Our October Work Weekend will run Thursday through Sunday, October 15–18, 2026. We’ve added Thursday so we have more time to tackle the many worthwhile projects on the railroad.
We’ll be making several improvements to get the railroad ready for the busy fall season:
- Thursday: We’ll replace loose track bolts, shore up sunken joints, and install gauge rods west of the red board. This work will help keep the west end safe for motorcar, maintenance, and inspection traffic.
- Friday: We’ll install new crossties at two spots on the mainline just west of the water cistern, and place new ties between the Mill Street and Bailey Springs crossings. We’ll also install up to 14 new switch timbers, some as long as 14 feet. Switch work is always interesting, and we don’t get to do it very often!
- Saturday and Sunday: We’ll work between MP 2 and MP 3, just west of the I-83 bridge, where loose rails and sinking track need urgent attention. Several rail lengths have no sound ties. We’ll install new ties, add stone, level the track, and replace bad track bolts. This is one of two trouble spots on the west side that need repair soon.
We’ll need four equipment operators and a large crew to get the weekend’s work done. We need you! Please don’t assume someone else will come out. If you’re reading this, we could use your help—especially from our younger volunteers.
Come enjoy the cool fall weather, work alongside our friendly teammates, help improve the railroad, and take a fall ride over much of the line.
We have plenty to do, and the tools and equipment to do it right. We’re continuing to invest in the railroad’s restoration with a good supply of new ties, which should last about 40 years. Strong railroad earnings and stock purchases have helped make these investments possible. We’re also waiting for a larger shipment of 224 Grade 1 relay ties, which have been very hard to find all summer.
We hope you can join us! If you have any questions, please let us know.
Thank you!!!
