned by then, so I got some shots:
The top shot shows Lou Houck with his Northern Pacific M-9, and Marty Reimer riding with him, bottom shot shows the A-car with a whole bunch of workers. Preceding both of them was Jerry Light in his hy-rail Gator.
That about sums it up for the Aug. 25 work session. Next session is Saturday, Sept. 29, again at Llano. I hope to attend but can't be sure right now since I do tax preparation for a living and the extension season is upon me. Have to give priority to getting my customers' returns done by Oct. 17. But if I can make it, will be there.
From what I heard, the work session was pretty normal, with brush-cutting and weed-whacking at crossings, etc. Frank Glatzl operated the rail-mower, which was towed by the A-car. However, the rail-mower broke down after a few miles. Frank later diagnosed the problem as a worn groove in the governor shaft, allowing an E-ring to slip off, resulting in major damage inside the engine. He ordered parts, fabbed a new shaft with the right size groove, and got the rail-mower engine running again. Of course, all this involved removing and disassembling the engine and then re-installing it, this time up at Frank's place. As so many times before, the rail-mower would have died a permanent death without Frank's attentions. When the August 25 work session came around, he brought the rail-mower to Llano, hooked it up again to the A-car and this time it worked perfectly all the way to Scobey Spur and back. That's not to say the group mowed all that way, just that during the periods when they did mow, the rail-mower did not break down, which what I consider a major step forward.
I had a project of my own on Aug. 25: installing 35 feet of 25-lb rail that I donated to RPI to store the A-car and rail-mower on inside the storage container. New members Jay and Cecil Walston helped me drive in two inch wood screws with a portable drill and portable impact driver. They hold down mending plates, which in turn hold down the rail by pressing against the web of the rail. We spaced them about three feet apart. Here are some photos of the results:
In the foreground of the second photo is the connecting piece between the railroad and the rail inside the container, fabricated by Jerry Light. It is removable so as to be able to close the doors and lock them. The new rails provide a way to securely store the A-car. And not putting any lumber between them enables us to move items to and from the back of the container (for example, there's a refrigerator back there now used to store herbicide that keeps the herbicide cooler than it would otherwise be inside the container).
I didn't go down the line with the motorcar operators since I wanted to finish up this project. So I stayed behind, finished up and just then saw John Pattison, our RPI VP, arrive. It was a major shock to see John since he can hardly ever get off from his job with Amtrak to come out for work sessions, and I was real tired what with the heat, so at first I just stared at him like he was a ghost. Then I showed off the work and we drove down separately to Spyke's to have lunch with the group. Before they arrived I mowed the track at the Spyke's stop with a wheeled weed-whacker to give them a clear area to dismount and, if necessary, work on their motorcars:
After lunch, the group headed off to Scobey Spur. While they were gone, I took my BCS two-wheeled tractor off my trailer and started mowing the really tall and thick sunflower stalks. After only a short while, I felt tired and hot, so I sat down, drank some cold water and rested in the shade for a while. I got back up and went back to work and almost immediately felt the energy just draining out of me. I think the body just decided the heat and humidity and exertion were too much, so it sent me a signal to call it quits for the day. I did but I hung around another 20 minutes or so and the group returned by then, so I got some shots:
The top shot shows Lou Houck with his Northern Pacific M-9, and Marty Reimer riding with him, bottom shot shows the A-car with a whole bunch of workers. Preceding both of them was Jerry Light in his hy-rail Gator.
That about sums it up for the Aug. 25 work session. Next session is Saturday, Sept. 29, again at Llano. I hope to attend but can't be sure right now since I do tax preparation for a living and the extension season is upon me. Have to give priority to getting my customers' returns done by Oct. 17. But if I can make it, will be there.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Highly Productive Work Session on Llano Branch June 30, 2012
RPI's June 30, 2012, work session on the Llano Branch resulted in a great deal of work getting done. RPI member Ron Pereida brought a large tractor to Llano and graded the ROW along the north tail track of the wye, finishing up the job that a skidsteer had begun. Other RPI members cleaned up the remaining tree stumps and limbs along the ROW, resulting in a clear view in both directions.
After working at Llano, Ron took his tractor down to Kingsland and used the box blade to scrape off the excessive gravel covering the crossing at the Antlers Inn. Everyone in RPI greatly appreciates his work at both Llano and Kingsland during this work session. Here's some photos of him hard at work in Kingsland:
Frank Glatzl and I deployed the rail-mower once again, having replaced the mower deck belt, which was worn away until it snapped during the last work session and fixed some of the problems that were causing the wear during a "rail-mower work session" at my place. This time the rail-mower worked well all the way down to Scobey Spur and back into Kingsland. Just past the Antlers it quit working because an E-ring on the governor rod vibrated off, but by then it was time to head back to Llano at full speed anyway. The rail-mower works most effectively while proceeding at 2-3 miles per hour, which means we can never mow the entire 26-mile line perfectly in one work session anyway, so we have to pick and choose which section needs the most attention. If we can mow at 2-3 mph and then come back through the same section with the rail-mower on, it will do a very good job indeed, as you can see from the following photo:
The tall weeds on the left were all over the tracks when we mowed in late April, making this particular spot (just west of the most eastward Campa Pajama Lane crossing) virtually impassable. In fact, Frank and I and another RPI member had to try to push my Woodings CBI motorcar and the rail-mower through, Leland ruined a belt on his M-19 trying to push the combo from behind, and we only got through because Jerry Light came around with his hy-rail Gator and pulled us through. This time we were able to mow through this section without much difficulty precisely because we were able to mow it in April. (And, BTW, the reason it was almost impassable was primarily because the weeds made the track so slippery we could hardly get any traction).
