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.
Friday, April 20, 2012
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.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
RPI Work Session at Kingsland on Dec. 10, 2011
This work session involved testing a rail-mower that Frank Glatzl and I developed to cut grass between the rails. It was a successful test, with about 7 miles of track mowed, although it took three hours in the morning to diagnose a bad ignition coil and replace it. See full details at my other blog about RPI Projects at http://rpiprojects.blogspot.com.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Next Work Session Coming Up Dec. 10
The next RPI work session will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at about 8:30 am at the Antlers Hotel crossing in Kingsland, TX. This is a change from our normal starting point in Llano, TX, but there is a lot of work to be done down in Kingsland so we want to get a lot done without having to run all the way from Llano (taking 3-4 hours of transit time from our work time).
I am planning to bring my rail-mower (see http://rpiprojects.blogspot.com for full details of its progress) for its first extended operational test. All the final touches should have been added by then and it should be running well, at least that is my hope. I plan to bring both it and my Woodings CBI motorcar with which to tow it. Have been fixing up the CBI rear lights. Today I drained and replaced the oil and repaired a leaking fuel hose. Tomorrow I will lubricate the 14 grease zerks. I might go to north Austin tomorrow morning to pick up some steel C-channel to serve as loading ramps. So there are still things to do to get ready for the big day.
I am planning to bring my rail-mower (see http://rpiprojects.blogspot.com for full details of its progress) for its first extended operational test. All the final touches should have been added by then and it should be running well, at least that is my hope. I plan to bring both it and my Woodings CBI motorcar with which to tow it. Have been fixing up the CBI rear lights. Today I drained and replaced the oil and repaired a leaking fuel hose. Tomorrow I will lubricate the 14 grease zerks. I might go to north Austin tomorrow morning to pick up some steel C-channel to serve as loading ramps. So there are still things to do to get ready for the big day.
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