Now that the snow has cleared, the first MOW trains left Burke today, both northbound and southbound, checking for winter damage. The line north is open all the way to Majestic Colliery. Southbound, however, is another matter. No sooner had the MOW train crossed the bridge just south of Burke, it collapsed into the abyss. No injuries or deaths, but the MOW train is stranded until a new bridge can be built. Upon examining the wreckage of the old wood bridge, it was determined that a combination of wood rot and support pier failure contributed to the accident. An accelerated bid process is now in place. Bids will be accepted for a new single-span concrete arch bridge, with construction beginning within the month.
And until that time, a 2X4 horizontal with another vertical in a “T” formation will make a workable shoe-fly next to the old remains.
That way, you can still run, leave the original alignment in place, and build the new bridge as time permits.
If you put switches in at both ends so work trains can access the area on the old alignment, the stubs can be left as maintenance spurs when the temporary bridge comes out.
I’ll do it for $10.00, plus expenses. I can live up to the construction to begin within a month, if I can complete the training for building the single-span concrete arch bridge in that amount of time. If not, we may have to delay mobilization for a couple of years, purely on the reason of training. I’m sure you understand. Please forward the tuition money needed to sign up for the training. What do you think, a simple engineering degree or do you want a doctorate? I’d recommned the doctorate, just to be safe. I’m also going to need an advance for housing and a new vehicle for transportation to and from Littleton to Carlyle, Illinois. For overnight housing in your area, please forward a list of 5 star hotels and strip joints in your area. Will you provide the computer and cell phone or should I just get new ones myself and put it up for write off to the project on the expense account? Is now the time to bring up the extracurricular training? How far is Chappaquidick from Littleton? I’ve heard it is a fun place. 
Please forward all contracts to my representatives in East St. Louis, Illinois, care of Dewee, Cheatem and Howe, LLC. If my offer is not accepted, please expect the registered letter from the same firm above, as we will have to be exploring charges for unfair labor practices and this bridge is wheel chair accessable, right? Grant paperwork was filed this morning. Thank you for your time and the kind offer.
Will you be using real concrete or the Dave Russell method?
Many people in these parts of the World are trained in the “Jimmy Hoffa” method. It is subsidized construction, but it does hold the cost down. I think the method is called “Silent Partners”, but I don’t know if that refers to the people financing or the people that end up real personally involved…
Better it collapsed after the train crossed than having it pulling a Cecil D DeMille and going down with the train atop it…
So you have more than one bridge to mend , Bob .
Well you already have helpful offers for the wooden one .
All nicely written .
Let’s hope you get the same help with the other problem .
Mike M
Ric Golding said:Understood ;) Perhaps I would put in a bid if I knew the span,the depth, etc. I believe a picture of the said area is required for further analysis and discussion on such. No need to dig up Giant's stadium on my behalf!
Many people in these parts of the World are trained in the "Jimmy Hoffa" method. It is subsidized construction, but it does hold the cost down. I think the method is called "Silent Partners", but I don't know if that refers to the people financing or the people that end up real personally involved.. ;-)
I’m intrigued by the “Jimmy Hoffa” method, but how does that affect the quality of the concrete?
I could say, but I would totally violate the new spirit of this site. Let’s just say it adds a human element to the whole process. You’ll have to look at the won/loss ratio of the Giants to decide if this is something you would desire. Remember the actual number of “special ingredients” added has never been revealed. And it is truely just speculation as to what some of those ingredients are.
Lets some pictures of that bridge? I would put a bid in it but I only do wood.
Bob,
The Jimmy Hoffa method is usually used in the pier footers as this gives a built in flexibility during high winds and earthquakes.
Dave
…we only burn trestles around here…so far it seems to pay…!!!
Fred Mills said:and keeps ya warm in the winter.........;)
....we only burn trestles around here.....so far it seems to pay.....!!!!
Fred,
Are you seeing the railroad, yet? How has the burnt trestle survived?
Ric;
Yes, the snow is melting in a very civilized manner. No flooding. We are having a very fine Spring around here.
The “Burned Trestle” is till there…the investigation is on hold !!
We are busy rebuilding Aristo WR switches, in preparation for the new Firgrove yard. We should be able to start ripping down the old benchwork within the week. All is well.
Bob McCown said:It didn't seem to bother Hoover Dam. :lol:
I'm intrigued by the "Jimmy Hoffa" method, but how does that affect the quality of the concrete?
Bob see what you started! For the person who wants a PHD in Engineering, believe me it is highly overrated! What you need is a License with a SE after it which I do not have just a PE, so I am out of the bidding! How ever a shoe fly around the old bridge is most prototypical and will allow operation with a speed restriction. If you plan on bidding out the construction, you will need a set of plans and specification. I can preform the on-site survey, $ 750 for the survey and $ 10,000.00 for transportation, crew time, and found! Paul
Do we have pictures of the “incident” yet?
Jon.
First, get a lawsuit against the builder, the bridge inspector, and any other guvmint source that had a hand in building it in the first place.
Instead of TOC 2x4. get a section of old mine rail and use that. It will never collapse again.