We did have a little down time on the way into Kingsland, waiting for the main group to catch up with us. Here, Frank is waiting at a crossing in the CBI with the rail-mower behind it.
One major development this work session was that the former Hill Country Railroad A-car was successfully deployed. Jerry Light took the initiative to locate an acceptable 40 foot storage container and to organize its delivery and setup at the north end of the wye tail track. Leland obtained an amendment to the Capital Metro RR lease allowing the location of the container on the track and Jerry obtained a Llano city building permit, just to cover all bases. The container allows the A-car to be stored securely, safe from the weather and vandals or thieves, while awaiting its next use. This large motorcar can be used to transport multiple RPI members, especially those without motorcars, so they can participate in work session. New RPI members Jason Fowler and Cecil Walston, for example, rode the A-car this work session, while President Leland Stewart operated it. Here's a photo of the A-car as it was being put to bed after the June 30 work session:
Plans are in the works to install 25-lb rail inside the container so the A-car, the rail-mower and trailers can be accommodated. Ultimately, the A-car is the natural rail vehicle to pull the rail-mower since it, like Jerry's Gator, can power through difficult terrain conditions such as slippery rails, heavy vegetation, etc.
A lot of work has gone into making it possible to use the A-car again. Jerry has fabricated special rails to bridge the gap between the end of the rail and the container boards or rails once the doors are opened. Leland got the carburetor refurbished on short notice down in San Antonio and Jerry re-installed it, resulting in the engine coming back to life in time for the June 30 work session. RPI members have donated $ 500.00 toward the cost of the container so far, helping defray the $ 2800.00 cost. We are now poised to ensure that all RPI members can enjoy a work session experience on the Llano Branch and that is a great step forward.
After working at Llano, Ron took his tractor down to Kingsland and used the box blade to scrape off the excessive gravel covering the crossing at the Antlers Inn. Everyone in RPI greatly appreciates his work at both Llano and Kingsland during this work session. Here's some photos of him hard at work in Kingsland:
Frank Glatzl and I deployed the rail-mower once again, having replaced the mower deck belt, which was worn away until it snapped during the last work session and fixed some of the problems that were causing the wear during a "rail-mower work session" at my place. This time the rail-mower worked well all the way down to Scobey Spur and back into Kingsland. Just past the Antlers it quit working because an E-ring on the governor rod vibrated off, but by then it was time to head back to Llano at full speed anyway. The rail-mower works most effectively while proceeding at 2-3 miles per hour, which means we can never mow the entire 26-mile line perfectly in one work session anyway, so we have to pick and choose which section needs the most attention. If we can mow at 2-3 mph and then come back through the same section with the rail-mower on, it will do a very good job indeed, as you can see from the following photo:
The tall weeds on the left were all over the tracks when we mowed in late April, making this particular spot (just west of the most eastward Campa Pajama Lane crossing) virtually impassable. In fact, Frank and I and another RPI member had to try to push my Woodings CBI motorcar and the rail-mower through, Leland ruined a belt on his M-19 trying to push the combo from behind, and we only got through because Jerry Light came around with his hy-rail Gator and pulled us through. This time we were able to mow through this section without much difficulty precisely because we were able to mow it in April. (And, BTW, the reason it was almost impassable was primarily because the weeds made the track so slippery we could hardly get any traction).
We did have a little down time on the way into Kingsland, waiting for the main group to catch up with us. Here, Frank is waiting at a crossing in the CBI with the rail-mower behind it.
One major development this work session was that the former Hill Country Railroad A-car was successfully deployed. Jerry Light took the initiative to locate an acceptable 40 foot storage container and to organize its delivery and setup at the north end of the wye tail track. Leland obtained an amendment to the Capital Metro RR lease allowing the location of the container on the track and Jerry obtained a Llano city building permit, just to cover all bases. The container allows the A-car to be stored securely, safe from the weather and vandals or thieves, while awaiting its next use. This large motorcar can be used to transport multiple RPI members, especially those without motorcars, so they can participate in work session. New RPI members Jason Fowler and Cecil Walston, for example, rode the A-car this work session, while President Leland Stewart operated it. Here's a photo of the A-car as it was being put to bed after the June 30 work session:
Plans are in the works to install 25-lb rail inside the container so the A-car, the rail-mower and trailers can be accommodated. Ultimately, the A-car is the natural rail vehicle to pull the rail-mower since it, like Jerry's Gator, can power through difficult terrain conditions such as slippery rails, heavy vegetation, etc.
