Here's a section of track near Cressmont. See those dark spots, kind of looks like horse droppings? That where a big machine punched thru under the rails.
From the distance, the ballast and rails look done. Not so. Another behemoth will come thru, raise up the rails and ties, and then "gauge" the rails for a perfect width.
Here's the gizmo that's gouging under the rails on the BC&G RR spur line.
See those four steel prongs down in the ground. Those and wedge on the inside that does the work.
How about
an update on the nearly completed Buffalo Creek and Gauley
Railroad spur line that runs from Dundon up nearly to Widen.
Here goes.
The contract called for all the work to be completed in May 2022. Well, contract deadline after another have been extended. Now the deadline for completion is set for Dec 30th. In the last five weeks, we have seen more effort put into the project. BDA Chair Mitch DeBoard told his committee on Nov 14th, the spur line will be ready for use in the Spring or early Summer of 2099, aaaa, just kiddin', in 2023.
During that Nov 14th gathering of the BDA, we gleaned:
FEMA was the agency that extended the contract til Dec 30th
Number 4, referred to as the mine war bridge, has been decked
The tamping machine was be on the scene shortly after Thanksgiving
No decision yet on what kind of rail vehicles will be used as a tourism draw but it might be a rail bus. One bus is available and saw duty up North. The bright yellow bus is called a "Salamander" which is available for sale. A completely rebuilt steam engine (#13) is setting at a museum. The old #4 remains at Cass but has NOT been rebuilt.
If a steam engine is to be used, a turn table would be needed to switch it around. DeBoard says one of those is available.
Cass Railroad is not interested in operating the BC&G.
Bright spot readers. DeBoard says there is a guy that is very interested in operating the BC&G ride. That feller has a diesel engine ready to run and a steam engine needing some repairs. That diesel could be on site in 2022.
The BDA will NOT be operating the trains. The West Virginia Rail Authority plans to seek bids on the ride this Winter with a contract award coming in Spring 2023.
Somewhere along the way, maybe from Ken Tawney from Elk River Trail Foundation: the State has agreed to build a welcome center for the tourism draw at Dundon (trail head) using the old company store foundation.
The Foundation plans to take over ownership of the CAEZ Campground in Dundon, add more guest rooms in the Lodge building plus additional primitive and RV camping spots. Where they getting the $$$? Mr Tawney told the CAEZ Board, they have assurances from Delegate Hanshaw, the grant funds will come their way.
For the naysayers, those spouting, nothing will ever happen on ERTS, step to the back of the line please and watch what happens in 2023. For those with some energy, it's time to get ready with lemonade stands, BBQ trailers, horse riding livery service bike repair shop, kayak rentals, kayak livery service, etc.
Keep your fingers crossed, things may really get cookin this comin Summer.
The contract called for all the work to be completed in May 2022. Well, contract deadline after another have been extended. Now the deadline for completion is set for Dec 30th. In the last five weeks, we have seen more effort put into the project. BDA Chair Mitch DeBoard told his committee on Nov 14th, the spur line will be ready for use in the Spring or early Summer of 2099, aaaa, just kiddin', in 2023.
During that Nov 14th gathering of the BDA, we gleaned:
FEMA was the agency that extended the contract til Dec 30th
Number 4, referred to as the mine war bridge, has been decked
The tamping machine was be on the scene shortly after Thanksgiving
No decision yet on what kind of rail vehicles will be used as a tourism draw but it might be a rail bus. One bus is available and saw duty up North. The bright yellow bus is called a "Salamander" which is available for sale. A completely rebuilt steam engine (#13) is setting at a museum. The old #4 remains at Cass but has NOT been rebuilt.
If a steam engine is to be used, a turn table would be needed to switch it around. DeBoard says one of those is available.
Cass Railroad is not interested in operating the BC&G.
Bright spot readers. DeBoard says there is a guy that is very interested in operating the BC&G ride. That feller has a diesel engine ready to run and a steam engine needing some repairs. That diesel could be on site in 2022.
The BDA will NOT be operating the trains. The West Virginia Rail Authority plans to seek bids on the ride this Winter with a contract award coming in Spring 2023.
Somewhere along the way, maybe from Ken Tawney from Elk River Trail Foundation: the State has agreed to build a welcome center for the tourism draw at Dundon (trail head) using the old company store foundation.
The Foundation plans to take over ownership of the CAEZ Campground in Dundon, add more guest rooms in the Lodge building plus additional primitive and RV camping spots. Where they getting the $$$? Mr Tawney told the CAEZ Board, they have assurances from Delegate Hanshaw, the grant funds will come their way.
For the naysayers, those spouting, nothing will ever happen on ERTS, step to the back of the line please and watch what happens in 2023. For those with some energy, it's time to get ready with lemonade stands, BBQ trailers, horse riding livery service bike repair shop, kayak rentals, kayak livery service, etc.
Keep your fingers crossed, things may really get cookin this comin Summer.
This may not look
like much but consider this. over 13,000 new ties are in
place, fresh new ballast was applied, as mentioned above,
the rails have been "gauged" and leveled. We think you are
looking at the finished rails in the Cressmont area of the
BC&G spur line. If weather holds, when all 14 miles
are complete by the end of the month, the only thing left
for the RR is adding handrails on each of the trestles. As
for the hiking trail along the rights of way, that's still
to come.
AW