Adapt and Overcome

With our recent deluge of rain in the High Desert we have a little Right of Way clearing to do. The Club workhorses, the two flat cars, are collecting demurrage off site but that does not mean that work cannot go on. Our ever busy local dirt mover has adapted a gondola box to one of the Westside 24' flatcars that were delivered to his rescue for use if needed. They are needed and his handiwork has created two more boxes for additional flats for this up coming weekend of railroad maintenance.
John Griffin, not one to sit around idly waiting for a planned work weekend, John has taken on clearing the track from unloading area to the steaming bays so when the big stuff comes out to get some work done, they can get steamed up.
 Using the best techniques of their prototype, the Westside Lumber Company, use and reuse. John salvaged some somewhat straight lumber to make boxes for the flats so he can load by the shovel full instead of by the bucket. The flat cars can handle the load as they can handle five or six full five gallon buckets, and have faithfully for many years now.
We have plenty to do and all comers are welcome to warm the handle of a shovel or broom so we can be ready for the up coming Rudy Run November 9-11. Do not worry that we will work you to the bone, we enjoy ourselves too and get work done as we play. The weather is supposed to be nice and the grill will be getting a workout in the evenings too. See you this weekend. Any questions, feel free to send me a note at ratsgarage@yahoo.com, Brian
A few pictures from John Griffin showing his progress and handiwork.....

 One of the mud flows that John cleared for this weekend.

 Always time for a nice photo.

 A picture of the AWOL club flatcars and it's dirt body for moving dirt.

 John's handiwork aboard a Westside 24' Flat.

 Making do.

After a coat of paint the Gondola conversions look pretty good. Hence a requisition of two more for maintenance purposes. This load came from the track along the Engine House. Plenty more this weekend. Come on out and assist if you can.