Thursday, November 20, 2014

1985-1987

The completed trestle
The Vulcan before the paint job
   The year 1985 brought about the conclusion of some projects.  First, finishing touches were put onto the trestle which included a walkway and a fire barrel.  With the trestle completed, the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad crew could now continue to lay more track.  Secondly, the Vulcan finished under going its rebuild.  Along with a new coat of green paint and detailing of the number three on the Vulcan, the nickname Norman was given to the engine to account for its sometimes cranky behavior.  Finally, a friend of the crew had made the decision to get out of narrow gauge railroading at his home.  Although this was an ending for him, it provided the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad an original Fairmont two foot gauge speeder.

Fairmont two foot gauge speeder
Norman
Last spike to be driven
     Continuing on with the completion of projects into 1986, the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad crew had a record breaking track laying year.  They laid 1,300 feet of track which completed the almost one mile long loop that caused for a great celebration.  Even though the loop was then completed, 1987 brought about a year of maintenance on the track.  Digging ditches, weeding around the tracks, and rebuilding roadbeds for the tracks were the projects that were completed in 1987.  The year 1987 also brought about the first tie replacements.  The original ties that were not in great shape when put in due to lack of money in 1966 were replaced by the conclusion of the year 1987.  

Completion of the mile long loop
All of the above pictures provided by William Bauer 


 

 





 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Backhoe Motor

     With Christmas approaching us, it was time for most of the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad crew to do some Christmas shopping.  Because of this, only a few people went to the railroad on 11/15/14.  Just because only a few people were at the railroad doesn't mean nothing got done on Saturday.  The work completed was focused around working on the backhoe that needs it's motor replaced.  The motor was the original one that was with the backhoe when the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad bought it which explains why it wore out.  Work was only started on the motor replacement and it is planed to continue into next Saturday 11/22/14.
The Backhoe

Picture taken by Scott Bauer