Status Reports

Status Reports

SCENIC LINE
WORK REPORTS
4 November 2017
('Click' on Photos to 'Enlarge')

4 November 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG, DaveV & BarryB

Parkdale
GaryM put in a thicker wire on the tortoise and made it longer.

Cleora
KentS tweeked switch 41 and BarryB helped install the motor to switch 42. The wye switch now closes perfectly, KentS extended the shaft of the piano wire tube to the bend, which added stiffness and let the throw extend slightly more by taking out some flex.

Salida
GlennG and GaryM finally completed build and installation of the new foundation for the Steam Plant. GlennG started rebuilding the ground and building up to a ramp for the rear service entrance.

Tank 7
DaveV has been resculpting the landscape to turn the alpine rocky crevices into the swampy marsh in that area.

Extras

BarryB worked to replace power distribution panel under east Salida.

1 November 2017 Crew: TomG, GaryM, KentS, GerryG, GlennG & BarryB

Parkdale
TomG worked on motor installation for the replacement turnout on the west end of Parkdale siding.

Cleora
KentS worked on the controls for switches 40, 42, and 43 and completed the LEDs.

Salida
GaryM and GlennG worked on the foundation to the Steam Plant with much head scratching. Total make-over, rebuild the entire Steam Plant from scratch.

Tank 7
DaveV smoothed the track roadbed (removing some trenches) on the Pitkin branch.

Monarch
DaveV used graphite stick on some dead spots and improved track pick-up.

Extras

GerryG brought out NCE CA-4 throttles for us to review and evaluate, and we voted to buy two.

GaryM and BarryB hung up the Medicine Cabinet in the IJAS (It's Just A Shed) for our official First Aid Station.

28 October 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG & BarryB

Cleora
GaryM disconnected many wires and made some empty terminal strips. KentS worked on the LEDs on the east switch panel, and hooked up switch motors 39 - 43.

Salida
GaryM and GlennG worked on rebuilding the foundation to the Steam Plant. The floor needs rebuilding. We decided to raise the entire structure 1/2" to better fit the current landscape. It also will involve rebuilding the diagonal wall with the coal chutes and raising th efoundation on that wall another 1/4" to 1/2".

Extras

BarryB hooked up Red & Green LED indicators to new breaker and reversing boards.

25 October 2017 Crew: Gary, GlennG & BarryB

Cleora
GaryM relocated and rewired some terminal strips. Before and after:

Salida
GlennG worked on the grounds around the Steam Plant.

Extras

BarryB experimented with the auto-reverser on how it works, by testing with two locomotives. We confirmed that the track is reversed when metal wheels make contact from a reversed track.

21 October 2017 Chow: GaryM, TomG, BarryB, GerryG & GlennG
21 October 2017 Crew: GaryM, TomG & BarryB

Parkdale
TomG replaced the #6 RH handlaid turnout with a new handlaid #6 LH turnout (back to the original layout). Previously, the change to RH was to keep the mainline as the through route on the switch, but it unfortunately created an "S" curve, preventing passengers cars and the 2-8-8-2s from taking the siding. TomG also lessened the curvature going into the bridge and eliminated the "S" with the LH turnout.

Cleora
GaryM relocated the terminal strip for the track feeders and re-located several feeders wrapped around the bottom of the benchwork. GaryM mounted a new terminal strip for the frog and motor connections for the Cleora switches. Continuing the switch numbers from west to east, the Cleora switches are now numbered 37-43. GaryM also relocated the NCE cable to the remote hookup (UP5).

Salida
BarryB connected the new NCE autoreversers for the narrow gauge turn table and the staging deck reverse loop.

19 October 2017 Crew: GaryM, TomG, DaveV, KentS, GerryG & BarryB

Parkdale
TomG worked on the #6 LH handlaid turnout on the west end.

Cleora
KentS and GaryM worked on mounting the tortoise and mechanism for the new #3 DG wye, that has very stiff points and needs a lot of torque to move it.