A lot of work has gone into making it possible to use the A-car again. Jerry has fabricated special rails to bridge the gap between the end of the rail and the container boards or rails once the doors are opened. Leland got the carburetor refurbished on short notice down in San Antonio and Jerry re-installed it, resulting in the engine coming back to life in time for the June 30 work session. RPI members have donated $ 500.00 toward the cost of the container so far, helping defray the $ 2800.00 cost. We are now poised to ensure that all RPI members can enjoy a work session experience on the Llano Branch and that is a great step forward.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Another Work Session, Another Rail-Mower Problem
The RPI work session on Saturday, May 19, went well, for the most part. RPI gained a new member, Phil Hopper of San Antonio, who joined Leland on his MT-14K open car and helped lop off branches and brush. Jerry Light also came with his hy-rail Gator. He brought his chainsaw mounted on a long pole, enabling him to cut pretty thick tree trunks and limbs from a distance. Frank Glatzl rode with me in my Woodings CBI, intending to operate the rail-mower.
The rail-mower, as previous posts have indicated, did have a few issues with the tensioner and one of the jackshafts. We were nonetheless hoping we could get a good day's worth of mowing out of it before removing and taking apart the mower deck. Alas, it was not to be. After about a mile or two of mowing east of Llano a few miles, the deck stopped mowing. When Frank went back to check on it, he found the belt had snapped in two, evidently due to severe wear provoked by the tensioner problem and maybe the driveshaft issue as well. We found the belt is a 129" double-V belt, but it was not available at the NAPA store in Kingsland. So the rest of the trip Frank and I stopped periodically to help cut brush and branches, which was about all we could do to help.
We are going to have our own "rail-mower work session" before the next RPI work session on June 30. Frank is fabricating a triangular support for the tensioner so it does not cause wear on the belt. He will also make new blade driveshafts so we have some spares in case we damage them. Frank took the driveshaft hub off the deck and brought the whole assembly home with him to work with.
Meanwhile, the scenery was quite impressive. There were some very heavy rains in the Llano-Kingsland region the night of May 11 (which also showed up down at my place in Dripping Springs). As a result, virtually every significant depression along the Llano-Scobey Spur rail line was filled with water and many small washes and gulches, normally dryer than a revival preacher, had water flowing in them. The Llano River itself was higher than I have seen it for quite a while.
We saw wildlife along the rail line, probably taking advantage of the abundant water, including a group of feral pigs, deer, and vultures. We also saw a herd of goats, a herd of cattle, a feral hen out in the middle of nowhere and a cat that ran across the tracks. My motorcar severed a snake that tried to slither across in front of us.
The water contributed to a lovely series of flower carpets across the meadows and fields, with golden and red flowers predominating (by now almost all the bluebonnets are gone; their peak was during the mid-March work session). Here are the obligatory motorcar-in-flower-fields-with-passenger pictures:
The weather was perfect, cloudy in the morning, burning off by the afternoon but with a breeze developing that helped keep temps bearable.
We hope to be back on the 30th with the rail-mower raring to go. Meanwhile I probably will invest in not one, but two, mower deck belts to be sure we are not behind the 8-ball the next time that problem develops.
The rail-mower, as previous posts have indicated, did have a few issues with the tensioner and one of the jackshafts. We were nonetheless hoping we could get a good day's worth of mowing out of it before removing and taking apart the mower deck. Alas, it was not to be. After about a mile or two of mowing east of Llano a few miles, the deck stopped mowing. When Frank went back to check on it, he found the belt had snapped in two, evidently due to severe wear provoked by the tensioner problem and maybe the driveshaft issue as well. We found the belt is a 129" double-V belt, but it was not available at the NAPA store in Kingsland. So the rest of the trip Frank and I stopped periodically to help cut brush and branches, which was about all we could do to help.
We are going to have our own "rail-mower work session" before the next RPI work session on June 30. Frank is fabricating a triangular support for the tensioner so it does not cause wear on the belt. He will also make new blade driveshafts so we have some spares in case we damage them. Frank took the driveshaft hub off the deck and brought the whole assembly home with him to work with.
Meanwhile, the scenery was quite impressive. There were some very heavy rains in the Llano-Kingsland region the night of May 11 (which also showed up down at my place in Dripping Springs). As a result, virtually every significant depression along the Llano-Scobey Spur rail line was filled with water and many small washes and gulches, normally dryer than a revival preacher, had water flowing in them. The Llano River itself was higher than I have seen it for quite a while.
We saw wildlife along the rail line, probably taking advantage of the abundant water, including a group of feral pigs, deer, and vultures. We also saw a herd of goats, a herd of cattle, a feral hen out in the middle of nowhere and a cat that ran across the tracks. My motorcar severed a snake that tried to slither across in front of us.
The water contributed to a lovely series of flower carpets across the meadows and fields, with golden and red flowers predominating (by now almost all the bluebonnets are gone; their peak was during the mid-March work session). Here are the obligatory motorcar-in-flower-fields-with-passenger pictures:
The weather was perfect, cloudy in the morning, burning off by the afternoon but with a breeze developing that helped keep temps bearable.
We hope to be back on the 30th with the rail-mower raring to go. Meanwhile I probably will invest in not one, but two, mower deck belts to be sure we are not behind the 8-ball the next time that problem develops.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
21 April 2012 Llano-Kingsland Work Session
The work session from Llano to Kingsland on Saturday, April 21, was one to remember. While we enjoyed very favorable weather, with highs in the 70s and clear skies, the weeds provided major challenges in several respects. They had grown up tremendously since our last session on March 17. If we had been able to use the rail-mower through the trouble spots on March 17, it would not have been so bad in late April. But, the mower was damaged and unable to be used over virtually the entire route on the 17th.
