Category: Railroad

Once the footers were in position, a string line was placed so the height of each trestle bent could be recorded. Stephen then calculated the lengths of each component of each bent. With the trestle bent #1 proving the data, he then cut the needed parts for the remaining 32 bents.

Stephen built the first trestle bent with a jig to facilitate the construction of the remaining 32 bents.

While Bob built track panels, John O and Stephen drilled and labelled the sill boards for each footer and Stephen delivered the footers to the trestle right of way. Ken, James, and “Dead Eye” Rob positioned each footer. 33 footers were needed to reach the bridges around the lake.

Doug and I spent an afternoon prepping for the ring rail around the turntable. This involved levelling the area and digging a trench for the concrete base.

Track panels have been staging on the approach to the trestle. Sill boards for the trestle bent footers are ready.

All hands were on deck laying track panels through the Austin station and yard. Photos from Tim: It has been a while since we have seen a run:

John decided to spend a day in the shade, ballasting and levelling track.

With the Austin yard nearing completion, a ballast delivery close to the need was in order.

Paul, the tie-master, was busy cutting ties. Ken, Johnny, James, and little Nick were laying panels through the Austin station area to complete 4 of the 5 station tracks. John O and Stephen were busy prepping panels. It was a hot day for sure. Photos from Tim: Photos from Stephen:

Ken Smith and David White made a day trip to install the first switch stands. These are located in the Bexar yard.