Tank 7
DaveV continued the re-scenicing of the Tank 7 terrain to de-Alpine the area. Sorry Tarry!

Extras

GerryG greased the wheels on two stubborn NG brass drop-bottom gondolas to get them rolling.

23 September 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, & GlennG

Salida
GaryM & KentS completed hook-up on Switch #35 and moved on to #34.

Extras

GlennG remounted the Fire Extinguisher on the I-Beam (so no longer an obstacle in the aisleway).

20 September 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, TomG, GerryG, KentH, DaveV & BarryB

Gorge
Suspended work temporarily on the canyon walls to allow GerryG to add another layer of water to the Arkansas River.

Cleora
TomG and BarryB worked on hooking up switches.

Salida
KentS and GaryM worked on hooking up Switch #35, GaryM had to make a cut on a rail that had been omitted -eliminating a short.

Extras

KentH worked on track schematics.

13 September 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG, GerryG, KentH, DaveV, GrantG & BarryB

Gorge
DaveV worked on filling cracks and crevices between and in the rock castings with his special, delicious recipe of spackling mix. Gerry started preping for the next water pour.

Cleora
Barry worked on switch motors and Kent worked on the switch panels.

Salida
Gary and Grant reviewed the Salida Steam Plant design and photography. Gary then proceeded to tear up some of Glenn's beautiful scenery along the bank, to make room for a north side loading dock for the steam plant, as well as a roadway that goes along the east side of the building to a loading area to the northwest door of the building.

Barry hooked up a switch linkage.

Extras

Welcome to newest member Dave Varney, also a member of South Suburuban NMRA as well as the Near-Sighted Narrow Gaugers.

GerryG and KentS have spent a considerable amount of time putting together an NCE replacement program. Much was discussed tonight and it was decided to go ahead and put forth an order to Caboose based on Gerry and Kent's plan.

KentH worked on the layout schematics.

We voted to remove the alpine look from the Tank 7 scenery and return the scene to a more prototypical look, to keep in theme with the original plan. Thanks Tarry for the scene, but it was looking too out of place for the Tank 7 plot. It was decided to remove most of the rock, return to tree covered berms and more prototypical Marshall Pass scenery.

9 September 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, Glenn, Gerry, KentH & BarryB

Gorge
A pair of Bragdon castings added by Gary and Glenn. The 3rd photo shows the back (yellow) of the first piece for the perpendicular abutment.

Cleora
Another look at the Dual Guage No. 3 wye as compared to the standard No. 6 Dual Guage turnouts. And it was said it could not be done.

Salida

1 September 2017

37th Annual Narrow Gauge Convention Layout Open House - Over 100 Visitors

30 August 2017

37th Annual Narrow Gauge Convention Layout Open House - Over 50 Visitors

19 August 2017

Cleora

16 August 2017

Cleora

Shawanno

Tank 7
GerryG painting more backdrop.

Gunnison

12 Aug 2017

Cleora

Gunnison

7 Aug 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, TomG & BarryB

Cleora
TomG worked on the wye trackwork and rails, after redoing the ties 2-3 times.

Salida
GaryM connected feeders to rails in the NG yard. Still working on the last switch from the yard lead on the mainline.

Shawanno
GerryG painting backdrop.

Tank 7
GerryG painting more backdrop.

Gunnison
KentS finished the LEDs on the west switch panel. BarryB made a lot of progress on the fascia.

5 Aug 2017 Crew: GaryM, GerryG, TomG & BarryB

Cleora
TomG & GaryM realigned the wye and discussed many times the proper alignment of switches. TomG laid new ties and restained.

Salida
GaryM spiked more rails in the NG yard.

Shawanno-Tank 7
GerryG painted the backdrop.

Gunnison
BarryB tackled the fascia on the switch panels.

2 Aug 2017 Crew: GaryM, GerryG, GrantC, & BarryB

Salida
GaryM spiked switches in the NG yard. GrantC painted the backdrop.

