LOCO NEWS November 2007 Volume 20, No. 11

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1 LOCO NEWS November 2007 Volume 20, No. 11 FROM THE TOP FIRST A COUPLE OF NOTES FROM THE PREZ The weather continues to be ideal for running trains and as a result, we had a lot of visitors on the Sunday, November 4th public run day. The trains ran continuously from 1:00 to 4:00 pm hauling a bunch of enthusiastic kids and parents. Best of all we may have gained another member! On Sunday, November 11 th, we expect to have another great, fun run at the club track with just LOCO members. Again, due to its popularity we intend on running bi-directional from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Hopefully a new dispatcher board will be ready for use that will enable us to run more trains with less delays. To those of you who have not participated in one of our bi-directional runs yet, this will be a good opportunity to participate as we plan to give everyone a chance to run. There are radios available for loan to those who still have not purchased their own radio. To assist with controlling operations during the bi-directional run, we should have a new metal board available with the outline of the track on it. We are also purchasing some magnetic pieces of metal that we can put your train number on it so that we can accurately monitor the location of your train as it goes around the track. The magnetic strips will help hold your train to the board sop that the Oklahoma wind does not blow the wooden pieces away as it has in the past. For those concerned with the trackage northeast of the Truman s Trench Bridge, we finally replaced the sixty feet of troublesome track. The super slow speed limit is now removed and we can now travel this area at a normal safe speed. Pictures of this trackage will appear in the next newsletter. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it appears that Steve McClure will not be able to fulfill the remainder of his term on the LOCO Board of Director s. Because of this, Marshall Lee will fill this position until that position comes up for elections again. Come on out and enjoy your track! Truman

NOW FROM HARVEY Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma Meeting Minutes October 13, 2007 The regular meeting of the LOCO membership was called to order at 12:30 on October 13, 2007 at the LOCO Club

2 NOW FROM HARVEY Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma Meeting Minutes October 13, 2007 The regular meeting of the LOCO membership was called to order at 12:30 on October 13, 2007 at the LOCO Club House by Truman Hefner. Present: Truman Hefner President, Harvey Cannon - Secretary/Treasure, Jason McManus, Marshall Lee, Delbert Scott, Charles Parker, Susan Carey, and Art Gustafson. A. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. B. Treasurers Report - The treasures report was approved. C. Business issues: Update on SWLS information as it affects LOCO. SWLS has decreased the amount of contribution for the weekend at LOCO to $350 from $475 due to financial problems at SWLS. They have also reduced the number of meets per year requiring rotation of meets from year to year. The SWLS spring and fall meeting are in April and Oct. LOCO s meet with SWLS has been cancelled for 2008 and is scheduled for June of October fun run is set for Sunday 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 with Joe Fawcett in attendance. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Chips and Pork and Beans supplied by LOCO. Train show is set for December 1, 2 at the OKC fairgrounds. John Reiff has added his name to the list of supporters for the show. We need to get the Double Aught ready for pictures. Art Gustafson has purchased the material for the coal grate. Current list of train show hosts for LOCO is Jason McManus, Charles Parker, Earl Bean, Brian Lacock and Truman Hefner. The candidates for the Board of Directors for the year of 2008 are still campaigning if you are interested make sure you contact the committee for new officers. The committee is Brian Lacock, Charles Parker and Delbert Scott. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 01:30 by Truman Hefner. The next general meeting will be at 12:30 on November 3, 2007 at LOCO Club House. Minutes submitted by: Approved by: Harvey Cannon Truman Hefner

A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS The Thomas the Tank event was a hit with the local kids and with LOCO again this year.

$1,886.50 from ORM towards the LOCO organization.

Farquharson, John Reiff, Michael Rudd, Travis York, and Robert Simmons.

3 A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS The Thomas the Tank event was a hit with the local kids and with LOCO again this year. Thanks to the members that contributed their time over two weekends for this event held at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (ORM) grounds, LOCO volunteers earned a donation of $1, from ORM towards the LOCO organization. Those volunteering hours of their time this year were Harvey Cannon, Susan Carey, Marshall Lee, Art Gustafson, Earl Bean, Eddie Schriewer, Gene Berger, Jason McManus, John Farquharson, John Reiff, Michael Rudd, Travis York, and Robert Simmons. Thanks to these folks, LOCO may have some needed cash flow that can be used towards a new roof on the second story portion of the LOCO house, or for other much needed projects around the track. In the pictures below, we see Gene Berger hard at work building the platform that Sir Toppenhat will use to talk to Thomas and the boys and girls that come out for the Thomas the Tank event. After that we see various folks in and about ORM getting ready for the big event.