We nonetheless got off to a good start in the morning. Frank Glatzl joined me in my Woodings CBI towing the rail-mower to provide technical and operational support services. My job was to keep the CBI and rail-mower moving, preferably in the same direction. We turned the rail-mower on several miles out of Llano, after passing over the plank crossing that had caused the belt to slip off the pulleys on the 17th. We had no more trouble with that crossing nor with the frog at the Stolz quarry siding. The results were immediately apparent as the two photos below show. Here's one looking east toward the uncut line:
Here's another looking the opposite way showing what we just cut:
This was an area where Frank and I had to get out of the motorcar and push it along to get it through the heavy growth of weeds. He also had to continually adjust the throttle and choke to keep the engine from dying as the blades came close to clogging up. But we managed to cut through nonetheless.
We were doing quite well when Frank looked back and noticed the middle blade was no longer cutting. We stopped and went back to check on the mower deck and found that the pulley had come off the driveshaft and was missing. Evidently the bolt that held it down had vibrated loose or sheared off. We walked back up the line about 1000 feet and found the pulley. Our mowing was done for the moment, however, but when the rest of the group pulled up, we asked if they had any 3/8" bolts, fine thread. Turns out nobody had a fine thread so we would have to wait until we reached the NAPA store in Kingsland to purchase some. Unfortunately that also meant no mowing on the way down, when we could have trimmed quite a few miles. Here's a photo of Frank standing by the inoperative rail-mower while awaiting the group.
We bought the bolts and continued on without mowing to Spyke's BBQ because by then it was 1:30 pm and stomachs were rumbling. After lunch, Frank and new RPI member Samuel Warren were able to remount the pulley, realign the mower deck drive belt, and get the mower operating again. That was very fortunate because the absolute worst weeds of the trip were just ahead.
The CBI began to bog down, big-time, because it couldn't get traction with the crushed weed juice lubricating the track and the wheels. Not to mention the weeds themselves were 2 to 2.5 feet high and impeded our progress forward. We made progress but only by pushing the CBI + rail-mower forward. Leland hooked up his M-19 in back of us with a tow-bar and tried to push us but we continued to bog down and the outlook for further progress darkened.
Here's a photo of CBI + rail-mower + M-19, surrounded by high weeds near the Campa Pajama Lane crossing as we try to figure out how to keep it moving forward:
Jerry Light saved the day. He took his hy-rail Gator off the rails at a crossing, drove to the next crossing and re-railed, then backed up to the CBI. We hooked up to the Gator and it pulled the CBI and rail-mower through the worst of the weeds. Meanwhile, Frank Glatzl ensured that the engine did not die and gave direction on when to continue forward. As a result we were able to cut through the choking weeds and clear the path for the rest of the group. I didn't get a photo of the lashup with the Gator (sorry Jerry), but I can testify that without it, Frank and I might still be trying to push the CBI and rail-mower to the next crossing.
We continued until the County Rd 127 crossing and there we all turned around. By then it was about 4:00 pm and time to head back to Llano. We continued mowing on the way back and that really made the railbed look good. But when we got to the 1431 crossing near the Antlers Hotel, Leland told us to turn it off, since we would have to make good time to get back to Llano on schedule. So there was a lot of railbed not mowed that would have looked better with a mowing, but on the other hand, the absolute worst areas did get cleared through for the April 28 Bluebonnet run (see railroadpartners.com for details).
Here's a photo of Frank with the rail-mower, on the east side of the 1431 crossing near the Antlers Hotel, after its herculean efforts in Kingsland had ended, pointed toward home base in Llano:
And here's the rest of the line-up, waiting to cross FM 1431 in the middle of Kingsland, on the way back to Llano,with Leland Stewart and Jerry Light looking on:
This is not a complete account of the work session by any means, since it focuses on the rail-mower operations. The vast majority of participants worked behind the rail-mower (which was in the front since it travels slowly when mowing) to trim and remove trees and vegetation obstructing the ROW. So probably a lot happened of interest in their activities of which I am unaware. Be that as it may, at least we had a great day on the rails and accomplished a lot.
The rail-mower deck will have to be removed and inspected and the blade driveshaft checked out to ensure there isn't a repeat. At least the rail-mower is proving that when it works, it works well, so it will be worth keeping in operating condition.
We nonetheless got off to a good start in the morning. Frank Glatzl joined me in my Woodings CBI towing the rail-mower to provide technical and operational support services. My job was to keep the CBI and rail-mower moving, preferably in the same direction. We turned the rail-mower on several miles out of Llano, after passing over the plank crossing that had caused the belt to slip off the pulleys on the 17th. We had no more trouble with that crossing nor with the frog at the Stolz quarry siding. The results were immediately apparent as the two photos below show. Here's one looking east toward the uncut line:
Here's another looking the opposite way showing what we just cut:
This was an area where Frank and I had to get out of the motorcar and push it along to get it through the heavy growth of weeds. He also had to continually adjust the throttle and choke to keep the engine from dying as the blades came close to clogging up. But we managed to cut through nonetheless.
