5.10.09

Another 42' of track down and tested yesterday afternoon, all worked well. The grade out of Cheerytree to Big Rock was a bit more than i really wanted. Most of the Grade was 2.5%, one 8' section turned out to be 3.5%. However, this will offer some realistic operating challenges with long loaded trains. I pulled the Grade with 17 cars, A Dash 9-44 CW up front and a U25-B at mid-train and it did ok. For longer trains, at least one more Dash 9 will be needed.

We are forecast good weather this week, with any luck i plan on moving dirt for fill around the Big Rock area. Pluming for the sprinkler system is scheduled for sometime this week also. The new 42' of track is going to require 4 water dranage pipe, they will be installed Tue: morning.