2/5/2010

RPI Members,

I have just received the Certificate of Permission from Capital Metro and I am in the process of obtaining the NARCOA Certificate of Insurance (COI).
The below dates will be the first of several work sessions on the Llano branch. Please be patient as we get started as there may be some confusion while we start up a new process. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Our first session will be mainly a run of the entire leased trackage to determine what needs to be done so we may better
plan the subsequent sessions.  We may have some digging out of crossings and light brush and weed cutting.  If you plan to attend, I would ask that you let me know in advance so that we may plan the session for maximum efficiency and minimum issues.  Also, we may have last minute schedule changes from the RR so I need to know who to notify.  If you will have a open seat on your motorcar, let me know as we may have RPI volunteers who don't have a motorcar and will need a ride.

All RPI activity on the Llano branch must be coordinated with CapMetro by a formal process. NO RPI MEMBER IS ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY AT ANY TIME WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC COORDINATION WITH THE RPI BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

All work sessions will have the following requirements:

All participants must be RPI members.
The reason for this requirement is that RPI is solely responsible for the safety performance of these sessions so RPI safety requirements will be in effect and enforced. Details of these requirements will be provided to attendees prior to the mandatory safety meeting.
The RPI membership requirement does not apply to NARCOA excursions.

All motorcar operators participating in a work session must be a NARCOA member
and currently enrolled in the NARCOA insurance program.
NARCOA rules will apply in addition to the RPI rules. All motorcars will be inspected prior to set on.
On track activities must be under the authority of a NARCOA Excursion coordinator.

All participants will be responsible for providing their own PPE (personal protective equipment).
Required PPE will be task specific. As a minimum you will need long pants, over ankle leather boots, and work gloves.
If you are using powered equipment, you will need safety glasses, protective leather gear and hard hat for chain saw work. NO exceptions.
A serious accident will jeopardize our access to CapMetro property.

CapMetro has a no smoking policy on their entire property and that applies to us.
Please plan accordingly if you smoke.

Please put these dates on your calendars and let me know if you plan to attend.
I will make every effort to keep everyone informed of our plans with as much advance notice as possible.
If you have any questions, please let me know. After we get a few of these sessions under our belt and work out the communications with CapMetro, things will be a little easier to plan.

The work sessions will be a good opportunity to tune up your motorcar and to hone your operational skills while performing important volunteer work in support of RPI's objectives. Remember, your time and expenses spent in support of RPI are tax deductible as RPI is a 501c3 entity.

This is a great step for RPI and I look forward to working with you all in making this lease a successful venture for our great organization. Talk to you soon.

Leland Stewart
RPI Excursion Coordinator
210-945-9268 home
210-863-5397 cell

RPI has changed the location of its Oct. 16 work session from Llano to Kingsland. We will undertake a special project that morning to prepare for the Oct. 30 Llano-Kingsland excursion. We plan to clean out the flangeways on two of the FM 1431 crossings in the Kingsland area with metal rods and gas blowers. These clogged flangeways have been slowing down and sometimes stalling our motorcars as they move across the grade crossing, creating a potentially unsafe traffic situation. We we will need at least six persons to accomplish the job, including two flaggers to help ensure the safety of those working.

We will hold a safety meeting at the Antlers Hotel crossing at 7:40 am Oct. 16 before undertaking the cleaning operation at the nearby FM 1431 crossing at 8:00 am. We will then proceed via motorcar to the second FM 1431 crossing across the lake in Burnet County for a similar work operation at 10:00 am. We expect sheriff's deputies will help protect us as we re-route traffic around the work area using traffic cones. All personnel working on this project must wear high-visibility vests. We could use a backpack blower to help with the work; if anyone can bring one, please let us know. After we have finished these activities we will head to Llano and return.

We would like to ask RPI members to help get these critical crossings in good shape for our Oct. 30 excursion. Please advise if you plan to come by calling Leland at 210-863-5397, or via e-mail.

Motorcar operations on this railroad are a privilege.  Lets help ensure future runs by being extra safe while on the property.

This will be a long day of motorcar operations.  Please be well rested at the start of the day.

Wear proper footwear for the environment.  Leather boots with steel toes preferred.  Please no open toe shoes.

Restricted speed:  Always be able to stop your car within one-half the sight distance.

Grade Crossings:  Automobiles have the right of way.  We plan to have flagmen in place at the major crossings.  Details at the safety meeting.

Additional Items to keep in mind:
Always be on the alert for moving equipment while working near any Railroad tracks or facilities.

Do not step or walk on the top of the rail, frog, switches, guardrails, or other track components.

In passing around ends of standing cars, engines, railroad machinery, and other on-track equipment, leave at least one railcar length (50 feet) between yourself and the end of the equipment.

Avoid walking or standing on track at any time.

When it is necessary to walk or work on track, always keep a sharp lookout in both directions for approaching trains.

Before stepping or crossing tracks, look in both directions first. The same is true when walking around machinery and equipment on and about the tracks.

Do not sit on, lie under, or cross between cars except as required in performance of your duty and only when track and equipment are under proper protection.

In multiple track territory, do not stand on one track while a train is passing on another.

Always expect movement at any time, on any track, in either direction.

Always keep in mind that a split second of inattention can result in a serious accident.

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