Shawanno-Tank 7
GerryG painted the backdrop.

Gunnison
BarryB placed the fascia on the drop leaf.

29 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GrantC, TomG & BarryB

Cleora
TomG worked on the trackwork and GaryM brought out frog and stockrails to start the dual gauge wye. Unfortunately, we found that the subroadbed for the new track and old subroadbed may not match up exactly, so that must be addressed before we can further in the area between the wye and mainline.

Salida
GrantC continued working on the Salida backdrop, making good progress. GaryM finshing spiking down 1 switch on the ladder and some rail in the the NG yard.

Gunnison
BarryB took on the task of putting up new fascia from the drop bridge and along the new switch panels.

26 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GrantC, KentS & BarryB
Visitor: Dale Griza

Salida
GrantC started working on the Salida backdrop again, to repaint it more prototypical. After filling in some new background, GrantC worked on the sketched in rock formation near the DG Turntable. GaryM fitted in the the new NG yard switches for the east end of the yard and started spiking. DaleG helped out again, this time disconnecting the motors to the previous switches and carving out the switch tie base for the pin. BarryB presented options for rotating switch stands in the yard.

Gunnison
KentS finished connecting all the turnout toggle switches on the east switch panel, to get all turnouts in the Gunnison yard operational.

Extra Board

BarryB and KentS reprogrammed D&RGW #1512 and worked with DecoderPro.

19 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GrantC, KentS, GlennG & BarryB

Salida
GaryM worked on the NG Yard tracks. KentS removed the erroneous 3rd rail and 3rd rail transitions in the yard, and pulled some of the Cleora switches that are to be relocated/removed.

Gunnison
GrantC varnished the the new east switch panel.

15 Jul 2017 Chow: GaryM, GlennG, Grant & BarryB
15 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GlennG, Grant & BarryB

Salida
GlennG finished the poplar row on the riverbank. The plate girders are set in place for effect, but will get re-decaled.

Gunnison
GaryM finished the labels on the switch panel, however, needs another coat of varnish. GrantC and BarryB helped get this mounted.

12 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GlennG, & BarryB
Visitor: Dale Griza

Gunnison
BarryB and Dale worked on connecting the crankshaft and gearing to the Turntable.

Royal Gorge

08 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, GlennG & BarryB
Visitor:Kris Blackmarr

Royal Gorge
Everyone worked on rock molds during the day, including our visitor Kris Blackmarr, from the Front Range Division. We redid the base row of vertical strata to form the diagonal wedge of rock protruding along the track (which is a triangular shaped face). This structure will stand 4-5 inches from the backdrop. The rock coming down from the top can follow along the backdrop, then the ground slopes upwards from the "wedge" to the backdrop. Kris patched a few gaps (holes) between some castings which turned out very well.

Salida
GlennG worked on the poplar trees (which form a row) behind the stone depot, along the riverbank. GaryM experimented some Hunterline stains on some new ties in the NG yard. BarryB redid the DCC/DC panel in the control cabinet under West-Salida.

05 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG & TomG

Royal Gorge
Another Brick in the Wall. GlennG and GaryM made 2 rock molds, and KentS helped to place at the top of the Gorge. The hole in the wall is now becoming a bit smaller.

Salida
GlennG worked on the river banks. GaryM started laying ties for the NG Yard switches and new pads for the switchstands.

Cleora
TomG laid more ties.

Gunnison
KentS finished the toggles for the west switch panel, so all those turnouts are operational. The east panel will operate the other turnouts.

01 Jul 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG & TomG

Royal Gorge
GlennG and GaryM prepped several molds, and poured one large rock mold and placed at the top of the Gorge.

Cleora
TomG worked on the curved switches and laid ties.

Gunnison
KentS worked on the west switch panel. GaryM put two layers of varnish on the east panel.

