New Ore Dock in Craig Leigh

 

Narration by Bernie.

There has always been a problem at Craig Leah when the ore train arrived, especially if other trains or locomotives needed Y-ing.  The idea of adding an island was explored by Mike and Bernie. It could not come off Northland as there would be no way to reach some of the cars to uncouple.  Then we hit upon the notion of the dock coming off the ”Y”.   During the brainstorming session, Bernie quickly got some wood, some switches and laid out a plan on the ground.  Fred gave his blessing and the wheels were set in motion.  The photo above shows the initial plan on the ground.  On Tuesday 5 September 2017, Fred and Bernie had planned to do the bench work, but things went well and in the afternoon the track was laid. Ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday 9 September,  2017. 
 

 

 

Fred and Mike pondering the initial plan.

 

 

Fred likes what he sees. The ore dock is a go.

 

 

Mike and Bernie, two happy campers.

 

 

Four weeks later, Fred and Bernie start building. Fred deciding what is next.

 

 

Okay Bernie, how are we going to do this?

 

 

Setting up the form work. Is it level?

 

 

Cutting the 4X4.

 

 

Fred with the tape measure.

 

And now the backhoe and patio stones.

 

Okay, where is my pencil?

 

 

Looks straight to me.

 

 

The angle looks good.

 

 

Fred tried to nail Bernie’s foot to the 4X4, so he hauled off and hit him back.  Actually, a wasp stinger found the eyelid.  The foot bit is true.

 

 

Fred, I know where your pencil is!

 

 

The final cuts. 

 

 

The finished bench work.

 

 

View from the “Y”.

 

 

View towards Craig Leigh.

 

 

The switch puzzle.

 

 

Got the switches figured out.

 

 

Fred supervises Bernie laying the straights.

 

 

The last piece of straight.  Note the pain killer.

 

 

Darn finicky rail joiners.

 

 

All done.

 

 

View from the “Y”.

 

 

Bernie set up the ore cars to make sure they fit.  Narrow gauge on the far track.

 

 

Fred admiring the handy work.

 

 

Fred checking out the narrow gauge hoppers.

 

 

Lets give it a flight test with the ten wheeler.

 

 

Pulling three strings of hoppers.

 

 

Fred pays close attention as the loads are backed in.

 

 

Bernie with a big smile.  It works!

 

There you go Bob, all ready for ops. 

A couple of wet shots of the new ore dock.

 
Taken by our good friend, Gord.

Great looking!  Can't wait to run it!