We were doing quite well when Frank looked back and noticed the middle blade was no longer cutting. We stopped and went back to check on the mower deck and found that the pulley had come off the driveshaft and was missing. Evidently the bolt that held it down had vibrated loose or sheared off. We walked back up the line about 1000 feet and found the pulley. Our mowing was done for the moment, however, but when the rest of the group pulled up, we asked if they had any 3/8" bolts, fine thread. Turns out nobody had a fine thread so we would have to wait until we reached the NAPA store in Kingsland to purchase some. Unfortunately that also meant no mowing on the way down, when we could have trimmed quite a few miles. Here's a photo of Frank standing by the inoperative rail-mower while awaiting the group.
We bought the bolts and continued on without mowing to Spyke's BBQ because by then it was 1:30 pm and stomachs were rumbling. After lunch, Frank and new RPI member Samuel Warren were able to remount the pulley, realign the mower deck drive belt, and get the mower operating again. That was very fortunate because the absolute worst weeds of the trip were just ahead.
The CBI began to bog down, big-time, because it couldn't get traction with the crushed weed juice lubricating the track and the wheels. Not to mention the weeds themselves were 2 to 2.5 feet high and impeded our progress forward. We made progress but only by pushing the CBI + rail-mower forward. Leland hooked up his M-19 in back of us with a tow-bar and tried to push us but we continued to bog down and the outlook for further progress darkened.
Here's a photo of CBI + rail-mower + M-19, surrounded by high weeds near the Campa Pajama Lane crossing as we try to figure out how to keep it moving forward:
Jerry Light saved the day. He took his hy-rail Gator off the rails at a crossing, drove to the next crossing and re-railed, then backed up to the CBI. We hooked up to the Gator and it pulled the CBI and rail-mower through the worst of the weeds. Meanwhile, Frank Glatzl ensured that the engine did not die and gave direction on when to continue forward. As a result we were able to cut through the choking weeds and clear the path for the rest of the group. I didn't get a photo of the lashup with the Gator (sorry Jerry), but I can testify that without it, Frank and I might still be trying to push the CBI and rail-mower to the next crossing.
We continued until the County Rd 127 crossing and there we all turned around. By then it was about 4:00 pm and time to head back to Llano. We continued mowing on the way back and that really made the railbed look good. But when we got to the 1431 crossing near the Antlers Hotel, Leland told us to turn it off, since we would have to make good time to get back to Llano on schedule. So there was a lot of railbed not mowed that would have looked better with a mowing, but on the other hand, the absolute worst areas did get cleared through for the April 28 Bluebonnet run (see railroadpartners.com for details).
Here's a photo of Frank with the rail-mower, on the east side of the 1431 crossing near the Antlers Hotel, after its herculean efforts in Kingsland had ended, pointed toward home base in Llano:
And here's the rest of the line-up, waiting to cross FM 1431 in the middle of Kingsland, on the way back to Llano,with Leland Stewart and Jerry Light looking on:
This is not a complete account of the work session by any means, since it focuses on the rail-mower operations. The vast majority of participants worked behind the rail-mower (which was in the front since it travels slowly when mowing) to trim and remove trees and vegetation obstructing the ROW. So probably a lot happened of interest in their activities of which I am unaware. Be that as it may, at least we had a great day on the rails and accomplished a lot.
The rail-mower deck will have to be removed and inspected and the blade driveshaft checked out to ensure there isn't a repeat. At least the rail-mower is proving that when it works, it works well, so it will be worth keeping in operating condition.
Friday, April 20, 2012
More Prepping for Work Session
Loaded the CBI this morning in preparation for tomorrow's Llano branch work session. Before loading the rail-mower I decided to grease the axles and the wheel bearings. That was a good idea because it took about 14 strokes of the grease gun for each axle and bearing before grease came out. Then I winched up the rail-mower as well and secured the load.
I tested the trailer rear lights and found one light, the one with the license plate, was blown. So I tried replacing it and then noticed something strange. The side marker lamp was on the inside and the clear plastic (to let the light shine on the license plate) was on top. Eventually it penetrated my brain that there was something major wrong about that setup and I suddenly realized the light was installed upside down. Took out the wrench and turned it around, went out to buy some extra 1157 turn light bulbs and finally the rear light worked as well as being properly oriented. But I have had this trailer for almost two years and that was the first time I noticed that problem. I checked the other rear light and it also was installed upside down. Will turn it around on Sunday; at least there's nothing supposed to be illuminated underneath it.
I tested the trailer rear lights and found one light, the one with the license plate, was blown. So I tried replacing it and then noticed something strange. The side marker lamp was on the inside and the clear plastic (to let the light shine on the license plate) was on top. Eventually it penetrated my brain that there was something major wrong about that setup and I suddenly realized the light was installed upside down. Took out the wrench and turned it around, went out to buy some extra 1157 turn light bulbs and finally the rear light worked as well as being properly oriented. But I have had this trailer for almost two years and that was the first time I noticed that problem. I checked the other rear light and it also was installed upside down. Will turn it around on Sunday; at least there's nothing supposed to be illuminated underneath it.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Llano Branch Work Session Coming Up
The next Llano branch work session is coming up this Saturday, April 21, to prepare the line for the following Saturday's Bluebonnet run. I am preparing to bring the Woodings CBI and the rail-mower mounted on a trailer. Today, I greased all 12 zerks on the CBI. It was a messy process. I also added oil to the Tecumseh engine. Put in about a gallon of gasoline and fired up the engine. It came to life immediately and seemed to do well. Cleaned and vacuumed the interior and side windows. Then I fired up the rail-mower to make sure it is running well and had no problem. The engine ran smoothly and the mower deck performed well.
