Update on Eagle Point Railroad

Members Only

Mar 27

Here is the latest information from Eagle Point Railroad from Wednesday. Sounds like they are working on developing a plan and will be able to share mroe information soon.

Last night, the CSME officers, EPRR manager, Barry Garard, and Allison Mattox-King had an online meeting to discuss the steps necessary to systematically get the railroad back operational again. There were many positive suggestions and ideas about how to achieve this goal with both time and materials in mind.

The first goal is to get the double track operational out to Saddleback which will require some work on the Stillhouse trestle along with a few short sections of track that had small amounts of ties burned and rail kinking. The second goal is to reach Cumberland, and their third goal will be to get around the swamp route leading up to the Kimble trestle. We’d like to focus our efforts on these sections of the railroad to get things operational in a timely manner.

This Saturday, March 29th, is going to be the planning day. We are not planning to start any work but rather determine what materials will be needed to achieve the first goal. This will also be a day to spend a considerable amount of time to determine exactly what repairs will be necessary to make the trestles safe to use.

After March 29th and planning is complete, we’re planning to have work days on all the Saturdays in April. If there are days other than Saturdays that you have available to help, please contact Barry Garard or me (Dale King). There have been discussions about providing food, drinks, etc. for the Saturday work days. Prior to each of the Saturday workdays, I’ll pass along what is planned for each of those days. We are planning to keep all members up to date with our overall progress.

The Spring Card Order and Spring Meet are both canceled for this year along with a visit by Troop 77. As we get closer to the month of May and the restoration continues, decisions will be made about any future events. The celebration of the railroad’s 25 anniversary which was planned for the Spring meet will be held off until the Fall meet. We are hopeful that we will get enough of the railroad up and running for the NARVRE and Knights of Columbus group visits.

While we did have some members that did lose equipment and/or buildings, we need to all remember to respect each other and not start clearing other member’s debris without their permission.

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CSME / EPRR Disaster Meeting Summary for March 25, 2025

Attendees: Amanda Murphy, Steve Wassell, Dale King, Pat Collins-Mattox, Paul Boberg, Barry Garard, Allison Mattox-King

Initial Thoughts

There is no emergency to rebuild. We are at a safe place now as the fire is basically contained. Everyone is safe.
We are overwhelmed by the support from the Fredonia community, and from Live Steam Clubs.
Moving forward EPRR and CSME will work together for common goals.
All material orders need to be coordinated by CSME.

Safety

Do not enter areas of burnt buildings. Only the building owners should be in those areas unless you are asked by them for help.
As always, DO NOT WALK ON BRIDGES. Most bridges are in bad shape, and we don’t need anyone getting hurt.
No Trains on track for now. As this changes we will let you know.
EPRR is closed to all trains for the moment. When this changes, members will be notified.
A crew will be assigned to assess trees. There are some that were damaged because they were next to structures or firewood that burned so hot it has partially eaten away at the base of the trees. Some will be brought down for safety reasons.
Safety Gear: At a minimum you must wear closed toe shoes, but boots are preferred. Gloves should be worn as there are a lot of exposed nails and screws. A new waiver is being drafted that we will ask everyone to sign to ensure you are aware of the safety concerns.

Immediate Needs

On Saturday, March 29 we will be performing an assessment.

We will inventory what we have and determine what we need to start work. We will organize groups to assess areas of the railroad. We expect to have a detailed list of work by mile post.
New milepost parkers will be posted to allow for this assessment.

Building Standards

As we build back, we will be keeping our standards and will not allow for temporary work. This includes not placing wooden bents at bridges on soil. We will pour concrete footing as necessary. We will use the best-preserved wood as possible.
We will consider using steel on some bridges.
Low bridges may be replaced with culverts.

Community Help

ACCU-TIE will donate one skid of plastic ties.
Deborah Mynatt offered to supply lunches and CSME has offered to help cover costs
Randy Townsend has an offer from a group in Huntsville if we need help clearing.
Mid-South, NGLS, Illinois Live Steamers, Pennsylvania Live Steamers offering work parties with enough notice.
Plum Cove started go fund me to help with bridge rebuild and members replacing flat cars and engines.

Calendar

We will hold the Annual Meeting on April 5. Al Saturdays moving forward are to be workdays. See the online calendar.
We will revisit May activities on April 26th.
Hot Summer Nights to be goal to get to Cumberland and back
We will give weekly reports to members with progress.
We will maintain a consistently updated list in Depot as to what work needs to be done and what has been completed. This will be posted with the mile post.
NMRA convention committee to be delayed 2 months

Buildings Losses