Construction Update #69

The BIG POUR was undertaken today. 61 cubic meters of concrete were placed between 0800 and 1430, representing 8 truckloads. The trucks arrived every 45 minutes like clockwork, and each truck took 35-40 minutes to unload. The trucks were backed into the building, and the parts slab was poured from west to east. The concrete was leveled and finished continuously. We had a great turnout, and there were enough hands for all the tools. We completed finishing around 1645, and the initials of everyone who assisted with all the pours to date were carved in the floor at 1700. This completes the bulk of the concrete work with 116 cubic meters placed so far. My sincerest thanks to everyone who came out to help.

Construction Update #68

Ballast was dumped on the #7 switch and the lead in preparation for more surfacing. In addition, the damaged concrete from last weeks pour was jackhammered out in preparation for re-finishing the two slabs on Track 41 & 42. Prep work for "The Big Pour" was also done. All the pieces are slowly falling into place!

Funds to complete 5the last 3 tracks are still needed - Please contribute if you can. Every $20 makes a difference.

MAJOR MILESTONE!

At 1655 on Tuesday October 27, 2009, the first railcar entered the building on Track 45. Granted it was our CP parts storage boxcar, but the significance of the milestone should not be underestimated. After dumping ballast on the lead, the ballast hopper was placed inside on Track 44. Within the next 6 weeks, the building will be full of cars.

Construction Update #67

Trackwork continued at a feverish pace, helped along by better weather. Track 46 was completed outside, and connected to the building. Shortly thereafter, track 45 was completed outside and connected to the building. Track 45 was also completed inside. The missing section of track 44 was also built and connected to the building. By the end of the day, tracks 44, 45 & 46 were completed. Due to the weather delays, tracks 41-43 have yet to be connected, but the missing sections on each track are 92 feet long - this represents another day of work to finish. Concurrently with the trackwork, the #46 switch was lifted and blocked, and the floor forms on the north wall were completed. If the weather co-operates, the concrete will be poured this coming week, and the trackwork will be completed shortly thereafter.

Construction Update #66

Saturday was another good day for track construction. Track 46 was laid out outside, and the crossover switch was built. Unfortunately, rain delayed the work again, and production suffered somewhat. By the end of the day, one rail on track 46 was connected to the building - The building was connected to the mainline for the first time. The Ballast car was loaded with ballast for the lead & ladder switches, and material was also prepared for the balance of the trackwork.

Construction Update #65

Trackwork Weekend #2 commenced Friday. Track 45 was laid out, and 2/3 built inside the building, and track 44 was gauged, spiked, and realigned outside. Unfortunately, heavy rain slowed production, but the work proceeded well under the circumstances. Once again, our hired "Professional Trackmen" did a great job.

Construction Update #64

Concrete pour #3 was completed on Wednesday October 21. The east pad was poured between the rails on tracks 41-44 and 46. Concurrent with the pour, the drain was installed on track 46, and the catchbasin frames and risers were installed on Tracks 41-44 & 46. Unfortunately, the pour was hindered by the weather - the forecasted "Late afternoon showers" actually arrived as a monsoon as the concrete was being placed. As a result, some reqork will be required on tracks 41 & 42.