Official Black River Railroad Historic Trust Thread

[greyhairedpete]

That is a neat looking machine, how many times an hour can it do? Also do you have to dig out the ties first or can it get a hold and pull them out?

We do not have to dig out the ties. The machine clamps onto the rails, and pulls the old ones out.

It's hard to say how many can be done in an hour or a day. It really depends on the condition of the old ties and the ballast/roadbed. The more I run the machine, the quicker I get.

There's also a hydraulic spiking gun which runs off the machine, which is of course much faster and easier than hand-spiking.

[greyhairedpete]

The day after Christmas, and we were brush-cutting, cleared about 3/4 of a mile. Unfortunately, our powered pole saw quit, we dulled a few chainsaws, poked by sticker bushes and were covered in cling-ons (burrs). The casualties of war (against foliage)......

And we high-railed about a 1/4 mile past Mount Airy road!

[brwfan]

Moving right along great job! I believe hamp road is next then 202? Think you guy will make it to lambertville as far as brush clearing this year? Also wondering what's going on with 438, does the trust own it or a lease? Any mechanical difficulties? I only saw it used a few times.

[greyhairedpete]

Not sure what the 438 needs, so I can't comment.

As for reaching Route 202, who knows? Going to depend on the weather (keep your fingers crossed for a continued mild winter), manpower, etc. But remember, brush cutting is only stage one.

We have about 500 ties on hand to put in, but we also have bridges to worry about, ditching, etc, so Lambertville is not going to happen overnight......

This is all being done by volunteers. And many of us are also involved with train service, the car shop, and the Steam team, so L'ville work is done when time and funds allow.

[brwfan]

I hope for a mild winter, I work outside all day so this year has been great. I was watching YouTube videos and saw one of railroad days, I was curious if you guys still had the wreck crane, and if its used for anything or just kept in case?

[Ken W2KB]

Moving right along great job! I believe hamp road is next then 202? Think you guy will make it to lambertville as far as brush clearing this year? Also wondering what's going on with 438, does the trust own it or a lease? Any mechanical difficulties? I only saw it used a few times.

The Trust owns the 438, subject to a reverter provision that title will be restored to the United Railroad Historical Society at no cost should the Trust ever decide to dispose of the 438.

[greyhairedpete]

I hope for a mild winter, I work outside all day so this year has been great. I was watching YouTube videos and saw one of railroad days, I was curious if you guys still had the wreck crane, and if its used for anything or just kept in case?

There are actually two wreck cranes on the property, not sure when they were last run.

[greyhairedpete]

Big news on the Alexauken Division (Ringoes-Lambertville):

We have class one track past Boss Road to MP6.

http://burl.co/5CBC486

If you need something to spend your tax refund on, help us get to Bowne Station.

[brwfan]

Is coach 494 retired?

[brwfan]

Thanks. Any plans to replace it or are 4 coaches enough?

[Ken W2KB]

Thanks. Any plans to replace it or are 4 coaches enough?

Building on the experience in restoring former CRRNJ coach 1009, the Trust plans next to restore former DL&W open platform coach 305.

[NYSW2300]

BRRHT volunteers have cleared south to the Hamp Rd bridge at MP 2.75. This puts them about 1.5 miles away from Rt 29.

[Donko142]

That is awesome news guys !!!! Keep fighting the fight, you're certainly making a lot of good progress. My God last time I was down there I Hyrailed from Finkels to Ringos with Rod, had to be around 1999-2000. Very scenic piece of railroad.

[greyhairedpete]

BRRHT volunteers have cleared south to the Hamp Rd bridge at MP 2.75. This puts them about 1.5 miles away from Rt 29.

Yup, we cleared about 1/4 mile on Saturday. Keep an eye out for some video of our adventures.

[pumpers]

Fantastic. The locals will sure be shocked when they see you all working your way through Lambertville!
JIm S