Been putting off joining my local railroad historical club, who saved our town depot from destruction, but made the plunge this past summer. Putting my skills to use as the first order of business was to get these 3 wreck cranes (250T) onto safe track (385k # each). All performed with a couple people, an old case backhoe, & air power from our 471 (gp4 updated). Here is a before & after pic;
These things were literally sinking into the ground. Using fit (used ties) resurrecting 2 tracks 120 yds each or more replacing approx 200 ties & Tamping in over 100 Ton limestone (gonna need another 60T to finish). The goal of getting all 3 onto safe track before winter has been achieved, tho the diesel set is on an island while access track construction continues.
Sale of the 2 steam units is contract pending & we are gonna put the diesel unit to good use on this newly acquired property with over 3 miles of trackage & equipment.
Note in above pic how sunken this crane was sitting prior to shoving it back onto worked track!
RC
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, CMO