4 Once the gates opened, there were plenty of visitors and lots of train rides. From the faces in the pictures below there were nothing but smiles to be had by everyone involved. Another great event in Oklahoma City and made better by the folks from the LOCO train club!

AROUND THE LOCO TRACK Work Continues on the infrastructure needed before the track for the High Line can be put into place.

the retaining wall in the area east of the tunnel that will be called Fawcett Yard.

To make room for the 2-3 track yard, the side of the hill was excavated using the back hoe and was widened to allow for 2-3 long straight tracks

When the weather cooperated this past summer, Gene, Truman, Mike, Art, Harvey, and others started to place the double ties that Lloyd Cowger

5 AROUND THE LOCO TRACK Work Continues on the infrastructure needed before the track for the High Line can be put into place. One of the major items attacked over the past couple of months (and with a big push when Joe Fawcett stopped by for a visit in mid October) was the retaining wall in the area east of the tunnel that will be called Fawcett Yard. This area seen in the pictures immediately below originally had just sloping dirt leading away from the trees on top of the tunnel. To make room for the 2-3 track yard, the side of the hill was excavated using the back hoe and was widened to allow for 2-3 long straight tracks in this area. When the weather cooperated this past summer, Gene, Truman, Mike, Art, Harvey, and others started to place the double ties that Lloyd Cowger picked up for the club several years ago from his contacts with BNSF. The double ties are strong and sturdy enough to take the load of the dirt if becomes water saturated and tries to push out on the East side of the tunnel below the trees. Deadman sections of ties were also buried into the hillside to provide additional support and stability to the wall ensuring a long safe life.

To prepare for the final push to complete the

and Mike strategically placed ties received

area. In all, about 40 ties were moved to the

Since the best laid plans always can have a

supervisor s on the job are often put to the

6 To prepare for the final push to complete the wall on Oct 19-20, Gene, Truman, Art, Harvey and Mike strategically placed ties received from ORM on the backside of the Fawcett Yard area. In all, about 40 ties were moved to the area to complete this section of the wall. Since the best laid plans always can have a little bit of deviation needed, the supervisor s on the job are often put to the task to make corrections as the project goes along. Here we see Truman, Art and Gene supervising and making some needed mid-course corrections on the wall.

Once all the corrections are made, some hard drillin was required to drill

And who best to show their skills, but Truman and Gene.

drillin, it is time to do a bit of hammerin.

Here are a couple pictures of Art using a long handled air hammer fitted

ties. After a full days work on Friday, 19 Oct, the wall is definitely

In the second picture, the base for the last tie is being prepared.

7 Once all the corrections are made, some hard drillin was required to drill the holes in the ties for the rebar needed to tie everything together. And who best to show their skills, but Truman and Gene. (Art is being mentored on the new skill in the first picture) After all that drillin, it is time to do a bit of hammerin. And who best to show of his own skills, but LOCO s very own Art Gustafson. Here are a couple pictures of Art using a long handled air hammer fitted with a special tool to make short work of pounding the rebar through the ties. After a full days work on Friday, 19 Oct, the wall is definitely beginning to take shape. Ties are in place, holes drilled, and rebar driven. In the second picture, the base for the last tie is being prepared. The tie wall will end at this point to still allow for a sloped path that the back hoe and other tractor vehicles can use to access this area of the property.

On Saturday, 20 Oct, the team was at it again to finish the wall

Some additional dirt needed to be moved out of the way, so Gene

Since getting the club tractors to the back side of the property is

ramp on the back side of the tunnel to allow easy access for the

This will not be seen by the public unless running on the High Line.

8 On Saturday, 20 Oct, the team was at it again to finish the wall before the bi-directional meet at the track on Sunday, 21 Oct. Some additional dirt needed to be moved out of the way, so Gene brought the back hoe on top of the tunnel to make short work of the dirt that needed to be moved. Once the dirt was moved, the final ties were put into place. Since getting the club tractors to the back side of the property is still needed, the retaining wall built allows for a permanent sloped ramp on the back side of the tunnel to allow easy access for the back hoe and the two utility tractors. This will not be seen by the public unless running on the High Line. After all is said and done, here are a couple pictures of the final wall in place. A lot of hard work, but it was a great job from all to get it into this shape!