Of course, the proof is in the pudding so we will see how they do once we get them on the rails. I have to load them on the trailer tomorrow morning, before the afternoon thunderstorms and rain arrive.
The mission will be to mow wherever necessary, but particularly down in the Kingsland area. There has been frequent rain the last several weeks so the grass could be pretty thick by now. We will trundle along in the lead of the work session while the motorcars behind will stop to cut brush, etc. Of course that means we get to open gates and dig out all the crossings on the way out. Thank goodness Frank Glatzl will be in the CBI with me. I'm hale but digging out our Llano branch crossings without help would be a killer.
After we get back from the Llano work session, am going to keep the CBI and rail-mower on the trailer. I have an Operation Lifesaver presentation in Kingsland Monday night for a Cub Scout pack and they requested I bring a motorcar. So will bring both to give the boys something to look at. Will be giving the presentation at the restaurant at the Antlers hotel complex.
Of course, the proof is in the pudding so we will see how they do once we get them on the rails. I have to load them on the trailer tomorrow morning, before the afternoon thunderstorms and rain arrive.
The mission will be to mow wherever necessary, but particularly down in the Kingsland area. There has been frequent rain the last several weeks so the grass could be pretty thick by now. We will trundle along in the lead of the work session while the motorcars behind will stop to cut brush, etc. Of course that means we get to open gates and dig out all the crossings on the way out. Thank goodness Frank Glatzl will be in the CBI with me. I'm hale but digging out our Llano branch crossings without help would be a killer.
After we get back from the Llano work session, am going to keep the CBI and rail-mower on the trailer. I have an Operation Lifesaver presentation in Kingsland Monday night for a Cub Scout pack and they requested I bring a motorcar. So will bring both to give the boys something to look at. Will be giving the presentation at the restaurant at the Antlers hotel complex.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 17, 2012 Work Session at Llano Has Great Turnout
Saturday's work session at Llano had quite a large turnout, including: Leland Stewart, EC and RPI President, and his spouse Frankie Stewart, in his M-19; RPI Vice President John Pattison and his daugher; Charles Turner with his M-19 with a canopy roof; Bert Dockall with his Fairmont 59; Frank Glatzl with his parents (wife Cindy and his daughter later joined the group) in his MT-19; Leon Sapp; myself with my Woodings CBI and the rail-mower; Jerry Light and George Gray with Jerry's hy-rail Gator; Robert Casares with his MT-19; and William Cook. I am sure there were more but will have to get the rest of the names from Leland since I was too busy dealing with the CBI and the rail-mower to socialize much.
The day was perfect for running the rails with some clouds to keep the temps down and some sun in the afternoon to allow us to take some great photos of bluebonnets. There was a special perfume in the air as well probably from blooming flowers. The work session started for me with unloading the CBI and rail-mower:
We got both onto the rails and Leland asked Frank and me to mow the wye before the safety meeting. We thought that would be an easy, quick job but it turned out to be more difficult because the bluebonnets and weeds got all over the tracks, creating a greasy mess under the wheels that made it all but impossible to gain traction. Frank had to push the CBI a good way to get it to the point where it would move on its own. We eventually did get the job done but it took longer than we thought.
It was enroute not far out of Llano that trouble struck--twice. I started the rail-mower and revved up the mower deck and began pulling the rail-mower down the track about 4 or 5 miles out of Llano. We almost immediately went over a crossing with boards sticking up and the rail-mower belt guard underneath apparently caught on it, causing a jolt that resulted in the belt jumping off the pulleys. So the rail-mower was disabled but worse was to come. We continued down the track and the underside of the mower deck, this time the roller, caught on the frog at Stolz siding. That pushed the roller into a blade so there was no way we could fix that problem in the field. Memo to self: We must devise a way to tell whether the deck is in the "up" or "down" position and make sure the deck is "up" whenever going over crossings or frogs, etc.
Although the rail-mower was out of commission, we enjoyed the day and got some work done anyway. I stopped three times to straighten marker posts that had been bent over by cattle. Frank and I also did a lot of crossing digging since we were the two lead cars. We did note that the December mowing in the Kingsland area (the rail-mower's inaugural run) was still very evident over most of the line. Looks like we won't have to mow more than two to three times a year to keep the track in acceptable condition. Hardly any problems with our motorcars and the crossings went well. On the way back Leland had to approach a cow on the tracks very slowly to persuade her to move off but she did. I did see two pairs of deers bounding off as we passed by, so that was my main wildlife sighting. I also saw someone, probably a photographer, on the tracks on the way down but he or she moved off the tracks by the time we got there. Frank Glatzl helped me get the CBI and rail-mower back onto my trailer, so my hat's off to him again.
Here's some more photos to enjoy:
This is the CBI and rail-mower, along with Frank Glatzl and his MT-19, at the wye before we started mowing.
Here's VP John Pattison and his daughter behind Spyke's BBQ in Kingsland when we stopped for lunch.
