Progress on the bridge has been the No 1 task. The bridge is modelled on the one at Coominya with poles and lattice girders. Just some deck fasteners to go and the creek is crossed. There's a lot of prep started on the other side, but weather and finances will dictate the speed of completion. Some of the visitors for the run day.
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The cutting is through and material is moved to the embankment when occasional showers make it damp enough. Almost ready for mulch and roadbase A start has been made on the steelwork for the waterfall bridge. Parts are fabricated at the workshop where possible and shipped down by flatbed wagon or log disconnects Here a prefabricated bent is manoeuvred in place with the orange shovel on to a poured concrete base Looking up at the main beams in place. The deck will be added soon, followed by the side trusses. A temporary piece of track was put in to get the work car with welder, within reach of the connections. Once that is done, there are 9 more timber sections to link with the other bank of the creek. As an aside, the cattle train was taken to Grandchester for the "All Queensland Day" and came away with "best loco" award. Thanks GMLSA Work on the next section has started. The bridge alignment had to be fixed so that ensuing track would flow nicely. Some bridge materials have been purchased and moved to site by train (first use of train as goods transport!) Another long embankment leads out to "Belmont", then turns and goes into a deep cutting before emerging at "Chillagoe". Lots of work digging and carting dirt, with very little rain lately to help with compaction Basic prep and jungle clearing done all the way to the triangle approaching "Canungra" A change of plan has moved some trackage to give a better operation. See new layout on the TRACK page Invitational was a success despite only one visiting loco, Mal E's 1200 class diesel. A number of "walking" visitors from Grandchester and Bribie checked out the track and did some riding. Later the B15 managed to climb the big hill with 4 wagons and four passengers, much to my surprise. 1200 with cattle train rounds the Aroma Street curve. Progress on the new section. Chillagoe cleaned up and ready for track prep. The sign is a bit premature!! Finally some rain and a chance to see if the changes made at the waterfall are working. Looks good, now all it needs is a bridge! Loading bay has been enlarged to accommodate higher vehicles. However there are plans to change the whole setup so this will do for a while For the upcoming invitational, some basic camping facilities, a campfire circle and somewhere flattish to pitch a tent. Got the sleepers docked just before the rain arrived. Now I just have to drill 4 holes in each. Doh! A few cooler days and it's off into Lantana country on the other side of the waterfall. Access track is now via the Mt Crosby weir. An alignment has been pushed through to the far corner, currently christened "end of the world" but eventually should become Railmotor Stop "Belmont" This is now the scene at the head of steel/ bridge site/ top of waterfall. And looking back to the previous pic. A combination of steel bridges and trestles is being considered, partly influenced by what materials can be scrounged. No more timber bargains as my favourite sawmill is closing. I did a deal for some of their remaining stock for sleepers. That made a hole in the kid's inheritance. First opening of new bit. Family, friends and followers. No wonder the neighbours looked anxious! Second opening, for the live steam engineers. Shane and son Rob swap steam for 2-stroke, to clean the track prior to running It was kinda warm so advantage was taken of the shade, while topping up ready for the next trip. Track work is taking a break while I regroup. Lots of projects need attention in the (air conditioned!) workshop Much hard work by long suffering navvy, has resulted in finished track to Mt Crosby (the new station created by the diversion) The pathway leads down to the weir across the creek. http://freespace.virgin.net/johnk.pb15/mtcros.html info on Mt Crosby line Track laid through diversion but awaiting levelling and ballast First train into Laura, the work train. No, it hasn't derailed, the flatbed is removed to reveal a set of logging disconnects And a load of rail being delivered to Laura to construct the turning triangle. First summer storm and the diverted overland flow is working a treat. Track prep can now proceed. Here the track has reached the concrete pipe and soon will be at Mt Crosby. The aim is to have the triangle at Laura, working by the end of the year. The forest cleanup has generated huge piles, too big to burn, so it's stacked in small piles until I can get a permit to nuke it! |
Peter NixonThe one man track gang behind the building of the Brisbane Valley Tramway. Archives
September 2015
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