Here are a couple more shots of the finished wall.

The second picture is looking north to show what those climbing the High Line will see as they enter Fawcett Yard.

Here he is, Truman Hefner playing king of the wall, daring any and all to try and knock him off.

9 Here are a couple more shots of the finished wall. The first picture is looking South down the wall where the approach of the high line will come up to Fawcett Yard. The second picture is looking north to show what those climbing the High Line will see as they enter Fawcett Yard. No project is complete without one interesting shot to show job completion. Here he is, Truman Hefner playing king of the wall, daring any and all to try and knock him off. Since this picture was taken, the entire back portion of the wall has been backfilled on the tree side of the wall. At some point in the future, we will need a LOCO member/sponsor to build a steel railing to go along the top of the wall to prevent kids and adults from taking the plunge onto the future track below.

Now for just a couple of pictures to provide some food for thought.

In the first picture, you can easily visualize where the 3% grade will be climbing adjacent to the track that that goes through the tunnel.

Now, after the wall at Fawcett Yard was completed on Saturday, 20 October, Gene, Joe, Truman, Art and Mike continued and started work on the wall that will go on to the tunnel

Over the years, we ve discovered that kids and adults like to run from the South tunnel portal to the North tunnel portal to take pictures and wave at the trains.

10 Now for just a couple of pictures to provide some food for thought. The next two pictures were to give you an idea of where the High Line will ascend the hill and come into the Fawcett Yard area. In the first picture, you can easily visualize where the 3% grade will be climbing adjacent to the track that that goes through the tunnel. In the second picture, Joe and Truman were walking down the grade to discuss how this project should proceed. Now, after the wall at Fawcett Yard was completed on Saturday, 20 October, Gene, Joe, Truman, Art and Mike continued and started work on the wall that will go on to the tunnel s northeast side. Over the years, we ve discovered that kids and adults like to run from the South tunnel portal to the North tunnel portal to take pictures and wave at the trains. In doing so, we ve discovered some over ambitious types don t always pay attention to where they are going and some have had close calls. To avoid this problem in the future, a tie wall on both sides of the tunnel will be constructed to give a flat surface on top of the tunnel, and the tie wall will allow steel railing to be installed to prevent any accidents from happening. In the pictures below, one of the walls was being installed...up until the point that we ran out of rebar pins to tie the wall together. This side of the wall is almost complete with just a few more layers of ties needed.

Working on the tie walls is a fun job, but not necessarily a clean one.

Since we took a couple pictures of where the High Line would go on the South side of Fawcett Yard, Gene though it was only

11 Working on the tie walls is a fun job, but not necessarily a clean one. Here we see a couple pictures of Joe, Gene and Truman after putting in a bit of sweat equity. Since we took a couple pictures of where the High Line would go on the South side of Fawcett Yard, Gene though it was only right that he should also take a few pictures of where the mainline will be going after it passes the North side of the tunnel and exits out of Fawcett Yard. The new mainline was walked by Truman and Joe to where it would then parallel the existing track on the North side of the property UNNAMED SIDING PROGRESS Since the last newsletter, Gene has added enough dirt in the unnamed siding (adjacent to Scott Siding) and smoothed it out to the point that ballast could be added at any time for track that will go past the silos. These silos have also been filled with some dirt to ensure that they stay in place. Some work is still needed to put fake caps on the concrete tubes to give them a more realistic silo appearance.

NORTH WEST SIDE HIGH LINE PROGRESS Progress is being made on the

Gene has been working to install a tie pier wall long enough on

left (West) side, and the two tracks on the right will be the

In the first two pictures, the trench was dug on the North side

In the next set of pictures, ties have now been placed in the

12 NORTH WEST SIDE HIGH LINE PROGRESS Progress is being made on the North West side of the High Line in the Pee Wee Park area. Gene has been working to install a tie pier wall long enough on either side of the Pee Wee Park Bridge to allow for a three track bridge. When built, the bridge will carry the High Line track on the far left (West) side, and the two tracks on the right will be the existing main and a longer Pee Wee Park siding. In the first two pictures, the trench was dug on the North side of the bridge to accept the new bridge pier tie abutments. In the next set of pictures, ties have now been placed in the holes to provide new bridge abutments. In these pictures, the top ties are being put into place and Gene is using the air hammer to pin the ties together.

BOGARDUS SIDING Gene has been working himself into a lather to try and get

this section and then worked to put the base ballast down where the track

In these pictures, Gene used the wooden form to put down a measured 1.

