PSRM and track rehab… crazy money
Author: Boomer
Date: 12-23-2023 - 20:19

How come it costs a quarter of a million dollars to replace ties over 5 miles of track? I remember when the Boomer generation could do that work for free as volunteers.

“OK Boomer!”

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🔸Museum Update: as mentioned in previous posts, PSRM is overhauling 5 miles of our train ride route.

Due to a continued volunteer shortage, we have had no choice but to contract this work and it comes with a hefty price tag of $284,000.

🪫As of December 5th, 2023, we have raised $6,865 of our $10,000 goal!

Please consider a donation this holiday season. This work ensures that 1,000s of visitors will continue to experience a classic train ride on the historic SD&A(E) Railway.

•$5, $10, $20 ALL donation amounts are helpful and add up quickly!
•$75 donation buys a wooden tie
•$250 donation buys the installation of a wooden tie (plates, spikes, labor and equipment operation)

Your donations will help us purchase the necessary supplies to finish the job!

Consider making a lasting impact with an end-of-the-year donation! PSRMA is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible under 501(c)(3).

Visit:
👉 www.PSRM.org/donate
(Select the Giving Tuesday fund)


I keep this 2017 price list... Add about 25-30% or so, for inflation over the last six years...

Choo-choo track price list 2017

I started my "paid" career in railroading laying track for Bill Oden and Stan Garner on the old Alta Loma Branch up by Chaffee College where Bill and Stan had a lease from ATSF to store the Rogue River Porter, and their first narrow gauge acquisition. I was 18 then.

What is the average age of volunteer today? Have you ever carried a track jack to the next section you want to use to lift and level it by had with ballast? Have you ever pulled a tie by hand? What are the qualifications the average 68 year old volunteer to run a tie puller, or a tamping machine?

Let's see equipment rentals? Insurance costs,(they'll just love that you are using "volunteers"..), and other "overhead".....????

As I used to tell my public sector clients, who wanted to build rail lines of various type, and would get "sticker shock" at the price tag: "choo-choo's" can be an expensive hobby...." Especially if you are planning to "model" them in full 1-1 scale....