The Rubber & Rawhide Railroad

Progress Report for 4th July 2009

This Page Created on July 24th, 2009

Double Grade Crossing Raised!

The Marshy Path is well named. And, the two tracks crossing the MP were subject to repeated floodings after even a moderate rain. Our drainage engineer had tried to solve the problem by driving a couple of pipes under the track, but it didn't really help.

After our enginering department's phenomenal success in handling the similar problem on the Garden Path, we finally let them have their way on this crossing too. The two tracks have been raised about two inches (a regular brick's thickness) and the pathway built up on either side of the tracks. Note too in the right background how close to the ground the Magic Portal track lies at this area.

Marshy Path Grade Crossings being reworked

Same crossings viewed from the South. The near track is the North Garage Cutoff Loop, the far (connecting to the Lot Circumnavigation mainline) is the Sago Palm/Beyond the Briars connection. Fortunately, both of these tracks were practically on grade, so raising the track two inches was done without any major changes in grade.

Marshy Path Grade Crossings Completed!

Extra gravel is in place, and the two-track crossing looks even better than before!

Since this work was completed, we have had a couple of rains that tested the project. Both tracks stayed completely above water, with no debris buildup!

The Old Main Path Crossing

One of the most difficult grade crossings to build was that involving the North Garage Loop and the Sago to House Perimeter Connector. With the House Perimeter track already somewhat elevated, finding another two or three inches seeming like a daunting task. But that's what Surveying said that we needed to do.

It turned out that part of the house perimeter's Magic Portal segment did not meet the Five Percent Maximum Upgrade rule! It was supposed to, surveying insisted that they did check, but somehow the installation was not what was engineered. In this photo, both tracks have been raised about three inches, and temporary fill has been placed at what was our main Lawn Maintenance Vehicle path!

Elevated trackage at the Old Main Crossing

Magic Portal Track Grade Adjustments Successful

This time we got it! One of our longer freight trains makes easy work of the adjusted Magic Portal run. Even our little Columbus can make the climb without slipping now!