Jasonville. Half the base ballast is already down here.

13 BOGARDUS SIDING Gene has been working himself into a lather to try and get Bogardus Siding in before winter firmly arrives and bringing a halt to track laying activities. During the last week of October, Gene completed the final dirt leveling of this section and then worked to put the base ballast down where the track will go. In these pictures, Gene used the wooden form to put down a measured 1.5 of base ballast and then packed it down so it will be ready to accept track. In the second picture, you are looking Northeast from Huth Hollow towards Jasonville. Half the base ballast is already down here. In the first picture, more ballast has been brought into the area so that it can be spread out using the wooden form. In the second picture, you are now looking from the Jasonville side of the siding towards Huth Hollow. Once again, a good portion of the base ballast has been put down.

In this final picture, the base ballast is complete for Bogardus

All that is now needed is track and a final layer of ballast.

LOCO SHOP FACELIFT Our LOCO shop received another face lift

Needed shelves were added to the North wall of the shop to keep

Once again the bench top has been cleaned so that it can be used

14 In this final picture, the base ballast is complete for Bogardus Siding. All that is now needed is track and a final layer of ballast. Another fine job by Gene Berger! LOCO SHOP FACELIFT Our LOCO shop received another face lift recently by Truman and Mike. Needed shelves were added to the North wall of the shop to keep things neat and tidy. Once again the bench top has been cleaned so that it can be used for LOCO projects. The shelves that you see in the second picture will receive shelf placards to show what should be on the shelf in that specific spot. We will need the help of all LOCO members to PUT STUFF AWAY PROPERLY AFTER YOU USE IT!

AVOIDING WASHOUTS Several areas around the track have had ballast washing out/migrating over the years.

This has been a very successful venture, and definitely takes the aesthetically pleasing look of the area up quite a few more notches.

Boards have been staked into place by Art, Gene and Truman to allow eventual ballast addition into this area.

15 AVOIDING WASHOUTS Several areas around the track have had ballast washing out/migrating over the years. Recently LOCO members identified these areas and have been edging the areas using pressure treated lumber. This has been a very successful venture, and definitely takes the aesthetically pleasing look of the area up quite a few more notches. In the first two pictures, we see the approach between the 4S Bridge and the double girder bridge at Pee Wee Park. Boards have been staked into place by Art, Gene and Truman to allow eventual ballast addition into this area. With the boards in place, we should be able to avoid most of the annual ballast addition due to less rain migration of the ballast. In the first picture below, the pressure treated lumber now extends past the double girder bridge. In the second picture, the pressure treated wood edging is shown where it starts on the South side of the 4S Bridge.

In this final picture you see another perspective of the pressure treated wood edging.

Another portion of the track that has some drainage and ballast migration problems is the

In the pictures below, boards are also being used in this area to form a good ballast side

16 In this final picture you see another perspective of the pressure treated wood edging. This is definitely looking good now. Another portion of the track that has some drainage and ballast migration problems is the long straightaway that goes from Jasonville up to the South tunnel portal entrance. In the pictures below, boards are also being used in this area to form a good ballast side wall, and to channel any water going through this area to the drainage culverts. A bit more work to do here, but a lot of progress was made the first week of November.

LOCO OCT 21st BI-DIRECTIONAL RUN For those of you that missed the LOCO membership

Members present operated by radio to move their trains from one passing siding to the

Yep there sure were, but LOCO members being the smart lot that they are made sure that

17 LOCO OCT 21st BI-DIRECTIONAL RUN For those of you that missed the LOCO membership bidirectional run and burger burn on Sunday, Oct 21 st all I can say is that you missed a lot of fun. During the run, Harvey Cannon was volunteered to dispatch trains in both directions. Members present operated by radio to move their trains from one passing siding to the next while Harvey kept it all together. Were there some interesting moments? Yep there sure were, but LOCO members being the smart lot that they are made sure that no cornfield meets happened. Is there an age limitation on fun at LOCO, absolutely not as you can see in the pictures below. Members, kids, and grandkids all had fun at this meet.

19 What better way to end an afternoon session of running trains except with a burger burn. Here we see Joe Fawcett doing the traditional duties and cooking up some burgers and dogs for those in attendance. Food was great and the company was even better not to mention a few train stories were passed amongst the membership also!