Bluebonnets ran wild throughout the railroad ROW, leaving the land a scene of beauty. The bluebonnets, however, also clogged brakes and decreased traction, making it tough to get across at least one crossing. With the rains forecast for Tuesday early am, March 20, we will have additional growth of flowers and grass by the next work session on April 21. We will have to get the rail-mower back up and running by then to clear the way for the Bluebonnet run on April 28. But a good time was had by all at the March 17 work session so we may get just as many participants in the next one as word gets out that this is the most enjoyable and beautiful time of years to polish the rails.
The day was perfect for running the rails with some clouds to keep the temps down and some sun in the afternoon to allow us to take some great photos of bluebonnets. There was a special perfume in the air as well probably from blooming flowers. The work session started for me with unloading the CBI and rail-mower:
We got both onto the rails and Leland asked Frank and me to mow the wye before the safety meeting. We thought that would be an easy, quick job but it turned out to be more difficult because the bluebonnets and weeds got all over the tracks, creating a greasy mess under the wheels that made it all but impossible to gain traction. Frank had to push the CBI a good way to get it to the point where it would move on its own. We eventually did get the job done but it took longer than we thought.
It was enroute not far out of Llano that trouble struck--twice. I started the rail-mower and revved up the mower deck and began pulling the rail-mower down the track about 4 or 5 miles out of Llano. We almost immediately went over a crossing with boards sticking up and the rail-mower belt guard underneath apparently caught on it, causing a jolt that resulted in the belt jumping off the pulleys. So the rail-mower was disabled but worse was to come. We continued down the track and the underside of the mower deck, this time the roller, caught on the frog at Stolz siding. That pushed the roller into a blade so there was no way we could fix that problem in the field. Memo to self: We must devise a way to tell whether the deck is in the "up" or "down" position and make sure the deck is "up" whenever going over crossings or frogs, etc.
Although the rail-mower was out of commission, we enjoyed the day and got some work done anyway. I stopped three times to straighten marker posts that had been bent over by cattle. Frank and I also did a lot of crossing digging since we were the two lead cars. We did note that the December mowing in the Kingsland area (the rail-mower's inaugural run) was still very evident over most of the line. Looks like we won't have to mow more than two to three times a year to keep the track in acceptable condition. Hardly any problems with our motorcars and the crossings went well. On the way back Leland had to approach a cow on the tracks very slowly to persuade her to move off but she did. I did see two pairs of deers bounding off as we passed by, so that was my main wildlife sighting. I also saw someone, probably a photographer, on the tracks on the way down but he or she moved off the tracks by the time we got there. Frank Glatzl helped me get the CBI and rail-mower back onto my trailer, so my hat's off to him again.
Here's some more photos to enjoy:
This is the CBI and rail-mower, along with Frank Glatzl and his MT-19, at the wye before we started mowing.
Here's VP John Pattison and his daughter behind Spyke's BBQ in Kingsland when we stopped for lunch.
Bluebonnets ran wild throughout the railroad ROW, leaving the land a scene of beauty. The bluebonnets, however, also clogged brakes and decreased traction, making it tough to get across at least one crossing. With the rains forecast for Tuesday early am, March 20, we will have additional growth of flowers and grass by the next work session on April 21. We will have to get the rail-mower back up and running by then to clear the way for the Bluebonnet run on April 28. But a good time was had by all at the March 17 work session so we may get just as many participants in the next one as word gets out that this is the most enjoyable and beautiful time of years to polish the rails.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Raingear Source
The store in Brownwood, TX, that sells raingear is Texas America Safety Co. (TASCO). They have a 3-pc set for just over 10.00. They also sell slush boots for about 20.00. Those are affordable prices so I probably will pick up both and carry them in my Explorer for those days when it is just pouring and I have to get something done outside. See http://www.tasco-safety.com/clothing/rainsuits-raincoats-ponchos.html#MCR2003.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
RPI Work Session At Llano on February 18, 2012
A very tough work session, to say the least. We knew it was going to rain 48 hours ahead of the Saturday work session but had hoped the rain would end and clear out by noon or so. I planned to load up my Woodings CBI and rail-mower on Thursday and came home that afternoon to do so. But a nail in a tire on my 16-foot trailer thwarted me, as I discovered it five minutes after all the tire repair shops in Dripping Springs closed. By the time I dealt with the problem the next morning, forecasts were for heavy rain on Friday evening and overnight with more rain on Saturday. I decided to drop the idea of bringing the rail-mower since I don't mow grass if it's raining or has rained (grass clippings plus water = mower deck corrosion). Gave up on bringing a motorcar as well since by then it was raining and I'm not keen on loading and unloading in the rain.
I drove up to Llano on Saturday to take part in the work session anyway, to contribute whatever way possible. We had Doug Gentles, an RPI member from British Columbia, show up with his hy-rail, along with Ron and Grace Pereida with their M19, Bert Dockall and a cousin with a very unusual open motorcar (a Fairmont 59, very few of them in Texas) and Jerry Light with his John Deere hy-rail Gator. I brought some T-posts to replace some that have been knocked down and rode with Jerry. Leland fixed a problem with Ron's ignition coil shorting out in its box on the front of the car by sticking a glove to one side to insulate it, and the car ran fine after that.