28 Jun 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, & GlennG
Visitor:Dale Griza

Salida
GlennG worked on the Arkansas River through Salida. GaryM removed two NG Yard switches at the east end of the NG yard, and began placement of thetwo new replacement switches with the 3rd rail moved to the other side.

Cleora
TomG worked on the curved switches. GaryM cut down the fascia around the Cleora switch panel to open the river scenery.

Gunnison
KentS worked on the west switch panel. Dale helped complete the east Gunnison panel by gluing the rest of the labels.

23 Jun 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, BarryB

Royal Gorge
BarryB and GaryM poured the large rock mold and placed at the base of the Gorge.

Gunnison
KentS worked on the terminal strips to the new West Gunnison switch panel. GaryM & BarryB drilled out the holes for the switch toggles and LEDs on the east panel board.

17 Jun 2017 Chow: GaryM, KentS, GlennG & BarryB
17 Jun 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, GlennG & BarryB

Cleora
Barry is working on hooking up the switch motors to Tom's new handbuilt turnouts.

Salida
Glenn has been making fantastic progress on the Arkansas River through the bridge and has put in Hal's abutments. The scenery is getting installed and has made a huge difference.

Monarch
GaryM built a new LINN halftrack dump truck for the CF&I truck fleet. Need to make some "COLORDAO FUEL & IRON, Monarch, CO." decals to fit on the truck doors. Hal's steam shovel sits precariously on the top of the slope. The dig at the top was hauled by dump trucks to the top of the mine. This was ground up and sorted in two grades of limestone to load into the gondolas, and the waste was taken by other dump trucks under the tipple to the tailings piles over the bridge. The plan is to cut a small ledge near the summit to allow the steam shovel and dump truck to sit more level.

Gunnison
KentS hooked up the terminal strips to the new West Gunnison switch panel. GaryM transferred the track plan to the east panel board.

Extra Board

We decided to hold NNGC layout tours for the club on Thursday Aug 31, and Saturday Sept 1st, at 1-5PM both days.

Check out the construction photos for the latest on "It's Just a Shed".

Priority Projects for the Convention:

KentS to hook up Gunnison panels.

GaryM to install east Gunnison switch panel.

GlennG to complete river scenery in Salida.

TomG and GaryM to complete Cleora trackwork.

Make rock molds to complete Royal Gorge canyon wall.

22 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentS, & BarryB

Gunnison
We searched for the 5' Diamond Scale Turn Table gears for conversion from motorized to manual control - no luck finding the main shaft gear and worm drive gear.

Drew the switch panel layout plan for the west switch panel. Cut the east switch panel board from the door jamb board. Began laying out the east schematic plan.

Extra Board

BarryB set up the test track in the shed.

Replaced broken tool holder at rear door.

19 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, BarryB, GlennG & GerryG

Salida
GlennG worked on the double mainline Arkansas River bridge.

Extra Board

Cleaned out the paint cabinet, divvied up good paint and set out bad paint to harden for tossing.

Moved the yellow paint cabinet out of the building and placed in the utility shed across the parking lot.

Cleaned and mopped out the corner where the paint cabinet was.

15 Apr 2017 Chow: GaryM, KentH, BarryB, GlennG, GerryG, TomG & ParkerG
15 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, BarryB, GlennG, TomG & ParkerG

Salida
GlennG worked on the double mainline Arkansas River bridge.

Gunnison
Cut the west switch panel from the door jamb board.

Crested Butte
Straightened the kink at the west switch into the wye. Short eliminated from MMI locos navigating the turnout.

Extra Board

Worked on testing trains and cleaning wheels on locos out of service.

12 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, KentS, ParkerG & TomG

Salida
GlennG worked on the double mainline Arkansas River bridge.

Cleora
Cycling the east mainline switch cleared the short problem encountered during the previous Ops.

Parkdale
The east switch had resin dripped over the micro-switch which had glued shut. The micro-switch was replaced and now the switch works fine.