** A SPECIAL THANK YOU NOTE FROM JOE FAWCETT** For those that attended the 21 Oct bi-directional run at the LOCO track, I would like to pass my personal thanks to all that came out to run trains and

21 ** A SPECIAL THANK YOU NOTE FROM JOE FAWCETT** For those that attended the 21 Oct bi-directional run at the LOCO track, I would like to pass my personal thanks to all that came out to run trains and have a LOCO cookout. After experiencing 1/8 scale train deprivation for over 16 months, it was great to see and run trains with all of you if only for a short period of time. It was a great day and the track was in great running order. A special thanks goes to Harvey after he was railroaded into dispatcher duties. I believe we all had a great afternoon running trains in both directions. Although the main running was finished by sun down, I took my train out on the cool Oklahoma evening to try and cram some final throttle time in before I would once again have to depart and return to Korea. Once I had the train running, it was amazing to have a bunch more LOCO friends jump on and go for quite a few more laps around the track at night with me. To those that have not experienced the track at night, this adds a whole new dimension to running trains out at LOCO. After running for over an hour and a half around the track in the dark, LOCO members helped me pack the train away until I could return. Again, thank you to all that came out to the track to run trains on Oct 21 st. JOE FOR REAL Although not 1/8 scale, I thought I would throw a couple pictures of some 1:1 scale, but retired railroad equipment into the newsletter this time. The pictures shown below were taken in Scranton, Pennsylvania on 15 Oct 07 at the Steamtown Museum and train park that is there. The first set of pictures captures the on display. Until you are standing next to this behemoth, it is sometimes hard to put things into perspective. If you look close in the first picture you can get an idea of what a 6 2 person looks like next to this magnificent machine.

From there, you can go inside the full 360 degree roundhouse to

In the next couple of pictures, Sun and I enjoyed walking

museum also has a cut-away of a 1 to 1 scale locomotive to show

22 From there, you can go inside the full 360 degree roundhouse to find many other fascinating areas and displays. In the next couple of pictures, Sun and I enjoyed walking through some wonderfully restored cars stepping back in time to enjoy the wonders of modern equipment. If you ever wondered how a steam locomotive actually worked, the museum also has a cut-away of a 1 to 1 scale locomotive to show all the various pieces. Each is color coordinated and is described on various boards in and around the locomotive.

Going further into the roundhouse, visitors

Once you are done in the roundhouse, there

23 Going further into the roundhouse, visitors can watch actual repairs being accomplished on locomotives in their stalls. The pictures below are of just a few locomotives currently undergoing repairs/restoration. Once you are done in the roundhouse, there are acres of trains, train cars and other displays on the museum grounds. All you need is a camera and time, and off you go to explore possibly that piece of equipment that you would like to model some day.

24 Pictures by Joe Fawcett

A SLIGHTLY SMALLER SCALE While traveling through Pennsylvania, I also took the opportunity to stop by my uncle s house to check on his HO scale basement layout and to catch a great picture of his

Although I got in a little too late to do a bit of steaming, here are pictures of Paul Matiskella and his son Stephen Matiskella highlighting this beautiful piece of equipment.

25 A SLIGHTLY SMALLER SCALE While traveling through Pennsylvania, I also took the opportunity to stop by my uncle s house to check on his HO scale basement layout and to catch a great picture of his completed 1 scale coal fired Atlantic. Although I got in a little too late to do a bit of steaming, here are pictures of Paul Matiskella and his son Stephen Matiskella highlighting this beautiful piece of equipment. Pictures by Joe Fawcett *NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all other pictures in this newsletter were courtesy of Gene Berger. Without him taking the pictures, this newsletter would not be possible* UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER DECEMBER 4 Sunday 2 - Sunday Public (only) run, 1:00 4:00 PM NO Public (only) run Due to Train Show 11 - Sunday 9 Sunday LOCO (only) fun run LOCO (only) fun run ABOUT LOCO Track Address SE 104 th St. McLoud, OK Directors TRUMAN HEFNER CARL BOGARDUS HARVEY CANNON President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer ROBERT BOGARDUS MARSHALL LEE JASON McMANUS Board Member Board Member Board Member ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS Resident -- $100 Associate -- $25 (anyone living more than 60 miles from the LOCO facility)

DOUBLE AUGHT BREATHES AGAIN!

APR 2013 VOL 26, #4 DOUBLE AUGHT BREATHES AGAIN! After several years to accomplish a complete rebuild, Double Aught had a fire going in the boiler again on March 2, 2013. Brian Lacock with the help of