We started down the track and enjoyed seeing streams flowing freely (unusual after so many months of drought) and the Llano River featured waterfalls. We also saw three eagles perched at the tree housing the eagle nest. Of course we had to dig out various crossings along the way. About halfway to Kingsland the rain began coming down harder and harder. By then my pants and boots were totally soaked since I only had on a half-length raincoat. We got the word that we were going to turn back to Llano since Bert and his cousin were getting completely soaked on the open 59. So we turned around and went back to Llano, where we straggled into the China Wok restaurant to take our outer garments off, dry out as best we could, and have lunch. Then we headed over to the Llano Depot and hung around there for an hour or so, hoping for the promised let-up. By about 2:00 pm it looked as though it was letting up.
Just then, however, the wind picked up and I began to shiver. I realized I would be courting illness if I spent the next four hours with wind whipping at my soaked clothing. So I gave my apologies to Leland, Jerry, etc. and headed home. They were planning to head all the way to Scobey Spur and back. It was 54 degrees when I left and by the time I made it to Round Mountain it was 50 degrees and increasing rain. Took me a while to warm up once I got home. I heard later from Leland that they did make it all the way to Scobey Spur and back, arriving at Llano just before the sun went down.
I learned some valuable lessons: 1) If the forecast says to expect potentially heavy or prolonged rain, bring a complete rainsuit, i.e. hood, coat and pants. You will be exposed to the elements even if your motorcar is fully enclosed, since you have to get out to dig out crossings, open and close gates, flag, etc. 2) Wool is your friend in cold weather. I brought a wool hat and was wearing a wool sweater so I did well for the upper half. But my cotton blue jeans and non-wool socks meant I was losing heat out of the lower extremities. 3) Waterproof your boots or buy galoshes to go over them. 4) Bring waterproof gloves. Soaked cotton gloves allow heat to escape from your hands. 5) Bring two changes of clothes, one for lunchtime and one for when you are ready to head home, so you can drive in dry clothes.
We're a bit spoiled by Texas weather down here since we can and do run motorcar excursions and work sessions all year long. But this work session was a reminder that rain can make a motorcar trip uncomfortable fast in wintertime. Being prepared is essential. Jerry Light mentioned a shop in Brownwood, TX, that sells raingear so I'm going to see if they have a website and what kind of products they offer. This was my wettest trip on the Llano Branch since I first operated my motorcar on it in January 2005 so that shows how rare really wet weather is. But with only a limited number of work sessions available each year, I want to be better prepared to participate, rain or no rain.
I drove up to Llano on Saturday to take part in the work session anyway, to contribute whatever way possible. We had Doug Gentles, an RPI member from British Columbia, show up with his hy-rail, along with Ron and Grace Pereida with their M19, Bert Dockall and a cousin with a very unusual open motorcar (a Fairmont 59, very few of them in Texas) and Jerry Light with his John Deere hy-rail Gator. I brought some T-posts to replace some that have been knocked down and rode with Jerry. Leland fixed a problem with Ron's ignition coil shorting out in its box on the front of the car by sticking a glove to one side to insulate it, and the car ran fine after that.
We started down the track and enjoyed seeing streams flowing freely (unusual after so many months of drought) and the Llano River featured waterfalls. We also saw three eagles perched at the tree housing the eagle nest. Of course we had to dig out various crossings along the way. About halfway to Kingsland the rain began coming down harder and harder. By then my pants and boots were totally soaked since I only had on a half-length raincoat. We got the word that we were going to turn back to Llano since Bert and his cousin were getting completely soaked on the open 59. So we turned around and went back to Llano, where we straggled into the China Wok restaurant to take our outer garments off, dry out as best we could, and have lunch. Then we headed over to the Llano Depot and hung around there for an hour or so, hoping for the promised let-up. By about 2:00 pm it looked as though it was letting up.
Just then, however, the wind picked up and I began to shiver. I realized I would be courting illness if I spent the next four hours with wind whipping at my soaked clothing. So I gave my apologies to Leland, Jerry, etc. and headed home. They were planning to head all the way to Scobey Spur and back. It was 54 degrees when I left and by the time I made it to Round Mountain it was 50 degrees and increasing rain. Took me a while to warm up once I got home. I heard later from Leland that they did make it all the way to Scobey Spur and back, arriving at Llano just before the sun went down.
I learned some valuable lessons: 1) If the forecast says to expect potentially heavy or prolonged rain, bring a complete rainsuit, i.e. hood, coat and pants. You will be exposed to the elements even if your motorcar is fully enclosed, since you have to get out to dig out crossings, open and close gates, flag, etc. 2) Wool is your friend in cold weather. I brought a wool hat and was wearing a wool sweater so I did well for the upper half. But my cotton blue jeans and non-wool socks meant I was losing heat out of the lower extremities. 3) Waterproof your boots or buy galoshes to go over them. 4) Bring waterproof gloves. Soaked cotton gloves allow heat to escape from your hands. 5) Bring two changes of clothes, one for lunchtime and one for when you are ready to head home, so you can drive in dry clothes.
We're a bit spoiled by Texas weather down here since we can and do run motorcar excursions and work sessions all year long. But this work session was a reminder that rain can make a motorcar trip uncomfortable fast in wintertime. Being prepared is essential. Jerry Light mentioned a shop in Brownwood, TX, that sells raingear so I'm going to see if they have a website and what kind of products they offer. This was my wettest trip on the Llano Branch since I first operated my motorcar on it in January 2005 so that shows how rare really wet weather is. But with only a limited number of work sessions available each year, I want to be better prepared to participate, rain or no rain.
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