G-scale Rudy Run Update

John Griffin's C-16 crosses the gorge

As usual the plans to be out over Veteran's Day weekend were thwarted.  My original thoughts to be at JTS for 4 days became a one day turn around.  Oh well, what else is new.  Thank goodness for John Griffin who is constantly working on improving the G-scale layout.  My daughter Kelly and I ran out on Sunday to work on the layout.  Kelly ran some trains and I worked on a replacing the temporary trestle with a driven pile trestle built in place.  Five bents were set to replace the three temporary ones.  As you can see from the photo, the bridge needs diagonals, girts and stringers, but it is off to a good start.  During the installation I discovered the next portion of the project will be to raise the height of the original raised planters and re-level the mainline.  The original planters have subsided over the past dozen years.  JTS President Tom Arnold advised me that is was decided that the plans for the G-scale picnic shelter (a smaller version of the large shelter) have been approved.

Reverse angle of John's C-16 and mixed freight on the Trestle.

A G-scale work crew inspects and adds to the trestle abutment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update 7/16/12:  Working while it's Warm or The Ramble that wasn't...

Sierra and I ran out to JTS to meet with Brian and Allan Ratliff, as well as work with  John Griffin on the layout.  It was a tad warm with temp's in the mid 90's.  The day was made pleasant with the occasional breeze (gust).  The goal was to install the new, beautiful, bridge that Gary Conley built for the G-scale.  Additionally, 60(+) feet of track was added to the mainline as well as two staging sidings.  

Sierra and I discuss the the project.  John is already testing the new track.

Allan took this about 2:00 as I was wiring the power switch for the new staging tracks.

Gary's bridge is in the upper left of the above image.  Photo by John.

John shot this image of  Gary's bridge, the temporary trestle and the (crooked) staging sidings.

(I'll straighten the inner siding on the next work day).

    All track was tested in both directions.  A few hummocks and bumps were present but the equipment ran through without any issues.  The track needs ballasting.  The center of this area will receive some rock piles, soil and structures to give some detail to the flat topped planter.  

     We are running low on rail clamps and will need to purchase some if any additional track is to be added.  I noticed that the original planter beds are quite a bit lower than the both of the new raised beds.  The plan is to set the laser level and raise the height of the original raised beds then re-set the track.  Gary plans on building new bridges to replace the original units.   The plan for Fall is to start the picnic shelter for the G-scale.  

More to follow, Don.

So I'm a Blogging Flake...

I apologize in the delay of updating the blog.  Quite a bit has gone on since the last installment.

Over President's weekend the Family and I ventured out to Joshua Tree.  We enjoyed our visit and worked on the yard crib.  John Griffin had been kind enough to stockpile redwood planks,  redwood posts and soil for the event.

The Gage's working on the Yard Crib- Lula and Belle were supervising

Ten days pass and I receive a note from John indicating that he has filled the crib and is awaiting his next assignment.  Wow this guy works amazingly fast!

Filled Crib by John Griffin

I made a one day pilgrimage to the Club to assist on minor repairs and tweaking of the rail.  Wiring has been updated to allow for both the upper loop and lower loop to be run from one transformer.  An operating pedestal has been added to make operating more comfortable from a fixed transformer. 

John's D&S Mogul pulling his red-doored Dynamite car

Gary Conley has been working on a custom Howe Truss bridge to connect the mainline to the yard crib and loop.  As of April 20th the Bridge is 95% complete and ready for installation.  More to follow... DG