Re: Dolores trackwork/ Silvertion track work

Spikes are driven with a modern air gun and a maul might do damage if someone nick the head of the rail. Do not shy away from track building account of past hard work. As WW&F showed everyone who arrived, much of the work is measuring, moving material, and dressing things. It is now hard work to level some stone, set ties in place with four fellows holding tie tongs (always bring them if you own tie tongs), drilling holes with electric drill to set spikes with a small hammer. Carrying spikes to set them on a tie is easy work but surely necessary. Machines will handle the rail but someone needs to carry the joint bars and plates into position which are not too heavy. Then there are bolts and washers and nuts to put together when the bars are set on the joint. Next is need to measure and mark the end of the tie from the line side so the track is straight when the plates are put on the tie. One plate per person is not too hard to carry so the more folks around to do that work, the better. You must always work at your own pace and some of the volunteers who have done it before can supervise and direct when they see the next function needing some action.

It is very rewarding to see the track go together when your part of it. When you arrive as a volunteer, expect to become part of a "Job Briefing" as required for all on track employees or volunteers. That will explain where you can help and describe how you carry a tool or parts and find a job to fit your skill and energy. Remember it is 9300' altitude and if you have not been at that level for two weeks your blood has not adjusted to give you enough oxygen. The hardest thing in building track is driving the spike and since they have an air compressor to do that, you are in the clear. A lot of material needs to be moved at the proper time and that are where we ants can really have fun. Some jobs are as simple as using a bar to push a tie into line, but it is very important function. Figure on joining the effort for hours or days, but sign in and make friends. I will be too far away to be there but they will likely have a reception ambassador (that is one of the needed jobs too) to conduct a job briefing for you. Remember, even when you work for free, you are subject to the control and discipline of the Foreman who you are working for, just like being employed on a real railroad, and you can get fired too. No drugs or controlled substance allowed and even volunteers someday may be subject to random testing. Always be careful with your tools and the folks working around you.
Above is speaking on my own and not part of the project that this might be in connection with.