Saturday Oct 25 2025 Work Ride

On Saturday, October 25th. Members of the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club pooled their mechanical resources and knowledge in taking on a long overdue task. Replacing the tired head block ties in the Fernald Yard as well as the switch on the Conway Branch in Ossipee.

This was no easy feat. It required Tom Huckman's small excavator and Aarons small backhoe. The size of the equipment made it much easier to access the three switches. Hayden made the trip over from Concord to lend his knowledge and expertise with placement and adjustment of the new switch ties. This accomplishment couldn't have taken place without the help of all involved giving their time towards this project.

Those involved in this endeavor included Tom, Hayden, Alex, Simon, Allison, Emma and Aaron. Six (6) switch ties have been swapped out and switch stands are once again standing tall. Roughly 3 1/2 ton of ballast was spread. Switches at Wolfeboro have been adjusted, but the one in Ossipee still needs to be fine tuned. It is tight to the main, but needs to be held for the siding. Hayden will make some additional adjustments in the coming week. Thanks to all those in bringing this task to fruition. And thanks once more for Tom's key donation of the switch ties.

CVRTC replaced the head block ties and switches at Fernald and Ossipee.