Portland
Cycling the west mainline switch cleared the short problem encountered during the previous Ops.

Crested Butte
TomG found that the hump between the "west end" switches (to the left leg of the wye) was caused by the hole that had been drilled beneath switch point (between the rails). Drilling the hole (at some previous event) caused the top layer of plywood to splinter upward & outward. TomG repaired the roadbed and replaced the cork subroadbed, which will be ready for testing Saturday.

Extra Board

The Parkdale corner was cleared of junk, mopped up, tool rack hung, and rubber floor mats re-laid.

KentH worked on the track schematic.

8 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, KentS, GlennG, TomG, ParkerG & BarryB

Operations

5 Apr 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, KentS, BarryB & TomG

Extra Board

Track cleaning, ops set-up.

KentH worked on the track schematic.

29 Mar 2017 Crew: GaryM, KentH, KentS, GerryG & Barry

Royal Gorge
GerryG worked on filling rocks into the gaps on the Royal Gorge canyon wall.

Crested Butte
Barry worked on the Tortoise for the wye.

Extra Board

KentS and Barry repaired a fan.

KentH worked on the track schematic.

GaryM decaled previously hand painted numbers for NG High Side Gons #1262, 1302, & 1207. Limestone weathering was added.

GaryM inventoried the NG stock car fleet and took a few to renumber and replace hand painted numbers with decals.

The current NG stock car fleet totaled 27 on the layout.

25 Mar 2017 Crew: Gary & Barry

Cimarron
We worked new mounting design to Tortoise motor to utilize existing linkage, made progress on what looks like a winner.

Crested Butte
Barry worked on Tortoise installation for a switch.

Extra Board

Had a visitor - Randy the Architect, interested in joining. Gave him the Red Carpet tour.

Inventoried the narrow gauge high side gondolas: 40 on layout. (2) #1145s, (2) #1202s. Tom will re-number.

Tom re-numbered 6 high side gons, added 3 new high side gons (all included above), 2 new narrow gauge drop bottom gons, and short caboose #0573.

New carcards have been issued for the 9 high sides, drop-bottoms and caboose.

Aisle Clearing: we moved the coffee cart to the shed and slid the water cooler into the corner. May move the mop/broom rack to another corner, perhaps in Building rear.

23 Mar 2017 Crew: GaryM, TomG, KentH, & KentS

Cleora
TomG worked on the No.8 dual gauge curved switch to the stock siding.

Cimarron
We worked on mounting Tortoise motor to replace Hankscraft for Freight House switch.

Crested Butte
Barry reoldered connections to the Depot switch.

Extra Board

KentH worked on updating the track schematic.

18 Mar 2017 Chow: Gary, KentH & Gerry
18 Mar 2017 Crew: Gary & KentH

Shavanno
East siding switch measures 12v when running switch, may be a 1 RPM motor which may explain 20 sec closing time.

Crested Butte
Depot switch - found several poor contacts: poor small solder across gap from frog, no feeders on some rails which are only being fed by joiners connected to
painted rails, some feeders soldered to painted rail. New feeders and cleaner solder connections needed.

Cimarron
Freight Depot switch gets 6v when running switch, points will not close. Remove resistor to double voltage assuming 12v motor?

General

KentH worked on Track schematic updates.

Gerry joined us at LePeep for "Chow" but now works Saturdays at CABOOSE except for our OPS Saturdays.

16 Mar 2017 Crew: Gary, KentS, Barry, Gerry & KentH

Crested Butte
Depot switch was filed to remove tight spots on frog and guard rails, ties CA'd to cork (just past the points).

General

KentS re-quartered K-27 #454.

KentH worked on Track schematic updates.

TomG renumbered NG High Side Gons 1000->1007, 1331->1334, 1145->1146, 1145->1142, 1145->1147, 1145->1195, 9325->9536, 1300->1309, and new car #1552.

TomG added 2 new NG drop bottoms #805 & 830.

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