Railroad Partners, Inc.

Work Sessions on the Llano Branch
in Llano, Texas during 2022

This is a volunteer working event for Railroad Partners, Inc.

 

 

 


This is a NARCOA insured event, and all NARCOA rules apply, including Rule Book v8.2 dated 02/01/2019


There is a lot of work to be done to restore the Llano Branch to operational condition for the purpose of motorcar runs.  In keeping with the spirit of RPI's Mission Statement we will be investing sweat equity in this 26 mile segment of leased track.

See detailed dates and information below:


In addition to NARCOA rules, there will be additional RPI Required Personal Protective Equipment and additional safety procedures. See below for details:

 

 

 

Bring your weed trimmers, lopping shears, shovels, brooms, etc. to help with cleanup activities along the line.  

 

The following dates are reserved for activity on the line.

Saturday March 19, 2022    RPI Work Session, Llano, TX

Saturday  March 28, 2020    Bluebonnet Excursion, Llano, TX



Dates will vary.  Watch this page for date announcements.
Stay in touch with EC Leland Stewart if you are interested in the work sessions.

 

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 this property.

The owner of the property 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 the Event Coordinator know if you plan to attend.
Every effort will be made to keep everyone informed of our plans with as much advance notice as possible.
If you have any questions, please let EC know.

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 501(c) (3) 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
210-863-5397 cell

 

 

The details:

Set-On Information:
NOTE: Seton Locations could change depending on where we need to work.  Stay in touch with EC Leland Stewart and watch this page.

Paperwork process:
Begins at 8:30am and continues through 9:30am
Individual Set-on & motor car inspections after paper work is complete.

Paper work will be handled by an RPI representative at the Llano Wye.

Physical Set-On Location:
North extension of the wye at E-Tarrant St.  Active local paved crossing.  Busy area with adjacent feed store.  The preferred set-on location is east leg of wye at E. Grayson St.  This is a dirt crossing, but no local traffic.

Additional Time Information:
Safety Briefing at 9:30am at the Llano Wye.
Work assignments at Safety Briefing and departure soon after.
Lunch in Kingsland. See details below.
Return to Llano and set off late in the day, before dark.

Vehicle & Trailer Parking:
There are plenty of parking locations adjacent to the wye.

 

 Map of Downtown Llano, TX

Additional Details:

Cost:
There is no cost to participate in Work Sessions on the Llano Branch.
However, RPI membership is required - $30.00 annual dues.
It is also a good time to consider an additional donation.
Payment can be made by check payable to RPI, money order or through PayPal.

Reservations Preferred:
We need to know ahead of time who is coming!
Knowing how many volunteers to expect lets us plan our work.
Reservations may be made by e-mail.
See below contact information.

Contact Information:
NARCOA Event Coordinator:
Leland Stewart
11057 Palomino Canyon
Converse, TX 78109
210-863-5397 (cell)
E-Mail: poppermaker@gmail.com.

Weather Advisory:
This time of year in central Texas is generally very pleasant.  Be prepared for inclement weather including sun/heat and cold/wet.
Rain showers are a distinct possibility.  Bring your rain gear.
We plan to operate and work come run rain or shine.

Safety Documents:
Please print, review and bring with you the following safety documents:

 RPI Job Briefing - Llano

 RPI Job Safety Assessment - Llano

Pre-Inspection:
Each motorcar operator is expected to pre-inspect their motorcar using the NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection Form v3.1 dated 9/29/2018. Bring this completed  form with you to be used for the on-site motorcar inspection process. Copies of this form will also be available at the paperwork site on the day of the run. Any motorcar may be inspected on-site prior to the work session.

Breakdown Rule:
Casual: limited to about 15 minutes before disabled car is placed under tow.

Planned Stops:
Kingsland:
Lunch at local restaurants adjacent to the railroad in this town.

 



There is no cost for the Work Session. Please consider a donation of cash, check or through PayPal.
Or you may send PayPal payments directly to us by using the e-mail address: rpionline@railroadpartners.com.
There is no cost to you for using PayPal "donate".

You may also send payment by check or money order.  Please make your check payable to Railroad Partners, Inc.
Simply mail your payment directly to the event coordinator:

Leland Stewart
11057 Palomino Canyon
Converse, TX 78109

Safety Items

Motorcar operations on this railroad are a privilege.  Let’s 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, guard rails, 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.



Lunch


Kingsland, TX is our normal lunch stop. There are one or two places to eat near the railroad. You might pack a sack lunch just in case a lunch stop at a restaurant does not occur.

Llano Hotel/Motel Information

The Llano Chamber of Commerce web site does a good job of detailing Hotel/Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, RV Campsites and other lodging facilities near Llano, TX.  Below is a listing of hotels from their website.  Other properties are listed on the CoC website.

 Antlers Hotel  Kingsland, TX (325) 388 - 4411

 Days Inn & Suites (325) 247 - 1141

 Best Western (325) 247 - 4101

 

 

 Lone Star Inn (325) 247 - 4111

 

 


The Llano Branch's story


Railroad Partners, Inc.

Railroad Partners, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of active railroad right of ways
in Texas and adjoining states.
The mission of Railway Partners, Inc. is:

1) to use volunteer labor and privately owned maintenance equipment to preserve historic rail corridors in partnership with communities, railroads, local governments and other entities and individuals;
2) to acquaint the public with the geography, local history and cultural landmarks of such corridors;
3) to support efforts to educate the public regarding safety within rail corridors;
4) to build community support for the preservation of out-of-service or soon to be out-of-service rail corridors; and
5) to promote safe maintenance and other activities within historic rail corridors through training and mutual cooperation with
rail-related groups.

We need dues-paying members and volunteers to help further our mission stated above.  Please consider joining our group.
An on-line application and instructions can be found at:  www.railroadpartners.org .